YOGA BOOK CLUB #2 | Bhagavad Gita | start oct 4 2026
With our book club, we read a book every now and then and then get together on a relaxed Sunday afternoon to discuss it.
After our successful trial session in June, when we explored the Mahabharata through the accessible retelling by the renowned Indian writer R.K. Narayan, we are continuing with the Bhagavad Gita. The Bhagavad Gita (The Song of God) is an important part of the Mahabharata and tells the conversation between Arjuna and Krishna on the eve of a great battle. In R.K. Narayan’s retelling, this is Chapter 14, The Hesitant Hero.
Arjuna is unsure whether he should fight, as he is facing family members, teachers and friends on the other side of the battlefield. Krishna teaches him to fulfil his duty without becoming attached to the outcome. The Bhagavad Gita is therefore a philosophical text about action, devotion, knowledge and letting go of attachment.
The aim of our meetings is to get as close as possible to the original meaning of the text. Many translations are influenced by the time and perspective of the translator. The book we are using, by Georg Feuerstein, stays close to the original, including the Sanskrit text, a word-for-word translation and clear notes and explanations.
If you would like to get a feel for the world and background of the Bhagavad Gita beforehand, you can also watch the Netflix series Kurukshetra alongside R.K. Narayan’s book. It is a colourful and exuberant series, full of action and fantasy.
Book
The Bhagavad-Gita: A New Translation, Georg Feuerstein, 2014 (English)
Available to order, for example, from Donner.
Who is it for?
Everyone who would like to deep dive into this ancient text is very welcome!
Programme and dates
Georg Feuerstein’s book consists of two parts:
Part 1: Background and essays on topics including the Mahabharata, the characters in the Gita, key philosophical ideas and the author Vyasa.
Part 2: The Bhagavad Gita itself, with its different chapters and verses.
We will meet on three Sunday afternoons, from 4:30–6:00 pm:
4 October – Part 1, An introduction to the background of the Bhagavad Gita and Feuerstein’s book.
25 October – Part 2, chapters 1, 2, 4 and 6
22 November – Part 2, chapters 7, 9 and 18
Each session, we will explore part of the book together. The first session will begin with an introductory presentation by Olga. For the following two sessions, it would be great if you could read the relevant chapters beforehand, so that we can discuss them together.
Language: Dutch
You’re also very welcome if Dutch isn’t your native language; we are happy to translate into English.
Led by Olga.
Questions?
Send an email to olga@yogacoolhaven.nl
Free of charge. Bring something tasty to share - registration via the Eversports schedule.
