The Bhagavad Gita is by far the most revered text of ancient Indian thought. In the form of a dialogue between Arjuna and Lord Krishna, it explains the nature of the self and the universe.

However, the sheer number of translations, dense commentaries and complex interpretations has created distance between it and readers. With this volume – which includes the Sanskrit original, and a guide to reading and interpretation – poet, translator and religious studies scholar Mani Rao helps readers return to the source text and appreciate its nuances for themselves.

Critically acclaimed for its accuracy and freshness, Rao’s translation in free verse draws from modern poetics to redirect attention to the literary qualities of the Gita and sets a new standard for the translation of canonical spiritual texts.