Eknath Easwaran is one of my favorite Hindu authors. His writing is always approachable, informative, and insightful. In his translation of the Bhagavad Gita he has provided a very accessible version for English readers. Instead of a direct verse translation, he has chosen to paraphrase the poem in prose form. By doing so, the readability and interpretation is more apparent to someone not familiar with the Bhagavad Gita. In some ways, this may limit the scope of understanding and interpretation found in the often ambiguous text. One difficulty is that he chose not to translate certain Sanskrit terms. Understandably, this would have been difficult since they often have no English equivalent. However, he did explain the terms in greater detail in the provided introductions to the book and each individual chapter. Notes on various verses are included at the end of the book, but might have been more helpful if the text had directed the reader to them. A very good interpretive, paraphrased translation of this magnificent text.
Showing posts with label Eknath Easwaran. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eknath Easwaran. Show all posts
The Bhagavad Gita: Translated for the Modern Reader
~translation by Eknath Easwaran
Eknath Easwaran is one of my favorite Hindu authors. His writing is always approachable, informative, and insightful. In his translation of the Bhagavad Gita he has provided a very accessible version for English readers. Instead of a direct verse translation, he has chosen to paraphrase the poem in prose form. By doing so, the readability and interpretation is more apparent to someone not familiar with the Bhagavad Gita. In some ways, this may limit the scope of understanding and interpretation found in the often ambiguous text. One difficulty is that he chose not to translate certain Sanskrit terms. Understandably, this would have been difficult since they often have no English equivalent. However, he did explain the terms in greater detail in the provided introductions to the book and each individual chapter. Notes on various verses are included at the end of the book, but might have been more helpful if the text had directed the reader to them. A very good interpretive, paraphrased translation of this magnificent text.
Eknath Easwaran is one of my favorite Hindu authors. His writing is always approachable, informative, and insightful. In his translation of the Bhagavad Gita he has provided a very accessible version for English readers. Instead of a direct verse translation, he has chosen to paraphrase the poem in prose form. By doing so, the readability and interpretation is more apparent to someone not familiar with the Bhagavad Gita. In some ways, this may limit the scope of understanding and interpretation found in the often ambiguous text. One difficulty is that he chose not to translate certain Sanskrit terms. Understandably, this would have been difficult since they often have no English equivalent. However, he did explain the terms in greater detail in the provided introductions to the book and each individual chapter. Notes on various verses are included at the end of the book, but might have been more helpful if the text had directed the reader to them. A very good interpretive, paraphrased translation of this magnificent text.
The Mantram Handbook: Formulas for Transformation
~by Eknath Easwaran
By the same author of Meditation. This book contains much of the same material as the chapter devoted to it in Meditation, but it delves further into the use and function of the mantra.
I really enjoy Eknath Easwaran's style and way of presenting himself in his books.
By the same author of Meditation. This book contains much of the same material as the chapter devoted to it in Meditation, but it delves further into the use and function of the mantra.I really enjoy Eknath Easwaran's style and way of presenting himself in his books.
Meditation: A Simple Eight-Point Program for Translating Spiritual Ideals into Daily Life
~by Eknath Easwaran
Quite an impressive book, really. A well written and practical approach to meditation. The book is based on a lecture series that Eknath Easwaran gave at the Berkeley campus while he was a visiting professor. He encourages meditation as the reflection upon a great spiritual passage. He devotes a section of the book to each of the eight points. He also includes suggested passages and readings.
And, in case you're wondering what those eight steps are:
1) Meditation
2) Repetition of the mantram
3) Slowing down
4) Giving one-pointed attention
5) Training the senses
6) Putting the welfare of others first
7) Spiritual companionship
8) Reading from the scriptures and mystics of all religions
Quite an impressive book, really. A well written and practical approach to meditation. The book is based on a lecture series that Eknath Easwaran gave at the Berkeley campus while he was a visiting professor. He encourages meditation as the reflection upon a great spiritual passage. He devotes a section of the book to each of the eight points. He also includes suggested passages and readings.And, in case you're wondering what those eight steps are:
1) Meditation
2) Repetition of the mantram
3) Slowing down
4) Giving one-pointed attention
5) Training the senses
6) Putting the welfare of others first
7) Spiritual companionship
8) Reading from the scriptures and mystics of all religions
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