Introduction to the Bhagavad Gītā: Its Philosophy and Cultural Setting

The Bhagavad Gita represents perhaps the earliest consistent attempt by man to arrive at an integral view of existence. Created between the 5th and 4th century B.C., it has been a vital factor in the religio/philosophic literature of the world ever since. Today, when there is an urgent need for humanity to comprehend the holistic nature of life— the cyclic movement of life — this ancient tradition is keenly relevant. Feuerstein’s overriding purpose in writing this introduction is to make the central message of the Gita meaningful to the modern reader. He accomplishes this by offering a penetrating analysis of both the philosophical implications and the cultural and historical context of the Gita, arranging his material to guide the reader gradually to the central core of the gospel of Krishna. The author’s interpretations are based on a critical analysis of the original Sanskrit text and on personal experimentation with the underlying yogic practice contained in Krishna’s teaching. Georg Feuerstein is a specialist in the Sanskrit literature of yoga and has written a considerable number of articles on various aspects of Indian thought. Editor and co-author of A Reappraisal of Yoga, his works have been widely published. They include: Yoga and Beyond, The Philosophy of Classical Yoga, The Essence of Yoga, The Bhagavad Gita: Yoga of Contemplation and Action. Cover Half title Imprint Contents Quotation Acknowledgements Preface Introduction I The Historical Significance of the Gitā in Indian Thought II The Date of the Gitā III Vyāsa—Poet and Philosopher IV The Mahābhārata V The Historical Setting VI The dramatis personae of the Gitā VII Principles of Interpretation VIII The Symbolism of the Epic Essential Doctrines I The Reality Beyond the One and the Many II The Self: Creative Centre of the Human Personality III The Edifice of the World IV Man: the Janus-faced Being V Yoga—Path of Transformation VI The Ethics of Krsna VII The Goal: Emancipation as Self-Awakening in God Notes to Text, Appendices, Select Bibliography, Index Notes to text Appendix I: The Conversation between Astāvakra and Vandin Appendix II: God—Unity in Diversity (diagram) Appendix III: The Structure of the World (diagram) Appendix IV: The Stratification of Indian Society (diagram) Appendix V: Krsna—Teacher of Dharma Select Bibliography Index The Bhagavard Gita represents perhaps the earliest consistent attempt by man to arrive at an integral view of existence. Created between the 5th and 4th century B.C., it has been a vital factor in the religio/philosophic literature of the world ever since. Today, when there is an urgent need for humanity to comprehend the holistic movement of life-this ancient tradition is keenly relevant.