
Bhagavad-Gita
by Vyasa · first published 1944
156mentions
55recommended by
130HN commenters
2007–2026first – last mentioned
42% recommend55% neutral2% critical
Why HN recommends it
Spiritual text offering practical guidance on living, action and meditation, useful even for non-religious readers. Annotated translations by Easwaran and Johnson help make its cultural references clear.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
Hindu philosophical classic.
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Maybe not for all but, Bhagavad Gita: As it is. Do not read the explanation which are biased to god and religion. But you can definitely read the stanzas. The idea that we are actor whose duty is to act is a powerful concept, especially…
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on “Ask HN: Which non-technology book has influenced you the most and why?” ↗The Bhagavad Gita is similar to the OP's issues. It deals with the conflicts we all face in life and how to resolve our wants with our duties. It's not a very long read, actually. Note: Find a translation that works for…
on “You're enlightened – now what?” ↗…human history, second perhaps only to why we came to exist. The collective answer by each of the world's cultures is encoded in myth, poetry, and spiritual and religious traditions. I would recommend the Bhagavad Gita, translated and commentated by Eknath Easwaran (https://www.amazon.com/Bhagavad-Gita-2nd-Eknath-Easwaran/dp/...). It's not necessary to practice or believe in any particular religion to gain something…
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