Flight of the alone

by Anonymous, Yoga Pratap Bharati (Editor), Jnaneshvara Bharati

Spontaneous talks on The Kaivalya Upanishad given during a meditation camp at Mount Abu.

501 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1970

About the author

Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:

* They are officially published under that name
* They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author
* They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author

Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.

See also: Anonymous

Reviews

[Dharmabum · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is supposedly one of the 'minor' Upanishads. Yet to me, every word was dripping with poetic beauty and conveying the most profound ideas. Ad Swamiji's commentary only adds a new dimension to every verse. A must read for every student of Vedanta.

[Anila Kopparapu · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are some books that you can never really be done with. They keep pulling you back to them, magnetically and each time, you find a solution to life's problems and all the infinite questions that keep popping up in our heads about human existence, about our existence, and about everything.

The answers seem complex and not related in any way to the existence of the form world, let alone have any connection to all our meaningless questions - and yet, they are just about right. Somehow the dots connect and you understand it all.

I wouldn't really say that Swami Chinmayananda's explanations were of any help, nor that they were of any interest to me, it's the slokas and their translations that I read in this book, and that's all anyone needs - no perceptions, explanations or a breaking down of the slokas. The whole point of these slokas is that they don't need explaining and their whole purpose is for you to find answers within yourself and that's the whole beauty of it.

[Ashutosh Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first upanishad i have read, this book is treasure of spiritual knowledge. In this upanishad Asvalyana, a teacher in rig Veda approaches bramha for the knowledge of absolute truth. And I love the commentary and the way Swami chinmayanand explained the entire complex philosophy of the book in such an interesting and simple manner.

[Auro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swami Chinmayananda's commentary on the Kaivalya Upanishad offers a profound and lucid exploration of the core concepts of Advaita Vedanta, particularly the path to moksha (liberation). This short Upanishad, though classified as minor, packs a powerful punch, and Chinmayananda's guidance makes it accessible to a wide range of seekers.

Clear and Concise Commentary: Chinmayananda's writing style is known for its clarity and wit. He breaks down complex philosophical concepts into easily digestible pieces, making the Upanishad's wisdom approachable for both beginners and seasoned students of Vedanta.

Focus on Practical Application: While Chinmayananda delves into the philosophical underpinnings of liberation, he also emphasizes practical application. The book offers insights on meditation practices and living a life conducive to spiritual growth, making it a transformative guide.

Systematic Approach: The commentary follows the structure of the Upanishad itself, verse by verse. This allows readers to gain a comprehensive understanding of the text's progression and its core message.

Exploration of Key Concepts: Chinmayananda expertly unpacks central Advaita Vedanta concepts like Maya (illusion), Brahman (ultimate reality), and the nature of the Self. This provides a strong foundation for further study and spiritual exploration.

Considerations:

Prior Knowledge Helpful: While Chinmayananda's commentary makes the Upanishad accessible, some familiarity with Hindu philosophical terms and concepts would be beneficial for a deeper understanding.

Focus on Advaita Vedanta: This particular commentary presents the Upanishad through the lens of Advaita Vedanta. Those interested in other interpretations might need to consult additional resources.

Overall: Swami Chinmayananda's Kaivalya Upanishad is an excellent resource for anyone seeking to understand the essence of Advaita Vedanta and the path to liberation. Its clear explanations, practical guidance, and exploration of key concepts make it a valuable addition to any spiritual seeker's library. If you're new to Vedanta, consider this a stepping stone, and if you're already familiar with the philosophy, this book serves as a potent refresher and guide for deeper contemplation.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swami Chinmayananda's "Kaivalya Upanishad" is an illuminating guide to the ancient Indian text of the same name. It offers a profound and accessible exploration of the central concept of Hinduism: moksha, or liberation.

While the Upanishad focuses on the philosophical underpinnings of liberation, Swami Chinmayananda emphasizes its practical application. He offers guidance on meditation practices and living a life conducive to spiritual growth, making the book not just informative but also transformative.

The commentary is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the essence of Hindu philosophy and explore the path towards self-realization. Its clear explanations, practical guidance, and inspiring message make it a must-read for those embarking on their own spiritual journey.

[Abinav · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very heavy book even though it is very lean need time to process the context and message. The shlokas can also help in self interpretation of the topic and compare with the commentary (if you know sanskrit)

[agnostic · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating is for text only, not commentary.

[K. BALAKRISHNAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaivalyam

Short and sweet, to the point... Repetitions of important manthras from other upanishad / githa. Well commented..👍 I enjoyed reading as revision..

[‎]

Swami Chinmayananda

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needs to be read more than once. Beautiful 🙏

[Mohit Mishra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and contemplative Upanishad. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this commentary by Swami Chinmayananda. His style of oration and writing can move mountains in the hearts of the heartless. As for the Upanishad, I found it very close to my heart. A lot is packed in the 24 mantras + 2 phala-sruti mantras. Knowledge and practice of Vedanta would be helpful for readers to deeply appreciate the imports of this Upanishad.