The Right Way to Read the Bhagavad Gita
Many of us feel excited when we first get a copy of the Bhagavad Gita. But then doubts arise: How should I read it? Why am I not feeling interested? Which Gita is authentic? Are there rules?
Let’s clear all these questions step by step.
When to Read the Gita?
The beauty of the Gita is that it can be read anytime, anywhere. Morning, noon, or night – even while walking, traveling, or during challenging times like illness, periods, or mourning in the family.
- Best practice: Read after a morning bath with a fresh mind, sitting properly on a chair or on the floor.
- No special muhurta required: The day you begin becomes your auspicious start.
- Show respect: Do not read while lying in bed, eating, or with unclean hands. Avoid turning pages with saliva or reading after intoxication or non-vegetarian food.
Remember, the Gita is not just a book—it is Krishna Himself in sound form. Treat it with reverence.
How to Read the Gita?
- Read cover to cover—from preface, introduction, and all chapters.
- Choose a language you are comfortable with. Sanskrit verses are wonderful to recite, but if you cannot, reading translations and explanations is enough.
- Underline and take notes. Keep a pencil with you. Jotting down realizations deepens your understanding.
- Distinguish between two approaches:
- Parayan (chanting all verses continuously for auspiciousness).
- Study reading (understanding Krishna’s message deeply). If your goal is to apply Krishna’s teachings, focus on the second approach.
Which Gita to Read?
The Gita itself answers: “Evam paramparā-prāptam” – the knowledge must be received through a bona fide disciplic succession. One such authentic edition is by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, the 32nd acharya in the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya sampradaya.
Before joining ISKCON, I personally read 5–6 popular editions of the Gita. But only Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad-gītā As It Is presented Krishna’s words systematically, clearly, and without personal interpretation. Once you read it, you’ll realize the difference.
The Mood While Reading:
To truly understand, adopt the mood of Arjuna.
- With humility: “śiṣyas te ’haṁ” – Krishna, I am Your disciple, please guide me.
- With surrender: “kariṣye vacanaṁ tava” – I am ready to follow Your instruction.
Krishna Himself says: “bhakto ’si me sakhā ceti rahasyaṁ hy etad uttamam” – only My devotee and friend can understand this secret. So, bow down with devotion before reading, and approach the Gita not as an academic text, but as a personal conversation with Krishna.
Why Read the Gita?
Not to preach to others, but to transform yourself.
- It is the manual for life—teaching us how to live meaningfully.
- Even the biggest problems become small with its wisdom.
- It raises the standard of life, brings self-development, inner peace, and spiritual bliss.
Once you start, the Gita won’t leave you. It will become your lifelong companion. Begin your journey today. Happy Reading.
Hare Krishna!
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