The Upanishads (Penguin Classics)

A lyrically beautiful and spiritually insightful book that seems to have an almost transcendental effect on it's privileged reader. Whether you are deeply interested in theology and philosophy or a casual reader, I believe these writings can speak to everyone in some way, even to a militant atheist who believes there is not a shred of truth to be found within them, they are still worth reading for their immense beauty. It is easy to see why Schopenhauer spoke so highly of them, they are truly up there with the finest texts to ever be produced by human minds. That they were written thousands of years ago only serves to increase the wonder a reader feels on reading them.

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.

I'd buy this book for the introduction alone. It's a masterpiece - he explains the inexplicable with simple clarity, drawing on poetry and religious words from throughout the ages, showing how all of them are saying the same thing, underneath.

Of all the translations of the Upanishads I have not read any which compare to the simple clarity and lucidity of this translation of some of the principle works. Juan Mascaro seems to have found a way of rendering these ancient texts in simple, poetic language which resonates across the divide of words. All other translations I have read have perhaps been more academic, but they fall down completely on fluidity and clarity. Too many of them are dry and smack of 'translationese'. Mascaro manages to make you feel that this is exactly the way in which the Upanishads might have been communicated in English. Anyone interested in spirituality, or who has had a sense of the Divine in ordinary life, should read these works. Their wisdom underlies just about all spirituality since. Someone above mentions that the Upanishads have a similar message to Christianity. This is essentially true, but there is no suffering or concept of sin and self-punishment in the Upanishads. Nevertheless Christianity was a major attempt at conveying as directly as possible the Upanishadic vision - that God resides in us as well as everything else. Christ is the embodiment of Brahmanic Man and shows us how we can all have that experience. This not what we hear that much in Christianity these days, although it was exactly what Christianity started with. Thus the Upanishads teach us how to read the Gospels. Go read!

All went well and I received the book in good condition. Any book giving us a better understanding of our God is worth reading. This is of course important only to those who wish to grow as a human being. A good book to recomend.

Upanishads are a component of each of the 4 Veda a footnote It was not written 800 bc it was much much earlier than that

A clear and beautiful translation, giving meaning to much that seems difficult to understand in other translations.

Marvellous translation, and more than competent introduction. Full marks to author/translator Juan Mascaro, whose other works are similarly so.

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A fantastically insightful read. Such a simple and digestible message of study and practice to adopt towards self realization. Ancient wisdom translated for all. Even if you take no interest in spirituality the wording alone is worth the read. It leaves you to ponder and feel long after the last words are read of each verse. Totally rewarding and enjoyable read.

Very good

I needed a new copy of the Upanishads. It is sublime, of course. everybody should read it but few people do.

I also purchased the, Breath of the Eternal version. Loved both.