The Upanishads (Penguin Classics)

Juan Mascaro's selections of the Upanishads are an intriguing glimpse into Hindu scripture and represent "the end" of the ancient Vedas and by extension the end of all knowing and seeking. The selections have various modes of presentation but one unifying message and theme: seeking to know the knower, to see the light of Truth, to go beyond the cycle of life and death. These diverse writings distill the multitude of cosmology into but a few lines; they fearlessly ask and answer the most daunting questions mankind has thought to ask, in but a few pages; in line with so many enduring texts they emphasize letting go of desire and achieving self-control. These selections are brief in terms of pages but longer than most in terms of meaning and value. If you get through this book in a matter of days, you didn't really read it, you didn't pay attention, you didn't respect the wisdom or give it its due. I am not overstating when I say that aside from the great value of these selections, Juan Mascaro's introduction would have been worth the cost on its own. As with the Dhammapada he shows a deep appreciation for the source material and an equally strong desire to retain its poetry and potency while bringing these ancient works to modern readers in a fluid, impactful style. It is truly a shame that Mascaro was not a translator of more ancient works, but his three translations for Penguin Classics are perhaps more than anyone could ask for and will certainly remain among my most cherished books

This translation of the Upanishads has preserved the hidden capacity to facilitate an awakening. I can only speak of my own experience. I'm not a Vedic scholar, but I follow a path that is an ever-deepening comprehension of surrender. Throughout the world's wisdom traditions there are certain Holy texts that contain the capacity to awaken the reader through the mere act of reading itself. In Christianity it is the Gospel of John that transmits the energy of the Word of Life. While in Hinduism it is the Upanishads that transmit the frequency of the Om, the primordial sound of silence. This is because through the simple act of devotional reading, the reader is both aligned and entrained to the energy field out of which the text emerged. It is a type of immersion. Certain texts can facilitate transcendence. This translation has preserved this special hidden capacity. If the reader is properly primed, and ripened, reading this book will facility a direct experience of that which they call Brahman the Spirit. This is God as pure consciousness, the vibrant sound of silence, the blessed Om, the source of our true identity. This simple paper back is not merely a paper back, but a literary device of energetic entrainment. Give it a try, enter the immersion of primordial silence. It is Peace, it is Joy, is it the high-frequency You since before the beginning of the world.

I also have the Bhagavad Gita translated by Juan Mascaro and, to my mind, his translations are without equal. He seems to write from insight into the deepest meanings, has poetic sensibility yet favours simplicity over obtuse expression. This helps give these texts the inspirational quality I am sure they have in the original Sanskrit. The selections in this translation concentrate on the core philosophical and esoteric texts (the Upanishads are a vast collection of material, some of it of historical rather than spiritual interest). This book contains the essence of ancient Indian wisdom and will resonate for anyone who has a sense of 'God' (call it what you will) beyond a simplistic personal God.

The fine introduction too easily accepts traditional datings of these texts and quickly moves on. Without any inkling as to the context and milieu in which they (especially the earliest ones) were produced, and the means and motif with which they were composed--and by what type of authors with what type of audiences in mind--it is difficult to place them within the wider landscape of philosophical and spiritual developments in greater India.

I recommend this book for anyone tired of seeing so much complexity in “spiritual” books. The Upanishads provides such sublimity and illumination in very simple words and phrases. The author does a great job translating this text for English readers, allowing a perfect comprehension of these deeply vital teachings for all readers, no matter how far on your spiritual path you find yourself when you start to read this book.

Arrived quickly, reasonable price, for a timeless classic. It shows how subjective the ratings are tho: was rated as “good”. I’ve received books rated as “good” condition, that are like new, but THIS one, which IS readable but is beat, marked up, broken down, barely rates as “fair”

The kindle version is NOT Juan Mascaro. 5 stars because his translations are great.

Amazing!!! This was one of the most fascinating books I have read, Totally up there with the Tao Te Ching, and the Hua Hu Ching. I was fascinated by the messages and the commentaries. A truly enlightening book. Well worth the read. I was so moved by this book I went back and re read the Tao te ching and Hua hu ching. I feel so compelled to begin to develop my inner self and relinquish attachment to all the falseness of the modern word and seek the true path of love and compassion and interconnectedness that we all have forgoten

A fantastically insightful read. Such a simple and digestible message of study and practice to adopt towards self realization. Ancient wisdom translated for all. Even if you take no interest in spirituality the wording alone is worth the read. It leaves you to ponder and feel long after the last words are read of each verse. Totally rewarding and enjoyable read.

Very good

I needed a new copy of the Upanishads. It is sublime, of course. everybody should read it but few people do.

I also purchased the, Breath of the Eternal version. Loved both.

Upanishads are mystical and paradoxical. But that's how the truth could be comprehended. It is not meant for beginners or the uninitiated. I recommend one to get oneself acquainted with the history and different schools of thought in Indian philosophy before venturing into the Upanishads, although the Upanishads precede systematic schools of philosophy. But one must learn to understand the limits of the human mind to appreciate the message in the Upanishads. Essay by the author Juan Mascaro at the beginning of the book (around 50 pages) is a treat to read. Translations are sometimes esoteric and difficult to grasp but I would ascribe it to the nature of the content itself and not a reflection of the quality of translation. The author has done justice to this spiritual treasure of humankind.