A Source Book in Indian Philosophy

by Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, Charles Alexander Moore

Here are the chief riches of more than 3,000 years of Indian philosophical thought-the ancient Vedas, the Upanisads, the epics, the treatises of the heterodox and orthodox systems, the commentaries of the scholastic period, and the contemporary writings. Introductions and interpretive commentaries are provided.

Genres: Philosophy, Religion, India, Nonfiction, Hinduism, Spirituality, Buddhism

720 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1957

About the author

Bharat Ratna Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was an Indian philosopher and statesman. He was the first Vice-President of India (1952–1962) and subsequently the second President of India (1962–1967).

One of India's most influential scholars of comparative religion and philosophy, Radhakrishnan is thought of as having built a bridge between the East and the West by showing that the philosophical systems of each tradition are comprehensible within the terms of the other. He wrote authoritative exegeses of India's religious and philosophical literature for the English speaking world. His academic appointments included the King George V Chair of Mental and Moral Science at the University of Calcutta (1921-?) and Spalding Professor of Eastern Religions and Ethics at Oxford University (1936–1952).

Among the many honours he received were a knighthood (1931), the Bharat Ratna (1954) and the Order of Merit in 1963. His birthday is celebrated in India as Teacher's Day.

Reviews

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gem of Indian Philosophy.

My favorite was the Epic Period. Really well-written and well-commented.

I think Radhakrishnan was once the President of India. Almost unbelievable that a politician can have such philosophical depth. Shows how much India values wisdom of a man.

[Mitch Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

First read this book for a university class 30 years ago and hung in to it all these years. Dug it out recently and took it along on a trip to India, re-reading it as we toured Hindu temples in Tamil Nadu, Varanasi, and a Buddhist site in Sarnath. A solid introduction to basic eastern theology, breadth rather than depth. While a couple of texts are presented completely—Bhagavad Gita and Patanjali's Yoga Sutras—most of the book are excerpts from major texts.

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of the translations are a little archaic but as a collection it is about as complete as you'll find. It's also a good source for infrequently referenced but important schools of thought -- try finding Carvaka or Vaisheshika at Barnes and Noble... A solid collection, but you'll want to find more contemporary translations with notes on the Sanskrit for major works like the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads.

[Aayush Raj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hass been crafted in the best possible manner. It stands out significantly and more so gives the reader a vivid image of the Indian Philosophical Tradition.

It is all encompassing yet so lucid as to be understood by any novice. The book through its prose also answers few most important philosophical questions related to life in general. And the overall flawlessness is added by directed quotations from the philosophical texts.

In terms of the textual translation of the philosophical history, this book stands at a very high pedestal in context of the Indian Philosophical Tradition.

[Danilo Scardamaglio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uno sguardo fulgido ed esaustivo, pur nella sinteticità della descrizione di ogni corrente, sulla complessa molteplicità della spiritualità indiana, nella sua componente religiosa ed ancor di più filosofica. Per giungere alla conoscenza completa della singola dottrina non è il libro adatto, ma sicuramente è uno splendido avvio iniziatico all'animo indiano.

[Jordan Forster · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful resource if you are beginning to study classical Indian philosophy. It covers most of the main schools and for each section there is a concise, but useful introduction to the source material and the main themes these explore.

Deeper study probably requires more extensive examination of whole primary texts, but this offers the student a good starting point.

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Acclaimed translations of many essential texts including the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanisads along with commentary and historical context. Excellent.

[Anand Prabhu · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive textbook on Indian Philosophy by the man whose Birthday is celebrated as Teacher's Day in India

[EstelleLiterature · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the president has a figurehead position in India, Radhakrishnan served as India's president. This book shows his great spiritual depth and contrasts contemporary India's extremism. His lucid commentary makes the classic Indian philosophy texts, daunting in appearance, fluid and free. I loved the section of Mahabharata that we know as Bhagwat Geeta and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say, it's an anthology of source material of various Indian philosophies. I would have enjoyed some more commentary throughout the book but as a source book it functions as advertised. I plan on investigating Jainism and Buddhism further.

[jaybelard]

The book is very subjective, and there's a great deal of conjecture. Really, nothing can explain it better than the author placing his own works considerably in the final chapter of the text. I would use this book as a reference for other works, but even there it's wanting.

[John Redmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful compilation.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

[Burkean Conservative]

Mentions Calvin's institutes

[Tynan Brooks]

Clearly dated, but still a worthwhile collection.

[Tushar · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the name suggests its a first hand view of Vedas and Sutras of hindu shat darshan along with a commentary, as opposed to a derivative reflecting an opinion of the author. Wish there were more on Indian philosophy like this. Dr. Radhakrishnan gives it the much needed credibility when studying such an important subject, and Moore does a brilliant job of organising, articulating and simplifying things. Very expensive book, yet worth a lot more than the price tag.

[SR K · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a handbook on Indian philosophy which is not just scratching the surface, or steeped in esotericism - you found your book. This book has a rather academic flair which would not make this a fun read, unless, you are primed for such content (like I am).

[Eric Cherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very comprehensive collection of ancient Scripture from South Asia

[Vinay Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing book.... must for those who are interested in knowing Indian things... since the books contains more than philosophy....