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Getting Started

 

Getting started on reading/studying, Shrimad Bhagwad Geeta led me to a list of Geetas translated in Hindi/English by different authors.

This was very surprising for me as I wonder…the book that carries the message of Shri Krishna—and that attracts thousands of seekers, is translated again and again and again…only to confuse seekers like me…who will spend a few days wondering and figuring out which one to follow? Another thing is, all the translations are titled—"Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta- As it is”—whereas they all differ somewhere in translations obviously because of interpretations by different authors. I even ordered one copy of Shreemad Bhagwad Geeta by a certain author and I also decided to get one “Gyaneshwari”--  the very first translation of the holy book by a much-celebrated saint of the 13th century- Shri Gyaneshwara. Since I was exposed to his life story in my childhood and I have always been very fond of this yogi child …who translated Shrimad Bhagwad Geeta at the age of 15 years. I have always been in awe of such yogis…brought up listening to their stories and this has always been a goal of life to read what they have said in their lifetime.

Some friends told me that Gyaneshwari is an old translation and does not go with the new age scenario…but I believe… an enlightening divine dialogue like Geeta should remain untouched by modern human minds (translations)…in order to be understood by an individual who is seeking –the way it was told in its very pure form.

And after going through both the translations, I decided to go with Gyaneshwari as I believe in genuinity of the translation by Shri Gyaneshwara…for he being a genuine author is evident from the fact that he changes the name of the book by giving a new name to his translation (Gyaneshwari) so that the seeker is aware that this is not the original text but a translation.

And while I write this, week 4 is going on and that means I have read chapter 1 of Geeta which tells—

 first about the descriptions of the two armies –The army of Pandwas and the army of Kauravas.

Second, the resentment of Arjuna (about which I have some reflections to share…which I will share in my next article so as to not to make this post a very long one).


-seeker

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