Bhagavad-gita by Volume editor W. J. Johnson
`I have heard the supreme mystery, yoga, from Krishna, from the lord of yoga himself.' Thus ends the Bhagavard Gita , the most famous episode from the great Sanskrit epic, the Mahabharata . In its eighteen short chapters Krishna's teaching leads the warrior Arjuna from perplexity to understanding and correct action, in the process raising and developing many key themes from the history of Indian relgions. The Bhagavad Gita considers social and religious duty, the nature of sacrifice, the nature of action, the means to liberation, and the relationship of human beings to God. It culminates in an awe-inspiring vision of Krishna as God omnipotent, disposer and destroyer of the universe. The poem has inspired a wide variety of interpretations, both within India and beyond, and it is the best known and most widely read Hindu religious text in the Western world. This new translation is ideal for the non-specialist as well as for students of Indian religions, providing a full cultural and historical context in its introduction and notes. This book is intended for university students from 1st year up, studying Indian religions and culture, comparative religion, theology. Translated with introduction and notes by: Johnson, W. J. (Lecturer in Religious Studies, University of Wales, College of Cardiff);