A Brief Introduction to UPANISHADS (small size)shrivedabharathi.in/books_images/23. A Brief...

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Transcript of A Brief Introduction to UPANISHADS (small size)shrivedabharathi.in/books_images/23. A Brief...

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INDEX

Preface 1

Introduction 4

1. Isavasyopanishad 9

2. Kenopanishad 18

3. Kathopanishad 24

4. Prasnopanishad 43

5. Mundakopanishad 54

6. Mandukyopanishad 66

7. Taittiriyopanishad 76

8. Chandogyopanishad 99

9. Aitareyopanishad 107

10. Brihadaranyakopanishad 113

11. Sevetasvataropanishad 131

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PREFACE

Shri Veda Bharathi had earlier published a booktitled “Upanishad Ratnavali” in four parts. In thatwork, the ten principal Upanishads commentedupon by Shri Adi Shankaracharya, and theSwetaswataropanishad also were explained in amanner understandable to the uninitiated commonman, who has no special knowledge of VedantaPhilosophy. This special endeavor to bring VedantaPhilosophy within the reach of the untrained mindproved a grand success due to nothing but the innatestrength and Truth Value of the Upanishads and theblessings of Parameswara. It is now going into itsFifth Edition – rather in a record time.

The Muktikopanishad referred to 108Upanishads and among them it identified Isa, Kena,Katha, Prasna, Mundaka, Mandukya, Taittiriya,Aitareya, Chandogya and BrihadaranyakaUpanishads as principal Upanishads, the reason beingthat they expound the spiritual wisdom –adhyatmavidya comprehensively. Four among theseUpanishads contain what are popularly referred toas Maha Vakyas – great statements whose directand stimulating philosophical message is for all peopleand all times. Their universal and eternal appealinspired every thinker's mind and even today they

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survived the scientific advancement and the so calledrational thinking and enjoy unparalled sway inphilosophical thought.

These Mahavakyas and several other sayings inUpanishads are frequently quoted by the Pandits wholecture on Puranas and spiritual topics. As all theseultimately form part of Vedas only, they teach eternalvalues – Sanatana Dharma. So we are publishingthis small booklet mainly with a view to disseminate theeternal values contained in the Upanishads, briefly, sothat these ideas flash in the minds of those who needthem at the crucial moments in their life and guide themalong the path of righteousness. If parents take interestand see that some of these sentences are committed toheart by their children, surely the path they take in lifewould be the right one that leads them to sure success.

We published this book earlier in Telugu andnow we are publishing it in English in the hope thatthe non - Telugu knowing public would read it andalso more essentially teach its contents to theirchildren so that they get inspired with the ancientIndian thought. With the dissemination of our ancientwisdom as the sole objective, we are placing thisbook in the hands of the public at the lowest possibleprice. We solicit your patronage and encouragement.

- Publishers