Krsna-Arjuna Samvada

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad is one of the ten major Upanishads. A dialectical narration that unabashedly stands up to the rational scrutiny of the modern mind, it is directed towards both the individual aspirant caught up in the dark morass of confusion and the philosophic thinker in search of rare pearls of wisdom from humanity’s treasury. Guru Nitya’s matchles commentary will enable the reader to discover the ancient seer’s timeles insights, to appreciate a fully-developed, integrated system of thought, and, most importantly, to learn to connect with what is real and enduring in his or her own essence. Schematically, the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad — a brilliant discourse from the Yajur Veda — is set out in three volumes, entitled: Madhu Kanda, Muni Kanda and Khila Kanda. In his planned three-volume thorough-going, meticulously analytical commentary. Guru Nitya distills the wisdom teaching of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, drawing on his intimate understanding of the human psyche, as well as both Eastern and Western philosophy, science, art and literature. Dwelling in turn on each of its 435 mantras, its poetic charm, myths, metaphors, images and symbols, Guru Nitya recreates and expands the Upanishadic vision of our own nature, human interaction, and the cosmos, and their relation to the unmoved essence of all. With highly useful appendices and a comprehensive index, the commentary will hold an enduring appeal for both scholars and discerning readers.

Yet another masterly piece of Hindu spiritual wisdom, Aitareya essentially reinforces the grand Upanishadic message which is neither a picturesque mythology nor a promise of heaven nor a threat of hell. It is yet another reminder (from the ancient seers) of our cosmic connection — showing how this universe, this phenomenal world of ours, and all that is created, whether movable or immovable, are unfolded from one primeval casual Reality: atman, variantly called the Supreme Spirit, Pure Consciousness or Prajnanam Brahma; and how, in turn, atman perceives itself as the one underlying substance of all these phenomena. A distinguished exponent of Vedanta, Swami Muni Narayana Prasad reinterprets this Upanishad, developing refreshing insights into its textual discourse, its meaning, and its message. Also included in this critical commentary are its original Sanskrit text, Romanised transliteration, and verse for verse English translation. Appended to the Rigveda, Aitareya Upanishad comprises three chapters (IV-VI) of the Aitareya-Aranyaka which, in itself, is a continuation of Aitareya Brahmana. And as one of the principal Upanishads is invaluable as much to the discerning readers as to the scholars of Indian philosophy.