A companion to the Bhagavad Gita offers a series of reflections on the major themes of the classic Hindu texts, translating the ancient teachings into principles for contemporary Western life and making its wisdom relevant to modern life World-renowned philosopher and spiritual teacher Ram Dass—author of the groundbreaking classic Be Here Now—presents the contemporary Western audience with a lively, accessible guide to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the classic Hindu text that has been called the ultimate instruction manual for living a spiritual life. Backward and Foreword xiii Introduction 1(12) Context and Conflict 13(21) Karma and Reincarnation 34(21) Karma Yoga 55(18) Jnana Yoga 73(21) Brahman 94(13) Sacrifice and Mantra 107(20) Renunciation and Purification 127(32) Devotion and the Guru 159(23) Social Aspects of Sadhana 182(22) Dying 204(103) Conclusion 228(21) The Course Syllabus Keeping A Journal 249(2) Contemplation 251(4) Meditation 255(1) The Witness 256(3) Giving and Receiving 259(3) Silence 262(3) Tapasya 265(2) Hatha Yoga Asanas and Pranayam 267(3) Japa Yoga 270(2) Going to Church or Temple 272(2) Kirtan 274(2) Satsang Collaboration 276(2) Puja Table 278(2) Karma Yoga 280(5) The Supplemental Syllabus Vipassana Meditation 285(3) Mindfulness Meditation on Food, by Joseph Goldstein 288(3) Buddhist Mealtime Meditations, by Jack Kornfield 291(6) Satsang Meditation 297(2) How to Use a Mala 299(2) The Chakras 301(3) The Yoga of Psychedelics 304(3) Notes 307(4) Glossary 311(8) Resources 319(2) Index 321