Sankaracharya
Sankaracharya (from Saṅkara, a personal name + ācarya teacher) was an Indian reformer and teacher of Vedanta, who founded what has become known as Advaita… Read More »Sankaracharya
vedanta
Writings related to the Vedanta school of Indian Philosophy. See also: Advaita Vedanta.
The Original Śaṅkarācārya
The once universal Wisdom Tradition, whose existence was made known to the modern world by H. P. Blavatsky, had been preserved for long ages in… Read More »The Original Śaṅkarācārya
Intellect and Intuition in Sankara’s Philosophy
Philosophy is not a matter of dialectics and intellectual jugglery, but a product of life and meditation on it. It is Common enough for philosophers… Read More »Intellect and Intuition in Sankara’s Philosophy
India—“The Alma-Mater”
I: The Eternal Religion Forty years ago, expounding Theosophical tenets, W. Q. Judge called them “Echoes from the Orient.” His words convey a deeper truth… Read More »India—“The Alma-Mater”
The Doctrine of the Bhagavad Gita
Contents The Doctrine of the Bhagavad-Gita Kshetra and Kshetrajna Mulaprakriti, Daiviprakriti and Ishwara Worship Me with All Bhavas Glossary The Doctrine of the Bhagavad-Gita In… Read More »The Doctrine of the Bhagavad Gita
Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad
Part I, Sections 1-3 [Introduction] Building the Cosmos Like the Chhandogya Upanishad, the Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad consists of a series of Instructions for Disciples. The… Read More »Brihad Aranyaka Upanishad
Vakya Sudha (The Essence of the Teaching)
The power of vision in the eye sees form; the mind sees the power of vision in the eye; spiritual consciousness, the Witness, sees the… Read More »Vakya Sudha (The Essence of the Teaching)
Chhandogya Upanishad
Part I, Sections 1-6 [Introduction] The Powers of the Logos The great Upanishads were compiled as Instructions for disciples preparing for Initiation. They contain philosophical… Read More »Chhandogya Upanishad
Aitareya Upanishad (Macrocosm and Microcosm)
I. Atma, verily, Universal Self, alone was this in the beginning, nor was aught else with opening and closing eyes. He beholding said: Let me… Read More »Aitareya Upanishad (Macrocosm and Microcosm)
Atma Bodha (The Awakening to the Spirit)
For the sake of those whose darkness has been worn away by purifications, who have attained to peace, whose passions have been conquered, who long… Read More »Atma Bodha (The Awakening to the Spirit)
Taittiriya Upanishad (Instructions for Disciples)
The Taittiriya Upanishad is made up, for the most part, of Instructions for younger disciples, who are learning the first lessons of the secret wisdom… Read More »Taittiriya Upanishad (Instructions for Disciples)
Mandukya Upanishad (The Measures of the Eternal)
Om: this syllable, this imperishable, is the All. Its expansion is what has been, what is, what shall be. All, verily, is Om. And whatsoever… Read More »Mandukya Upanishad (The Measures of the Eternal)
Vivekachudamani (Crest Jewel of Wisdom)
[Translation] Invocation To Him I make obeisance, who is the end of all wisdom, the goal of all attainment, the unseen Lord of the flock,… Read More »Vivekachudamani (Crest Jewel of Wisdom)
Mundaka Upanishad (The Two Wisdoms)
Brahmâ the Evolver, first of the Bright Powers came to birth, Maker of all, Preserver of the world. He declared the Wisdom of the Eternal,… Read More »Mundaka Upanishad (The Two Wisdoms)
Prashna Upanishad (A Vedic Master)
Prashna Upanishad, “the Mystical Teaching of the Questions,” brief though it be, is a masterly summary of the Secret Wisdom. It illustrates two fundamental principles… Read More »Prashna Upanishad (A Vedic Master)
Katha Upanishad (In the House of Death)
Seeking for favour, verily, Vajashravasa made a sacrifice of all his possessions. He had a son, named Nachiketas. Him, being still a boy, faith entered… Read More »Katha Upanishad (In the House of Death)
Kena Upanishad (By Whom?)
By whom impelled flies the forward-impelled Mind? By whom compelled does the First Life go forth? By whom impelled is this Voice that they speak?… Read More »Kena Upanishad (By Whom?)
Isha Upanishad (By the Master)
By the Master all this is to be clothed and pervaded, whatever moves in this moving world. These words, like all that is of primary… Read More »Isha Upanishad (By the Master)
The Katha Upanishad and the Great Initiation
Many Scriptures have been inspired by the Great Initiation; with these are to be counted the Prometheus Bound of Æschylus and the Prometheus Unbound of… Read More »The Katha Upanishad and the Great Initiation
The Age of Sankara
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION Ex Orientale lux; Ex occidente frux-from the East light; from the West fruit-is a suggestive old saying. ‘Spiritual light… Read More »The Age of Sankara
The Vedantic Approach to Reality
Philosophy is the attempt to think out the presuppositions of experience, to grasp, by means of reason, life or reality as a whole. It seeks… Read More »The Vedantic Approach to Reality
The Bhagavad-Gita [Notes, Chapters 8-18]
[Note: the following was meant by Mr. Crosbie to be a continuation of the Notes on Chapters 1-7 by W. Q. Judge.] Contents Chapter 8… Read More »The Bhagavad-Gita [Notes, Chapters 8-18]
Does Consciousness Evolve? The Answer of the Vedanta
To the question, Does Consciousness Evolve? the Vedanta answers, yes, and no. Personal consciousness evolves, from childhood to maturity, from surface sense-perception to the deeper… Read More »Does Consciousness Evolve? The Answer of the Vedanta
Garbha Upanishad
[Garbha-Upanishad]1 Om. The body is composed of the five (elements); it exists in the five (objects of sense, etc.); it has six supports: it is… Read More »Garbha Upanishad
Sariraka Upanishad
[Śārīraka-Upanishad]1 Om. The body is a compound of pṛthivī (earth) and other mahābhūtas (primordial elements, as pas or water, agni or fire, vāyu or air,… Read More »Sariraka Upanishad
Vajrasuchi Upanishad
[Vajrasūchi Upanishad]1 I now proceed to declare the vajrasūchi—the weapon that is the destroyer of ignorance—which condemns the ignorant and praises the man of divine… Read More »Vajrasuchi Upanishad
Subala Upanishad
Khanda I Then he (Raikva1) asked: “What was at first?” To which (He the Lord) replied: “There was neither Sat2 nor asat nor Sat-asat. From… Read More »Subala Upanishad
Adhyatma Upanishad
[Adhyātma-Upanishad]1 The One Aja (unborn) is ever located in the cave (of the heart) within the body. (Pṛthivī) the earth is His body; though He… Read More »Adhyatma Upanishad
Paingala Upanishad
[Paiṅgala Upanishad]1 Adhyāya I Om. Paiṅgala, having served under Yājñavalkya for twelve years, asked him to initiate him into the supreme mysteries of Kaivalya. To… Read More »Paingala Upanishad
Skanda Upanishad
[Skanda]1 Om. O Mahādeva (Lord of Devas), I am indestructible through a small portion of Thy grace. I am replete with Vijñāna. I am Śiva… Read More »Skanda Upanishad
Atmabodha Upanishad
[Ātmabodha Upanishad]1 Om. Prostrations to Nārāyana wearing conch, discus, and mace,2 by whom the Yogi is released from the bondage of the cycle of rebirth… Read More »Atmabodha Upanishad
Niralamba Upanishad
[Nirālamba]1 Harih-Om. I shall relate in the form of a catechism whatever should be known for the removal of all miseries that befall these ignorant… Read More »Niralamba Upanishad
Sarvasara Upanishad
[Sarvasāra]1 [In the text, all the questions are given first and then the answers follow. But the following arrangement is adopted to facilitate reference.] 1.… Read More »Sarvasara Upanishad
Muktika Upanishad
Adhyāya I Addressing with devotion and obedience Śrī-Rāma—the Lord Hari, at the end of His Samādhi, who being Himself changeless is the witness of the… Read More »Muktika Upanishad
The Vedanta Philosophy and the Doctrine of Maya
The doctrine of Maya is considered by many thinkers, both in the East and the West, to be an integral part of the Vedanta philosophy.… Read More »The Vedanta Philosophy and the Doctrine of Maya
Lectures on the Bhagavad Gita [Chapter 4]
Contents Preface 1. The Place of Jnanayoga in the Gita 2. The Pedigree of Jnanayoga 3. The Doctrine of Avataras 4. Jnanayoga as the Means… Read More »Lectures on the Bhagavad Gita [Chapter 4]
The Ethics of the Vedanta
A system of philosophy is generally tested by its ethical doctrine. Though a criticism of life, philosophy is judged by its capacity to improve life.… Read More »The Ethics of the Vedanta
Tattva Bodha (Shankaracharya’s Catechism)
Introduction This charming little treatise bears in Sanskrit the title Tattva Bodha, which means “The Awakening to Reality,” or, to translate quite literally, “The Awakening… Read More »Tattva Bodha (Shankaracharya’s Catechism)
Short Survey of the Vedanta System
1. Introductory. Fundamental thought of the Vedanta § 1. The fundamental thought of the Vedânta, most briefly expressed by the Vedic words: tat tvam asi, “that art… Read More »Short Survey of the Vedanta System
Three Books on the Vedanta
1. The System of the Vedanta, by Prof. Paul Deussen. 2. The Philosophy of the Upanishads, by Prof. Paul Deussen. 3. Handbook of the Vedant,… Read More »Three Books on the Vedanta
Faith and Works In the Upanishads and the New Testament
I. There is a passage of singular charm and vivacity, which one may call, I think, the keystone of the Upanishads; the passage containing what… Read More »Faith and Works In the Upanishads and the New Testament
The Dramatic Element in the Upanishads
A good many readers make the acquaintance of the Upanishads in the two volumes which Prof. Max Müller contributed to the now world-famous Sacred Books… Read More »The Dramatic Element in the Upanishads
Mandukya-Karika by Gaudapada (Natural, Psychical and Spiritual Bodies)
[Part I] [Introduction] The shortest of all the older Upanishads is the Mandukya. Yet in some ways it contains fuller and deeper teaching than any… Read More »Mandukya-Karika by Gaudapada (Natural, Psychical and Spiritual Bodies)
The Vedanta in Daily Life
Every land has something to contribute to our life. In many cases we may recognize our indebtedness. Thus from Rome we get the foundation of… Read More »The Vedanta in Daily Life
The Religion of India
I. When we come to India, the contrast with Egypt and Chaldea is strongly marked. Of the ancient Sumerian culture and religion of Chaldea, nothing… Read More »The Religion of India
The Vedanta Philosophy
I. Two things seem to me to distinguish our philosophy in the West from the philosophy of India, especially in its golden age. Without disrespect… Read More »The Vedanta Philosophy
Bhagavad Gita (Songs of the Master)
General Introduction The Bhagavad Gita is one of the noblest scriptures of India, one of the deepest scriptures of the world. It is rich in… Read More »Bhagavad Gita (Songs of the Master)
The Vedanta Philosophy
The keynote of the Indian Renaissance of today, is the great and increasing attention paid to the Vedanta Philosophy; and especially to the thought and… Read More »The Vedanta Philosophy
Shankara’s Thought
The glamour of India; the hot, luminous sky; palm trees, with their metallic glitter, fringing her sacred rivers; heavy-curtained mango groves, where the golden orioles… Read More »Shankara’s Thought
Schopenhauer and Shankara
It is a somewhat humiliating thing to think of, that in spite of all the good intentions and praiseworthy endeavours of Sir William Jones and… Read More »Schopenhauer and Shankara
Songs of the Master
[I.] Introductory Before all things remember that the Bhagavad Gita is a textbook of the Mysteries. It has seven keys, and holds seven meanings. But… Read More »Songs of the Master
Deussen’s Upanishads
For a long time there has been no event in the study of Oriental religions and philosophies equal in importance to the publication of Professor… Read More »Deussen’s Upanishads
Shankara, Teacher of India
A short time ago, an esteemed friend of mine who has devoted much study to Buddhism in writing of Indian philosophy, drew a comparison between… Read More »Shankara, Teacher of India
Vakya Sudha (The Essence of the Teaching)
[Translation] Seer and Seen The form is seen, the eye is seer; the mind is both seen and seer. The changing moods of mind are… Read More »Vakya Sudha (The Essence of the Teaching)
Chandogya Upanishad 4:4-9 (Teachers Other Than Human)
[Translation] Satyakama the son of Jabala addressed his mother Jabala thus: I am going to dwell with a teacher, in the service of the Eternal.… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 4:4-9 (Teachers Other Than Human)
Chandogya Upanishad 4:1-2 (An Old Legend)
[Translation] Janashruti, the grandson of Janashruta, was full of faith, a giver of many gifts, bestowing much cooked food. He caused many houses of refuge… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 4:1-2 (An Old Legend)
Anugita
Mahabharata, Book 14: Aswamedha Parva Section XVI Janamejaya said, “When the high-souled Kesava and Arjuna after slaying their enemies repaired to the assembly rooms, what… Read More »Anugita
Chandogya Upanishad 3:12-16 (Heart, Will, Life)
[Translation] The divine Song, verily, is all their being, whatsoever there is; and the Word is the divine Song. The Word, verily, enounces and guards… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 3:12-16 (Heart, Will, Life)
The Upanishads and the Brahmans
“Thinking sacrifices and offerings are best, these fools know not the better way.” —Mundaka Upanishad. It has always been accepted as one of the established… Read More »The Upanishads and the Brahmans
The Songs of the Master
I. In the Bhagavad Gita, first translated and best known of all the Sacred Books of the East, there is much of profound value for… Read More »The Songs of the Master
Chandogya Upanishad 3:1-11 (Honey for the Gods)
[Translation] That sun is honey for the bright powers; the heaven is the curved support of it; the mid-world is the comb; the beams are… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 3:1-11 (Honey for the Gods)
The Soul and the Self
The oneness of the soul with the Self is already a fact, and not a thing that requires a further effort to bring about; and… Read More »The Soul and the Self
Occultism in the Upanishads
“The true desires are overlaid with false; though true, there is a false covering-up of them. For if any one belonging to him is gone,… Read More »Occultism in the Upanishads
Chandogya Upanishad 2:22-24 (The Mysteries of Sound 3)
[Translation] I select and assign the different notes of the chant. The animal note is the up-singing of the Fire-lord. The undefined note is the… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 2:22-24 (The Mysteries of Sound 3)
From the Upanishads
Wilt thou not open thy heart to know What rainbows teach, and sunsets show? Verdict which accumulates From lengthening scroll of human fates, Voice of… Read More »From the Upanishads
Chandogya Upanishad 1:8-2:21 (The Mysteries of Sound 2)
[Translation] Three, verily, were skilled in the up-singing Shilaka Shalavatya, Chaikitayana Dalbhya, Pravahana Jaivala. They said: In the up-singing, indeed, are we skilled; let us… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 1:8-2:21 (The Mysteries of Sound 2)
Karma: Works and Wisdom
Contents I. The Three Kinds of Karma II. Karma in the Upanishads III. Karma in the Bhagavad Gita IV. Krishna’s Teaching on Karma V. Karma… Read More »Karma: Works and Wisdom
Chandogya Upanishad 1:1-7 (The Mysteries of Sound 1)
Note: It will be advisable to study the Commentary that follows, before reading this translation. [Translation] OM: let a man draw near to this imperishable… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 1:1-7 (The Mysteries of Sound 1)
Self and Eternal
“As the web-wombed spider puts forth and draws to him, as trees come forth upon the earth, as from a living man his locks and… Read More »Self and Eternal
The Theosophy of the Upanishads
PDF Version [Note: Though published anonymously, analysis of the content, phrasing, subject matter and philosophical approach convinces us that Charles Johnston is the author of… Read More »The Theosophy of the Upanishads
Aitareya Upanishad (Father, Mother and Son)
[Translation] Self was here verily in the beginning; nothing else opposing at all. He beheld, saying: Let me now put forth worlds. He put forth… Read More »Aitareya Upanishad (Father, Mother and Son)
Taittiriya Upanishad 3 (The Lotus of the Sage Bhrgu)
III. [Translation] Invocation Om. May That guard us two—teacher and pupil; may That save us two; may we two do the work with valor; may… Read More »Taittiriya Upanishad 3 (The Lotus of the Sage Bhrgu)
Taittiriya Upanishad 2 (The Lotus of the Bliss of the Eternal)
II.[Translation] The knower of the Eternal obtains the supreme; therefore this is declared: Real, wisdom, endless is the Eternal; he who knows that, hid in… Read More »Taittiriya Upanishad 2 (The Lotus of the Bliss of the Eternal)
The Song of the Self
Nor earth nor water, fire nor liquid air, Nor ether, nor the powers, nor these in one; Undifferentiated, in dreamless perfect test, That, the One,… Read More »The Song of the Self
The Message of India
“In the highest golden veil is the stainless, partless Eternal, the pure, the Light of lights, whom the Self-knowers know. “The sun shines not there,… Read More »The Message of India
Taittiriya Upanishad 1 (The Lotus of the Teaching)
I. [Translation] Om Bless us Mitra; bless us Varuna; bless us Aryaman; bless us Indra, Vrhaspati; bless us wide-stepping Vishnu. Obeisance to the Eternal; obeisance… Read More »Taittiriya Upanishad 1 (The Lotus of the Teaching)
Mundaka Upanishad (The Two Wisdoms)
I. [Translation] The Evolver first of the bright ones came into being, the maker of the whole, the guardian of the world. He taught the… Read More »Mundaka Upanishad (The Two Wisdoms)
Isha Upanishad (By The Master)
[Translation] By the Master is to be covered all, whatever moving thing there is in the world. By this renouncing thou shalt enjoy; nor grudge… Read More »Isha Upanishad (By The Master)
Tattva Bodha (Shankara’s Catechism)
Introductory In the “Awakening to the Self” [Atma Bodha], and, still more, in the “Crest-Jewel of Wisdom”, Shankara the Teacher uses many words in a… Read More »Tattva Bodha (Shankara’s Catechism)
Kena Upanishad (By Whom?)
[Translation] By whom commanded does the mind go forth? By whom compelled does the first life go forth? By whom commanded do they put forth… Read More »Kena Upanishad (By Whom?)
Chandogya Upanishad 6:8-16 (First Principles 2)
[Translation] Aruna’s son Uddalaka addressed his son Shvetaketu, saying: —Learn from me, dear, the reality about sleep. When a man sinks to sleep, as they… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 6:8-16 (First Principles 2)
Atma Bodha (The Awakening to the Self)
This awakening to the Self is recorded for those whose inner darkness has been worn away by strong effort, who have reached restfulness, from whom… Read More »Atma Bodha (The Awakening to the Self)
Chandogya Upanishad 6:1-7 (First Principles 1)
[Translation] There lived once Shvetaketu, Aruni’s grandson; his father addressed him, saying: —Shvetaketu, go, learn the service of the Eternal; for no one, dear, of… Read More »Chandogya Upanishad 6:1-7 (First Principles 1)
The Fourfold Self’s Three Vestures
Introduction The doctrine of the fourfold Self and its three vestures is outlined in Prashna Upanishad, clearly stated in Mandukya Upanishad, and developed by Shankara… Read More »The Fourfold Self’s Three Vestures
Sankara, the Teacher
The Upanishads, Buddha, and Sankara: these are the three great lights of Indian wisdom. The Upanishads far away in the golden age; in the bright… Read More »Sankara, the Teacher
Vivekachudamani (Crest-Jewel of Wisdom)
First Steps on the Path Prologue (Verses 1–15) I bow before Govinda, the objectless object of final success in the highest wisdom, who is supreme… Read More »Vivekachudamani (Crest-Jewel of Wisdom)
Upanishads on Re-Birth
Hence one whose fire is burned out is reborn through the tendencies in mind; according to his thoughts he enters life. But linked by the… Read More »Upanishads on Re-Birth
Prashna Upanishad (A Vedic Master)
[I.][Translation] These men, Sukesha Bharadvaja, Shaivya Satyakama, Sauryayani Gargya, Kaushalya Ashvalayana, Bhargava Vaidharbhi, and Kabandhi Katyayana, bent on the Eternal, following the Eternal, were seeking… Read More »Prashna Upanishad (A Vedic Master)
The Great Upanishads
“From every page of the Upanishads, deep, original, lofty thoughts step forth to meet us while a high and holy earnestness breathes over all. This… Read More »The Great Upanishads
The Symbolism of the Upanishads
I. Students of the Oriental Theosophy, which finds its highest expression in the Ten Upanishads, are met at the outset by a serious difficulty which… Read More »The Symbolism of the Upanishads
Pages from the Upanishads—Mandukya Upanishad
The Four Steps of the Self. The syllable OM is all; its expansion is what has been, what is, what shall be; all is OM.… Read More »Pages from the Upanishads—Mandukya Upanishad
Modernized Upanishad
Chapter First 1 The Master was asked by the pupil to tell at whose wish the mind of man, when sent forth for any act,… Read More »Modernized Upanishad
Bhagavad Gita (The Book of Devotion)
Antecedent Words The Bhagavad-Gita is an episode of the Mahabharata, which is said to have been written by Vyasa. Who this Vyasa is and when he lived is not… Read More »Bhagavad Gita (The Book of Devotion)
Gospels and Upanishads
“The principle which gives life, undying and eternally beneficent, is perceived by him who desires perception.” As the clouds are dispelled by the rising sun,… Read More »Gospels and Upanishads
Misconceptions: A Response to Various Criticisms
A France, why do you misunderstand us? European and American Journalists, why don’t you study genuine Theosophy before criticizing it? Because scientific aristocracy is full… Read More »Misconceptions: A Response to Various Criticisms
The Bhagavad-Gita [Notes, Chapters 1-7]
Contents Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 [Chapter I] If the title of this sacred Hindu poem… Read More »The Bhagavad-Gita [Notes, Chapters 1-7]
The Idyll of the White Lotus [An Explanation]
The interesting story published under the above title has already attracted considerable attention. It is instructive in more ways than one. It truly depicts the… Read More »The Idyll of the White Lotus [An Explanation]
What is the Udgitha?
JAMESTOWN April 16th, 1886 DEAR BROTHER:—Will you kindly explain, through THE PATH, what is to be understood by the Udgitha, or hymn of praise to… Read More »What is the Udgitha?
Studies in the Upanishads
[I.] Many American theosophists are asking, “What are the Upanishads?” They are a portion of the ancient Aryan literature which this journal has set itself… Read More »Studies in the Upanishads
AUM!
The most sacred mystic syllable of the Vedas, is Aum. It is the first letter of the Sanscrit alphabet, and by some it is thought… Read More »AUM!