Upanishad according to Ramanuja's system
PRINCIPAL UPANISHADS,Vol.II — Chandogya Upanishad: N. S. Anantha Rangacharya; 780, Fifth Main Road, Vijayanagar, Bangalore-560040. Rs. 250.
THE AUTHOR of the book under review is an erudite scholar and has written and translated several books in English and Kannada on Vedanta philosophy. In this book he has given an English translation, from the standpoint of Visishtadvaita, of the Chandogya Upanishad.
The greatest exponent of Visishtadvaita philosophy, Ramanuja, took up the crucial and controversial passages of the Upanishads and interpreted them in his Vedartha Sangraha and Sri Bhashya, commentary on the Brahmasutras. Rangaramanujamuni (16/17th Century) however wrote a complete commentary on the 10 principal Upanishads, besides a few others, bringing out the Visishtadvaita interpretation.
The commentary on the Chandgoya Upanishad, based on the works of Ramanuja and Rangaramanujamuni, has been brought out for the first time in English by the author, thus fulfilling a long-felt need. The present volume is a sequel to his earlier one, giving the commentary on seven of the 10 principal Upanishads and with this now in the second volume, only two more i.e. Aitareya and Brihadaranyaka Upanishads are left, which it is hoped, will be completed ere long by the learned author, as the third and final volume.
Chandogya Upanishad, occupies the pride of place among the Upanishads. It has the distinction of being referred the maximum number of times, in the Vedanta Sutras of Badarayana. Further, the credit goes to this Upanishad for preaching more number of Brahma Vidyas (modes of Bhakti yoga) than other Upanishads.
To mention briefly, several alternative modes of upasana or Bhakti yoga, like worshipping God within the orb of the sun (Antaraditya Vidya), meditating on one's soul as having the Paramatma as its inner soul (Panchagni Vidya), meditating on Brahman as the ultimate cause of the universe (Sad Vidya), worshipping God within the sun as honey (Madhu Vidya), and worshipping him as the greatest of the great, in the form of infinite bliss (Bhuma Vidya) are discussed and described in extenso, among others. The Upanishad prescribes even a Vidya to be practised by a man who wishes to live for 116 years, free from all diseases.
To illustrate the various intricate points of philosophy, there are several interesting parables and charming similes and metaphors. The famous maxim "Tat tvam asi" (That Thou art), which forms the bedrock of the Advaita philosophy, occurs in this Upanishad and the Visishtadvaita interpretation has been well presented by the author. It also teaches complete self-surrender to God, which is the cardinal philosophy of Vaishnavism.
The author, reproducing the original passages in Sanskrit, gives simple translation in English, followed by brief notes, where necessary, by way of clarification. The essential ideas have been expounded in clear and concise terms.
The printing is neat and crisp, free from errors and the get-up is good. The author deserves all praise for undertaking this noble task and the Sanatana school, particularly Vaishnavism, owes a deep sense of gratitude to the author, for bringing out for the first time in English, the commentary on the Upanishad, from the Visishtadvaita standpoint, enabling a much wider section of people to benefit from the same.
V.N. GOPALA DESIKACHARIAR
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Book Review
