In the introductory remarks, the book clarifies some of the basic concepts like the meaning of ‘Yoga’ and ‘Samadhi’. ‘Yoga’ means the union with the ultimate Reality while Samadhi means equating oneself with the ultimate. At that stage the individual identity is merged in the cosmic realm. This is illustrated by a simple example by Sri Ramakrishna :”The salt-doll which wanted to measure the depth of the ocean , entered it and get dissolved in it.”

 The book further goes to clear the cobwebs of confusion regarding the title ‘Krishna Yoga’. Yogas are methods for union with the ultimate, the main ones being Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga. Though all of them had strong adherents before the advent of Gita, each claimed superiority thereby trying to establish an isolated identity of its own. It was Sri Krishna who took the best from all of them and harmoniously threaded them into one – the Gita which is a unified version of all these Yogas and hence it si rightfully given and identity of its own as ‘Krishna Yoga’. The guidelines given in it for harmonious living and spiritual awakening are elegantly brought out and lucidly explained for the benefit of all those who are not aware of their subtle nuances.

 The quintessence of the Gita philosophy is highlighted into the 30th stanza of the 3rd chapter (Sankhya Yoga) . It states: “Surrendering everything to ME and removing all mental fever, greed and egotism, fight using your spiritual consciousness”. The keywords in this divine gospel are meticulously explained in the subsequent paragraphs. Thus ‘Surrender everything to ME’ puts in a nut-shell, the concept of Bhakti Yoga,while ‘removal of the clouds of confusion that block you in casting off the individual identity and moving towards the cosmic realm. These guidelines form the core of ‘Jnana Yoga’. ‘Fight explains the importance of ‘Karma’ with all its ramifications in one’s life while ‘spiritual consciousness’ is the password for Raja Yoga. All these doctrines are elaborately explained and profusely illustrated with examples in the subsequent chapters.

In the chapter on ‘Karma Yoga’ the logical sequencing starts with the definition of ‘Karma’ which is the sum total of all human activities including thinking , speaking , acting reaching and introspection. This is followed by specific guidelines for the proper perception of the right type of work limitations faced en-route and secrets for the successful completion of the task undertaken. Karma Yoga advices humans to be masters of their work and not slaves remembering that they have absolute freedom and unlimited choice.   But since all actions are identified both as cause and effect, humans should be totally free from selfish motives and work undauntedly for righteous causes.  Love and compassion for all form the basic undercurrent of all righteous form of work and such work should be guided by total detachment from all expectation for selfish aggrandizement. Education, training and self discipline one emphasized for directing the individual along the right path. Even fighting up hold the righteous cause and protect the innocents from the hands of destructive forces justified as the right ‘Karma’. Gandhi’s fight against imperialism and Lincoln’s fight against slavery are quoted as apt examples. The chapter closes explaining the Law of Karma which is closely linked to the process of evolution through action aimed at love for all.

 The main tenor of the chapter on ‘Bhakti Yoga’ is purification of heart so that it can concentrate on spiritual awakening. The one and only means of purification forcefully emphasized is love for all. Emphasizing that life and love are inseparable, the Upanishads are quoted in support of the same. Ananda, Rasa, Madhu – words mentioned in Upanishads all mean unfettered happiness through universal love. While Gita has added the devotional aspect , it also emphasizes that God is whatever form worshipped is nothing but love incarnate. The discovery of the fullmess of love pervading all living beings has been brought forth by several enlightened persons like Budhha, Jesus Christ, Mohammed and others. Swami Vivekananda identified the Ground of our Dwelling as GOD and propounded the philosophy that the greatest form of worship in love for all. Love leads to purification of heart making it ready to identify the formless supreme through whichever mode of prayer, ritual or mediation that may suit the individual. The exposition is profound but simple to understand.

Janana Yoga emphasizes that wisdom is the ultimate goal of life and such wisdom is gained through knowledge of external world and internal self. While hearing, learning, thinking, reflecting and correlation help us to gain knowledge , it is through contemplation and meditation that we convert such knowledge into wisdom. This wisdom in turn helps us to understand first the visible but changing environment around us and then steadily move on to the unchanging supreme source.  This vast, infinite, all pervasive source encompassing all space is defined as ‘Brahman’ the consciousness of which is attained through proper channeling of our wisdom. 

Raja Yoga explicitly outlines steps to strengthen, purify and expand the mind which is the instrument of perception and cognition. To attain moral excellence, there are eight steps prescribed. ‘Yama’ and ‘Niyama’ (dos and donts) , Asanas for physical fitness, Pranayama to purify the nervous system and control the vital force , Prana, Pratyahara for mental equilibrium through concentration, Dharana for steadying the mind a pure state and finally ‘Dhyana’ followed by ‘Samadhi’ leading to spiritual awareness of the existence of the supreme (which is defined as consciousness of Atman) steadfastness in the practice of these steps in emphasized  to achieve the desired goal.

In the post script, some supplementary literature on similar topics is also suggested such as Vivekachudamani by Adi Shankara. BHakti Sutras by Narada and Yoga sutra by Patanjali and the writings of Swami Vivekananda.

 The compilation of lectures gives an excellent exposition of a subject which, prima facie appears to be very complex to understand but unravels its beauty and profundity as we read along. The lucid explanation punctuated by several examples taken from the lives of great men as well as ordinary people makes it all the more enjoyable. The repeated emphasis on universal love and dedication to selfless work is sure to make the desired impact on the readers. It is indeed a boon for all those interested in understanding the quintessence of this divine gospel- Gita. A treasure house of yogic philosophy and pleasurable reading material for all.