A Collection of Texts, Aphorisms, Sayings, Proverbs, Etc. From The Upanishads or Sacred Writings of India Compiled and Adapted from Over Fifty Authorities, Expressing the Cream of the Hindu Philosophical Thought
About the Book
"The Spirit of the Upanishads: Or the Aphorisms of the Wise" is a compilation of texts, aphorisms, sayings, and proverbs sourced from "The Upanishads," the Sacred Writings of India. This volume represents the essence of Hindu philosophical thought, drawn from a diverse array of over fifty authorities. The contents speak for themselves and require little introduction, given the widely recognized significance of the Upanishads' profound philosophy. As the German philosopher Schopenhauer remarked, the study of the Upanishads is unparalleled in its benefit and elevation. Each aphorism in this book underscores this truth, aiming to guide readers towards a realization of the profound wisdom contained within. As stated in the Yogavasishtha, every individual is drawn to that which resonates with their heart as truth, reflecting the law of learning wherein one accepts what aligns with their inner truth while letting the rest await their readiness.
About the Author- 1
Ramacharaka was born around 1799 in India, embarked on a lifelong journey to discover a profound philosophy. Travelling extensively throughout the East, he immersed himself in the wisdom of lamaseries, monasteries, and private libraries. Around 1865, after years of searching and meditation, he formulated his philosophy and took on Baba Bharata as a pupil. In 1893, sensing his impending end, he sent Bharata to Chicago's World Columbian Exposition, where he garnered acclaim for his lectures. Collaborating with American author William Walker Atkinson, Bharata's teachings were compiled into books attributed to Yogi Ramacharaka, achieving global recognition and ongoing popularity despite historical inaccuracies.
About the Author- 2
William Walker Atkinson (1862-1932) was an attorney, merchant, publisher, and author, pioneered the New Thought movement in America. Born in 1862, he authored numerous works under pseudonyms, exploring topics like logic, memory, psychology, and metaphysics. Despite initial setbacks, Atkinson found solace in New Thought principles, attributing his recovery and prosperity to their application. His bibliography includes over 100 books, covering diverse subjects such as mental influence, telepathy, and the laws of attraction. Atkinson's legacy endures through his contributions to the understanding of the mind and its potential.
Preface
This volume is a collection of texts; aphorisms, sayings; proverbs; etc., from "The Upanishads," or Sacred Writings of India; compiled and adapted from over fifty authorities, expressing the Cream of the Hindu Philosophical Thought.
The adapter of the book acknowledges his appreciation of the work of Dr. Manil N. Dvivedi, of Bombay, India, the original translator of many of these aphorisms, etc., the general form of whose translation has been followed in the majority of cases, subject to such supplementary changes and rearrangement as have seemed desirable in the present work.
The contents of this book are self-explanatory, and need little introduction. The wonderful philosophy of "The Upanishads," is so generally recognized that words of praise would be superfluous. Many can say with the German philosopher, Schopenhauer: "In the whole world there is no study so beneficial and so elevating as that of 'The Upanishads.' It has been the solace of my life; it will be the solace of my death."
One word of caution we would give to the reader who may not be grounded in the fundamental thought of the Hindu Philosophies. We allude to the frequent use of the words: "The Self," or "Self," in many of the aphorisms. The student of the Oriental Teachings will, of course, recognize the fact that the word "Self," so used, implies the "One Self," or "Infinite One," whose Essence permeates the Universe, and in whom all living forms, "live, and move and have their being"-and which "Self" is the Essence of the countless personal "selves." We have used the Capital "S," in the word, when so used; the word "self," meaning the personal self, being printed in the usual way.
