There is no shortage of commentaries and translations of the Bhagavad Gita, a book that has seen innumerable forms over the millennia. However, Devdutt’s work stands out among the modern-day versions in that it is arranged thematically, rather than as presented in the original.
Devdutt also titles his version very uniquely, as “My Gita” rather than “The Gita.” In doing so, he ensures it is clear to everyone that he is only presenting his understanding of the Gita, rather than the actual Gita itself. Devdutt also reiterates this point in his preface, to ensure he does fall under the eye of the self-appointed “moral brigade.” In fact, his preface includes a quote from the Gita: “Just as a reservoir is of little use when the whole countryside is flooded, scriptures are of little use to the illumined man”, indicating that perhaps the very act of interpreting the Gita puts him firmly in the seat of seeker rather than a master.
Pattanaik is well-known for his copious output of books rooted in Indian mythology. This book marks a first for him in that he moves from mythology to philosophy. He does a good job in the transition, providing an insightful yet entertaining read.
As the Gita itself, the book is divided into 18 chapters, though the division is theme-based. This would perhaps help new readers appreciate several aspects of the Gita better, because all related concepts are gathered together. Devdutt’s thematic divisions include Observation or Darshan in Sanskrit, Rebirth or Atma, Mortal Body or Deha, Body’s Immortal Resident or Dehi, Cause and Consequence or Karma, Appropriate Conduct or Dharma, Exchange or Yagna, Introspection or Yoga, Trust or Deva-Asura, Potential or Bhagavan, Expanding the Mind or Brahmana, Contracting the Mind or Avatar, Tendencies of Matter or Guna, Proprietorship or Kshetra, Measurement or Maya, Attachment or Moha, Liberation or Moksha and Union or Brahma-Nirvana.
Devdutt also puts his famed illustration skills to work, and the book is full of his line drawings — perhaps too full. Possibly the book is intended for a wide array of audiences, as Devdutt’s reader-base grows with each book.
Devdutt’s contribution is an interesting one in the pantheon of Gita-related works. There are books that study the psychiatric insights the Gita offers, and there are others that look at its insights into religion, science and meditation, but only a few have made the Gita as accessible to various kinds of people, from experts to novices, as Devdutt’s book does. It is a valuable addition to anyone’s bookshelf.
