Tenets of the Gita

BHAGAVAD GITA FOR 21st CENTURY: R.J. Venkateswaran; Rs. 120.

THE ESSENTIAL GITA FOR EVERYONE, ALTRUISTIC PHILOSOPHIC ACTIVISM: Oroon Kumar Ghosh; Rs. 75. Both published by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, K.M. Munshi Marg, Mumbai-400007.

BHAGAVAD GITA is the only hymn, the contents of which anyone can preach as it gives scope to interpret as one views them. By and large, this hymn affirms the value of life, defends reason and paves the way for one to return to God. Men belong to God and so the latter has the right to command them and their duty is to obey.

The author of the first book has borrowed references from numerous authors and he explains how the Gita focusses attention on the need to control emotions which affect our mental peace. In the eighth chapter, he has given the quintessence of the Gita, highlighting how those who are free from attachment and hatred will come to the Lord. All impediments can be overcome by concentrating on Him. In the last chapter, he explains how Gita will make democracy safe for the world.

The author of the second book argues that the ``original Gita'' of 56 verses must have taken only about 12 minutes to explain to Arjuna (just as war was to commence). Translating the important verses in all the chapters, he has put down the ``Ethics of Gita'' mentioning courage, selfless work, commitment to one's duty, eschewing pride and enjoyment in moderation as some of the main points to remember. If even a wicked person worships God with devotion, he will be regarded as good for he has taken a resolve to abandon the evil ways of life. This shows the generous, liberal spirit of the Gita, the author concludes.

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