protomattr reviewed The Upanishads by Eknath Easwaran
Review of 'The Upanishads' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
I enjoyed this collection of Hindu wisdom, set down as poetic dialogues. The essential message, hammered home in various ways, is that reality is a duality of unity and multiplicity... the separateness we perceive is an illusion masking the underlying truth that everything in the Universe is one. This is a beautiful concept that truly has universal application, especially in connecting with other humans, and cultivating compassion for all. Mixed with expositions of this arguably secular idea are fascinating glimpses of Hindu myth and lore, which at times reminded me of the Elder Edda of Norse mythology. In place of a disguised Odin teaching the lesser gods and heroes the Nordic ways, we have the Supreme Self manifested as deities or sages impressing the absolute truth, along with recipes for religious rites, upon questioning gods or aspirants. The theme of renouncing attachment also runs strong through the Upanishads, connecting with …
I enjoyed this collection of Hindu wisdom, set down as poetic dialogues. The essential message, hammered home in various ways, is that reality is a duality of unity and multiplicity... the separateness we perceive is an illusion masking the underlying truth that everything in the Universe is one. This is a beautiful concept that truly has universal application, especially in connecting with other humans, and cultivating compassion for all. Mixed with expositions of this arguably secular idea are fascinating glimpses of Hindu myth and lore, which at times reminded me of the Elder Edda of Norse mythology. In place of a disguised Odin teaching the lesser gods and heroes the Nordic ways, we have the Supreme Self manifested as deities or sages impressing the absolute truth, along with recipes for religious rites, upon questioning gods or aspirants. The theme of renouncing attachment also runs strong through the Upanishads, connecting with the same in the Bhagavad Gita and Buddhist philosophy. As summed up by Gandhi, "renounce and enjoy." Finally, I found the idea of dreamless sleep as a condition close to unity with the Self intriguing.
The overall introduction, chapter introductions, and especially, the afterword, are excellent additions providing context and thought-provoking commentary, including applicability to the modern world and comparison to some concepts in ancient Greek philosophy. I've heard it said that "the Greeks are good to think with." I think the same can be said for the Indians.
OM shanti shanti shanti
