Bhagavad Gita: The Song of God

• Genre: Religious; Spiritual; Classic Hindu Scripture
• Originally Written: Estimated to date back to the 2nd century BCE
• Translation Published: The translation by Christopher Isherwood and Swami Prabhavananda was published in 1866.
• Reading Level/Interest: Lexile 1770L; College/Adult
• Structure/Length: Approximately 671 pages
• Central Concern: The Bhagavad Gita is a philosophical and spiritual dialogue between the prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, who serves as his charioteer. Taking place on the battlefield just before the start of a great war, the Gita addresses complex issues of duty, righteousness, and the moral struggles of Arjuna. This translation aims to present these teachings in a manner accessible to a Western audience, highlighting the Gita's profound spiritual and ethical insights.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Religious and philosophical themes; discussions about duty, war, and morality in a spiritual context.

Swami Prabhavananda, Author

• Bio: Born 1893; died 1976; Indian philosopher and monk of the Ramakrishna Order; founder of the Vedanta Society of Southern California; worked extensively to spread Vedanta and Indian spiritual ideas in the West

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Battle and War
• The Search for Enlightenment
• The Binary Nature of Existence

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Develop historical and religious understanding regarding the principles of Hinduism that structure Arjuna and Krishna’s dialogue throughout the text.