Reading this book on the heels of the Bhagavad-Gita I was very surprised at how similar these two books are. Both are major poetic, religious works. Both consist of a conversation between a pilgrim of sorts and a religious leader of sorts.
The similarities end there. Dante was Catholic. The anonymous author of the Bhagavad-Gita was Hindu. The religiosity evident in both of these books is different because of these different religions.
Comparisons can also be made between The Divine Comedy and Pilgrim's Progress. Both are allegorical journey. One is a journey through life to heaven. The other is a journey through hell to sort of scare the pilgrim straight.
The poetry of this book is amazing. I almost forgot that I was reading a poem. Part of those kudos need to go to the translator Mark Musa.
I set the book down feeling somewhat depressed. I'm so glad that I'm not focused on avoiding hell but rather focusing on God and His glory.
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