The Upanishads
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Concise, explains things in a lucid manner
  • Timeless Knowing
  • ANOTHER GREAT ONE
  • Excellent read
  • A Required Book For Any Collection of Eastern Wisdom
The Upanishads

Manufacturer: Nilgiri Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0915132397

Amazon.com

Formerly a professor of Victorian literature, Eknath Easwaran discovered the treasures of wisdom in his own native India and began to pursue them with a passion. He has since studied them, practiced them, and moved to America to share them with the Western world. In his translation of The Upanishads, the font of Indian spirituality, Easwaran delights us with a readable rendition of one of the most difficult texts of all religious traditions. Each Upanishad is a lyrical statement about the deeper truths of mysticism, from the different levels of awareness to cultivations of love for God. There's one twist, though, for ultimately a devoted meditator realizes that God and the world are not separate from oneself. Then the ultimate goal becomes to reunite with the universal Self, achieving the infinite joy that accompanies such union. Easwaran recruited Michael Nagler to contribute notes to the translation and a lengthy afterword, which together with introductions to each Upanishad, guide us expertly through this strange and fruitful landscape. --Brian Bruya

Book Description

Fifteen Upanishads with detailed explanatory introductions. In lofty poetry and vivid prose they give the essence of the Perennial Philosophy. 312 pages.

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Concise, explains things in a lucid manner.......2007-09-11

Well Honestly Eknaths Book is for those who are looking to know Upanishads and its essence, while the book attempts to cover most important texts from various upanishads.

My personal opinion has always been that a person who is getting a first hand look at upanishads and philosophy of Brahm ( not its not Brahman, its pronounced as Brahm ), should be allowed to take a look the actual translation ( And not read commentaries or any gists etc AT ALL period.) This is because i think a person's own opinion develops over the time and he might get a much deeper understanding by knowing and realizing the absolute truth himself and not limiting his / her opinion to authors own ideas ( Bias perhaps ? ) . That also includes Shankaras commentaries. For this very reason, i started with actual translations of upanishads and Brahm Sutras to know exact meaning or words of the shruti and not authors ideas. After you have grasped everything, then perhaps ( especially when you are competent enough about the subject that no one can cloud your opinion ( unless your opinions are not true or you are missing something ) should one go and read such texts.

So in short i would have liked this text much more ( i gave it 3 ) if it included actual translations and not just english texts.

Needless to say Eknaths book was a appreciable experience. Upanishads themselves are always a joy to read. ( be in any form )

Regards
Vyas, Anirudh

5 out of 5 stars Timeless Knowing.......2007-03-24

The perennial philosophy proposes that an infinite, unchanging reality exists behind the illusion of ceaseless change apparent in the material world, and, that this infinite unchanging reality remains at the core of all existence. Discoveries made in the field of quantum physics support this philosophy and serve as encouragement to all who believe the philosophy's third premise: it is the purpose of life to experience this reality. Nowhere is this philosophy more completely celebrated or more beautifully expressed than the Upanishads. While many "holy books" will not stand the test of time and scientific advancement, the Upanishads can be considered a quantum primer. Physicists are only now beginning to understand that the material world of separation is an illusion, that everything in existence is one thing, and that one thing is consciousness. Yet, some 3,500 years ago a group of spiritual seekers left organized ritual and rhetoric behind, journeyed inward, and discovered the truths that lie at the core of all things.

The meaning of the word Upanishad, "sitting down near," paints the picture of the Upanishad's origin as an oral teaching passed from teacher to student. But as Easwaran points out, the knowledge contained in these verses were not meant to be learned by rote, but were to be "realized," through direct personal experience. Easwaran's insightful introduction makes it clear that these particular teachings, teachers and students were far from ordinary as he states, ". . .although the Upanishads are attached to the Vedas, they seem to come from an altogether different world. . .they stand on their own authority." The Upanishads demonstrate gnosis, the inward seeking of spiritual truth, at the highest level. Easwaran's thoughtful translation serves as a worthy instructor for anyone who is unfamiliar with these teachings. The chapter introductions and afterword by Michael N. Nagler ease the Western mind into the verses, answering many questions that new readers are likely to ask. As quantum discoveries force humanity into a massive paradigm shift, the Upanishads will undoubtedly remain a guiding light. Lee & Steven Hager are the authors of Quantum Prodigal Son: Revisiting Jesus' Parable of the Prodigal Son from the Perspective of Quantum Mechanics

5 out of 5 stars ANOTHER GREAT ONE.......2007-03-09

VERY MUCH A STORY BOOK PACKED WITH SUBTLE LIFE LESSONS, BUT READ THE GITA FIRST!

5 out of 5 stars Excellent read.......2006-12-19

Upanishads are beyond time and space. To grasp the inner meaning of its passage requires deep thinking and intellectual debate. Easwaran has done a commendable job of translating and providing notes for all the Upanishads.

The Upanishads reminded me that there are unknown unknowns.

5 out of 5 stars A Required Book For Any Collection of Eastern Wisdom.......2006-03-12

This book, along with its companion translations of the Dhammapada and Bhagavad Gita, also by Eknath Easwaran, should be required for any serious student of Eastern Wisdom. If you can't afford Swami Nikhilanandas multi-volume set of complete translations of every Upanishad, and even if you can, you should also have this volume on your shelf.
The Upanishads (Penguin Classics)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Excellent Introduction
  • Probably the best translation for most purposes
  • vast..universes of spiritual truth
  • Skip the Intro
  • not quite what I had in mind
The Upanishads (Penguin Classics)
Anonymous
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0140441638

Amazon.com

The poetic backbone of Hinduism, the millennia-old Upanishads transcend time. The selections offered here illuminate a path that is as "narrow as the edge of a razor" but pregnant with freedom and bliss. Through vivid metaphors and timeless prose, learn how the path of yoga leads beyond the treacherous web of karma to the final, blissful union of the personal soul, atman, with the universal soul, Brahman.

Book Description

An “Upanisad” is a teaching session with a guru, and the thirteen texts of the “Principal Upanis.ads”—which comprise this volume—form a series of philosophical discourses between teacher and student that question the inner meaning of the world. Composed beginning around the eighth century bce, the Upanisads have been central to the development of Hinduism, exploring its central doctrines: rebirth, karma, overcoming death, and achieving detachment, equilibrium, and spiritual bliss. Speaking to the reader in direct, unadorned prose or lucid verse, the Upanisads collected here embody humanity's perennial search for truth and knowledge. Valerie Roebuck's powerful new translation blends accuracy with readability and retains the oral style of these stirring and profound philosophical explorations.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Excellent Introduction.......2007-02-08

I have read almost 12 translations of the Upanishads,including many by Indian savants and monks....By far this is the best translation for a general reader...the introduction,running to 45 pages, is an excellent summary for the 'Spirit of Upanishad' which may be easily missed by a philosphy student of Upanisahds or vedanta..the author ties up with the visions of Christian saints--a very valuable account for the western readers----After all,Truth is One--sages describe them or talk about them in different ways---

4 out of 5 stars Probably the best translation for most purposes.......2007-01-25

For most Scriptures, I've found a translation that "does it" for me, that seems to blend together perfectly the needs of faithfulness, beauty, and understandable language. Some examples would be Andy Gaus' Unvarnished New Testament, Thanissaro Bhikkhu's Dhammapada, The Leloup/Rowe Gospel of Thomas, Stephen Mitchell's Bhagavad Gita.

With the Upanishads, I always feel "almost, not quite" with even the best translations I've seen so far... And Mascaró's leads the pack, though not by much. My main gripe is its horrendous formatting. Most of the major Upanishads, like the Psalms and the Prophets, are poetry, and Mascaro translates the verses beautifully. However, they're printed in a disjointed prose format, one slightly-indented paragraph per verse, like old, non-user-friendly Bible translations.

Consider Mascaró's rendition of Isa, verse 1:

Behold the universe in the glory of God: and all that lives and moves on earth. Leaving the transient, find joy in the Eternal: set not your heart on another's possession.

Compare how it would feel if the formatting and punctuation were given a little more thought...

Behold!
The universe in the glory of God
and all that lives and moves on earth!

Leaving the transient,
find joy in the Eternal!

Set not your heart
on another's possession.

Another problem is the lack of verse numbers. Mascaró obviously felt they would distract from the text, but if it had been printed as poetry, verse numbers could've been put to the side, unobtrusively.

Lastly, the 'Shads (as I like to call them) do address numerous points that often need clarification, from difficult concepts, historical notes, plays on words, and puns, to alternate readings. Although Mascaró touches on the major ideas of the 'Shads (Brahman, non-duality, mysticism) in the introduction, some footnotes would be extremely welcome, as would overviews/introductions to the individual writings.

Nevertheless, this is a lovely translation, very good for devotional reading, and for non-scholars, probably the best available, though I feel we need one that's still better.

5 out of 5 stars vast..universes of spiritual truth.......2007-01-16

a very good friend first gave me this translation of Juan Mascaro's...Let me just state very clearly that on page 37 of the intro (which others have referred to negatively) I found a quote of St. John of the Cross quoted by Mascaro which he himself says encapsulates the doctrine of the Bhagavad Gita...wow!!! I found this to be true and that it illucidates principles of the Quran; Sufi lore regarding Divine Love,and most recently a quote of the Tao answering the eternal Question: "What is Reality?" Everyone speaks from their own limitations and their own moment so disregard these negative reviews. This translation and introduction are a treasury of sparkling and lusterous jewels.I'd actually suggest you purchase Mascaro's translations (and intro's) of the Bhagavad Gita and the Dhamapada as well..Each was a labor of Love for the Spanish mystic..Mascaro..

3 out of 5 stars Skip the Intro.......2006-08-07

The Upanishads are beautiful, timeless, and powerful. This translation seems to do them justice, and I have nothing critical to say about that. The included verses have been thoughtfully chosen and are truly classic treasures.

The introduction, however, is a complete waste of time. I really wanted to read and enjoy this book from cover to cover, but simply could not finish the introduction. It is 45 pages (a third of the entire book) of self-indulgent rambling with no apparent direction. There are many apt quotes included here from several interesting sources, but they feel disconnected and random. I can't say what the author's intention was, but if there was any point to be made here, it is made far better by the Upanishads, themselves.

The lingering introduction only distracts from the sublime beauty of the Upanishads. Skip it and you have a book worthy of four stars, one star deducted simply due to the relatively small sampling of Upanishads offered.

3 out of 5 stars not quite what I had in mind.......2005-10-01

This book is perhaps a decent introduction to the subject matter, however the number af actual Hindu upanishads would fill a book as thick as the bible. There are a few short upanishad-y anecdotes in this very thin collection. The intro is longer than most of the upanishads within, and gives a decent history. Serious scholars should look for a more voluminous collection. This would be great for the high school student in a comparative religion class.
Dialogue with Death: A Journey Through Consciousness
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A Storie abut life.
  • Enlightening
  • Guide for living
  • Learning death to live life more fully
  • Profound
Dialogue with Death: A Journey Through Consciousness
Eknath Easwaran
Manufacturer: Nilgiri Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0915132729

Book Description

Why am I here? Is there a purpose to my life? What happens when I die? These deep questions are addressed with clear wisdom, vivid images and memorable stories.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Storie abut life........2006-11-05

I found this book very enjoyable and easy to read. It is one of the best instructions about life's journey I have ever read. I plan to give it to my grandson on his sixteenth birthday. The opening fable will surely catch his interest and carry his attention through the wisdom of life contained in this book. I recommend it to anyone on the hero's journey.

5 out of 5 stars Enlightening.......2005-05-05

I just finished this book, and I have learned to appreciate life more, not get mad as easily, be more compassionate and reasonable. I would suggest it to anyone, with any religious beliefs. It definitely helped me get more out of life...

5 out of 5 stars Guide for living.......2002-01-04

I've read this book three times and am planning to read it again. It's a wonderful book that helps me focus on what's important in life and how I can make choices to live authentically and deliberately. Reading this book helped me to make the decision to quit smoking and live a more healthy lifestyle. I would recommend this book to anyone who's asking the question "What's it all about?".

5 out of 5 stars Learning death to live life more fully.......2000-05-11

Late Mr. Eknath Eswaran,adherent of spirituality from childhood, has wonderfully written about the a teenager's curiosity about life after death. The book gives numerous examples from modern day life. Drawing from his expertise in the English language literature, the author makes the subject very familiar to the present day readers. He has quoted from Shakespeare to Aldous Huxley and Mahatma Gandhi and shown the thought concesus common to all great philosophers. Though the contents originate from one of the most ancient of the Hindu scriptures, every contemporary human being will identify with the life's problems of the modern times given in the book and will be helped plenty in finding many solutions.There seems to be a little more stress given on the self sacrifice than other modalities of spirituality like sense control, breath control and meditation but overall the book is very readable, language beautiful and when I read it I regretted the book was over.

5 out of 5 stars Profound.......1999-11-02

One of the best books on Hinduism I have ever read. The book is about the conversations between a teenager, Nichiketa, and Yama - the God of Death : how Yama tempts the teenager with all the wordly riches just to test his sincerity and after being satisfied, unfolds the mystery of life and death to him.
Eight Upanishads, with the Commentary of Sankara, Vol. I
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Item is in good condition and I recommend buying from this seller.
  • The Lucid Translation
Eight Upanishads, with the Commentary of Sankara, Vol. I

Manufacturer: Vedanta Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 8175050160

Book Description

A two-volume set. Volume Two covers the Aitareya, Mundaka, Mandukya, Karika and Prasna Upanishad.

Each verse has the Devanagri Sanskrit, with English translation and commentary, with further commentary by Sankaracarya.

Also included is an Index to texts in Devanagri Sanskrit.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Item is in good condition and I recommend buying from this seller........2007-05-14

Item is in good condition and I recommend buying from this seller.

5 out of 5 stars The Lucid Translation.......2006-03-15

Of all the translations I've read - and that's quite a few - this translation best reflects the structure, rhythym, and order of meaning as it exists in the original Sanskrit. So many translations "help" the original by straightening out statements, which sometimes makes them easier to understand on first encountering them, but in the end, hides the complexity and subtlety woven into the original. Gambhirananda's language, while not as accessible as some, is the "must have" if you want to study these Upanishads seriously.
The Katha Upanishad (Sacred Wisdom)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • A dialogue with death
  • Beautifully translated
The Katha Upanishad (Sacred Wisdom)
Anonymous
Manufacturer: Studio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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  1. The Upanishads: Breath of the Eternal The Upanishads: Breath of the Eternal
  2. The Bhagavad Gita (Classics of Indian Spirituality) The Bhagavad Gita (Classics of Indian Spirituality)

ASIN: 0670892300
Release Date: 2001-03-19

Book Description

Art lovers, spiritual seekers, and anyone entranced by The Perfection of Wisdom, Words of Paradise, and The Moon in the Pines will want to own The Katha Upanishad. One of India's most revered texts and part of the famous Hindu scriptures, the thousand-year-old Vedas, it tells the story of a young boy who compels the Lord of Death to reveal the secret of what happens after we die. There are, teaches The Katha Upanishad, two paths in life. One-that of the senses-leads to the world and all its pleasures. But since all material things must perish, it ends inevitably in death. The other path is "the way inward that leads to grace, "a spiritual journey toward immortality and joyous union with the universal Divine. This translation converts simply and practically the wisdom at the heart of the scripture.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars A dialogue with death.......2004-03-11

If you had three wishes, as did Nachiketas, what would you wish for? The story start when the father offers the son, Nachiketas as a sacrifice (reminscent of Abraham and Isaac). As a compensation of being made to wait for Yama, the God of Death, Nachiketas is granted 3 wishes.

This most popular of the Upanished's, is one of the Veda's surviving perhaps 3000 years. This is the gospel of "yajnas" (sacrifices), and the sacrificer offers obligations in the fire. Nachiketas wishes for understanding of the fire ritual. The book unfolds, as Yama, satisfying his third wish for special knowledge of death, lays out the paths of life "You can walk the way outward that leads to pleasure or the way inward that leads to grace." There is the common Indian image of the chariot, with the self-seating in the back "Think of the reins the driver is holding as the mind". Swami Ambikanananda states "This is not a translation for scholars", but provides a poetic translation for those seeking, for example:
" Remember always ~
Not with my speech,
Not with my eyes,
Nor even with my mind
Will that Self be reached.
It will declare itself to me
Only in my stillness."

The 15 Indian miniatures illustrations are only tangentially related to the story, but are striking. For example there is a drawing of a sacred fire ritual prominent in the story, but there is also a drawing of Krishna, not at all in the story.

5 out of 5 stars Beautifully translated.......2003-06-24

I was visiting a used bookstore with a friend when this book caught my attention. I immediately purchased it and read it. Its a small book - 61 pages total, interlaced with beautiful Indian miniature paintings. The author clarifies all uncertain/difficult translations in the introduction - for example "buddhi" is translated throughout as intellect.

In the past, I have read translations of old Indian text in which some authors give a detailed account of their own interpretations on the subject. I usually don't like this "lecturing" and find it more appealing if the text is just translated so that the reader is open to his/her own interprtations.

Finally, the story of young Nachiketas may or may not be true. But we all can associate with it on some level or the other. Here are a few passages from the book:

"Like pure water being poured into pure water,
Who sees only the One
Becomes the One"

"There, in that Self,
The sun cannot shine,
Nor the moon or stars.
The light of lightning cannot reach it,
Much less a conflagration on Earth.
Yet by Its presence all these are lit
And light shines forth."

This book is all I expected it to be, and more.
The Upanishads: Breath of the Eternal
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • The Advaita Vedanta "Textbook"
  • Reality
  • Good
  • Not All Translations the Same
  • Shines like a beacon in a distant shore
The Upanishads: Breath of the Eternal

Manufacturer: Signet Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0451528484
Release Date: 2002-08-06

Book Description

One of the two most important texts of the Hindu religion, The Upanishads are ancient accounts of mystical revelations and remain the primary source of spiritual guidance for millions of believers today.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars The Advaita Vedanta "Textbook".......2007-09-19

The Upanishads holds the core teachings of Advaita Vedanta - Brahman is all there is. It is a good book to be read by any serious seeker - along with Nisargadatta. The book has many footnotes which attempt to explain the meanings behind much of the commentary.

This particular translation of the Upanishads is a highly recommended read.

5 out of 5 stars Reality.......2005-01-16

The Atman is the Soul. It is our real Self, God residing within us. We are to submerge the ego, and discover the Atman (Self). Uncovering the Self leads to nirvana, or enlightenment. This is the essence of this book. We will differentiate between what is Real (unchanging)and what is illusory (changeable). And as Jesus said, the Truth will set you free ...

5 out of 5 stars Good.......2004-09-12

I used to think that for reason Upanishads were huge texts, but author explained that upanishads are found in the end of vedas. It is beauty piece of work. when they are not sure, they will have a footnote and tell you that what could the other translation could have meant. It only happened 2-3 times. They are very enlightening. Brahman (God) is everywhere, literally. =)

5 out of 5 stars Not All Translations the Same.......2004-03-14

Years ago I picked up a translation of the Upanishads because I wanted to understand Vedanta. I read that translation and struggled through it. It wasn't particularly interesting and was often confusing. The commentaries were long, painful and boring. I felt disappointed. I thought the Upanishads and the Great Vedanta would be more powerful than this. I pursued other teachings.

A few months ago I saw this little book and picked it up out of curiosity for some reason. I don't know why. I already had another copy of the Upanishads and didn't really care for it. But this little book hit me with much greater force. It was so significant. Yes the self, of course, yes..the self is one...The reading was so clear and powerful. I bought it immediately, brought it home, and compared it with the other translation. It's the translation that was the difference. It wasn't that I had suddenly matured and was now ready to hear this teaching because the other translation is still confusing to me. Not all translations are the same. What had been confusing to understand before, now became clear. Even if you don't agree with me that this translation is a good one, seek out various translations of the Upanishads and see which one is the clearest for you. Now, I truly believe the Upanishads are one of the most significant teachings this "World" has ever known. This translation has no commentary. It is so clear you don't need a commentary. It's also cheap and handy. With sacred texts from the past it pays to check out various translations and even formats for ease of reading and understanding.

5 out of 5 stars Shines like a beacon in a distant shore.......2004-02-19

A long, long time ago I lost this book, an older edition, during a trip. Its content shines like a beacon in a distant shore. I really missed it. No other one is so well written like this pocket. But now it's back and I've found it right here. At Amazon, of course!!
I've bought mine in a hurry, because this book is unforgettable.
Yoga Chudamani Upanishad: Crown Jewel of Yoga
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Yoga Chudamani Upanishad: Crown Jewel of Yoga
    Swami Satyadharma Saraswati
    Manufacturer: Yoga Publications Trust,Muger,Bihar,India
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

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    ASIN: 8186336273

    Product Description

    Yoga Chudmani Upanishad is a manual of higher sadhana for advanced and initiated aspirants. It delineates the ancient path of kundalini awakening in its original and pure form before the proliferation of modern yogic literature. The text elucidates a unique combination of kundalini yoga and vedantic upasana. It discusses the nadis, prana vayus, chakras and kundalini shakti, and also provides detailed descriptions of ajapa gayatri and pranava, which are older vedic and upanishadic meditative disciplines. The text includes the original Sanskrit verses, along with transliteration, anvay, translation and a comprehensive commentary by Swami Satyadharma Saraswati under the guidance of Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati. For students of Indian philosophy, it provides a valuable study of the compatibility of Yoga and Vedanta, or the tantric and vedic systems of philosophy and practice.
    Jnana Yoga
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Great Resource
    • Jnana Yoga
    • Rare view into Wisdom by a Master
    • Vivekananda's best lectures...
    • are you ready for the REAL thing?
    Jnana Yoga
    Swami Vivekananda
    Manufacturer: Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Center
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    YogaYoga | Exercise & Fitness | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Hinduism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    UpanishadsUpanishads | Hinduism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    YogaYoga | Hinduism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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    Accessories:
    1. Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor

    ASIN: 0911206213

    Book Description

    By Swami Vivekananda, Jnana-Yoga, the Path of Knowledge, describes the essence of Vedanta philosophy - the wisdom of the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita in a modern scientific manner. Jnana-Yoga, along with Swami Vivekananda's Karma-Yoga, Bhakti-Yoga, and Raja-Yoga, are considered classics and outstanding treatises on Hindu philosophy. The Swami's deep spiritual insight, fervid eloquence, and broad human sympathy, shine forth in these works and offer inspiration to all spiritual seekers.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Great Resource.......2006-01-31

    This is one of my favorite books on Hindu spirituality. It is easy to follow but meaty enough to give you plenty to think about.

    5 out of 5 stars Jnana Yoga.......2005-07-27

    For those who reject standard religious dogma but still recognize the certain spirituality of mankind, this book is for you. Best comprehensive explanation of the Hindu Faith I have ever read! Written for easy comprehension by the western mind.

    4 out of 5 stars Rare view into Wisdom by a Master.......2004-11-12

    Swami Vivekananda, a major (if not the main) disciple of the famous Ramakrishna, has done both Hinduism and comparative religion a great service by writing several works that address the main types of transformational yoga. Interestingly, Hinduism has constructed a wonderful model that differentiates among and between these seemingly divergent paths up the spiritual mountain (or paths to God for Theists). These include: Karma Yoga (addressing action) and Bhakti Yoga (of devotion) included in one volume; Raja Yoga (of mind, but addressing more psychic development); and Jnana Yoga (of wisdom). The latter is more difficult, IMHO, to find out about. Religions generally specialize in one of these four with additional elements (sometimes only in subsets such as clerics or monks) from some of the other ones. Jnana or Gnani appears to be among the rarest. Thus, having read this book is a great coup in understanding the higher philosophies and theological approaches to Omneity or spiritual development. In Tibetan Buddhism, for example, it would be applicable to Dzogchen and Mahamudra as opposed to the more normal or pervasive Vajrayana practices. IMHO, Jnana (and its equivalents in other religions) is the most profound of teachings. Vivekananda was obviously a Master and has presented a wonderful exposition on this esoteric subject. We are privileged to have the opportunity to read and study it.

    5 out of 5 stars Vivekananda's best lectures..........2002-07-30

    Though Jnana yoga is presumably the favorite subject of Vivekananda, he himself is supposed to have quoted that his bhakti is covered by a cloak of jnana, while his guru's (Sri Ramakrishna) jnana is covered by a cloak of bhakti. Whatever he may have learnt from Ramakrishna, who spoke in parables, Vivekananda transforms them into powerful words with striking sentences to give a sublime meaning. He is at his best while expounding the Vedanta philosophy.

    His examples simplify the understanding of such a complex and profound philosophy. The way he coins the words and grammar in his lectures is unbelievable. His logic is almost always unarguable. One of the best lectures is "The Real and Apparent Man" where he lays a solid foundation of the nature of man, the support of which comes in later lectures on Maya and Cosmos . The exposition of Katha upanishad is beautiful and one does not get that picture and depth of understanding while reading the original upanishad. The final lectures delivered in Pasadena, California appeals to the unity of religions and friendship with science - a subject which is probably never more important than now.

    No wonder during his lectures in America, he was the last to deliver, as the audience would wait patiently to listen to him.

    5 out of 5 stars are you ready for the REAL thing?.......2002-04-05

    swami vivekananda is/was one of the giant intellects of all time. a direct disciple of the great 19th century indian god-man, sri ramakrishna, vivekananda learned his lessons well at an early age and built upon it to the point of sometimes surpassing his master. especially in the sense of providing a bridge from the worlds oldest extant religious traditions to plain spoken accessability for the spiritual seeker of our own time. jnana yoga is the approach of experiencing oneness with God using the path of knowledge/philosophy/contemplation. this book is among the very best in laying out the methods and ideas the aspirant can use for his own search [ thru the path of knowledge ] of direct experience of God, i.e. being-conciousness-bliss absolute. the book carefully and clearly leads us thru our most primitive lowest levels of humanity up the ladder of understanding spiritually we are truly One with the highest of all realities. that indeed, "thou art that". "what frightens you? what holds you down? only ignorance and delusion; nothing else can bind you. you are the Pure One, the Ever Blessed...he who knows this and models his life accordingly will no longer grovel in darkness." the good swami's writings on all the yoga paths are among the best the world has yet seen. this particular volume is a must read for the student practitioner of jnani yoga. if i could spend an hour having a cup of tea with any person who ever lived, swami vivekananda might well be the one i would choose. not only for his giant intellect but his purity and holiness and breadth of understanding man's need for transcendence and the ways of actually doing so. this is a great book for anyone looking for the true innermost Self.
    The Upanishads
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      The Upanishads

      Manufacturer: Harmony/Bell Tower
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover

      GeneralGeneral | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
      GeneralGeneral | Hinduism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
      UpanishadsUpanishads | Hinduism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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      ASIN: 0609611070
      Release Date: 2003-06-03

      Book Description

      The Upanishads are the oldest and clearest expression of the perennial philosophy that is the inner core of all the great religions. Passed down by word of mouth for five thousand years, they teach of an absolute and unified field of intelligence that underlies and permeates all creation. This divine ground is our own nature, and to bring our lives into conscious harmony with it is the ultimate purpose of human existence.

      This lucid translation captures both the poetry and the precision of the original, rendering accessible an extraordinary body of spiritual wisdom as never before. Speaking from the depth of the everlasting NOW, the Upanishads make the mind soar and the heart sing, and point the soul to freedom.
      Commentaries on the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita: The Three Branches of India's Life-Tree
      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
      • Enlightening Commentary and Spiritual Revelations
      • A good book of social and religious meanings.
      Commentaries on the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita: The Three Branches of India's Life-Tree
      Sri Chinmoy
      Manufacturer: Aum Publications
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback

      HermeneuticsHermeneutics | Criticism & Theory | History & Criticism | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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      ASIN: 0884971139

      Book Description

      This book brings toge ther in one volume Sri Chinmoy's commentaries on the Vedas the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita three ancient Indian scriptures which are the foundations of Hindu spiritual tradition. His approach is clear and practical and at the same time profound and richly poetic. In a style unmistakably his own Sri Chinmoy makes direct and personal contact with the reader who joins him on a journey through the wisdom of these celebrated classics. This book is both an excellent introduction for readers who are coming to the subject for the first time and a series of illumining meditations for those who already know it well.

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Enlightening Commentary and Spiritual Revelations.......1999-11-20

      Enlightening commentary on all 3 ancient Indian scriptures (Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita) in one book. Sri Chinmoy transcends mere commentary by providing us with spiritual illumination on the inner meaning of these important works. Sri Chinmoy is a fully realised spiritual master (who conducts meditation for the United Nations), and his very words provide us with direct spiritual inspiration/enlightenment.

      5 out of 5 stars A good book of social and religious meanings........1999-08-14

      The story and meaning of the Sacred Tree is related well in this book. The social and religious meanings, as well as symbols, are expounded on. This is a good book for grades 10, 11, & 12.

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