Svabhavikasutra
The Roots of the Bhagavadgita
Description
The first part of this book focuses on translating the Bhagavadgita verses that have a correlation with the 209 statements of the Svabhavikasutra, its source text. The verses are given in transliteration and devanagari with a word-for-word translation. Comments on the Bhagavadgita are found in the introduction to each chapter. The second part is a 250-page Sanskrit-English dictionary that provides the reader with all the information needed to check a translation, to gain more understanding of a Sanskrit word or to make one's own translation. The dictionary is in English alphabetical order. It includes the inflected forms of verbs and nouns found in the verses, the multiple meanings of a word, of parts of compounded words, and the underlying meaning of a root if assigned to it.
Contents
- The Sanskrit Verses: Comparisons and Translations
- A Sanskrit-English Dictionary with the Words and Inflected Forms Found in 320 Verses of the Bhagavadgita
- Chapter Titles Compared
- Index of Meanings
- Index of Verb Forms
- Bibliography and Index.
Review
Although originally trained in thermodynamics, the author has devoted many years to the study of the Gita and has published two previous books on it. These new ones are a valuable scholarly resource to the specialist. The text is set out in great detail, so that readers can see how the detail makes up the elements of the translation, and thus gain a better understanding of the terms. Yoga is characterised as striving for oneness by means of many different paths and modes including action, knowledge, self restraint, contemplation of form and renunciation. The second part of the first book is a Sanskrit-English dictionary that also serves as a glossary of terms such as ananda and guna. Volume 2 examines the dating of the text, the frequency of key terms and devotes a chapter to scholarly research on the origins of the Gita, going back as far as von Humboldt in 1826. The text is then reproduced in Dutch and English with even more grammatical detail. A further fascinating outcome of this study is that the caste system was only introduced 70 generations ago and that there is no justification of it from the original Gita. The attentive reader will certainly find their knowledge of the text and its background greatly deepened by these works." David Lorimer, Paradigm Explorer, Journal of the Scientific and Medical Network. Vol. 126, 2018, p. 66.
Praise for Volume I (b) and II
The Bhagavad Gita has received more scholarly attention in the modern period than any other Sanskrit text. Focusing on the Gita's close resemblance to the Svabhavikasutra, Kuiken argues that the latter predates the Gita, a proposal that is bound to stir up discussion on the origins of this remarkable text. But controversy is the lifeblood of any academic study, and this carefully researched work on the pre-history of the Gita is a very welcome addition to the conversation on the origin and content of what has become the most widely read scripture from Hindu India." Edwin F. Bryant, Professor of Hinduism, Rutgers University, USA
Important work!" Christopher Chapple, Doshi Professor of Indic and Comparative Theology, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, USA
In this highly valuable text, extreme care is given to language. Dr. Kuiken's profound understanding of the ancient sacred knowledge and his brilliant classifications provide an intelligent approach that assists the reader to comfortably follow the thread of the aphorisms. As the result of meticulous translation and the inclusion of a Sanskrit-English dictionary, the reader can perceive on a deeper level the transcendental principles of life. Comparing the Svabhavikasutra with the dialogues between Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavadgita provides timely lessons for the current days of strife in our human family." Sultana Parvanta, PhD, Former Senior Advisor to the Government of Afghanistan
Along with his other books on the Gita, this volume is the product of years of careful research and philosophical reflection. Dr. Kuiken brings to this task the disciplined mind of a scientist along with meticulous scholarship. Spiritual seekers as well as students of Hinduism will discover new insights as Kuiken reviews the literature concerning the composition of what became the Bhagavadgita as we have it today. Kuiken presents evidence that there was an original core text around which the later Bhagavadgita was composed and inserted into the larger Mahabharata epic. This core text presents the essential philosophical and spiritual message of the Gita. For those who want to go more deeply into the meaning of this core text, but who have little or no knowledge of the Sanskrit language and of the Devanagari script in which it is written, Kuiken provides the transliterated core text in the Roman alphabet, along with an extremely helpful translation of each verse accompanied by a word-by-word translation and glossary of every Sanskrit word. Thus beginning students of Sanskrit, and even those with little or no knowledge of Sanskrit, will be able to explore on their own alternative meanings of words and appreciate the often complex and layered meanings of the original Sanskrit text. In the Vedantic tradition, spiritual insight comes through knowing the text, meditating on its deeper meaning, and realizing that meaning in life. Kuiken's dedicated work will help serious readers know and realize the profound message of the Bhagavadgita." Wade Dazey, Professor Emeritus, Philosophy and Religious Studies, University of Wisconsin, USA
Dr. Kuiken's invaluable contribution to our understanding of the Gita is, in a word, 'brilliant.' He brings years of rigorous research to the study of this seminal work. The combination of his personal passion to uncover and reveal the wisdom of the ancient truth, integrated through the lens of a scientist, offers a rare insight into this transcendent work." Arthur Samuel Joseph, Founder of Vocal Awareness, and President, Vocal Awareness Institute, Los Angeles, USA
Free download
A free download of the Svabhavikasutra Aphorisms is available under the heading 'publications' in the English section of 'Downloads' in English and Sanskrit.