The Bhagavad Gita

An excellent translation of the epic poem. While it's not an easy read exactly, it's still approachable enough for anyone with an interest in mythology and history to enjoy.

Nuggets of wisdom and beauty, just like the judeochristian bible, but like the bible it's just not enough to be worth bothering with (except possibly for historical zeitgeist purposes). There's too much silliness and even ugliness. Most of the book is just Krishna (magical sky-god) saying “I'm so awesome. Aren't I awesome? If you tell me I'm awesome, I'll give you some candy karma. People who don't worship me are losers.” Kind of sad, actually.

There is little of value here for living a good life. “Be kind”, sure, but it's for all the wrong reasons (fear of death, fear of punishment by magic-god). Faulty premises taint the entire message: it's human and natural to fear death, but postulating a soul—with the added assumption of reincarnation—is just plain infantile.

It's human to doubt, to question, to be uncertain of one's actions and motivations. Arjuna (main character) started out that way, in beautiful self-reflection. Then Krishna comes along and speeches him to death. Intellectual death. How satisfying is that? Blah blah, here are the answers, now go on your way. That is not wisdom. That is not meaning. Wisdom comes from uncertainty; from introspection; from doubt. From making hard choices, carrying them through... and from making mistakes. Living with those mistakes and their costs. Learning from them. And continuing in uncertainty.

I feel disappointed. Certainly in the book. Partly, perhaps, in myself. Maybe the fault is mine for not being able to appreciate this wondrous book. Maybe another day I'll be able to get more out of it. Until then I will live the best life I can... without gods, without souls, and without fear. With much kindness, beauty, joy, ... and doubt.