Book Review

By Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

The Bhagavad Gita for Daily Living
Volume 3 -- To Love Is to Know Me
Eknath Easwaran
Nilgiri Press 1996 Paperback $19.95
ISBN: 0-915132-19-2

In the third and last volume in his sagacious commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, Eknath Easwaran discusses the forces of evolution, the Supreme Self, the power of faith, and love in action. He unpacks the many meanings of karma that at one point he calls "layaway on a cosmic scale." All of our deeds have consequences and part of our work this time around is to undo the unfavorable karma accumulated in the past.

The Gita's concept of good is seeking to enrich the lives of others. "Your life is an investment for every creature," writes Easwaran. In order to protect that investment, keep your mind, body, and soul fit. You will reap dividends through the daily practices of meditation and the repetition of the mantram.

Realize that every apparent liability has a purpose and a role to play in your spiritual unfolding. If you are a rebel, use that raw energy by rebelling against your selfishness. "Every desire can be harnessed to a spiritual goal." For instance, greed can be transformed from wanting things for yourself to wanting them for everybody. These kinds of deep insights make this commentary on the Bhagavad Gita an invaluable spiritual resource.

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by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat