The Upanishads

By Seltzer Books

According to Wikipedia: "The Upanishads are philosophical texts considered to be an early source of Hindu religion. More than 200 are known, of which the first dozen or so, the oldest and most important, are variously referred to as the principal, main (mukhya) or old Upanishads. ...Swami Paramananda (1884–1940) was one of the early Indian teachers who came to the United States to spread the Vedanta philosophy and religion in America. He was a mystic, a poet and an innovator in spiritual community living."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Seltzer Books
• Release date: Mar 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781455421787

Book preview

THE UPANISHADS

Published by Seltzer Books

established in 1974, now offering over 14,000 books

feedback welcome: [e-mail]  

Classics of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Indian literature, available from Seltzer Books:

The Bhagavad Gita of The Song Celestial translated by Sir Edwin Arnold

The Bhagavadgita with the Sanasugaiya and the Anugita

Buddhist Suttas

The Dhammapada

The Dharma Sutras

The Doctrine and Practice of Yoga

The Light of Asia by Edwin Arnold

Hindu Literature translated by Edwin Arnold

Hindoo Tales or The Adventurees of Ten Princes

Hindu Tales from the Sanskrit

Kama Sutra translated by Richard Burton

The Laws of Manu

The Loves of Krishna in Indian Painting and Poetry by Archer

The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa

The Ramayan of Valmiki

The Upanishads

The Vedanta-Sutras

Works of Rabindranath Tagore, 10 books

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Translated and Commentated by Swami Paramananda from the Original Sanskrit Text                               

This volume is reverently dedicated to all seekers of truth and lovers of wisdom

Preface

Introduction

Isa-Upanishad

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PREFACE

The translator's idea of rendering the Upanishads into clear simple English, accessible to Occidental readers, had its origin in a visit paid to a Boston friend in 1909. The gentleman, then battling with a fatal malady, took from his library shelf a translation of the Upanishads and, opening it, expressed deep regret that the obscure and unfamiliar form shut from him what he felt to be profound and vital teaching.

The desire to unlock the closed doors of this ancient treasure house, awakened at that time, led to a series of classes on the Upanishads at The Vedanta Centre of Boston during its early days in St. Botolph Street. The translation and commentary then given were transcribed and, after studious revision, were published in the Centre's monthly magazine, The Message of the East, in 1913 and 1914.. Still further revision has brought it to its present form.

So far as was consistent with a faithful rendering of the Sanskrit text, the Swami throughout his translation has sought to eliminate all that might seem obscure and confusing to the modern mind. While retaining in remarkable measure the rhythm and archaic force of the lines, he has tried not to sacrifice directness and simplicity of style. Where he has been obliged to use the Sanskrit term for lack of an exact English equivalent, he has invariably interpreted it by a familiar English word in brackets; and everything has been done to remove the sense of strangeness in order that the Occidental reader may not feel himself an alien in the new regions of thought opened to him.

Even more has the Swami striven to keep the letter subordinate to the spirit. Any Scripture is only secondarily an historical document. To treat it as an object of mere intellectual curiosity is to cheat the world of its deeper message. If mankind is to derive the highest benefit from a study of it, its appeal must be primarily to the spiritual consciousness; and one of the salient merits of the present translation lies in this, that the translator approaches his task not only with the grave concern of the careful scholar, but also with the profound reverence and fervor of the true devotee.

Editor

Boston, March, 1919

INTRODUCTION

The Upanishads represent the loftiest heights of ancient Indo-Aryan thought and culture. They form the wisdom portion or Gnana-Kanda of the Vedas, as contrasted with the Karma-Kanda or sacrificial portion. In each of the four great Vedas--known as Rik, Yajur, Sama and Atharva--there is a large portion which deals predominantly with rituals and ceremonials, and which has for its aim to show man how by the path of right action he may prepare himself for higher attainment. Following this in each Veda is another portion called the Upanishad, which deals wholly with the essentials of philosophic discrimination and ultimate spiritual vision. For this reason the Upanishads are known as the Vedanta, that is, the end or final goal of wisdom (Veda, wisdom; anta, end).

The name Upanishad has been variously interpreted. Many claim that it is a compound Sanskrit word Upa-ni-shad, signifying "sitting at the feet or in the presence of a

Reviews for The Upanishads

[rosinbow_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Introduction is terrific --lots of helpful back ground information on early Brahmin culture and origins of texts.

[anagarika · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Upanishads are presented in a way that anyone can understand them. Beautiful teachings.

[rajaratnam_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The best presentation available. Penguin's Arkana series. Suitable for genuine seekers of knowledge and of Hindu wisdom. The perspectives in the Upanishads sit atop of the core beliefs (not dogma) of all the major religions. Requires a very open mind.

[pansociety · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The original texts of Hinduism translated from the Sanskrit, meditate on the unity of self and the All.

[satishdina7 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This book is based on the Controversial aryan Invasion theory formulated by German Professor without any proof..If we just disregard that part, I think its a good book. Note: It is very difficult to translate the sanskrit upanishad into english and in that perspective the author has done a good job. But his basic assumption of disputed aryan invasion theory to be right is something which brings down the rating of this book.