The Upanishads

By: Eknath Easwaran

Narrated by: Paul Bazely

Easwaran’s best-selling translation of the ancient wisdom texts called the Upanishads is reliable, enjoyable, and profound.

In the Upanishads, illumined sages share flashes of insight, the results of their investigation into consciousness itself. In extraordinary visions, they experience directly a transcendent Reality which is the essence, or Self, of each created being. They teach that each of us, each Self, is eternal, deathless, one with the power that created the universe.

Easwaran’s best-selling translation of selections taken from the principal Upanishads and five others is reliable and accessible. It includes an overview of the cultural and historical setting, with chapter introductions, notes, and a Sanskrit glossary. But it is Easwaran’s understanding of the wisdom of the Upanishads, and their relevance to the modern audience, that makes this edition truly outstanding.

Each sage, each Upanishad, appeals in different ways to the listener's head and heart. As Easwaran writes, “The Upanishads belong not just to Hinduism. They are India’s most precious legacy to humanity, and in that spirit they are offered here.”

This audiobook is a complete narration of Eknath Easwaran's Foreword, Introduction, and translation, but omits the short chapter introductions and the Afterword by other writers.

©2007 Blue Mountain Center of Meditation (P)2022 Blue Mountain Center of Meditation

Critic reviews

“No one in modern times is more qualified–no, make that ‘as qualified’–to translate the epochal Classics of Indian Spirituality than Eknath Easwaran. And the reason is clear. It is impossible to get to the heart of those classics unless you live them, and he did live them. My admiration of the man and his works is boundless.”–Huston Smith, author of The World’s Religions

Aspirants apply here

I find this spiritual literature as appealing as a Rubik’s cube was in the 80’s. I was compelled to read more after reading Sri M’s book about his apprenticeship.

I can’t say that I understand it all. That is part of the journey. If you seek that kind of a trip. Start here after reading Sri M.

I say this with the knowledge that I do not know what I do not know……

Good translation

Skilled reader, enjoyable. The book is abriged, but I believe includes the entire Upanishads.

lovely

Highly recommend. Definitely my third favorite right after the Gita and Dharma. Listened to this one a couple times through already.

Great translation and narrator

This is an ancient wisdom for yogis and those on a spiritual path. I found the narrator’s voice calm and soothing. I determine what audiobooks I choose heavily based on the narrator. While the text can be difficult to grasp, this translation is approachable, beautiful and poetic.

The Greatest Jewel

Of all the classics of ancient Indian spirituality, the Upanishads have always been recognized as the greatest jewel. Not even the Bhagavadgita has the incisive, succinct power of the Upanishads. This is not a place to explain what the Upanishads are about; that is up to the reader to discover. Suffice to say that the Upanishads have provided spiritual guidance and consolation to millions of people. They contain the essence and they represent the pinnacle of Indian philosophical thought. Eknath Easwaran’s translation is excellent, and Paul Bazely’s delivery absolutely faultless. You can listen to his recitation of the Upanishads just to escape the daily troubles and find calm and balance.