Bhagavad Gita the Song Divine

The wisdom of the Bhagavad-gita, India's immortal spiritual classic, has illuminated that fabled land, from the Himalayas to the Ganges, since time immemorial. Gandhi read the book daily. And since it first became known outside India in the eighteenth century, it has inspired generations of philosophers, poets, and ordinary readers around the world. In America, Thoreau and Emerson sang its praises. The subject matter of the Gita ranges from vast universal cosmology to our innermost life. We learn to see the world around us from the perspective of sages who saw the beauty of God reflected in every aspect of nature-the rivers, the mountains, the sky, the ocean, the plants, the animals. And we then learn how to move from appreciation of the reflected beauty of God to contemplation of the original beauty of God Himself. We learn that the journey of life did not begin with birth and will not end with the death of the body-for the soul there is neither birth nor death. We learn how we can become modem yogis, satisfied with the pleasure that comes from within, undisturbed by the turbulence of life in even the fastest lanes of third millenium society. The most authoritative translation of recent years has now been rendered by Carl Woodham into verse of astonishing clarity, sensitive to the nuances of the original text as well as the tastes of modern readers, young and old alike.

This invitingly accessible and lyrical volume is sure to win the hearts of all who value wisdom. Carl Woodham brings to this refreshingly contemporary poetic rendition his own years of study and practice. He approaches the Oita as one who has endeavored to live his life according to its simple truths, who has discussed them endlessly with his wife, his children, and his friends. He is also a musician and singer, and these talents show through in this volume. The Song Divine belongs on every seeker's bookshelf.

**Sample Pages**