The Principal Upanishads originally published in 1953, is a modern compilation of the Vedic scriptures, The Upanishads, which are about two hundred in number. They are considered to be holy texts by Hindus. They teach one about life, philosophy, religion, human salvation and the nature of ultimate reality.
The Principal Upanishads, translated from Sanskrit to English, starts off with an introduction that is 129 pages long. In the preface of this book, the author, S Radhakrishnan, explains the significance and the value of these holy scriptures and how they form the foundation for the lives millions of Hindus. Dr. Radhakrishnan also says that through the Upanishads may not seem to be important in today's world, their central values and standards have been an integral part of India's history and belief system.
The Principal Upanishads covers topics such as atman, religion, karma and rebirth. It also explains the term Upanishad. This book has original Sanskrit teachings of eighteen Upanishads, accompanied by commentaries with verse-by-verse English translations. Some of these Upanishads are Katha, Kena and Jabala. The final pages contains two appendices, which elaborate on Edmond Holmes' and Rabindranath Tagore's viewpoints.
This new edition was published in paperback by Harpercollins in 2006. Since this book is in English, it makes it easier for westerners to read and learn about the Upanishads.
Key Features:
- The Principal Upanishads has been reviewed in numerous professional journals, such as The Journal of Religion, Journal of Bible and Religion and The Philosophical Review.
Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the second President of India, was born on 5th September, 1888. A great statesman and renowned scholar, he was also the first Vice President of the country.
His books include The Hindu View Of Life, An Idealist View Of Life, Indian Philosophy, Eastern Religions and Western Thought, The Dhammapada, and Recovery Of Faith.
Radhakrishnan completed his Master s in Philosophy from Madras Christian College. His distinguished teaching career started in 1918, with his appointment to the Madras Presidency College Department of Philosophy. He also taught at the University of Mysore, University of Calcutta, and delivered lectures at Oxford s Harris Manchester College. He was the Vice Chancellor of Andhra University and Banaras Hindu University.
Dr Radhakrishnan was als o the Professor of Eastern Religion and Ethics at Oxford University. He was a representative of UNESCO, a member of India s Constituent Assembly, and India s Ambassador to the Soviet Union. Dr Radhakrishnan was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1954. He died in the year 1975.
