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  • The Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough for Westerners
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The Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough for Westerners MP3 CD – Unabridged, Jan. 4 2016

4.8 out of 5 stars 667 ratings
4.4 on Goodreads
1,421 ratings

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The Bhagavad Gita has been called India’s greatest contribution to the world. For more than five thousand years, this great scripture has shown millions in the East how to fill their lives with serenity and love. Jack Hawley brings these ancient secrets to Western seekers in a beautiful prose version that makes the story of the Gita clear and exciting, and makes its truths understandable and easy to apply to our busy lives.

The Gita is a universal love song sung by God to His friend man. It can’t be confined by any creed. It is a statement of the truths at the core of what we all already believe, only it makes those truths clearer, so they become immediately useful in our daily lives. These truths are for our hearts, not just our heads.

The Gita is more than mere words or concepts. There is an accumulated potency in it. To listen to the Gita is to be inspired in the true sense of the term: to be “in-spirited,” to inhale the ancient and ever-new breath of spiritual energy.

Product description

About the Author

Jack Hawley, Ph.D., is a consultant and writer as well as a student, teacher, and lecturer of the infusion of new energy, heart, and spirit into everyday life.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ New World Library on Brilliance Audio
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ Jan. 4 2016
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ Unabridged
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1511326905
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1511326902
  • Item weight ‏ : ‎ 68 g
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 16.51 x 1.59 x 13.97 cm
  • 鶹 Rank: #2,760,031 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 667 ratings

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4.8 out of 5 stars
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Customers find the book amazing and useful for newbies to Eastern spirituality. They also appreciate the readability, saying it's easy to understand and a comfortable and friendly introduction to understanding the Bhagavad Gita.

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6 customers mention "Content"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book amazing and useful for newbies to Eastern spirituality. They say there is so much wisdom in nugget form.

"...There is so much wisdom, in nugget form,in this version, written in an easy to understand language and style ...." Read more

"...Hearing the author narrate it himself is a treasure, as his love and wisdom shine through and touch you directly...." Read more

"Amazing book!" Read more

"Good book! Great teachings to live by!" Read more

4 customers mention "Readability"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and understand. They say it's a comfortable and friendly introduction to understanding the Bhagavad Gita.

"...much wisdom, in nugget form,in this version, written in an easy to understand language and style ...." Read more

"...much info... This is my second copy of this book and I found it easier to re-read, more then a few times, then it was the first time... The size..." Read more

"...then this book by Jack Hawley is a very comfortable and friendly introduction to understanding the Bhagavad Gita." Read more

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Top reviews from Canada

  • Reviewed in Canada on June 19, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    My current favourite version of the timeless classic known as The Bhagavad Gita. Jack Hawley writes from authority as well as from the heart. I love this version so much that I have it in ebook, paperback AND audible formats! Hearing the author narrate it himself is a treasure, as his love and wisdom shine through and touch you directly. I think his version is especially successful in bringing the ideas alive for modern times, and for Western minds.
  • Reviewed in Canada on March 28, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    This is a book I will keep as long as I live in this body, I will go back to it often .I have a habit of underlining all the sentences that speak to me in a profound way when I read my personal spiritual books and this one is full of these underlined truths . There is so much wisdom, in nugget form,in this version, written in an easy to understand language and style . Hawley studied over 30 versions of the Gita over many years and distilled it all down for us in a way, as the title implies , for western minds . It is very intriguing from the beginning to end . If you want to understand the concept of "the innermost True Self , the Atma seated in the hearts of all beings " (page 94) , this is the book that explains it very well. I also have a copy of Eknath Easwaran's The Upanishards which makes a good companion book to this one . I like it just as much as this one . These two books will be in my top ten most liked books for life. However, if I had to recommend just one book for the spiritual seeker it would be Tolle's "The power of now " But these two mentioned in this review would also be second and third . All three of these books will wake you up spiritually like no others can .
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in Canada on February 1, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Cute little book with so much info... This is my second copy of this book and I found it easier to re-read, more then a few times, then it was the first time... The size makes it easy to leave in yoga bag or back pack when traveling
  • Reviewed in Canada on December 15, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Amazing book!
  • Reviewed in Canada on December 10, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Good book! Great teachings to live by!
  • Reviewed in Canada on October 24, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Have really enjoyed what I've read so far
  • Reviewed in Canada on November 13, 2001
    I have always had a passion for the Gita, more commonly known as the Song of God, with the deity Krishna telling his friend Arjuna why he should go into battle against people who were once his friends, as well as his family. It is a poem of devotion and love but it is a complex poem that touches philosophy, and it's not your run of the mill philosophy either. The Gita is not the easiest book in the world to understand, especially when translated from Sanskrit into English, it seems to loose something and up until now I have not been able to put my finger on what that "loss" was. Reading Jack Hawley's translation I can now see where other translators have gone wrong (for me personally). They have been quite LITERAL in their translation of the Gita and in being so literal have lost the passion that is the telling of the Gita. Jack has managed to put that passion into his translation and I cannot thank him enough. He has switched a light on inside my head and now I don't have to phone my father every five minutes shouting "Baba, what does this part of the Gita mean????" Not only that but this version of the Gita is so easy to read, with a good bibliography and index at the back for reference, plus some interesting musings from the author in the introduction and afterword. It is also a fairly compact book, which makes it easy to carry around, a bonus in my opinion, especially as most Gita's I have come across are bulky and very heavy. We could do with this translation being available in the United Kingdom; it would make life for the younger Hindus like myself so much easier.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in Canada on February 13, 2002
    It is evident from the outset of this book that Jack Hawley is more concerned with delivering the spirit and meaning of the Bhagavad Gita than a scholarly translation. On my way to India I began reading this book, and when I arrived, I found that there were many aspects of the Bhagavad Gita expressed very simply by Jack Hawley that some of the Hindus didn't fully understand themselves! Although, some of the beauty seems to be lost in over westernization of terms a couple times, it is very good through out. (Sorry, I can't remember the words I'm referring to here...) I think this book would be perfect for people looking to understand the Bhagavad Gita; either as by itself as an introduction, as a supplement to a more scholarly version for the student, or as a refresher for those already familiar with Hinduism.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Sidney Passos Martins
    5.0 out of 5 stars Relire
    Reviewed in France on July 8, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    C'est un livre tellement extraordinaire qu'il faut lire plusieurs fois, surtout pour l'harmonie pour l'état d'esprit qu'il installe dans votre quotidien. Essayez, vous verrez ....
    Report
  • Susan
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Walkthrough for Westerners!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The Bhagavad Gita is an ancient Indian scripture that has captivated the hearts and minds of millions worldwide. Composed over two thousand years ago, its timeless wisdom and profound teachings continue to resonate with seekers of truth and spiritual liberation.

    For Westerners encountering the Gita for the first time, its unfamiliar concepts and Eastern philosophical framework can seem daunting. This walkthrough aims to provide a simplified and accessible introduction to this sacred text, highlighting its key themes and essential teachings.

    Background and Setting

    The Gita is a dialogue between Krishna, an incarnation of the divine, and Arjuna, a warrior facing a moral dilemma on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. As the battle rages, Arjuna is overcome by doubt and confusion. Krishna guides Arjuna through various teachings, ultimately revealing the true nature of reality and the path to liberation from suffering.

    Key Themes

    * Karma and Dharma: The Gita emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's duties (dharma) without attachment to the fruits of actions (karma). This concept of selfless action promotes moral conduct and inner peace.
    * Samsara and Moksha: The Gita recognizes the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). It offers the path of liberation (moksha) through knowledge, devotion, and meditation.
    * Spirit and Matter: The Gita distinguishes between the eternal, unchanging spirit (atman) and the impermanent, changing material world (maya). It teaches that the spirit is our true identity, beyond the limitations of the body and mind.
    * Bhakti Yoga: The Gita advocates for the path of devotion (bhakti) as a powerful means of spiritual realization. It encourages surrender to the divine and unwavering love for God.

    Essential Teachings

    * Do Your Duty: Perform your actions with dedication and without concern for personal gain.
    * Control Your Senses: Master your senses and resist distractions to attain inner peace.
    * Meditate and Practice Self-Knowledge: Cultivate inner silence and seek knowledge of yourself and the divine.
    * Surrender to God: Let go of your ego and attachment to outcomes, placing your trust in the divine will.
    * Aim for Selfless Action: Engage in activities that benefit others, not just yourself.

    Approaching the Gita as a Westerner

    While the Gita is rooted in ancient Indian traditions, its teachings can be universally relevant. Westerners may find it helpful to approach the Gita with an open mind, seeking to understand its core messages rather than strictly adhering to its cultural context.

    Consider the Gita's philosophical concepts as invitations for reflection and personal growth. Its teachings on karma, dharma, and detachment can help us navigate our own challenges and find greater purpose and fulfillment in life.

    Conclusion

    The Bhagavad Gita is a profound and transformative scripture that offers invaluable insights into the nature of reality, the human condition, and the path to liberation. For Westerners, it can be a source of inspiration, wisdom, and guidance on the journey toward spiritual awakening. By embracing its teachings and applying them in our daily lives, we can unlock our potential for inner peace, clarity, and a deeper understanding of our place in the universe.
  • Miguel
    4.0 out of 5 stars Excelente libro
    Reviewed in Mexico on September 3, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Me gusto el servicio que me proporcionaron y la rapidez del envío.
  • Tejas Doctor
    5.0 out of 5 stars really nice read
    Reviewed in Australia on April 10, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Nice summary book for the beginner of the spiritual journey. Author’s interpretation is in alignments with few more books on Geeta.
  • wee
    5.0 out of 5 stars unbedingt lesen
    Reviewed in Germany on June 14, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Von den vielen Ausgaben dieses wichtigsten indischen Textes, die es inzwischen gibt, zeichnet sich diese durch sehr gute Lesbarkeit, gute interpretatorische Übertragung und tiefes Verständnis des Sanskrit-Originals aus. Für die Erstbegegnung ist es m. E. die empfehlenswerteste Ausgabe. Wer tiefer einsteigen will in diesen zeitlos schönen und vielschichtigen Text, der findet in der Yogananda-Ausgabe das Meisterwerk dazu.

    Im Gegensatz zu manchen Ausgaben auf dem Markt ist dieser "Schnelldurchgang" durch die Gita weder einseitig (wie die unsägliche Ausgabe "Bhagavadgita wie sie ist", die eine unerträgliche Hetze gegen Andersdenkende im Kommentar zu fast jeder Sloka hat), noch ist sie "Flachland": sie wird diesem zeitlosen Text in sprachlich wunderschöner Weise und in der Darbietung seines Inhaltes voll gerecht. Und sie hat - gegenüber der zweibändigen Ausgabe Yoganandas - den Vorteil, dass sie immer in der Westentasche zur Überbrückung von Wartezeiten und Erbauung zwischendurch bereit steht.

    Die Gita ist ein Buch, das über der Einengung der Einzelreligionen steht. Statt Verbotslisten und Drohungen weist sie ganz praktisch und positiv den Weg. Sie zeigt auch für die heutige Zeit und Menschen, wie der Weg dessen aussieht, der Vollkommenheit anstrebt - und dies nicht in klösterlicher Abgeschiedenheit, sondern im Alltag des Hier und Jetzt. Und dies ohne den sonst oft vorzufindenden moralinsauren Unterton.

    Eines der Meisterwerke der spirituellen Literatur und der Philosophia Perennis hat in dieser Ausgabe eine sehr gute Neubearbeitung gefunden.