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The Principal Upanishads: Edited with Introduction, Text, Translation and Notes
The Upanisads are ancient philosophical texts that form the basis of the Hindu religion. The Hindus believe that these ancient works reveal the truth of the ultimate reality, and the path to moksha , or salvation. There are more than 200 Upanishads.
Dr. Radhakrishnan wrote many books on Indian Philosophy to enlighten the people, especially the Westerners, on India s rich traditions and philosophy. The Principal Upanisads was first published by him in the year 1953. Here, he translates the meaning and the gist of the Upanisads in English, in order to make this knowledge easily accessible to the West.
In the preface to the book, Dr. Radhakrishnan points out the significance and the value of the Upanisads. Even if they seem insignificant or unimportant in the modern world, they still deserve to be studied as a memorial of India s past, and as the foundation of the lives and the beliefs of millions of people in the earlier ages. Dr. Radhakrishnan asks the readers not to judge these valuable philosophical texts based on modern standards, but to make an attempt to understand and appreciate them based on the values and the standards of the time when they were written, and were the most applicable.
To understand our traditions and to preserve our character and national being, Dr Radhakrishnan believes that it is essential to study and understand the Upanisads. The topics covered in the book include General Influence of the Upanisads, The Relation of the Upanisads to the Vedas, The Aranyakas and the Brahmanas, The Upanisads, Ultimate Reality: Atman Knowledge and Ignorance, Ethics, Karma and Rebirth, Religion, and The Individual Self.
This is followed by the Sanskrit Originals, and also the verse by verse commentaries and English translations of some of the main Upanisads. The book has 2 Appendices, which give the perspectives of Edmond Holmes and Rabindranath Tagore on the Upanisads.
Written by one of the most respected and influential Indian scholars, The Principal Upanisads, has been republished several times.
Dr. Radhakrishnan wrote many books on Indian Philosophy to enlighten the people, especially the Westerners, on India s rich traditions and philosophy. The Principal Upanisads was first published by him in the year 1953. Here, he translates the meaning and the gist of the Upanisads in English, in order to make this knowledge easily accessible to the West.
In the preface to the book, Dr. Radhakrishnan points out the significance and the value of the Upanisads. Even if they seem insignificant or unimportant in the modern world, they still deserve to be studied as a memorial of India s past, and as the foundation of the lives and the beliefs of millions of people in the earlier ages. Dr. Radhakrishnan asks the readers not to judge these valuable philosophical texts based on modern standards, but to make an attempt to understand and appreciate them based on the values and the standards of the time when they were written, and were the most applicable.
To understand our traditions and to preserve our character and national being, Dr Radhakrishnan believes that it is essential to study and understand the Upanisads. The topics covered in the book include General Influence of the Upanisads, The Relation of the Upanisads to the Vedas, The Aranyakas and the Brahmanas, The Upanisads, Ultimate Reality: Atman Knowledge and Ignorance, Ethics, Karma and Rebirth, Religion, and The Individual Self.
This is followed by the Sanskrit Originals, and also the verse by verse commentaries and English translations of some of the main Upanisads. The book has 2 Appendices, which give the perspectives of Edmond Holmes and Rabindranath Tagore on the Upanisads.
Written by one of the most respected and influential Indian scholars, The Principal Upanisads, has been republished several times.
958 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1924
207 people are currently reading
2941 people want to read
About the author
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan
141 books239 followersBharat 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 14, 2021
I had put off reading this book since a few years, mainly due to the size (at over 950 pages). I had contented myself with reading passages and viewing small video commentaries so far. The importance of the Upanishads in Indian philosophical thought (Vedanta) is clearly evident. This book is exceptional – Dr S Radhakrishnan’s intellectual brilliance, respectful comparisons to other traditions and comprehensive coverage make this an extremely important work.
While there are said to be 108 Upanishads, there are about a dozen which are regarded as the principal ones which are older than the others (Adi Shankara wrote commentaries on them). It is also opined that some sections were potentially added at later periods of time. There is at the same time a remarkable cohesion of concepts especially around ‘Brahman’ - the underlying creative, sustaining & unifying force of the universe. While the Vedas deal with rituals, the Upanishads provide the deep philosophical basis.
The introduction runs to ~145 pages and is vital reading to provide the overall context. Dr Radhakrishnan’s writings remind me of Joseph Campbell as he provides elaborate notes comparing and contrasting writings & philosophies the world over. In general, the ritual traditions of India often give many a confused picture (including many snide remarks) – we seem to worship so many different gods & goddesses. As Dr Radhakrishnan mentions, there are several divine markers along the way to guide you to towards the one Brahman. The commentary also discusses the varied interpretations especially between the commentaries of Adi Shankara, Ramanuja and Madhavacharya at relevant sections. The commentary also does cover the issues around status of women and caste, and strikes a progressive tone while at the same time pointing out that many sections clarify that distinction does not sanction discrimination, and is not conferred by birth (the Vajrasucika Upanishad explicitly so). The concept of ‘Brahman’ in any case, categorically affirms the oneness of everything.
The Upanishads are largely organized as dialogues –enriching ones seeking to expand our ability to grasp and most importantly experience Brahman. For instance, the dialogues between Yajnavalkya and Gargi & Maitreyi in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad make for insightful reading. The need for balancing a philosophical outlook with rituals, yogic practices, right personal attributes and right action to make the world a better place finds elaborate coverage. The Indian national motto ‘Satyamev Jayate’ – ‘Truth alone triumps’ derives from the Mundaka Upanishad.
In a recent talk, historian and author Nilesh Oak warned that we as a culture need to hold the context for our philosophical traditions. If we do not, we will be served sub-standard and distorted versions by disconnected individuals & publicity seekers. This problem is not a new one and Rabindranath Tagore warns of precisely this in the afterword to the book.
This is a book I strongly recommend – the profound wisdom of understanding and experiencing our universal oneness is something to be grasped & practiced.
If you are new to Vedanta, I would suggest reading a more introductory text first. The TV series ‘Upanishad Ganga’ also abstracts concepts with stories very well. I wish I could read all the references Dr Radhakrishnan provides in this book. While I know I cannot, I certainly will read all his books.
While there are said to be 108 Upanishads, there are about a dozen which are regarded as the principal ones which are older than the others (Adi Shankara wrote commentaries on them). It is also opined that some sections were potentially added at later periods of time. There is at the same time a remarkable cohesion of concepts especially around ‘Brahman’ - the underlying creative, sustaining & unifying force of the universe. While the Vedas deal with rituals, the Upanishads provide the deep philosophical basis.
The introduction runs to ~145 pages and is vital reading to provide the overall context. Dr Radhakrishnan’s writings remind me of Joseph Campbell as he provides elaborate notes comparing and contrasting writings & philosophies the world over. In general, the ritual traditions of India often give many a confused picture (including many snide remarks) – we seem to worship so many different gods & goddesses. As Dr Radhakrishnan mentions, there are several divine markers along the way to guide you to towards the one Brahman. The commentary also discusses the varied interpretations especially between the commentaries of Adi Shankara, Ramanuja and Madhavacharya at relevant sections. The commentary also does cover the issues around status of women and caste, and strikes a progressive tone while at the same time pointing out that many sections clarify that distinction does not sanction discrimination, and is not conferred by birth (the Vajrasucika Upanishad explicitly so). The concept of ‘Brahman’ in any case, categorically affirms the oneness of everything.
The Upanishads are largely organized as dialogues –enriching ones seeking to expand our ability to grasp and most importantly experience Brahman. For instance, the dialogues between Yajnavalkya and Gargi & Maitreyi in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad make for insightful reading. The need for balancing a philosophical outlook with rituals, yogic practices, right personal attributes and right action to make the world a better place finds elaborate coverage. The Indian national motto ‘Satyamev Jayate’ – ‘Truth alone triumps’ derives from the Mundaka Upanishad.
In a recent talk, historian and author Nilesh Oak warned that we as a culture need to hold the context for our philosophical traditions. If we do not, we will be served sub-standard and distorted versions by disconnected individuals & publicity seekers. This problem is not a new one and Rabindranath Tagore warns of precisely this in the afterword to the book.
This is a book I strongly recommend – the profound wisdom of understanding and experiencing our universal oneness is something to be grasped & practiced.
If you are new to Vedanta, I would suggest reading a more introductory text first. The TV series ‘Upanishad Ganga’ also abstracts concepts with stories very well. I wish I could read all the references Dr Radhakrishnan provides in this book. While I know I cannot, I certainly will read all his books.
September 9, 2016
This is my impression about the famous book by Sarvepalli Dr. Radhakrishnan, a great exponent of philosophy, especially of Indian philosophy and the 2nd President of the India. My self trying to write up a 'review' of the book authored by such a great thinker is like a bird trying to drink up the entire ocean. I know I am a simpleton when compared to the stature of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan. Therefore, I try to record my impressions about 'The Principal Upanishads', as a guide to the new aspirants to understand the teachings of the Vedas/Upanishads of Indian philosophy.
Any work of a great poet or writer should be studied in the original language in which the author has brought it out. Only his own mother tongue would be good enough to really understand the feeling of the author. As such, it would be better to study the Upanishads in Sanskrit, to understand not only the meaning of the verses, but also to enjoy the poetic beauty of the language. If that is not possible, we must look for one 'who combines the acuteness and originality of the thinker with the learning and caution of the scholar, and who has also made such a study of the present thoughts to meet his readers on common ground,' as rightly pointed out by Mr. Edmond Holmes in his Introduction to this book. Dr. Radhakrishnan was well versed in Sanskrit and in English; and thus he could bring out the contents of Upanishads in a simple and beautiful English so that every reader could easily understand.
The Introduction itself runs to about 120 pages. This is very elaborate that it took about a month for me to complete the introduction. Unlike the other subjects, the philosophy of Indian thoughts requires slow study, since we can pass on to the next step only after reading, re-reading, come to an understanding, and then proceed further. If I am permitted to place my impression about that here, I would suggest the reader to complete the text first, starting from Brhad-aranyaka Upanishad and concluding with Vajrasucika Upanishad and then start reading the Introduction. This will enable the new reader to get a synopsis of what all he has read and to dwelve on the subject once again.
Similarly, The fore-words by Sri Rabindranath Tagore and Edmond Homes could be read first, which provide a prelude of the subject, before we can go in for a detailed study.
Going into the text, the Upanishads are perhaps taken up for commentary based on their 'popularity' and the subject matter they deal with. The lengthy Brahad-aranyaka Upanishad is taken first and the little-heard of Pingala Upanishad and Vajrasuchika Upanishad are placed at the conclusion.
It could be seen from the upanishads that they do not only deal with philosophic subjects, but lay down instructions or guidance for the proper living of the humans. It is explained that how the Universe was created by the God by his will from a complete darkness or from nothing. 'In the beginning this world was only the self in the shape of a person (purusha). Looking around he saw nothing else. He became as large as woman and man in close embrace. From that arose husband and wife.' and thus goes Fourth Brahmana of Brahad-aranyaka Upanishad in explaining the creation of the world.
The dialogue between sage Yagnavalkya and his wife Maitreyi is a classic example of discourse on the absolute philosophy about the Self. The simple truth explained by him is that ' verily, not for the sake of the husband is the husband is liked; not for the sake of the child, the child is liked...but they all are dear only for the sake of the ones self'. That is just because everything gives happiness to oneself, he likes or dislikes the relatives etc. It is also stated that there may be many gods, but there is only one Brahman, who controls all activities in the world.
It lays down the life cycle of a man as of Brahmacharya or student-hood, Grahastha or a worldly or married life where he goes on to earn a lively hood, protects, relatives, saints and performs sacrificial rites to gods, then comes the vanaprastha or leaving for the forest with his wife handing over the reigns to his children to lead a calm, meditative life and finally sanyasa or renunciation, where he quits everything and awaits final departure to his heavenly abode. This crates an impressive imagination of a happy and content life.
Taittiriya Upanishad, interestingly contains a convocation address to the students who are about to leave their teacher on completion of their education and training. The advises delivered are, satyam vadha, (Speak the truth), Dharmam chara (Practice virtue), svaadyaayan maa pramadha (Never stop learning), and so on. These preaching are applicable to all, for ever, from age immemorial to the present day, to the unending future of course. These are universal truths.
The volume contains about 1000 pages. Though the reading of this valuable book was time consuming since a quick-reading is not possible, it was never boring since this talks of never ending truths.
I strongly recommend this book for those interested in living the life in a proper way, irrespective of the caste, creed, religion. I understand that my write up is not conclusive, but hope that it would kindle an interest in the reader to take up the reading.
By the way, I appreciate the publishers Harpercollins for bringing out this valuable book of enormous volume in a weightless print, that I could hold it in my hand without any effort or pain.
Any work of a great poet or writer should be studied in the original language in which the author has brought it out. Only his own mother tongue would be good enough to really understand the feeling of the author. As such, it would be better to study the Upanishads in Sanskrit, to understand not only the meaning of the verses, but also to enjoy the poetic beauty of the language. If that is not possible, we must look for one 'who combines the acuteness and originality of the thinker with the learning and caution of the scholar, and who has also made such a study of the present thoughts to meet his readers on common ground,' as rightly pointed out by Mr. Edmond Holmes in his Introduction to this book. Dr. Radhakrishnan was well versed in Sanskrit and in English; and thus he could bring out the contents of Upanishads in a simple and beautiful English so that every reader could easily understand.
The Introduction itself runs to about 120 pages. This is very elaborate that it took about a month for me to complete the introduction. Unlike the other subjects, the philosophy of Indian thoughts requires slow study, since we can pass on to the next step only after reading, re-reading, come to an understanding, and then proceed further. If I am permitted to place my impression about that here, I would suggest the reader to complete the text first, starting from Brhad-aranyaka Upanishad and concluding with Vajrasucika Upanishad and then start reading the Introduction. This will enable the new reader to get a synopsis of what all he has read and to dwelve on the subject once again.
Similarly, The fore-words by Sri Rabindranath Tagore and Edmond Homes could be read first, which provide a prelude of the subject, before we can go in for a detailed study.
Going into the text, the Upanishads are perhaps taken up for commentary based on their 'popularity' and the subject matter they deal with. The lengthy Brahad-aranyaka Upanishad is taken first and the little-heard of Pingala Upanishad and Vajrasuchika Upanishad are placed at the conclusion.
It could be seen from the upanishads that they do not only deal with philosophic subjects, but lay down instructions or guidance for the proper living of the humans. It is explained that how the Universe was created by the God by his will from a complete darkness or from nothing. 'In the beginning this world was only the self in the shape of a person (purusha). Looking around he saw nothing else. He became as large as woman and man in close embrace. From that arose husband and wife.' and thus goes Fourth Brahmana of Brahad-aranyaka Upanishad in explaining the creation of the world.
The dialogue between sage Yagnavalkya and his wife Maitreyi is a classic example of discourse on the absolute philosophy about the Self. The simple truth explained by him is that ' verily, not for the sake of the husband is the husband is liked; not for the sake of the child, the child is liked...but they all are dear only for the sake of the ones self'. That is just because everything gives happiness to oneself, he likes or dislikes the relatives etc. It is also stated that there may be many gods, but there is only one Brahman, who controls all activities in the world.
It lays down the life cycle of a man as of Brahmacharya or student-hood, Grahastha or a worldly or married life where he goes on to earn a lively hood, protects, relatives, saints and performs sacrificial rites to gods, then comes the vanaprastha or leaving for the forest with his wife handing over the reigns to his children to lead a calm, meditative life and finally sanyasa or renunciation, where he quits everything and awaits final departure to his heavenly abode. This crates an impressive imagination of a happy and content life.
Taittiriya Upanishad, interestingly contains a convocation address to the students who are about to leave their teacher on completion of their education and training. The advises delivered are, satyam vadha, (Speak the truth), Dharmam chara (Practice virtue), svaadyaayan maa pramadha (Never stop learning), and so on. These preaching are applicable to all, for ever, from age immemorial to the present day, to the unending future of course. These are universal truths.
The volume contains about 1000 pages. Though the reading of this valuable book was time consuming since a quick-reading is not possible, it was never boring since this talks of never ending truths.
I strongly recommend this book for those interested in living the life in a proper way, irrespective of the caste, creed, religion. I understand that my write up is not conclusive, but hope that it would kindle an interest in the reader to take up the reading.
By the way, I appreciate the publishers Harpercollins for bringing out this valuable book of enormous volume in a weightless print, that I could hold it in my hand without any effort or pain.
January 9, 2021
Certainty is the source of inertia in thought, while doubt makes for progress.
It is true what they said about the Upanishads. They are an open document. The spirit of inquiry is evident and dogma is missing for the most part.
There is a core of certainty which is essentially incommunicable except for a way of life. It is by a strictly personal effort that one can reach the truth.
But the exact same must hold for the reader as well. If you open this work with a preconceived notion of right/wrong, scientific/unscientific or moral/immoral then you would be totally wasting your time.
If the real is misconceived as an object of knowledge, it cannot be known.
How we feel; our core experience of living is a subjective thing. Thus the standard scientific method of separating the object from the observer doesn't quite work. You have to rely and trust your experience in this realm. If you never had a meditative experience in your life (the modern term is to be in flow) then I would suggest wait for it to happen before turning these pages.
We do not raise ourselves above the world by contempt for the world.
The Upanishads are not boastful or admonitory. They do not preach. They say. They reason and contemplate. They raise the deepest of questions (who am i?) and instead of providing answers they point to a path, that too tentatively.
Life is the master of thought and not thought of life.
Is there something beyond thought? I used to think what rubbish, if there is no thought then how do we know? But now I am open to the idea that we can exist even when we are not thinking.
Sorry Descartes. Cogito, ergo sum be damned.
It is true what they said about the Upanishads. They are an open document. The spirit of inquiry is evident and dogma is missing for the most part.
There is a core of certainty which is essentially incommunicable except for a way of life. It is by a strictly personal effort that one can reach the truth.
But the exact same must hold for the reader as well. If you open this work with a preconceived notion of right/wrong, scientific/unscientific or moral/immoral then you would be totally wasting your time.
If the real is misconceived as an object of knowledge, it cannot be known.
How we feel; our core experience of living is a subjective thing. Thus the standard scientific method of separating the object from the observer doesn't quite work. You have to rely and trust your experience in this realm. If you never had a meditative experience in your life (the modern term is to be in flow) then I would suggest wait for it to happen before turning these pages.
We do not raise ourselves above the world by contempt for the world.
The Upanishads are not boastful or admonitory. They do not preach. They say. They reason and contemplate. They raise the deepest of questions (who am i?) and instead of providing answers they point to a path, that too tentatively.
Life is the master of thought and not thought of life.
Is there something beyond thought? I used to think what rubbish, if there is no thought then how do we know? But now I am open to the idea that we can exist even when we are not thinking.
Sorry Descartes. Cogito, ergo sum be damned.
January 30, 2015
Absolutely fabulous book! Professor Sarvepalli Radhakrishnaia is my academic, political and literary icon!
March 28, 2020
Guess where they have talked about space- time fabric? Even before Einstein!
I kept this book for six years in front of me, without touching it. I never got the courage to open it, thinking that I might fail to do justice with such a great work of human mind. But amid coronavirus lockdown I opened it. It took me around 12 days to even finish the introduction, which is a book in itself.
After started reading it I've realized that there is no parallel to the Indian thought. The depth with which the questions are asked and the clearity with which they are answered can't be found anywhere else. The need to read anything else is gone now(hope it's temporary). Upnisads satisfies seekers and thinkers alike. They does not command but enquire. Every question which arises in the mind while reading or before, is asked profoundly and answered. The discourse does not stop there, it goes on and on to the last substance every time.
What prompted me to write this review is the discourse between Gargi and Yajnavalkya in Brhad-aranyaka upanisad. When Gargi says that I will ask you two questions and if you can give answer to these two I will take you as learned Brahmin who knows Brahman.
First question
Gargi- 'That, o Yajnavalkya, of which they say, it is above the heaven, it is beneath the earth, that which is between these two, the heaven and the earth, that which the people call the past, the present, and the future, across what is that woven, like warp and woof?'
He said: 'that which is above the heaven, that which is beneath the earth, that which is between these two, heaven and Earth, that which people call the past, the present, the future, ACROSS SPACE IS THAT WOVEN, like warp and woof.
Basically she has talked about what everything is woven with or what is which is present everywhere and around which the time is woven? And he replies that everything is woven across space, time is woven across space.
This is the place where they talked of space-time fabric.
It's incredible!!
I kept this book for six years in front of me, without touching it. I never got the courage to open it, thinking that I might fail to do justice with such a great work of human mind. But amid coronavirus lockdown I opened it. It took me around 12 days to even finish the introduction, which is a book in itself.
After started reading it I've realized that there is no parallel to the Indian thought. The depth with which the questions are asked and the clearity with which they are answered can't be found anywhere else. The need to read anything else is gone now(hope it's temporary). Upnisads satisfies seekers and thinkers alike. They does not command but enquire. Every question which arises in the mind while reading or before, is asked profoundly and answered. The discourse does not stop there, it goes on and on to the last substance every time.
What prompted me to write this review is the discourse between Gargi and Yajnavalkya in Brhad-aranyaka upanisad. When Gargi says that I will ask you two questions and if you can give answer to these two I will take you as learned Brahmin who knows Brahman.
First question
Gargi- 'That, o Yajnavalkya, of which they say, it is above the heaven, it is beneath the earth, that which is between these two, the heaven and the earth, that which the people call the past, the present, and the future, across what is that woven, like warp and woof?'
He said: 'that which is above the heaven, that which is beneath the earth, that which is between these two, heaven and Earth, that which people call the past, the present, the future, ACROSS SPACE IS THAT WOVEN, like warp and woof.
Basically she has talked about what everything is woven with or what is which is present everywhere and around which the time is woven? And he replies that everything is woven across space, time is woven across space.
This is the place where they talked of space-time fabric.
It's incredible!!
September 4, 2013
One of the best books i've ever read. Opens up your mind and teaches you a lot about life.
May 2, 2020
I am not qualified enough to review this book. But I must say that each human being irrespective of religion should read it. It introduces you to the one and only absolute.
July 20, 2024
“When all the desires that dwell in the human heart are cast away, then a mortal becomes immortal and (even) here he attaineth to Brahman”
I genuinely have no words! This is a must-read for every human!
All questions related to karma, rebirth, cycles of life and death, and ultimate liberation are covered in this book. This is the book meant for serious truth seekers.
This book is at par with “Autobiograohy of a Yogi” by guruji Paramahansa Yogananda, “The Voice of Babaji” by V.T. Neelakantan, Yogi Ramaiah and gurudeva, Babaj Nagaraj.
I felt shivers running down my spine reading the lines in this book ( I haven’t finished it yet) . To not have read the truths contained in the Upanishads in one’s onward journey of life is to have missed knowing what the nature of this human life really is about. 🙏🏻☺️
I repeat, I felt shivers running down my spine reading this book.
“Knowledge takes us to the place where desire is at rest, a-Kama, where all desires are fulfilled, apta-mama, where the self is the only desire, atma-mama. He who knows himself to be all, can have no desire.”
I genuinely have no words! This is a must-read for every human!
All questions related to karma, rebirth, cycles of life and death, and ultimate liberation are covered in this book. This is the book meant for serious truth seekers.
This book is at par with “Autobiograohy of a Yogi” by guruji Paramahansa Yogananda, “The Voice of Babaji” by V.T. Neelakantan, Yogi Ramaiah and gurudeva, Babaj Nagaraj.
I felt shivers running down my spine reading the lines in this book ( I haven’t finished it yet) . To not have read the truths contained in the Upanishads in one’s onward journey of life is to have missed knowing what the nature of this human life really is about. 🙏🏻☺️
I repeat, I felt shivers running down my spine reading this book.
“Knowledge takes us to the place where desire is at rest, a-Kama, where all desires are fulfilled, apta-mama, where the self is the only desire, atma-mama. He who knows himself to be all, can have no desire.”
July 20, 2012
A detailed account of all the upanishads in their essence.
December 14, 2019
First 150 pages are must read, after that it very complicated to understand, need lot of read and re-reads
March 30, 2023
If you want to understand the Upanishads, this is the book. Dr. Radhakrishnan expounds the philosophy of the Upanishads for everyone, inclusive of everyone regardless of cultural/religious background. It is long, but then, so is the path to reaching enlightenment and bliss.
November 11, 2023
Not writing my entire review over again (app crashed), but I will just say this translation comes with copious amounts of notes and a transliteration of the original Sanskrit text. I also found that whatever your spiritual beliefs, the Upanisads are a worthy source of reference.
October 6, 2018
My favourite book which gives complete picture of 108 Upanishads.....
March 6, 2018
The best book for anyone interested in Upanishads and eastern spirituality. Radhakrishnan related verses with literature from Christian mysticism and Sufi Islam, making the book a one shop stop to learn about other mystical traditions as well.
Want to read
July 11, 2013Joseph Campbell name drop
May 28, 2018
Nice overview for people who are a bit aware of principals of Hindu.
September 6, 2020
I loved this book by late Radhakrishnan Ji... the book is written for those who want to enjoy the depths of Hinduism but cannot access the original or ancient texts.
December 19, 2025
Upanishads are a collection of wisdom and vast topics concerning creation, God, gods, and many other beings. But most importantly, it is teachings on ethics, morality, and human behavior. Like a philosophy that has been discussed in learned circles, it explores Mind, Soul, Universe, and Man.
God and gods are recurring themes in the text,t and it has been made easy to read and understand.
Though one may find a lot of internal contradictions in creation, God, birth, and the powers of gods that are born and yet create. The Upanishads, being written for hundreds of years, have come to give a fascinating understanding of the mind, soul, universe, and creation.
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan has done a great work translating this scripture for the english audience and proved to be very helpful in understanding the text.
God and gods are recurring themes in the text,t and it has been made easy to read and understand.
Though one may find a lot of internal contradictions in creation, God, birth, and the powers of gods that are born and yet create. The Upanishads, being written for hundreds of years, have come to give a fascinating understanding of the mind, soul, universe, and creation.
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan has done a great work translating this scripture for the english audience and proved to be very helpful in understanding the text.
March 27, 2024
तत्त्वमसि...Thou Art That 🌠
If you are on your spiritual journey then you have to read this book. It's the ultimate guide. It cleared so many doubts of mine as well as concrete some of my existing beliefs. This book came to me when I was on brink of loosing hope about my higher purpose and this book sparked a new energy into me and loads of wisdom too. This book made me realise I am on right path, I just have to stop reasoning everything and let the Universe work its magic through me since I am the Universe and Universe is me.
As an Indian can't stop boasting about Upanishads. The gift India gave to the entire world. 😎✌🏻💯
If you are on your spiritual journey then you have to read this book. It's the ultimate guide. It cleared so many doubts of mine as well as concrete some of my existing beliefs. This book came to me when I was on brink of loosing hope about my higher purpose and this book sparked a new energy into me and loads of wisdom too. This book made me realise I am on right path, I just have to stop reasoning everything and let the Universe work its magic through me since I am the Universe and Universe is me.
As an Indian can't stop boasting about Upanishads. The gift India gave to the entire world. 😎✌🏻💯
June 15, 2025
This is my favorite translation of the Upanishads. The extensive footnotes alone are worth getting it. The introduction was elucidating and practically a short book in and of itself at 150+ pages. The transliterated Sanskrit is given for each verse. The author’s Advaita slant (which I like) is clear and the footnote comparisons are clearly perennialist, including important western figures like Plato and Plotinus, among others. This translation contains eighteen Upanishads instead of the typical ten, which is really nice. This would be my recommendation for an extremely thorough translation. The Oxford edition is also good, and while the notes are well done, but this blows it away.
October 30, 2021
I am in initial 100 page now and just falling in love with the words of this book.... Shall review again after completing... However, I observed that the name of the Author is incorrect on the spine side of the book.. Hence, was wondering if this really printed by Harper Collins?
September 13, 2018
Too much to digest in one book. Take your time to get most of it.
January 24, 2021
A must go through to those who are into hinduism.
February 3, 2023
Read the whole thing to dab on Chuddhists.
Came out realizing the Brahman is not conscious and the Atman doesn't exist.
Off to Tantrism next.
Came out realizing the Brahman is not conscious and the Atman doesn't exist.
Off to Tantrism next.
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June 13, 2024Non è che posso recensire le Upanishad, dai su Goodreads!
April 11, 2023
This book is portion of Radhakrishnan's book on Indian Philosophy, volume 1. This extract is a compelling account of Indian philosophy as described in the Upanishads, the final part of the Vedas. For some reason, the Upanishads are rarely discussed in the west. Perhaps this is because of their emphasis on the importance of experience as opposed to the rationalism of the Greco-Roman world. I am fascinated by the way Indian philosophy ruminates on the nature of consciousness, existence, and ultimate reality. This is completely different than the philosophy derived from Greek sages, and has a lot in common with the mystical theology of the Orthodox Church. It also counters the causal collapse of the post-enlightenment scientific world view.
Their are a lot of books written by westerners on Indian philosophy. Few, if any, are written by experts in Indian philosophy. A lot of the books written before this volume were written by British authors who, seemingly, were more interested in justifying colonialism than truly exploring the mysteries of the sub-continent. This book is a wonderful introduction to Indian philosophy and an antidote to post-colonialism.
Their are a lot of books written by westerners on Indian philosophy. Few, if any, are written by experts in Indian philosophy. A lot of the books written before this volume were written by British authors who, seemingly, were more interested in justifying colonialism than truly exploring the mysteries of the sub-continent. This book is a wonderful introduction to Indian philosophy and an antidote to post-colonialism.
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June 2, 2024page 54
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