Abhinavagupta's Commentary on the Bhagavad Gita

Description

"Abhinavagupta's Commentary on the Bhagavad Gita: Gitartha Samgraha", translated by Boris Marjanovic, is a unique and profound exploration of the Bhagavad Gita through the lens of one of India's most celebrated Kashmir Shaivite philosophers, Abhinavagupta. Unlike conventional commentaries that often lean heavily on Vedantic interpretations, Abhinavagupta offers a non-dual Shaivite perspective, deeply rooted in the Trika and Pratyabhijna traditions. His reading emphasizes the unity of the self with the divine consciousness (Shiva), and interprets the Gita not just as a spiritual or ethical guide, but as a revelation of ultimate reality and liberation (moksha) through inner realization and divine recognition. In this concise yet powerful text—aptly titled Gitartha Samgraha, meaning "Summary of the Meaning of the Gita"—Abhinavagupta distills the essence of the Gita into a coherent, philosophical vision that transcends ritualism and moral dualities. He views Arjuna's inner conflict as symbolic of the deeper existential struggle within every seeker, and Krishna’s teachings as guiding one toward self-awareness, detachment, and the realization that all actions are expressions of the divine. Boris Marjanovic’s English translation preserves the clarity and depth of the original Sanskrit while offering rich footnotes and context for modern readers. The translation allows access to the esoteric yet insightful interpretations Abhinavagupta brings, illuminating how this 11th-century polymath saw the Gita not merely as a historical dialogue but as a timeless spiritual map toward enlightenment. This work is invaluable not only for scholars of Indian philosophy but also for spiritual seekers interested in integrating the Gita’s teachings with a tantric, Shaivite worldview.