The Atma Jyoti Blog

Many translations of the Bhagavad Gita are good and none are perfect–that is the nature of all translations from Sanskrit. Therefore a serious student should read several in order to get the complete picture of the Gita’s wisdom.

First, The Song of God–the translation by Swami Prabhavananda–should be read, for no translation conveys the “spirit” of the Gita as well as it does. Also, it is a very interpretive translation and makes it easier to grasp the subtle meanings found in the Gita. The Song of God should be read through several times to get the full benefit of the translation.

Next, a student should get a word-for-word translation–and the best is The Bhagavad Gita by Winthrop Sargeant.

The translations of Swami Swarupananda and Swami Sivananda
should also be obtained. (These are also available as PDF downloads on our Gita page.)

Whenever you want to get the full meaning of a verse, consult each translation.

There are also many other good translations you can benefit from. Experience will enable you to tell which are the best.

But when you are ready for the “graduate course” I recommend you get the two-volume translation of Paramhansa Yogananda entitled: God Talks with Arjuna. That is a treasure beyond price for those who want the most complete understanding of the Gita.

Further reading:

• Read Swami Nirmalananda’s translation of the Bhagavad Gita arranged according to the meter of the original Sanskrit text so it can be sung.
• Also, Swami Nirmalananda has made a full spiritual Commentary on the Gita.
• A practical suggestion on studying the Gita.
• Introduction to the Bhagavad Gita.

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