Book excerpt: The Bhagavad Gītā recounts a profound dialogue between Arjuna, a conflicted warrior, and his humble charioteer, who is in fact the Lord Himself. The message Kṛṣṇa delivered on a battlefield more than 5000 years ago is just as relevant today because it awakens the soul to mankind’s true nature and reason for being. His instructions have stood the test of time and provide the knowledge to help us triumph over the obstacles we face in our lives. Paramahamsa Sri Swami Vishwananda’s commentary brings this timeless discourse to life, unravelling it and delivering it straight to the heart of the reader. It is rare when a book has the potential to become a lifelong companion for spiritual seekers, yet the Bhagavad Gītā Essentials is designed to be just that: an essential part of your life. Small enough to carry with you wherever you go, yet profound enough to carry you all the way to God; succinct enough to read in a matter of hours, yet deep enough to contemplate for decades to come.