Vedic Community Forum

Jai Maa @Karla

Per Acharya Shunya ji, it is very hard to find a written commentary that is easy to follow along and that does justice to what she wants to convey. In general, Acharya does not recommend ordering and reading the Gita randomly - it is better to simply listen as a place to start. Acharya Shunya’s commentaries and dialogues on the Bhagavad Gita are rooted in the commentary of Sri Shankaracharya, one of the primary historical teachers of vedic non-dualism (Advaita in sanskrit) philosophy. Acharya Shunya’s spiritual lineage is an Advaita Vedantan tradition and her teachings on the Bhagavad Gita are specifically taught from a non-dual perspective. The specific interpretive commentary teachings that she gives are unique as they have been conveyed to her through decades of oral teachings from her guru, and expanded through her own study and contemplation. While Acharya Shunya herself may pull from several different sanskrit, Hindi, and transliterated texts, she has recommended the following version for students to use as an accompanying text:  The Bhagavadgita - with introductory essay, Sanskrit text, English translation and notes. By S. Radhakrishnan. The text is written in sanskrit, transliterated sanskrit/English, English, and in addition to the primary text, you will find commentary by Shankaracharya, as well as additional insight for modern readers. While there are many books which are free and often distributed in the streets (ex. the Hare Krishna ISKCON group version by Sri Swami Prabhupada or Bhaktivedanta) we respectfully DO NOT USE those commentaries as the teachings are in opposition to Advaita Parampara of Adi Shankaracharya (from which our lineage directly descends). Acharya Shunya recommends this particular version. 

-Sadhvi Aparna