Review and Analysis of 'My Gita' by Devdutt Pattanaik

In recent years, the book 'My Gita' by Devdutt Pattanaik has sparked a significant debate among readers and scholars of Bhagavad Gita enthusiasts. Many critics have harshly criticized the book, labeling it as 'trash' due to its perceived misinterpretations and jumbling of the original text.

The Criticism Spat

One review, particularly scathing, laments the book as 'equivalent to trash' and 'nothing like the' real Bhagavad Gita,

It is a book full of wrong interpretations and jumbling. If the author says that this is based on the real Geeta, it is like drinking tea leaves mixed in cold water and saying it is tea... just absurd.

This review questions the author's intentions and the authenticity of the work. The author is accused of failing to convey the true message, creating a work that is considered by many to be fundamentally flawed.

However, it's not just negative reviews. Let's explore some authentic opinions from saints and scholars to provide a balanced perspective.

Authentic Opinions

Sanathana Goswami, a renowned philosopher and saint, has stated in the Padma Purana:

n Avaiava-mukhodgira putha hari-kathaamtam. Rava naiva kartavya sarpocchia yathaa paya.

This can be roughly translated as

Words of the Lord Krishna, as propagated in the Bhagavad Gita, are pure and transcendental. Any such matter, though transcendental, should not be received from a person who spoils it, just as milk is spoiled by the touch of a serpent's tongue.

The Srimad Bhagavatam further complements this with Verse 1.2.12:

n The holy messages of Lord Krishna as inculcated in the Bhagavad Gita... are absolutely unalloyed. They should not be received even from persons who dampen their intrinsic transcendence through their deeds and words, as a serpent spoils milk by his touch.

During a lecture on the Bhagavad Gita at Columbus in 1969, Srila Prabhupada elaborated on this concept, comparing it to the thin tongue of a serpent damaging milk. He emphasized that one should be cautious of false interpretations and handle such sacred texts with utmost care.

Srila Prabhupada Lecture on Bhagavad-Gita at Columbus 1969: A serpent, with its very thin tongue, can ruin milk simply by touching it. This reflects the importance of understanding and conveying the true essence of the Bhagavad Gita.

These authentic opinions provide a strong defense of the sanctity and authenticity of the Bhagavad Gita. They highlight the significance of preserving and interpreting the ancient text with reverence and scholarly integrity.

Conclusion

Devdutt Pattanaik's 'My Gita' has indeed raised numerous questions and concerns. While the book may appeal to a different audience seeking a modern, accessible interpretation, it is important to recognize the historical and cultural significance of the Bhagavad Gita.

Whether one agrees with the criticisms or not, the authentic perspectives from ancient texts and saints remind us of the importance of respecting the tradition and the sacredness of the original work. It is crucial for modern interpreters to ensure that their interpretations do not detract from the actual meaning and essence of the ancient text.