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  • Essence of the Upanishads

  • A Key to Indian Spirituality
  • By: Eknath Easwaran
  • Narrated by: Paul Bazely
  • Length: 8 hrs and 41 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (1,098 ratings)

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Essence of the Upanishads

By: Eknath Easwaran
Narrated by: Paul Bazely
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Publisher's summary

The Katha Upanishad embraces the key ideas of Indian mysticism in a mythic story we can all relate to – the quest of a young hero, Nachiketa, who ventures into the land of death in search of immortality.

But the insights of the Katha are scattered, hard to understand. Easwaran presents them systematically, and practically, as a way to explore deeper and deeper levels of personality, and to answer the age-old question, “Who am I?”

Easwaran grew up in India, learned Sanskrit from a young age, and became a professor of English literature before coming to the West. His translation of The Upanishads is the best-selling edition in English.

For students of philosophy and of Indian spirituality, and readers of wisdom literature everywhere, Easwaran’s interpretation of this classic helps us in our own quest into the meaning of our lives.

©2009 Blue Mountain Center of Meditation (P)2017 Blue Mountain Center of Meditation

What listeners say about Essence of the Upanishads

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Beautiful and Brilliant

The retelling of an ancient tale, written in a language that has evolved over millennia, in such a way that it is applicable in a completely foreign context is something only a master storyteller could pull off. Easwaran is a master.

However, the mere fact that this story can be retold thousands of years after its creation and it make sense is testimony to the original creator(s) genius.

The narrator is also remarkable and captures the emotion and intent behind the authors’ works with great ease.

All in all, this is one of the better books I’ve engaged in recent times. Can’t recommend it enough!

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Amazing

Will listen to this again and again! Cant believe this was written so long ago! The world needs this now more than ever!

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Great book with exceptional contents and brillian

Great storytelling. Loved it thoroughly. Perfect narration made more enjoyable. Highly recommend. Great job !

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Beautiful and compassionate.

One can tell that Eknath wrote this book out of love in full presence. References of other mystics are quite appropriate in my opinion. This book illustrates and motivates the reader to continue striving for uncovering the true self. Many references to meditation as fundamental practice but not focused on it.

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Read this before you die !

The world's oldest philosophical and spiritual texts explained in a captivating storyline by Eknath and in a wonderful tone by his long time collaborator Paul Bezly

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Powerful

Very powerful and consuming. I would say one of the best short spiritual audible. Now how you practice ?

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A singular understandable, translation, and commentary. Highly recommended.

A singular understandable, translation, and commentary. Highly recommended. Seven more words to complete the submission.

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Profound & Timeless

Listened to this audio book after Easwaran’s other books (The Bhagavad Gita & Passage Meditation). Once again Paul Bazely’s narration is lively and brings out the meaning wonderfully. Highly recommend this book for those who have begun or trying embark on a journey of meditation.

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8 people found this helpful

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It's all connected. We are all connected

An excellent, very clear, insightful and inspiring presentation of the core teachings of a global spiritual classic. Highly recommended!

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3 people found this helpful

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Compliment sandwich

this is definitely a good listen. Gripping and very current. great use of cross religious references to showcase the essence of the philosophy being talked about.
Just one qualm. Referring to the formless Brahman as he is definitely not a part of the philosophy and it's significance. I suspect it might be done to be relatable to the abrahamic listeners.

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