The Bhagavadgita

The Bhagavadgita: A New Translation by Kees W. Bolle presents one of the most influential texts of Indian philosophy in a fresh and accessible rendering. Long revered as a cornerstone of Hindu spiritual and ethical thought, the Bhagavadgita weaves together epic narrative, dialogue, and metaphysical reflection. Bolle’s translation emphasizes clarity and fidelity to the Sanskrit, balancing poetic resonance with philosophical precision. He provides readers not only with the translated text but also with extensive commentary on its setting, language, and enduring religious significance.

Bolle situates the Bhagavadgita in its historical and cultural context, addressing the challenges of translating across languages and traditions, and reflecting on the choices and meanings embedded in Sanskrit terminology. His notes and concordance equip readers with tools to engage the text both as literature and as scripture, illuminating themes of duty, devotion, and liberation. With its combination of translation, critical apparatus, and interpretive essays, this edition invites scholars, students, and general readers alike to explore the Gita’s depth and its ongoing power to shape conversations on ethics, spirituality, and human purpose.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1979.