Howard J. Resnick, Ph.D., is a Harvard-trained Sanskrit scholar, author, and spiritual teacher.

He holds a doctorate in Sanskrit and is internationally recognized for his pioneering work translating and contextualizing ancient Indian texts, bringing their profound insights to contemporary audiences through his scholarship and lectures at universities worldwide. Also known as H.D. Goswami, Howard continues to bridge the gap between classical wisdom and modern life, as an author, philosopher, and spiritual teacher.

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Books by Howard J. Resnick

Featured title

Great Bharata: The Invasion Begins

Volume One
In this captivating retelling of the Mahabharata, Harvard scholar Howard Resnick reimagines the journey of Satyavati—from humble fisher girl to queen and savior of the world. Great Bharata blends myth, history, and spirituality in an epic saga that bridges the earthly, cosmic, and divine.

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Browse all titles in all languages. Bulk orders available.

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Essays & Academic Papers

Howard J. Resnick’s scholarly essays explore the theological and philosophical foundations of the bhakti tradition with academic rigor and clarity.

Through his research on texts like the Bhagavad-gītā, Mahābhārata, and Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Resnick bridges classical Sanskrit theology with modern academic discourse.

His works—such as “Krishna in the Bhagavad-gita: A Beginning Ontology from the Gaudiya Perspective” and “For Whom Does Hinduism Speak?”—explore key spiritual themes. His Introduction to Great Bharata (available here as a multi-part series) explores the historical, literary, and cultural context of the Maha-bharata.

Great Bharata Introduction: Part 1. General Introduction to Maha-bharata

From the introduction to Great Bharata: The Invasion Begins, Volume 1 The words Great Bhārata translate the Sanskrit, Mahā-bhārata, the title of an ancient and extraordinary text that claims to tell the immemorial history of South Asia, of the Earth, and indeed of our...

Kṛṣṇa in the Bhagavad Gītā: A Beginning Ontology from the Gauḍīya Perspective

Introduction I attempt in this paper to clarify certain essential teachings of the Bhagavad-gītā which are traditionally “zones of puzzlement” among scholars. These areas focus on a single point: the nature and status of God, Kṛṣṇa, according to the Gītā. My strong...

For Whom Does Hinduism Speak

Introduction In his remarkable work, India and Europe, Wilhelm Halbfass notes that, “…the critical, historical, and often reductive work of Western Indologists has met with passionate rejection by conservative Hinduism and been seen as part of a strategy of Western...

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A sophisticated thematic approach

Anyone that has read one of the several English translations of the famed Bhagavad-gita, with its richness of life-affirming truth, may have come away feeling spiritually refreshed yet vaguely uncertain as to whether or not the Gita upholds a clearly developed system of thought. With its sophisticated thematic approach, this Comprehensive Guide brings clarity to the Gita’s content in a most thorough and systematic way, inviting both first-time and seasoned readers to vigorously engage with the text while enjoying the rewards of deep understanding.

Kenneth Valpey Ph.D., Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies

Helpful for understanding values that undergird Indian culture

As a full professor, scholar, and author in the fields of international and intercultural communication, I find A Comprehensive Guide to the Bhagavad-Gita to be extraordinarily helpful for understanding the values that undergird Indian culture. Howard Resnick is an outstanding scholar, drawing from both scholarly and sectarian sources to patiently and clearly explicate the Bhagavad-Gita.

Dr. David Zuckerman

Masterfully blends history, philosophy, and drama

Great Bharata is an exceptionally well-written masterpiece that captivates from the very first page. The storytelling is rich, immersive, and deeply engaging—each chapter flows seamlessly into the next, making it a true page-turner. The author’s vivid descriptions and emotional depth bring the characters and events to life, offering both wisdom and entertainment. A compelling read that masterfully blends history, philosophy, and drama.

Amazon Customer

Great Bharata – an absolute page-turner

Fantastic! This book is truly wonderful. It’s the most authentic version I’ve read—an absolute page-turner. The writing is excellent, both historically and narratively. The characters come alive, and in this particular version, I especially love Dr. Resnick’s take on Satyavati. Her character is absolutely captivating. I feel that history has often misunderstood Satyavati, but this book provides a compelling and insightful account of who she was and what might have actually happened.

Amazon Customer

Unique insight into the essential meaning

H.D. Goswami’s Comprehensive Guide with Literal Translation provides readers with unique insight into the essential meaning of Bhagavad-gita, with succinct, carefully crafted explications of complex philosophical themes. Concise yet thorough, this skillful exposition, containing hundreds upon hundreds of key Gita references, affords a conceptual window into the core elements of Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna.

Graham M. Schweig Ph.D., Professor of Philosophy and Religion, Christopher Newport University

A modern spiritual parable that’s both entertaining and enlightening

Justin Davis … encourages readers to reflect on their own paths and beliefs. Howard Resnick aka H.D. Goswami has created a modern spiritual parable that’s both entertaining and enlightening. Highly recommended for anyone open to stories that challenge the mind while nourishing the soul.

Amazon Customer