The Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita
The Gospel of Lord Shri Krishna 


There are many translations of the Bhagavad Gita.
The extract below is from ‘The Geeta’, translated by Purohit Swami, 1942, Faber & Faber.

According to Indian tradition, the Bhagavad Gita was revealed over five thousand years ago. It has consoled millions and inspired philosophers and prophets. It addresses every aspect of the human condition.

From Chapter XV

Lord Shri Krishna continued:
This phenomenal creation, which is both ephemeral and eternal, is like a tree, but having its seed above in the Highest, and its ramifications on this earth below. The scriptures are its leaves, and he who understands this knows.

Its branches shoot upwards and downwards, deriving their nourishment from the Qualities; its buds are the objects of sense; and its roots, which follow the Law causing man’s regeneration and degeneration, pierce downwards into the soil.

In this world its true form is not known, neither its origin nor its end, and its strength is not understood, until the tree with its roots striking deep into the earth is hewn down by the sharp axe of non-attachment.

Beyond lies the Path, from which, when found, there is no return. This is the primal God from whence this ancient creation has sprung.'