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Impressive approach to Bhagavad Gita

This article, "Impressive Approach to Bhagavad Gita" was published in The Honolulu Advertiser, August 2, 1969, in Honolulu, USA. 

The Bhagavad Gita, sometimes called the Hindu Bible, is widely known as a textbook of Yoga. It has been studied by great men throughout the Ages because it makes such powerful statements on the meaning of life. 

The present translation by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami is clear and impressive. A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami is the founder in the United States of the Hare Krishna movement which has become so popular among the younger generation. 

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"Bhagavad Gita As It Is," 292 pages, by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, paperback edition (Collier Books) $2.95, hardbound edition (Macmillan Co.) $6.95. 

"Teachings of Lord Chaitanya," 318 pages, including 11 pages of illustrations and photographs, by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, hardbound edition (ISKCON Inc.) $5.95. 
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HE CAME to this country in the fall of 1965, following the instructions of his own spiritual master. Now he is accepted as the spiritual teacher of thousands of American and European youth. 

The monthly magazine Back to Godhead, which he began in India in 1944, is now published in New York City and widely circulated by the Swami's disciples maintaining Krishna Consciousness temples in every major city in the United States and Canada, as well as London and Hamburg. 

The verses of the "Bhagavad Gita As It Is" are vividly explained by the commentaries of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, which are so enlivening that the layman and scholar alike will be taken deep into the mysteries of the oldest religion in the world.

THE BHAGAVAD Gita explains five topics: living entities, activity, Nature, Time and God. The Sanskrit name for God is Krishna. Krishna means the All-attractive Personality of Godhead. 

The Bhagavad Gita teaches how to approach Krishna. A. C. Bhaktivedanta's commentaries are full of inspiration. 

The "Teachings of Lord Chaitanya" describes the words and deeds of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the great Apostle of love of Godhead. Lord Chaitanya appeared in India 500 years ago and, like Christ, taught the life of devotion. 

The Bhagavad Gita instructs us to surrender to God, and Lord Chaitanya showed practically how it can be done in the present age. 

HE INTRODUCED the congregational chanting of the Names of God, Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna. Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare; Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, which is recommended in the Vedic Scriptures for gaining self-realization in this age. A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami comes in the line of disciples descending from Lord Chaitanya. 

The "Teachings of Lord Chaitanya" is full of the expression of the loftiest religious sentiments and beautifully complete philosophy. 

Through Lord Chaitanya one may be privileged to have a glimpse of the inner meaning of the Bhagavad Gita

And without knowledge of that scientific explanation of God, one could not appreciate the real position of Lord Chaitanya. He taught the pure activities of the human soul in the stage of liberation from material bondage. 

GOD CONSCIOUSNESS or Krishna consciousness is an elevated state of happiness reached by humble seekers of Truth. 
Spiritual life is often misunderstood in this turbulent world. But there is need of such spiritual leaders as A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami in the present time of crisis. 

Besides that, whatever the world situation, war or peace, everyone must at some time want to know what lies beyond this life - If when we complete our "journey to the end of night" we will find darkness or light. 

The "Bhagavad Gita As It Is" and the "Teachings of Lord Chaitanya" have dealt with the problem at length and offer instructions, encouragement, and benedictions that we may enter the Kingdom of Light. 

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, spiritual leader and founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), was here earlier this year to visit the temporary headquarters of the Hawaii chapter of ISKCON at 51576 Kamehameha Hwy. 



Reference: The Honolulu Advertiser, Hawaii, USA, 1969-08-02