The Bhagavad Gita is a centuries old work of incomparable Indian verses. Contained in the Mahabharata, the Gita, as it is commonly known, is both a spiritual and/or religious text as well as a significant treatise of Indian philosophy. While the Mahabharata covers the history of the world from its very creation, the Bhagavad Gita focuses on a specific battle.
Yet, the work is not a treatise on battle. It is a type of allegory. From the conversation between Krishna and the protagonist, Arjuna, emerges one of the foremost and early concepts of the path of conscious self-realization – the overall aspiration or objective is for the individual to achieve total harmony with the Supreme Deity – Krishna. It is a way of living your life to the fullest while preparing yourself to achieve union with the divine. Yet, when did such a work now, available easily online, Bhagavad Gita in English translations make it possible for more people to explore the spiritual message of the work?
Eighteenth Century Popularity
While the text was fairly popular since its inception, it was not until the 18th century that it gained in prominence. This was the result of the discovery of the work by English and European scholars and Orientalists. They read and translated it from Sanskrit into English.
The first author to accomplish this was Charles Wilkins (1749 –1836). He published his edition in 1785 in London, England. It was well received and soon taken up by Orientalists and literary aficionados in England, Europe and the United States including Alduous Huxley, Carl Jung and Ralph Waldo Emerson. This edition was wide read and accepted as accurate.
Friedreich Max Mueller (1823-1900) translated it for the epic work Sacred Books of the East. The Gita was found in volume 8 of this 50 volume set. This reflected the ongoing interest in various aspects of the Orient including India. By 1981, more than 40 English translations were in circulation.
Online Bhagavad Gita in English
Since the first translation into English from Sanskrit in the 18th century, the popularity of the Gita has increased. With the onset of the internet, it has become easier to find online, Bhagavad Gita in English. This makes it simpler to learn about the essence of Hinduism. It also provides readers with guidelines to the path of oneness with the Supreme God – Krishna.
Don’t find yourself lost in translation. Order Online Bhagavad Gita in English. For further information please feel free to contact the International Gita Society.
