How many commentaries of Bhagavad Gita are there now?

Question

Seems like everyone thinks they are authorized to make coment on Gita. I have heard of over 500 unauthorized versions. Lord Krishna Says that this knowledge must be heard from one who is in a pure disciplic succession (lineage), steming all the way from Him. In Bhaktivedanta Prabhupdadas Intoduction to the Gita, he shows the pure lineage, how LordKrishna gave this wisdom to Brahma, then Brahma to Narada then to Vyasa to Mahdava to Padmanabha to nirhari, Madhava, Aksobhya, Jaya Tirta, Jnanasindhu,Dayanidhi, Vidyanidhi, Rajendra, Jayadharma, Purusottoma, Brahmanya Tirtha, Vyasa Tirtha, Laksmipati, Madhavendra Puri(Nityananda and Advaita), Lord Caitanya, Rupa (Svarupa, Sanatana), Raghunatha, Jiva, Krishnadasa, Narottama, Visvanatha, (Baladeva),Jagannatha, Bhaktivinoda, Garuakishora, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, and A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhuada. So why so many other unauthorized comentaries. I prefer the original Absolute Truth.It is just safer.Thanks.
Sincer educated answers please

Well aristotle avatar. I can see you have been misled. As you can plainly see Gita was spoken by Lord Krishna Himself. SO your idea is incorrect. YOu must have read a malinterpertation of the Gita. That is the problem with Holy books. Man puts his filthy hands on them and changes the whole meaning.

Answer 1

Friend,

Sri Madbhagavath Geeta was such a fascinating and highly spirutual book,quintessence of vedanta, that it attracts the attention of so many and all were tempted to write commentaries.
There are umpteen commentaries and the exact number none can say as each week we see a new commentary as Geeta a ever LIVING Book.

So in my opinion you may not get exact answer.All eminent people wrote commentaries.Similarly those who were influence by it too wrote commentaries.We do not have all at one site.So the answer is tough to give.

Thanks for the question.I starred it.

Answer 2

7

Answer 3

I am aware of at least 60 plus starting from Shankaracharya
down to Dr. Ratnakar Narale (Vol I parts published in 2007; rest in works, contact: [e-mail]). The most recent published work is by Graham M. Schweig entitled Bhagavadgita- the beloved Lord's secret love song, Harper Collins Publishers, published in 2007. There are many more in regional languages and we also have few multi-media versions.
I have had the good fortune of reading over 25+ versions,
and each of them have some unique features, but none of them fully to my satisfaction. Not only that, I think parts of them are utterly misleading and undermining the message of Gita.

If I am pinned to pick one, that would be Jeevana Dharma Yoga by D.V. Gundappa (Unfortunately, in Kannada language). The next best may be of Winthorp Sargeant in English (word for word meaning is also given and gives the verses in 4 lines format).

Rather out of frustration, I have put together a version, taking the best from what is out there and adding my own, which is in its first draft. I can send in electronic format to whoever interested. Feel free to e-mail me for further discussion.

Answer 4

Hare Bol :)

Gauranga ;)

Mataji, I have learnt we must hear it from genuine disciples succession and I believe that Bhavagad Gita ( As it is ) written by Srila Prabhupada is genuine because it really does come from genuine disciple succession and we get real words whatever Lord Krishna says. Well, if one does hear it from a person who doesn't have real disciple succession but only his own views then it is like " poison " and it is just like if a snake does enter the mouth in milk then milk is poison. All I can say we must listen genuine Bhagavad gift ( as it is ) at http://www.gitamrta.org


Gauranga ;;)

Answer 5

Perhaps unlike the prophetic religions the Sanathana Dharma thrives with Darsanas, Visions of the contemplative sages. Lord Krishna can give this directly to anyone anytime as He gave to Vivaswan and also Arjuna. Avatar can happen at the descretion of Lord Krishna. The Four Ways of Communications are Para, Pasyanthi, Madhyama and Vaikhari

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Agv02X2AdbpKIx4udnpCz7QjzKIX;_ylv=3?qid=20060826222639AAnSwn6

In the lineage that you stated how much each one were able to grasp and again communicate well downward in a right manner is not known.

It is said that when you have doubts with Sutra, you should cross check with Smriti, when there is doubt regarding Smriti, you should look into Sruthies for clarification and when when there is doubt in Sruthies also, One should look for clarification with the Vedas, the Pure Darsanas or Visions deep within. Perhaps not all are entitled to have Darsanas, may be its a travel beyond even the Satvic Qualty, a deeper search with thought, word and deed in line after the Eternal Truth.

http://blog.360.yahoo.com/blog-xXSjjhg7er9d7VyaCsYH4qyJveacMoF0?p=72

Now coming to Real Visionaries

Jagad Guru Aadi Sankaracharyar is considered One and His interpretation of Bhagavad Gita is a widely accepted one.

Jnaneshwari, by Jnaneshwar Maharaj in Marathi is a very much accepted and recognised version. Its perhaps more of a devotional path compared to the Jnana path of Shankaracharyar's interpretations.

http://www.saibaba.us/texts/jnaneshwari/index.html

Now a days the interpretation of Chinmayananda Swamigal on Bhagavad is also widely recognised. Of course your Bhakthi Vedanta version is also coming up now.

The Karma Yoga version of Bala Gangadhara Thilak is also widely appreciated.

The acceptable solution over here is what is said by ancient Sages, "Ekam Sath, Viprath Bahuda Vadanti" meaning There is only One Truth and different scholars interpret THAT differently. Perhaps any path is adopted, the importance is perhaps on whether we practicing and going forward in that path of our chosen path, wholeheartedly, with complete sincerity within and without with thought, word and deed in line and in complete harmony always to the best of our ability.

Here the Sathya Sai Thought for the Day,

Man did not come to this world to eat, sleep and indulge in sensory pursuits. He has come to manifest the Divine in Him. That is why he is called 'Vyakthi', one who manifests (Vyaktha) the latent Shakti (Power) in him. For this purpose, he has come endowed with body, mind and the intelligence needed to control it and divert it to useful channels of activity. You must achieve this by steady pursuit of Dharma (morality) and Karma (good deeds).

- BABA

http://www.radiosai.org/pages/thought.asp

SAI RAM

Answer 6

i m not a critic of any name but i found u propogating one name which to my mind is not right. Gita is everything. if u know its meaning u need not to go in other details. it must have written by one of the most genius yogi and rishi. instead of debating about unauthorised version please share ur knowledge about gita with others. i will be happy if u mail me and we can discuss about gita as a common interest subject.

Answer 7

the best known commentaries as off today is from the saint knyaneshwara it is known as knyaneshwari, in the 15 centuary.

st knyaneshwar was born in a place near pune, he is the only saint of that time who took (live) (samadhi) .

he was burried alive at the age of 21. his samadhi still exists in alandi.

Answer 8

Study the original and make your own. Everyone has to become an Arjuna.

Answer 9

Dear Sister, the Servantmaid of God , I don't know howmany .
Please let me know the best one .

Thank you .

sundar
Dec,30,2007,3:18 A.m