The Bhagavad-Gītā presents a timeless formula for rising above the mundane problems of life to enjoy eternal freedom and fulfilment in higher states of consciousness; it brings to light a complete science of life and art of living relevant to every generation, based upon the simple yet profound experience of the inner Self-the infinite, eternal reservoir of creativity and intelligence that lies within us all. In recent centuries, when the key to effortless experience of this inner reality became lost to view, Lord Kṛishṇa's beautiful descriptions of higher consciousness were mistakenly thought to be behavioral prescriptions and arduous practices, intended to eventually bring one to the inner Self-and in the distant future to a more exalted, enlightened state. With the loss of direct experience, the Gītā became the centerpiece of speculative philosophies, seemingly without practical value nor hope for the fulfilment of its promises. Maharishi's commentary, however, written on the banks of the Ganges river more than 50 years ago, breathes life into the Gītā's timeless expressions, proclaiming that the teaching of Lord Kṛishṇa on the battlefield of Kurukshetra begins with the experience of the inner Self-readily available through the effortless technique of Transcendental Meditation-and continues by predicting the awakening of the total potential of human life within a short time. It is Maharishi's profound insight that the development of higher states of consciousness is easy and accessible to anyone, regardless of lifestyle, culture, or belief. In these pages-and in particular in Maharishi's comments on the 45th verse of Chapter 2-everyone will find the key to a happier, more successful, and more fulfilling life.