Most of the verses in this edition of the Bhagavad Gita were taken from my much larger book, The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita Explained by Paramhansa Yogananda. That volume contained also deeply insightful commentaries on one of the great scriptures of the world, containing, as the Gita does, the essence of the Upanishads, which in their turn offer the essence of the timeless Vedas, the scriptural lore of ancient India.
Included in this edition are a few verses that were omitted from that larger book. They include most of the first chapter (which that book only summarized), and the first ten verses (slokas) of Chapter Two.
I should add that it was owing to these first verses, particularly, that I conceived from the beginning an intense enthusiasm for my Gurus further commentary.
I urge any reader who feels benefited by these pages to take the trouble (assuming he has not done so already) to read the much larger volume, mentioned above. As my Guru, after finishing his mammoth work, stated to me with deep bliss: Millions will find God through this book!
Further Exploration
If you are inspired by The Bhagavad Gita and would like to learn more about Paramhansa Yogananda and his teachings, Crystal Clarity Publishers offers many additional resources to assist you:
Books by Paramhansa Yogananda
Paramhansa Yoganandas best-known and most widely beloved book is Autobiography of a Yogi. This book has sold millions of copies worldwide and is considered one of the masterpieces of 20th Century spiritual literature. It is considered a must-read for sincere seekers of all paths.
Autobiography of a Yogi, Original 1946 Edition P. Yogananda
Yoganandas Autobiography has entered the homes and hearts of millions of people all over the world. Reading it, one feels hope and finds peace. Many readers have given it to their friends and families, who in turn have given it to others. This Crystal Clarity publication is a verbatim reprinting of the original 1946 edition. Subsequent editions reflect revisions made after the authors death. The few thousand originals have long ago disappeared into the hands of collectors. Now it is possible to read the first edition, with all its inherent power, just as the great master originally intended it.
Yogananda was the first yoga master of India whose mission it was to live and teach in the West. His first-hand account of his life experiences includes childhood revelations, stories of his visits to saints and masters in India, and long-secret teachings of Self-realization that he made available to the Western reader.
In the original edition, published during Yoganandas life, one is more in contact with Yogananda himself. While Yogananda founded centers and organizations, his concern was more with guiding individuals to direct communion with Divinity rather than with promoting any one church as opposed to another. This spirit is easier to grasp in the original edition of this great spiritual and yogic classic.David Frawley, Director, American Institute of Vedic Studies
Autobiography of a Yogi is one of the best-selling spiritual biographies of all time. The book is not merely readit is treasured and cherished by millions of spiritual seekers throughout the world. Now, for the first time, Paramhansa Yoganandas thrilling autobiography comes to new life in this beautiful full-color card deck and booklet.
Autobiography of a Yogi Card Deck Paramhansa Yogananda
52 cards and booklet
Each of the 52 cards features an inspiring quotation taken from the text of the Original 1946 First Editionthe preferred edition for both enthusiasts and collectors. The flip-side of each card features a photograph from the book, including previously unreleased and rare photographs of Yogananda. For the first time, these famous images and quotations will be portable, ensuring their use by the great Masters followers in their homes, altars, journals, autos, and purses. The enclosed booklet will include a history of the book, additional information about the quotations and photographs, and a users guide for the card deck.
Wisdom of Yogananda series
The Wisdom of Yogananda series features writings of Paramhansa Yogananda not available elsewhere. These books capture the Masters expansive and compassionate wisdom, his sense of fun, and his practical spiritual guidance. The books include writings from his earliest years in America, in an approachable, easy-to-read format. The words of the Master are presented with minimal editing, to capture the fresh and original voice of one of the most highly regarded spiritual teachers of the 20th century.
How to Be Happy All the Time: The Wisdom of Yogananda Series, Volume 1 Paramhansa Yogananda
The human drive for happiness is one of our most far-reaching and fundamental needs. Yet, despite our desperate search for happiness, according to a recent Gallup Poll, only a minority of North Americans describe themselves as very happy. It seems that very few of us have truly unlocked the secrets of lasting joy and inner peace.
In this volume of all-new, never-before-released material, Paramhansa Yogananda playfully and powerfully explains virtually everything needed to lead a happier, more fulfilling life. Topics covered include: looking for happiness in the right places; choosing to be happy; tools and techniques for achieving happiness; sharing happiness with others; balancing success and happiness, and many more.
Karma and Reincarnation: The Wisdom of Yogananda Series, Volume 2 Paramhansa Yogananda
The interrelated ideas of karma and reincarnation have intrigued us for millennia. The idea of karma has become mainstream while belief in
reincarnation is now at an all-time high in the West. Yet, for all of the burgeoning interest, very few of us truly understand what these terms mean and how these principles work.