Praise for this Translation
The Bhagavad Gita is India’s most translated book by a great variety of authors, but also the most mistranslated, subject to every possible misinterpretation. The Gita has too often been circumscribed by inappropriate terminologies, dichotomies and theologies of western thought that cannot properly reflect the inner essence of the Gita’s profound yogic and dharmic teaching relative to the universal Consciousness and transcendent Realty of Atman/Brahman. The result is that though we have many different versions of the Gita, few convey the real teachings of the Gita, except rare editions by great yogis, and most make it superficial, particularly academic versions that have little inner vision. Special meaningful Sanskrit terms are usually reduced to vague English equivalents in which all deeper insight is lost.
There has long been a demand by those who know the deeper traditions for a version of the Gita that corrects these distortions. Now we finally have such an extensive and profound work through Jeffrey Armstrong (Kavindra Rishi), who is a master poet in English but also deeply understands the connotations and subtle connections of the Sanskrit terms around which the Gita revolves.
The result is that instead of just another shadow of the Gita out there, we can contact the true light, the inner Sun of the Gita, and discover a real perception of how the infinite and eternal flows through it in a multidimensional microcosmic/macrocosmic manner as befits the planetary age. So please study this new Gita carefully and meditate upon it deeply, and you can discover the real Bhagavad Gita, Sri Krishna as the Yogavatara, and even your inmost Self in a way that is enduring and transformative to all that you do and are.
Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri), Padma Bhushan
Kavindra Rishi has produced a masterly translation of the great spiritual treatise Bhagavad Gita, carefully preserving its intended meaning by retaining many original Sanskrit terms that have no direct English equivalents. By unpacking the transcendental terminology of that ancient language into lucid prose, Kavindra enables the reader to unlock the profound messages delivered by Shri Krishna, which are so often obscured by other versions. Bhagavad Gita Comes Alive is a must read for all students of the ancient classic, and indeed for anyone wanting to better understand the supreme spiritual reality.
Krishna Dharma
Vedic Scholar and Author of the world’s best-selling English retellings of Mahabharata, Ramayana and Srimad Bhagavatam.
For over 7,000 years and for millions of Hindus, the Indic language editions of the Bhagavad Gita have been removing the suffering caused by the tangled knots of names and forms, duty and identity. Now, with so much of the English-speaking world in mental turmoil, the appearance of this evolutionary English language edition is perfectly timed. Only a uniquely qualified scribe could have completed the task of creating an edition that is true to its meaning, making it not only "translational" but “transformational.” Kavindraji has precisely done that. With this version he will nourish millions in their spiritual evolution, securing his place in the illustrious lineage of Maha Rishi Veda Vyasa.
Pt Satish K Sharma, MBCS FRSA
General Secretary National Council of Hindu Temples (UK), President Global Hindu Federation, Chair British Board of Dharmic Scholars.
This is not just yet another translation of Bhagwat Gita, but it is the best English one there is. Only recently after the intellectual churning of the internet, the western world has the vocabulary, sophistication of thought, and ability to comprehend the timeless wisdom that is encapsulated in the Gita. I can think of no one better suited for this lifetime's work than Jeffrey Armstrong with his deep knowledge of Sanskrit & Hindu culture arising from spiritual practices. It is divine destiny that he commenced this effort, coming from an English literary background and having lived as a child of not one, but three cultures.
Rajesh Acharya, B.Arch., MRAIC, COA, LEED AP
Architect, Vancouver BC
Kavindraji has captured the timeless message of the Geeta, in fewest words rooted in their true purport, in a way that a seeker of knowledge and pursuer of wisdom can easily understand, put into action and elevate oneself closer to divinity.
Dr. Abhijit Prabhakar Phadnis
India
The Bhagavad Gita is a great practical, philosophical, and spiritual guidance to future generations. Mr. Jeffrey Armstrong’s wonderful work and accurate translation of the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, in a simple practical way, will guide not only the layman but the students and scholars of philosophy as well. I think everyone will love this book.
Dr. Vasant Lad, BAM&S, MASc, Ayurvedic Physician
Author of Ayurveda: Science of Self-Healing, Textbook of Ayurveda series and more.
Kavindra Rishi captures the essence of the Bhagavad Gita and provides a means that allows us to imbibe the message of this classic text quickly and efficiently. It is a message that is as ancient as time itself, and from beyond our mundane perception. In this edition by Kavindra Rishi, we can attain the deep insights to get a better understanding of who we are and our purpose for being here, which itself is a rare treasure.
Stephen Knapp
Past President of the Vedic Friends Association, lecturer and author of nearly 50 books on India and its spiritual culture, including Bhakti-yoga: The Easy Path of Devotional Yoga.
The Bhagavad Gita is the book for all times, but especially ours when we are dealing with the crises of alienation and meaning in the Age of Machines. Jeffrey Armstrong has brought all his skills as an accomplished poet to produce a wonderful translation that speaks directly to the reader.
Subhash Kak, Ph.D.
Regents Professor at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater. Author of Mind and Self, Matter and Mind, The Circle of Memory and other books.
The Bhagavad Gita has been translated in many languages with hundreds of editions written by scholars all over the world. The natural question is, do we need another interpretive edition? After reviewing this publication, the answer is absolutely yes! Rishi Armstrong has written a very creative interpretation, based on a deep understanding of Sanskrit words and their meaning in common English language. This will be of immense value to English speaking readers with limited understanding of Sanskrit. It will be of special interest to the large Indian diaspora in North America. As the title suggests, the message is innovative, inspirational and insightful. As a global physician with a passion for a healthy society and an integrative holistic approach to health, I found the book very timely and well needed.
Arun K Garg, PhD, MD
Consultant Physician, Founding Chair Canada India Network Society.
This Gita (book) begins the long over-due process of reviving and restoring the original non-translatable Sanskrit words which carry an expanded and deeper meaning than the so called equivalent words from the English language; such as religion for dharma, soul for atma, idol for moorthi, and God for Ishwar. The world thanks Shri Jeffrey ji for rendering this immeasurable knowledge in such a beautiful way.
Shrinarayan Chandak
The way Jeffrey taught the Gita has changed my life, how I teach and deepened my understanding of this great wisdom. It gave me significant tools to hold onto during today’s worldly turbulence. Without doubt, this translation of the Gita is a contemporary and eloquently written text that will bring comfort to people of all walks of life, and a brilliant learning tool for all yoga practitioners.
Colleen Inman
Author Zen Yoga Zen Yoga: Theory, Postures and Remedies. E-RYT 500, Zen Yoga Master Teacher.
Kavindra Rishi ji has brought us the Gita in a long-awaited form that allows the shlokas filled with meaningful Sanskrit to pour through the reader connecting one to the divine source of the energy. The clarity and simplicity that it is imparted stays true to the divine message of Shree Krishna.
Lucy Guest (divya prabha) President Chandramauli Trust Varanasi
In this soaring, revelatory translation of the Bhagavad Gita, Jeffrey Armstrong presents this epic as if it were a sweet friend, inviting us to the ultimate love story – the story of love’s struggle to exist in this contrary world and to triumph over death, decay and doubt. This is a story of restoration, personal, collective, global; a restoration of truth, a remembrance of who we are, a tale that while eternal, comes just in time, now when we need it most.
Laura Plumb
Vedic Counsellor, Director of VedaWise and author of Ayurveda Cooking For Beginners, Presenter of the international series CleanseVeda and Divine Yoga.