The Upanisads

The Upaniáads are among the most sacred foundational scriptures in the Hindu religion. Composed from 800 BCE onwards and making up part of the larger Vedic corpus they offer the reader knowledge lessons on life death and immortality. While they are essential to understanding Hinduism and Asian religions more generally their complexities make them almost impenetrable to anyone but serious scholars of Sanskrit and ancient Indian culture. This book is divided into five parts: Composition authorship and transmission of the Upaniáads; The historical cultural and religious background of the Upaniáads; Religion and philosophy in the Upaniáads; The classical Upaniáads; The later Upaniáads. The chapters cover critical issues such as the origins of the Upaniáads authorship and redaction as well as exploring the broad religious and philosophical themes within the texts. The guide analyzes each of the Upaniáads separately unpacking their contextual relevance and explaining difficult terms and concepts. The Upaniáads: A Complete Guide is a unique and valuable reference source for undergraduate religious studies history and philosophy students and researchers who want to learn more about these foundational sacred texts and the religious lessons in the Hindu tradition. . Language: English