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Literal translation: “You have a right to action alone, never to its fruits; do not let the fruits of action be your motive, nor let your attachment be to inaction.”
Highlight, annotate, and take digital notes without marking physical pages. bhagavad gita a new translation by stephen mitchell pdf
The Bhagavad Gita stands as one of the world's greatest spiritual masterpieces. For centuries, this sacred Hindu text has guided millions toward inner peace and self-realization. Among the numerous English versions available today, is highly celebrated for its literary beauty and accessibility. Literal translation: “You have a right to action
Among the many English translations of the Bhagavad Gita —from the scholarly density of Franklin Edgerton to the devotional warmth of Swami Prabhavananda—Stephen Mitchell’s 2000 version stands apart. Mitchell, known for his renderings of Rilke, the Tao Te Ching , and the Book of Job , approaches the Gita not as a Sanskrit scholar but as a poet and spiritual practitioner. His A New Translation does not claim literal precision; instead, it strives for what Mitchell calls “the inner sense” of the original. This essay argues that Mitchell’s translation, while occasionally criticized for loose fidelity, succeeds as a profound and accessible rendering of the Gita’s philosophical and emotional core, particularly suited for modern Western readers. Among the numerous English versions available today, is
Stephen Mitchell is widely known for his ability to breathe new life into ancient masterpieces. His acclaimed translations of works like the Tao Te Ching , the Book of Job , and Rilke's poetry have earned him a reputation for creating works that are both literary and spiritually resonant. With the Bhagavad Gita , Mitchell brings this same gift, aiming to produce a translation that sings with the clarity, vigor, and intensity of the original Sanskrit.
