The Bhagavadgita in the Mahabharata

I really love this translation, but also the fact that it's bookended with prior and post chapters, to provide better context for the Bhagavad Gita proper. The introduction is very useful and I find the prose powerful and effective. The use of the word 'baron' for kshatriya is indeed unusual, but I think it does make sense to help draw a parallel to mainland Europe's noble classes so that English readers get a sense of the social standing of the main warriors. Most importantly, I think Prof. van Buitenen had a deep understanding of the spirituality informing the Bhagavad Gita and renders it beautifully. I feel my understanding of this great work has expanded and transformed thanks to his work.I find it interesting that this story of a civil war has lasted so long, and the scars of the US civil war appear to run as deep.

J. A. B. van Buitenen gives a very readable and clearly translated dialog. It is especially useful that the Sanskrit is on the facing page (using the English alphabet so those of us that can not read Devanagari can still get a sense of the Sanskrit dialog). The introduction/foreward is especially informative and provides an appropriate "set-up" for the text. This translation is useful for those new to the Bhagavadgita (as the English translation reads very clearly and simply) and those of us undertaking a scholarly study of the text.

Excellent, direct, plain English translation of this important work. He retains a few of the original Sanskrit terms that defy translation, but gives plenty of guidance for thinking about them in his preface -- words like yoga or karma. It's funny, because these terms have made their way into English, but with new meanings.

I'm liking it as I read it. He's a very learned fellow.

I'd never read this, and wanted to, so I got this after reading several reviews of other options. It gave me what I wanted at a reasonable price.

My favorite translation of the Gita

J.A.B. van Buitenen's translation has an illuminating clarity and is excellent for a first time read, especially for readers with a western background. The transliteration is on the left-page side and the English on the right. There is also an indepth scholarly introduction and many useful footnotes.

As advertised.

Great book!