The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita: Explained by Paramhansa Yogananda, as Remembered by His Disciple, Swami Kriyananda

Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters), a lifelong disciple of the influential guru Yogananda, affirms his claim as an authoritative student of his master with this work. Because Kriyananda parted ways with Yogananda's organization, this book also rivals Yogananda's own commentary on this classic Indian scripture, which is published by his organization. Western students can certainly use all the help they can get in understanding the cultural specifics of the Bhagavad Gita in order to appreciate this story of universal questions asked of God on the eve of a battle. Kriyananda offers an interpretation that amounts to an explication of kriya yoga, a yoga system that is a philosophy and way of life. This comprehensive view will aid his or Yogananda's students, though anyone coming to this book seeking more general interpretation may find the text very hard to follow. The Gita's verses are completely broken up by commentary, making them impossible to read continuously, and most of the first chapter of the Gita isn't even included. The exposition itself rambles, requiring slow, methodical reading and patience with Sanskrit terms. Neophytes who want to open the Bhagavad Gita need another key; this book doesn't speak to beginners.