All titles are available in the Society's library and bookshop
The Bhagavad Gita, translated by Swami Nikhilananda , Ramakrishna Vivekananda Center, New York, NY
Considered the essence of the Upanishads, and called the "practical scripture," this 700-verse
dialogue between Sri Krishna and the warrior hero Arjuna is one of the most important religious
classics in the world.
Note: Other translations of The Bhagavad Gita are also available.
God is Everything, by Swami Sarvagatananda, Vedanta Society of Toronto
A unique exposition of the Isa Upanishad, illuminating its literal and its inner meaning, and showing
the application of its truth in our lives.
Seeing God Everywhere, by Swami Shraddhananda, Vedanta Press, Hollywood, CA
A practical guide to spiritual living, with articles that stimulate in-depth spiritual practice.
Sermon on the Mount according to Vedanta, by Swami Prabhavananda, Vedanta Press, Hollywood, CA
An approach to Christ's teachings from the standpoint of Vedanta's practical methods for divine
unfoldment and spiritual realization.
The Upanishads, translated by Swami Nikhilananda , Ramakrishna Vivekananda Centre, New York, NY
Eleven major Upanishads are included. The Upanishads form the concluding portion of each of
the four Vedas: Rig, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva. The Upanishads are records of the highest
experiences of ancient sages who searched through meditation and intuition for Truth. The
Upanishads are also referred to as "the Vedanta." Swami Nikhilananda gives translation of each
verse, followed by commentary.
Vedanta: Voice of Freedom, by Swami Vivekananda (compiled and edited by Swami Chetanananda) , Vedanta
Society of St Louis
Selections from the lectures and writings by Swami Vivekananda who brought the message of
Vedanta to the West in 1893 and founded the first Vedanta Societies. The question "What is
Vedanta?" is discussed, as are a variety of topics including the universality and practicality of Vedanta.
Vedanta: A Simple Introduction, by Pravrajika Vrajaprana , Vedanta Press, Hollywood, CA
Topics include an overview of Vedanta and its universality; the four yogas for basic spiritual
practice; the harmony of religions; the oneness of existence; and God in human form.
In the Bhagavad-Gita, these questions are asked: “What is the force that binds us to evil deeds? What power moves us, even against our will?” Sri Krishna replies: “The bad actions that arise in the minds of people are due to selfish desires and anger. The deep rooted drive for self-satisfaction is the enemy of the wise.”
The Gita explains that, “At the beginning, mankind and obligation for selfless service were created together.” This is the underlying truth that explains the interdependence and interconnectedness of everything. When we disregard this truth, we disregard the unity of all beings. Consequently, our desires remain governed by the selfishness of the senses, the mind and the intellect, which results in bad actions.
For our actions to be consistent with the eternal obligation for selfless service, our desires should be controlled by our inner consciousness. Sri Krishna says in the Gita, “When consciousness is unified and one’s actions
are unselfish, one attains equanimity of mind and achieves the state beyond all evil.”
