Your book approaches the Bhagavad Gita in a question-and-answer style. What inspired you to take this format rather than a traditional commentary?
The Gita itself begins with questions, Arjuna’s doubts and Krishna’s responses. That living dialogue inspired me. I also carry questions about work, stress, choices, or meaning. A traditional commentary often explains verses in layers of philosophy, but I wanted a direct, conversational bridge. By framing each verse as a question we might ask in daily life, the answers feel more personal, practical, and relatable. These are the questions I asked myself when looking for answers. It is less a lecture, more a dialogue that continues with each person’s inner voice.
Many readers find philosophy abstract. How do you make the Gita feel real and useful in everyday life?
My goal was to translate timeless ideas into today’s struggles. Instead of speaking about the Gita in grand, distant terms, I asked: how does this verse help when I feel anxious before a decision, or restless at work? Each reflection connects the verse to small yet real moments, such as handling failure, balancing ambition, or finding peace in a noisy world. By grounding philosophy in lived experience, the Gita becomes less about “higher knowledge” and more about practical guidance. I see it as wisdom we can walk with daily, not just admire.
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What was your first encounter with the Bhagavad Gita, and how did it shape your journey?
I first encountered the Bhagavad Gita in my childhood as a curious reader in my home. The clear advice of transforming oneself for the better before asking others to be good felt personal to me. One verse, about performing work without attachment, struck me. It quietly changed how I looked at effort and results. From then on, the Gita was no longer just a book but a mirror. That encounter shaped my journey as both a reader and a writer. It showed me that the Gita is not about distant ideals; it is about finding clarity and strength in the very situations we all face.
In the process of writing, did you come across any verse that changed your personal perspective on work, stress, or decision-making?
Yes, verse 2.47 deeply impacted me: “You have a right to action, not to the fruits thereof.” While familiar, writing about it made me truly internalise it. I realised much of my stress came from clinging to outcomes, wanting control where none existed. This verse taught me to focus on effort, values, and intention, instead of obsessing over results. That shift was freeing. It didn’t make me passive; rather, it made me calmer, more effective, and less anxious in decision-making. The verse stopped being an idea and became a daily practice, a way of working without the burden of constant worry.
Who do you see as the primary reader of this book—someone new to the Gita, or someone who has studied it for years?
This book is written for both. Beginners will find that the question-and-answer format makes the Gita less intimidating and more like a friend speaking directly to their doubts. Experienced readers, meanwhile, will discover fresh entry points to reflect on verses they already know. Since the Gita is layered, no one truly “finishes” studying it; each reading brings new meaning. I hoped to write a companion text, something light enough for a first-time reader, yet thought-provoking for someone revisiting the Gita. So whether it’s your first step or your fiftieth, this book meets you where you are.
How do you balance faithfulness to the text with accessibility for a modern audience?
I kept the verses central and unchanged, while interpreting them in plain, simple language. The aim was not to replace classical commentaries but to provide a doorway. I used modern questions about work stress, family dilemmas, and daily decisions to connect ancient wisdom with contemporary situations. The challenge was to preserve depth without overwhelming the reader. Faithfulness came from staying rooted in the spirit of the verse, not twisting it to fit personal opinions. Accessibility came from shortening the distance between the text and today’s life. I see it as translating timeless truth into today’s language without losing its original fragrance.
The Gita has been interpreted in countless ways across centuries. How do you see your contribution as different?
Every interpretation reflects the time, culture, and person engaging with the Gita. My contribution is not another scholarly or theological commentary, but a lived, practical reflection. I am not a scholar, I am a seeker. I have been studying the Gita for the last 30-odd years. The difference lies in approach: I don’t try to “explain” the Gita in full; instead, I ask, “What does this verse mean for us right now?” My book is not meant to replace the classics but to complement them, serving as a doorway for everyday readers who may feel distant from heavy philosophy. In that sense, it is less about offering final answers and more about inviting a personal dialogue with timeless wisdom.
What do you hope readers will take away after finishing this book—both immediately and in the long run?
Immediately, I hope readers feel the Gita is not abstract or distant, but a companion that speaks directly to their lives. They should leave with simple, practical tools for calmness, clarity, and better choices. In the long run, I hope that the Gita becomes less of a book they “read once” and more of a conversation they return to in different phases of life. If Silent Seer can plant the seed that wisdom is not outside but within, and that one verse can guide a lifetime, then the book has fulfilled its purpose.
Author Bio: Dhiman Ghose is an engineer and corporate professional with over two decades of experience in the world’s largest IT companies. He has long turned to the Bhagavad Gita for guidance in leadership, decision-making, and inner balance. His approach is rooted in lived experience, not theory, where ancient wisdom meets the demands of modern life. With a seeker’s heart and a practical mind, he offers honest, relatable reflections for everyday clarity and purpose.
