A Forward on The Bhagavad Gita

In the Forward of the Bhagavad Gita by Swami Chidananda, Durban, South Africa, July 10, 1968, of the Text and Commentary by Sri Sivananda (Sivananda Press Durban SA) we are told:

The modern man in this present decade of the second half of the 20th century is greatly in need of an effective guide to light. He is groping. He sees only problems everywhere and no solutions are to be found anywhere. He does not know which way to turn, what course to adopt and how to move towards a better state of things. Therefore his life is filled with restlessness, unhappiness and complication. The Bhagavad Gita contains words of wisdom and practical teachings that contain the answers to the above-mentioned condition of the present day human individual.

We are informed that the Bhagavad Gita is a message addressed to each and every human individual to help and solve the "vexing" problems of the present and progressing towards a bright future. The Bhagavad Gita is not just an old scripture, nor a religious teaching book, nor even a Hindu holy book. It transcends those definitions and boundaries of religion and race. It is actually divine wisdom that addresses mankind for all times, to help human beings face and solve the problems of birth and death, of pain, suffering, fear, bondage, love and hate. It helps to liberate man from all limiting factors and attain the state of perfect inner peace, inner stability and mental peace.

Within the eighteen chapters of the Bhagavad Gita is revealed a human drama, which includes utter dejection, sorrow, breakdown and hopelessness to a state of renewed strength, clarity, understanding and victory. Each discourse has an invaluable new lesson and gives new understanding. The mystery of man, this world and God is explained as perhaps nowhere else. It deals with how the mind works, which affects your welfare and happiness, and how to overcome it.

Finally, Swami Chidananda suggests to the Western reader to read the entire book once and then read it again. In the second go round, one should adopt the method of selectivity and what one gets from it. He will be wonderfully enriched and supremely blessed. His life will become new from that moment. We are assured of this. Swami Chidananda commends this wonderful gift of God unto every man and woman, towards his or her supreme blessedness and highest welfare.

See previous posts for the Bhagavad Gita.