A Comparative Study of the Commentaries on the Bhagavadgita -

T. G. Mainkar

Motilal Banarsidass

1969

67 páginas

2h 14m

ISBN-1: 0

This is an attempt to find out as to who amongst the different commentators on the Bhagavadgita can be regarded as a reliable guide to a proper understanding of this third Prasthana of the Vedanta. Important passages from the Gita have been collected under headings as Avatara and Maya, Bhakti, Jñana, Karman, Moksa and Sannyasa and the interpretation of these given by Sankara and the other commentators have been critically examinated. In the pre-Sankara period the Gita was understood to have preached the doctrine of the "Jñana-Karma-Samuccaya". The Gita does not support the main tenets of Sankara's Vedanta, the distinction of higher and lower knowledge of Brahman, the unreality of the world and the absolute identity of the individual and the Highest Self. The Gita is to be understood against its historical background. No commentators of the Gita has been absolutely faithful to the text, but it would be safer to be guided by Ramakantha and Anandavardhana or by Ramanuja than by Sankara.