My GITA by Devdutt Pattanaik

My GITA, what a unique and modern way to interpret Gita. India has witnessed countless retellings of the Gita, each offering a unique perspective. When I picked up this book, I anticipated it to be yet another conventional interpretation of Gita. However, Pattanaik's approach proved to be a delightful surprise.

All 18 chapters of the Gita are explained so nicely. It's not just explained, but also made very easy to understand. This is one of the easiest books to understand the Gita. They say that every time you read the Gita, you find something new, but today it's hard for people to understand it. So, this book is perfect for that.

The disclaimer part is the most interesting for me. I know nobody talks much about the disclaimer of any book, but I want to give special attention to it. The author explains three reasons why he named the book 'My Gita'.

He explains how the Gita is thematic, meaning the thoughts are scattered everywhere, not in a linear order. So, instead of following the usual way, the author has arranged the thoughts in a systematized manner. The second reason is even more interesting. He says the Gita is subjective. We never thought about it like that before. We always think we are hearing what Krishna told Arjuna, but actually, it's what Sanjay told us. So, everything is Sanjay's version of what Krishna said to Arjuna. The third reason is that this 'My Gita' is not about yourself. It's not about finding yourself. The author shows us many different ideas and thoughts, and it's up to us to get inspired or not.

Overall, My Gita is a compelling exploration of a timeless classic that is both enlightening and accessible. Pattanaik’s unique approach, combined with his ability to bridge ancient wisdom with contemporary perspectives, makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in Indian mythology and philosophy. Whether you’re a seasoned Gita scholar or a curious newcomer, this book offers fresh insights and a deeper appreciation for this foundational text.