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The Upanishads (Penguin Classics) by Anonymous(1965-11-30) Unknown Binding – 1 January 1965
by Anonymous (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 381 ratings
The Upanishads, the earliest of which were composed in Sanskrit between 800 and 400 bce by sages and poets, form part of the Vedas - the sacred and ancient scriptures that are the basis of the Hindu religion. Each Upanishad, or lesson, takes up a theme ranging from the attainment of spiritual bliss to karma and rebirth, and collectively they are meditations on life, death and immortality. The essence of their teachings is that truth can by reached by faith rather than by thought, and that the spirit of God is within each of us - we need not fear death as we carry within us the promise of eternal life.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators. The poetic backbone of Hinduism, the millennia-old Upanishads transcend time. The selections offered here illuminate a path that is as "narrow as the edge of a razor" but pregnant with freedom and bliss. Through vivid metaphors and timeless prose, learn how the path of yoga leads beyond the treacherous web of karma to the final, blissful union of the personal soul, atman, with the universal soul, Brahman.
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Language
English
Publisher
Penguin Classics
Publication date
1 January 1965
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Dioglas
5.0 out of 5 stars Cânone!Reviewed in Brazil on 9 January 2023
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Livro para estudantes avançados nas filosofias monistas Advaita Vedanta.
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Joao Nunes
4.0 out of 5 stars Boa relação preço qualidade. Letra pequena com imprecisões na impressão.Reviewed in Spain on 23 June 2023
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Para livro de bolso a baixo preço, cumpre a função. Alguma falhas ded impressão e letra ligeiramente pequena. Pelo preço é obrigatório
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JC
5.0 out of 5 stars It resonatesReviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 May 2023
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A clear and beautiful translation, giving meaning to much that seems difficult to understand in other translations.
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Razzmatazz
5.0 out of 5 stars Another excellent translation by Juan MascaroReviewed in the United States on 18 March 2018
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Juan Mascaro's selections of the Upanishads are an intriguing glimpse into Hindu scripture and represent "the end" of the ancient Vedas and by extension the end of all knowing and seeking. The selections have various modes of presentation but one unifying message and theme: seeking to know the knower, to see the light of Truth, to go beyond the cycle of life and death.
These diverse writings distill the multitude of cosmology into but a few lines; they fearlessly ask and answer the most daunting questions mankind has thought to ask, in but a few pages; in line with so many enduring texts they emphasize letting go of desire and achieving self-control. These selections are brief in terms of pages but longer than most in terms of meaning and value. If you get through this book in a matter of days, you didn't really read it, you didn't pay attention, you didn't respect the wisdom or give it its due.
I am not overstating when I say that aside from the great value of these selections, Juan Mascaro's introduction would have been worth the cost on its own. As with the Dhammapada he shows a deep appreciation for the source material and an equally strong desire to retain its poetry and potency while bringing these ancient works to modern readers in a fluid, impactful style. It is truly a shame that Mascaro was not a translator of more ancient works, but his three translations for Penguin Classics are perhaps more than anyone could ask for and will certainly remain among my most cherished books
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Rajan Bakshi
5.0 out of 5 stars Very goodReviewed in India on 13 January 2018
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Very good
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Chinmay
5.0 out of 5 stars Meant for spiritually advanced seekers
Reviewed in Germany on 9 February 2018
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Upanishads are mystical and paradoxical. But that's how the truth could be comprehended. It is not meant for beginners or the uninitiated. I recommend one to get oneself acquainted with the history and different schools of thought in Indian philosophy before venturing into the Upanishads, although the Upanishads precede systematic schools of philosophy. But one must learn to understand the limits of the human mind to appreciate the message in the Upanishads.
Essay by the author Juan Mascaro at the beginning of the book (around 50 pages) is a treat to read. Translations are sometimes esoteric and difficult to grasp but I would ascribe it to the nature of the content itself and not a reflection of the quality of translation. The author has done justice to this spiritual treasure of humankind.
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CC
4.0 out of 5 stars Very good transaction
Reviewed in Spain on 14 June 2015
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Despite the cover of the book was different as the cover showed in the website, the book was in good conditions and I received it in the expected timing. I highly recommend this seller.
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M. C. Morison
5.0 out of 5 stars Superb commentary
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 February 2021
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The date of origin of the Upanishads is unclear as they were initially oral teachings. This excellent translation gives them in their simple glory. The beauty and excellence of this edition is the commentary by Juan Mascaro, one who had penetrated the mystery of Brahman and these teachings. It is from his commentary that the deeper aspects of the timeless wisdom emerges.
For a further metaphysical treatment look for the book by Rene Guenon.
3 people found this helpful
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