Bhagavad-Gita For The 21st Century

Before introducing this simplified 21st century translation of the sublime teachings of Lord Krishna’s Bhagavad-Gita to Hindus and followers of other faith, I scrutinizing studied the translations and commentaries of some prominent scholars. The author, I am indebted to, are Swami Chidbhavananda and Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. These divine teachings constitute a matchless heritage that has been passed down since time immemorial from Lord Krishna to Vivasvan (the Sun-god) to Manu (the father of mankind) to us today. A heritage that was confined to the whole world and should be taken advantage of and not to be missed in one’s lifetime.

“I shall teach you such knowledge endowed with the right understanding knowing which nothing else shall remain to be known in this world. Ch. 7, v. 2. There is nothing higher than Me, 0 conqueror of wealth. Everything is strung on Me like pearls on a thread. Ch. 7,v.7.

I am the Lord, your goal, maintainer, witness, abode, refuge, and good- hearted friend. I am the cause of existence, the dissolution, province of the demi-gods, place of rest and the imperishable seed. Ch. 9, v. 18. I am the origin of all. From Me everything arises. The wise know this and adore Me with great attention.” Ch. 1O,v. 8.

Navin Nunkoo was born in Mauritius. He took World Affairs, Religious Studies and Journalism for his education in English. In 1974 he wrote the book A Gleam of Light which was published in London. Thereafter Navin went on to dedicate his time to study the Vedic classics of ancient India especially Lord Krishna’s Bhagavad Gitã (Song of God).

Thousands of years before conquering nations would rise and fall, the ancient land of India was graced by the first dawn of civilization on planet earth. Dharma, following the laws of God, was at its height.

Saints, sages, monarchs, following the laws of God, philosophers and the general populace all left the hallmarks of divine deeds. But as time passed the forces of evil, in the form of envious and hateful people threatened to destabilize dharma. Irreligion came into being, degrading acts were performed and suffering increased.

Thus in His eighth incarnation the Supreme Godhead, Lord Vishnu, Krishna, descended in this material world to restore dharma. Here at Kuruksetra between the two armies, the righteous Pandavas and the unrighteous Kauravas, poised for the epic battle, Lord Krishna, creator and sustainer of all the three worlds, mercifully imparts wisdom in all its magnanimity again to the human race, now through His disciple Prince Arjuna, son of Pandu, showing the path of dharma.

This spoken science of Lord Krishna, heritage of the world, compiled into seven hundred verses in the Bhagavad-Gita by the celestial sage Vyasa, unveils the splendour of Unparalleled mystery. Immortality is attainable. The prescribed theories in the sacred texts, if practiced, remain the sure means indeed.

“Nothing is sustainable without Me in all the worlds. I am the air that you breathe. I am gravity. I am life and I am death. No one surpasses me. I am the primeval seed. I was never born. I have created the four divisions in society. I dwell in everybody’s heart. I am a friend to all beings. I do not discriminate.” So says Lord Krishna.

All those who persevere positively in the study and practice of the wisdom of Bhagavad Gita will surely find light. Title: Bhagavad-Gita for the 21st Century