I’m reading the Barnes and Noble version (for those who haven’t noticed, they publish books, too. It seems like mostly things that are out of copyright). This translation outlines the basics of the epic story, and interweaves the story with poetry, making it very readable.
I’m clearly on a mission to read as many ancient texts as possible and then see how they compare to one another. I’m happy to say that once again I found a lot of similarities between this and the underlying principles of other texts. For example, the themes of letting go of attachment and the ego are found here, too:
But when a man has found delight and satisfaction and peace in the Atman (God), then he is no longer obliged to perform any kind of action. He has nothing to gain in this world by action, and nothing to lose by refraining from action. He is independent of everybody and everything. Do your duty, always; but without attachment. That is how a man reaches the ultimate truth; by working without anxiety about results. In fact, Janaka (a royal saint mentioned in another religious text), and many others reached enlightenment, simply because they did their duty in the spirit. Your motive in working should be to set others, by your example, on the path of duty.
And:
Shake off this fever of ignorance. Stop hoping for worldly reward. Fix your mind on the Atman. Be free from the sense of ego.
Once again, a small book with lots of big ideas. More to come soon!
Posted by: Bhagavad-Gita — Meg
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