انگلیسی 1378

In Upanishads is articulated not only the quintessence of spiritual wisdom, but also the remarkable philosophical genius of the classical Hindu mind. Owing, however, to their complexity, metaphor, and even obscurity, Upanishadic writings have been endlessly debated, discussed and written upon, more specially since Shankara's time. Swami Narayana Prasad's commentary is yet another valuable addition to the existing literature attempting, as it does, to rationally unlock the metaphysical subtleties of Prashna Upanishad with the master-key handed down to him in the disciplic succession of Sri Narayana Guru. Prashna Upanishad offers an enlightened exposition of brahmavidya: knowledge of the Absolute/Supreme Reality. In an aptly thought-out dialectical situation, it offers a threadbare discussion of six questions which, centreing around procreation/origin of beings, prana: the most vital life-sustaining principle, functional states of the Self (purusha), significance of meditating on AU[M lead to the finality of Vedantic wisdom: the sublimity of non-dual Reality: the param purusha of sixteen kalas. With the English version of the Upanishad, its original Sanskrit text and Roman transliteration, Swami Prasad's interpretation highlights the true import of this metaphysical piece spelling out its contexts in the light of what the author calls "the metalogic of yogic-buddhi" and all else that is allegorical, obscure and riddle-like. For the authenticity of this commentary, the author has had extensive discussions with a group of Vedantic scholars. A stimulating work for the scholars of Indian philosophy, specially Vedanta, and no less for discerning readers. AUTHOR DETAILS: Swami Muni Narayana Prasad is the Regulating Secretary of the famous Narayana Gurukula, a guru-disciple foundation set up by Nataraja Guru, the disciple-successor of Narayana Guru. A disciple of Nataraja Guru who was initiated as a renunciate in 1984, Swami Muni Narayana Prasad has travelled round the world teaching Indian philosophy, with special emphasis on the Upanishads. He has been associated with the philosophical magazine, The Gurukulam as editor for twelve years and continues to be one of its chief contributors. The author of many works, his publications in English include Basic Lessons on India's Wisdom, Karma and Reincarnation, Vedanta Sutras of Narayana Guru and Commentaries on the Katha, Kena, Mundaka, Prashna, Taittiriya,Chandogya and Aitareya Upanishads.