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Universal Message Of The Bhagavad Gita (Volume - 1) is a unique modern exposition of the Bhagavad Gita and the first part of a 3 volume work by Swami Ranganathananda. Summary Of The Book The Bhagavad Gita or The Song Celestial is considered one of the holiest Hindu scriptures, which essentially is a conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, the Pandava prince. Simply referred to as the Gita, it is a part of the famous Hindu epic, Mahabharata. It comprises 700 verses across 18 chapters that uphold the essence of the Upanishads and is believed to be a compilation of Lord Krishna's profound and prudent answers to Arjuna's philosophical and theological inquiries. Since time immemorial, The Bhagavad Gita has been translated to and dissected in various languages by a wide number of scholars and philosophers from across the globe. And this work, Universal Message Of The Bhagavad Gita (Volume - 1), is one such attempt by Swami Ranganathananda. Originally discoursed by the author as lectures at the Ramakrishna Math, these sermons attracted large numbers of people owing to the insightful wisdom of the author and his style of narrative that simplified the Gita for a modern society. These recorded preachings were then combined to form a book of 3 volumes, covering all the 18 chapters. Drawing from his own spiritual knowledge and that of numerous thinkers of the world, the author presents in this work, a verse-by-verse commentary of The Song Celestial. This first volume is a resourceful commentary on the teachings of the Lord in the first four chapters of The Bhagavad Gita. Along with relating to the interpretations of Shankaracharya, Sri Ramakrishna and Vivekananda, the author also details how the essence of the Gita agrees with the views of some of the world's greatest thinkers like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle. He takes the readers on an edifying journey to discover the universal applicability of the scripture blending so well with the ideas of Buddha, Tao, Christ and Mahavir. He also quotes several scientists, poets and philosophers like Einstein, Wordsworth and Huxley, and thoughtfully concludes how most of their theories about life and humanity are so closely in sync with those examined in the Gita. The highlight of this work is its contemporary outlook on the ancient philosophy. It approaches each verse with such thought stimulating and refreshing angles, which makes it easy even for the current generation to relate to the scripture. By ascribing practicality and modern thought to the life lessons taught in the Gita, the author helps this book to rise above the state of a mere commentary. About Swami Ranganathananda Swami Ranganathananda was a Hindu monk and a spiritual writer. Some of his other works include Science And Religion, The Message Of Upanishads, and The Christ We Adore. Born in the year 1908 in Kerala, his birth name was Shankaran Kutty. He joined the Ramakrishna Math Order in 1926 as a Brahmachari, and became a monk in 1933. He held various positions in the organization's offices across the country and was elected the president of the math in the year 1998. He is the recipient of the Indira Gandhi Award For National Integration and the Gandhi Peace Prize. He was living in Kolkata when he passed away in 2005.