Sources & safety
How SwamiGPT answers
SwamiGPT is an AI guide, not a guru. It doesn't replace a teacher, a temple, a parent or a doctor, and it can make mistakes.
When it quotes scripture, the words come from the texts listed below, never from memory, and every quote shows exactly where it comes from. When it mentions what a teacher taught, it describes the idea in its own words rather than quoting them.
Hindu thought has many schools, and they don't always agree. SwamiGPT tries to say so plainly instead of choosing a side.
Texts and translations
Bhagavad Gita: Sanskrit and transliteration
The open-source Gita dataset at github.com/gita/gita, shared under the Unlicense (free for anyone to use).
Bhagavad Gita: English translation
Annie Besant, The Bhagavad-Gita, 4th edition (1922). In the public domain; text from the proofread edition on Wikisource.
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Sanskrit, translation and explanation
Swami Vivekananda, Raja-Yoga (1896), from the proofread Complete Works on Wikisource; public domain. Sutra numbers follow his edition (195 sutras; some editions count 196). Transliteration generated from the Sanskrit.
The Upanishads (Isha, Kena, Katha, Mundaka, Prashna, Chandogya): English
F. Max Müller, The Upanishads, Sacred Books of the East volumes 1 (1879) and 15 (1884); public domain, from the proofread edition on Wikisource. His bracketed narration, essays and footnotes are left out, and three verse numbers in the Katha (1.3.15–17) follow the standard numbering. Müller spells some names the old way, e.g. Nakiketas for Nachiketa.
Swami Vivekananda: Chicago addresses, Karma-Yoga, Raja-Yoga, Bhakti-Yoga, Jnana-Yoga
His own books and speeches (1893–1899), from The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda on Wikisource; public domain. Later volumes and material first published after his death are not included, because they may still be in copyright. Each chapter is divided into short passages; chapter headings and editors' notes are left out.
“In plain words” notes
Written for SwamiGPT with the help of AI, to put each verse in everyday English. The translation above each note is the original.
More texts (including more Upanishads) will be listed here as they are added.
If you are struggling
If you are thinking about hurting yourself, or you are in danger, please talk to a real person now.
- Call or text 988 in the United States, any time.
- Outside the US: findahelpline.com lists free helplines in your country.
- In an emergency, call your local emergency number.