Upanisads for All (An Old and Rare Book)

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Upanisads are regarded as the foundation of spiritual development in India, and though encased in ancient Sanskrit literature, these provide a very important chapter in the history of human understanding. It is believed that the thoughts of the Upanisads had influenced the ancient world via Buddhism in the east and a large portion of middle east, in one current, and through the Neoplatonics, Christian mystics and Persian Sufis in the other. The Upanisads reached Europe via a Persian translation rendered into Latin, and captivated the heart of the intellectuals, who started paying attention to the thoughts of the East. Amongst them the name of Schopenhauer comes foremost. He admitted that the Upanisads had great influence on him. In this respect I would like to quote his famous saying "In the whole world there is no study so beneficial, and so elevating as that of the Oupanikhat (Upanisads). It has been the solace of my life, it will be the solace of my death".

In India, different systems of philosophy and sects of religion sprang from this main source. Even Sankhya and Yoga, which were definitely pre-Buddhistio, show signs of having originated here. References of later religious sects centering round Siva, Sakti and Visnu are also found here. Many of the old ideas have indeed been lost in the haze of antiquity. But the few, that have survived, show their allegiance to the Upanisads. In fact they vie with each other in claiming their closeness to the Upanisads.

But none of these systems (some of which are fully developed in a systomatic way) surpass their original source the Upanisads, in beauty, depth or expanse. The Upanisads, being the basis, still remain the goal of spiritual cravings in India.

While studying the Upanisads, I wanted to translate them in a way which would be understandable to all. My first attempt was in Bengali; this was well received by both the scholars and the general readers. This made me courageous to publish the English translations, although there are few other translations of the Upanisads available in English. I have attempted to make the translations simple and straightforward, because the importance of the Upanisads lies in its simplicity, its naturalness. The path through which they endeavour to lead man to the depth of his own integrity, though as sharp as a razor's edge, is yet as clear and as simple as truth itself.

Though it was believed that the knowledge of the Upanisads should be imparted to a chosen few, yet it was the Upanisads and the Upanisads alone which so strongly preached about the unity, equality and universality of man, about the same single truth, present in all, the basis of all. But the simple and heart-reaching meanings gradually got a bit covered by the complicating styles of orthodox explanations of the commentaries mixed up with somewhat sectarian dogmas of the later thinkers. The books, which form a heritage to the treasury of human knowledge, should belong to all. Thus my ambition was to bring out the simpler meanings of the texts from the complicating and sometimes even roundabout methods of approach.

How far I have succeeded is of course for the readers to judge. I offer my efforts to the memory of the great seers and crave their blessings. May their words come and touch the heart of the modern age.

The Upanishads form the bedrook of Hindu Culture and Civilisation, and the value of the lofty thoughts contained in them have received due recognition not only all over India but also by the educated community all over the world. They discuss the highest ideals of life and most profound problems of life and death that have over agitated the thoughts of man- kind. Some of the greatest intellects of both the East and the West have looked upon the Upanishads as the products of the highest wisdom. Mrs. Chitrita Devi has made an honest effort to popularise the essential teachings of the Upanishads by a complete English translation of nine of them and an abridged version of two. Her translation is accurate and at the same time easily intelligible to the average educated person. She has imbibed the true spirit of the Upanishads and has by her literary skill succeeded in presenting their teachings in a very attractive form. This is by no means an easy task and it reflects great credit upon her. A general introduction gives a very lucid account of the fundamental concepts underlying the principal Upanishads, such as Brahman, the ultimate reality. It discusses the meaning of the term Upanisad, explains its significance in the development of Hindu culture, and the extent to which the Upanisadic literature satisfies the eternal quest of human mind for the Truth, which would solve the mysteries of life and death.

All these have been treated as simple but in elegant language in order to prepare the reader for properly understanding the somewhat cryptic language of the Upanishads rendered into English.

On the whole it is a valuable addition to the existing past literature on this fascinating and all important subject and study and I have no doubt that the volume would be highly appreciated by all those who earnestly seek for truth.