The historic narrative of Arjuna as described by MMY in his Bhagavad Gita clearly misses the point of the symbolic nature of the story. The Story of the BG is only loosely based on an historic event, secondary to the actual allegory Vyasa meant it to contain. If you haven't read an 'esoteric' reading of the book (or have only read MMY's) you have clearly missed the import of Vyasa classical masterpiece!!
After having read MMY's BG several times I almost didn't pick up this book: http://www.amazon.com/God-Talks-Arjuna-Bhagavad-Gita/dp/0876120303 After having read this translation, I was flabbergasted at what an incredible contrast there was between the two and how much more meaningful, logical and inspiring was Swami Yogananda's. In all fairness to MMY he did say his translation (of which the final 12 chapters were NEVER released) was only meant to fulfill an "urgent need" at the present time and that "If time allows", 24 commentaries would be necessary to do justice to the subject. (4 levels of consciousness times 6 systems of Indian philosophy equals 24, see MMY introduction to Gita). If you haven't read Yogananda's translation don't die without doing so for you'll have been sorely short-changed on the magnificence of this book!! Again, MMY's 'urgent need' translation clearly does not do justice to Vyasa's masterpiece.....
