Overview

The Upanisads are the central scriptures of Hinduism. They represent some of the most important literary products in the history of Indian culture and religion, both because they played a critical role in the development of religious ideas in India and because they are our greatest source for the religious, social, and intellectual history of ancient India. Composed at a time of great social, economic, and religious change, the Upanisads document the transition from the archaic ritualism of the Veda into new religious ideas and institutions. The first major English translation of the ancient Upanisads for over half a century, Olivelle's work incorporates the most recent historical and philological scholarship. The introduction and detailed notes make this edition ideal for the non-specialist as well as for students of Indian religions.

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9780192835765

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Reviews

This new edition and translation of twelve choice Upanisads with a biasic Introduction and Bibliography fills a void in the availability of Hindu primary sources for the classroom. Its compactness and clarity of the presentation of the individual Upanisads make it a must for any class on Hinduism or Oriental Religious-Philosophies. --Jose C. Nieto, Juniata College<br> With his previous work on the renouncer, there is no better qualified scholar to offer a new translation of the Upanisads. An informative introduction and useful notes frame an outstanding and readable interpretive translation of many of the primary texts. --Carl Olson, Allegheny College<br> Olivelle's translation is truly masterful. Anyone who thinks we didn't need another translation of the Upanisads should compare this elegant, scholarly version with any other translation. This is the best, and with it Olivelle takes his place in the pantheon of great translators of the Sanskrit tradition. --Richard Lariviere, University of Texas at Austin<br> These lucid translations of the major upanisads, with excellent introduction and useful detailed notes make a great contribution to the study of ancient religions literature. Students of Indian culture will make good use of these up-to-date interpretations. --William J. Jackson, Indiana University<br> Easy to follow and well-explained. --L. G. Tewari, Sonoma State University<br> Finally! The translation we have been waiting for--a clean, modern, authentic, honorable, and readable rendering of the principal Upanisads. Olivelle's text is a great boon to students and teachers of Hinduism. --Stuart Smithers, University of Puget Sound<br>

Author Information

Patrick Olivelle is the Chair, Department of Asian Studies, and Director, Center for Asian Studies, at the University of Texas at Austin, where he is the Professor of Sanskrit and Indian Religion. Among his recent publications are: The Samnyasa Upanisads: Hindu Scriptures on Ascetism and Renunciation (Oxford, 1992), The Asrama System: History and Hermeneutics of a Religions Institution (Oxford, 1993), Rules and Regulations of Brahmanical Asceteicsm (State University of New York Press, 1994).

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