Krishna: the Beautiful Legend of God: (Srimad Bhagavata Purana Book X) (Penguin Classics: Srimad Bhagavata Pura?a, 10) Paperback – May 25, 2004

I ordered this book back in 2004 but only partially read the introduction (60 pages) and introduction notes (12 pages). Voluminous, indeed. And I read a small handful of the first few chapters. It was a good read, but then life got busy, I set the book down, and forgot about it. Now twenty years later, I'm rediscovering it and I picked up right where I left off. The author, Professor Edwin Bryant is very sympathetic to the devout tone of the Sanskrit text. He may even be a closet Krishna devotee without knowing it. The end notes for the chapters amount to a massive 72 pages followed by a 12 page glossary and a 3 page Sanskrit pronunciation guide. The book is in English, however, many Sanskrit words are left intact within the translation. Also, there are 2 pages of source material notes and a 3 page bibliography. Keep in mind that this is all in small size text font from beginning to end.One note: In chapter 8, verses 37-38, Prof. Bryant translates bhu-golam to "sphere of the earth". According to the online Sanskrit dictionary, bhu-golam can also be translated as "surface of the earth". So I am just pointing out that translation of any language can be a tricky business. I love this book and its format. Kudos to Prof. Bryant.

But great myths of their heroes

Along with Ramon Mahesh's translation/condensation, this is my favorite version in English of what to me is the greatest, most moving text of Indian spirituality. Indeed, were I told that I had to live the rest of my life on a desert island and could only take one spiritual work and one secular work, I would take the Srimad Bhagavatam and the Complete Works of William Shakespeare. Bryant's introduction is scholarly and yet not condescending of the great spiritual tradition of Vaisnavism from which this text comes. It is also beautifully written--the translation of the chapters that have to do with the Rasa dance of Krishna and the gopis and the coming of the autumn rains are exquisite poetry. It is said that just sincerely listening to this text can enlighten you and save you from countless lifetimes of toil and suffering. I certainly have found that reading it is a source of spiritual sustenance and comfort. The notes in the back are also comprehensive and fascinating. Bryant has done Krishna a great service with this impeccable translation. Thank you!!

I am a big fan of Advaita Vedanta which is quite similar to the teachings of Plotinus (the One); however with one added ingredient... Love (Parmenides thank you for making that opening statement in Western philosophy man). I therefore see reality (Life) as the highest accomplishment of God (Self) that needs to be celebrated; not denied. This is my problem with a lot of advaita teachings. It is why I have a preference for Bhedabheda/Krsna/Christ but only in the realization that there is no separation whatsoever for there is none in reality. What a wonderful world this is. How beautiful all of you are. I love you all! Life is the miracle of Love! Love, Love, Love!

The quality of the cover and pages are good. The fonts and spacing of them are clean and thoughtfully executed. As for the story itself, it's quite interesting. It's like a rollercoaster this story, it took me to a journey through different moods, sometimes I felt sad, sometimes pity, sometimes happiness, sometimes aww and fascination, and so on. The discussions and monologue in the book itself are quite interesting and reveal much good information about Hinduism. This book is so good that I am now determined to check out the rest of the Puranas and also to have a statue of the architect of the Gods on my desk! I would recommend this

Professor Bryant is a brilliant scholar and this translation is just one of the concrete manifestations of his unique scholarly gifts. The introduction to the translated text is excellent and, as another reviewer says, worth the price of the book on its own. The Bhagavata Purana (especially the 10th book - translated here) embodies an immensely important tradition in Indic spirituality and should be read at least as much as some of the other classics of Indic traditions - like the Gita or the Upanishads (e.g.). Hopefully, through the ease of Professor Bryant's translation, the interesting features of the text itself and the translator's enlightening introduction, this edition of the text will allow the Bhagavata to become better known and better appreciated in the West.

The introduction is fantastic. I've been teaching a world religions course for undergraduates for over 20 years, and I learned a tremendous amount from simply reading the introduction. The translation by Bryant is also very readable: smooth, not filled with too much modern day jargon to connect to contemporary readers but also not heavy on technical terms related to the time of composition and genre either.

For anyone interested in attaining the Supreme Divine Love of God, this is the crest jewel of knowledge. It transcends the Vedas. Reading about the divine Lilas or pastimes of Krishna soothes and inspires the heart and clears the mind. I purchased the ebook version and find it very convenient to refer to. It is translated into a very accessible style of English, so you don't have to wade through the archaic terms.