The Bhagavad Gita is one of the outstanding religious classics in the world; and, this translation by Swami Nikhilananda has been called "the first really readable, authoritative translation". The Gita is unique among religious texts in its emphasis on the discharge of everyday duties as an effective discipline for the realization of God. The Gita teaches that if a man performs his duties, discarding all selfish motives, he gains purity of heart and achieves ultimate liberation. The Gita shows the way to spiritualize life through practical spiritual disciplines that can be followed by all. Each numbered verse of the text is followed by an explanation of the significant words and a paragraph of commentary based on the interpretation of Sankaracharya, the great philosopher of eighth century India. Includes an introduction to the philosophy of The Gita and a summary of The Mahabharata. Hardcover. Pages 404