Prolegomena: The Bhagavad Gītā: A Timeless Manual for Self-Mastery and Leadership

Abstract

The Bhagavad Gı̄tā literally means the “Song of the Supreme Being.” This opening chapter introduces the Bhagavad Gı̄tā as a timeless manual for Self-mastery and leadership. After briefly recounting the author’s preparation for this book, it offers pointers on how to approach the teachings of the Gı̄tā. It lays out the setting by providing an overview of the subject matter of the Gı̄tā and its relevance for contemporary leaders and organizations. Additionally, it provides a synoptic overview of all the chapters of this book. Each chapter of the book is presented integrally as an independent whole, and yet the teachings of the Gı̄tā are unfolded in a progressive manner.