What is it about?
The original Bhagavad Gita uses extensive Sandhi to join words together and make a long word. Since during reading, we are going to pause at every 8 syllables, the Sandhi is split at that point using correct Sanskrit Grammar rules of Panini. This makes the reading possible for a lay audience. Even for people adept at Sanskrit, it makes sense to read correctly. Since the entire Gita is transliterated as well into Latin, English audiences are going to be delighted with such a book. Splitting the Sandhi makes it helpful to understand the meaning also.
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Why is it important?
The Gita available so far has always had the long original words. This is the first work of its kind whereby a pause is given at every quarter verse. For the first time it is mentioned how to correctly read the Visarga, the Anusvara, and the Avagraha. The concept of Ardha Visarga that was hidden for long in archaic Sanskrit grammar texts has been properly explained. Apart from this, the fonts have been chosen with care, so that each letter and word is crystal clear.
Perspectives
Many of us read the Gita at home, during festivals, or as a regular practise. Earlier on it was taught how to read and chant in regular schools. However with the decline of Sanskrit this knowledge became lost. Now only a few Sanskrit schools are available, and these are more or less inaccessible to the lay public. So how does one learn to read the Gita correctly? This book plays a key role towards achieving this aim. Sitting in the comfort of our home, we can quickly master the art of reading the Bhagavad Gita.
Ashwini Kumar Aggarwal
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Srimad Bhagavad Gita Reader, April 2017, Glasstree,
DOI: 10.20850/9781534202597.
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