The Bhagavad-gita is the compact essence of all spiritual philosophy; at the onset of a world war, the warrior Arjuna asks his friend Krishna about the purpose of life, the difference between the self and the material body, and how to understand the ultimate cause of all causes. In just over seven hundred verses, Krishna comprehensively answers all of Arjuna’s questions and then reveals His identity as the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself, appearing on earth to usher in a new era of spiritual understanding.

Krishna teaches that the essence of the yoga system—and the ultimate goal of all pious works, meditation, and austerity—is to develop an attitude of loving service to the Supreme Person. His ultimate instruction, “surrender to Me,” challenges us all to transcend “religion” or “belief” and enter the realm of bhakti—devotional service—which alone can fully satisfy the self.

Bhagavad-gita As It Is is unique among Gita commentaries. Its translations and purports are the work of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who represents a line of teachers in disciplic succession from Krishna Himself. Prabhupada’s faithfulness to Krishna’s teachings—and expertise in presenting them to western readers—make Bhagavad-gita As It Is true to its title.

Since its publication in 1970, Bhagavad-gita As It Is has become the standard reference edition of the Gita worldwide.