The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening: A Practical Commentary for Leading a Successful Spiritual Life

Going verse by verse through the ancient Hindu text the Bhagavad Gita, Burke, director of the Light of the Spirit Monastery in Cedar Crest, N.Mex., enthusiastically explores the story as a means for knowing oneself, the cosmos, and one’s calling within it. This dense work is not for those with a mere curiosity; Burke goes deep, with transliterations of Sanskrit terms that pepper every page alongside his commentary on their meanings. Burke also argues that the Gita is inherently practical and not overly philosophical. His plainspoken insights often distill complex lessons with simplicity and sagacity: “those who live for their personal gratification... really live to no real purpose, for death in a moment sweeps away everything they value.” Burke also interweaves numerous quotes from the Bible, the Buddha, and other religious traditions to support his points, encouraging readers to be “Krishna-minded” and “Christ-minded” at the same time. While Burke’s intended audience is vague, those with a deep interest in the Gita will find much wisdom here. (Self-published.)