The Essence of the Bhagavad-Gita

By: Steven Hartman

Narrated by: Steven Hartman

Length: 5 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's Summary

Written in the ancient language of Sanskrit, the Bhagavad-Gita is a compelling epic poem that holds within it all of the answers to the questions that have baffled humankind since the beginning of time, and will continue to do so well into the future.

Through powerful interpretation, storytelling, and the personal insights that he has experienced throughout his own life, Steven sheds great light on the many layers of teachings that are presented in this short yet sometimes perplexing text. He then provides you with practical tools and applications with which you can apply the wisdom of the Gita to your own life.

Some of the insights that you will gain as you integrate this program into your life are how to:

• See beyond the illusions that you have created - the limited beliefs that you have about yourself, your life, and the lives of those around you.
• Create more balance in your life, and experience it with a greater sense of fullness, strength, and joy.
• Stretch yourself beyond your current perceptions of life and death, and uncover the infinite spiritual being that you really are.
• Take action in your life and surrender to the outcome, feeling the true bliss that comes with experiencing the present moment to its fullest.
• Come to peace with your own mortality, find effective ways to quell your anxieties, and gain greater compassion for yourself and others in your life.
• Quiet your mind, and experience the joys and pains of life fully and without being harmed, all the while experiencing peace within any given challenge that you are faced with.
• Uncover your hidden fears, and experience them as your allies as you work with them to attain true contentment in your life.

Download the accompanying reference guide.

©2002 Steven Hartman (P)2002 Nightingale Conant

A Great Introduction to Gita

For people who haven't been exposed to Mahabharata or not know what Bhagavad Gita is, this is a great introduction. It is easy to follow. The concepts are explained logically.
The literal translation of Gita might be too difficult to follow or even misleading for the new.

Beautiful anecdotes and parables are used to explain the teachings in Gita.

The one aspect I didn't like, was Mr. Hartman's repeated plugs for his other book.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Not at all what I expected

I applaud the author for trying to bridge Eastern and Western thought, but the book seems to be focused a bit too much on Christianity and A Course in Miracles, almost to the point of being a fanatic of the latter.

Knowledge

The author was very genuine with a great love and knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita.

Life changing

I started listening to the Bhagavad-Gita on Friday night as a recommendation from a friend. It is a moving story that address many thoughts that have wandered in and out of my mind for years. The narration is vivid and beautiful as I found comfort in Steven Hartman’s voice. I can already see small, but valuable changes in my thinking and reactions as I have just finished the book.

My next listen will be to take notes...As I sent this to a dozen friends this weekend, it is worth your time and you are worth it.

Brings the analogies to life!

The analogies of the warrior and Krishna to man and God are easy to make out thanks to this writer.

Enlightening

Many moments of ah ha. Something to listen to more than once and keep learning from.

Good Stuff

Enjoyed all the Zen stories and stories from his personal life.

It's not a study guide. Instead, he expounds on the central themes through examples & stories from real life.

Great story and interpretation

Kept my interest and gave me a craving for more! The author's personal stories helped me to relate to my challenges and reflect on new ways of creating the life I want to have.

2 of 4 people found this review helpful

Amazing Jurney

This audio book took m on amazing jurney with the author Arjune and Krishna to the battlefield of my mind where I encountered everything which they encountered. I am there with them.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

An excellent way to understand the Bhagavad Gita.

What made the experience of listening to The Essence of the Bhagavad-Gita the most enjoyable?

It is explained in a simplistic way. It is attainable because of the way it is written. Once you have an understanding (which is impossible not to understand in this book) the rest of your life will become a lot easier.

What does Steven Hartman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Steven Hartman has a lovely voice that is very easy to listen to. The way everything is explained has made this book one of my favourites. I will listen frequently. I didn't want it to finish.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There were so many moments it is hard to define a particular one.

Any additional comments?

It really is a must for anybody who has a curiosity about the Bhagavad Gita.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The book for all

It's the book for all irrespective of their religion and believes . I was totally immersed into it, what a joy. I will be listening to it over and over again. Thanks Mr Hartman to this wonderful gift to the world. Hari Om.

Absolutely Loved it

What a great book Steven has done such a great job. Very insightful makes you really think. The narration was great I hope we hear more from Stephen I find myself going back to the book to remind myself of what Stephen has put across 5 stars all the way by far my favourite Audible book. Thank you Stephen for sharing this with the world it truly is a blessing

Illuminating

This book was a spur of the moment purchase. And I am so pleased I bought it. Illuminating content. Beautifully communicated and explained in such an accessible way. I will listen to this again and again; it includes some wonderful little meditations and visualisations. This book has given me so much and is the best book I have purchased on Audible. Thank you.

I loved this!

Loved everything about it - the pace, the narration, the unfolding explanation of the Gita. Some wonderful meditations thrown in too. I will listen to this again and again and .... :-)