Tales From The Upanishads

The word Upanishad literally means 'sit down near' for the student had to sit close to the teacher to receive instructions. Perhaps, what brought the two still closer were the stories the Guru narrated. These stories provided a meaningful context for the topics under discussion. They also demonstrate that in those days knowledge was not the monopoly of any select group. Thus Janashruti, the ruler of the land, approaches the cart driver Raikva, with humility, to seek the highest truth.

Eternal Stories From The Upanishads Include Some Of The Most Beloved And Illuminating Stories From The Vast Literature Of India`S Vedic Tradition. Adapted From The Original Texts, These Tales Tell The Story Of Enlightenment In Simple, Poetic Language That Will Appeal To All. The Upanishads Are A Precious Aspect Of The Vedic Literature Of India.

In ancient literature, there used to be reference to only three Vedas - Rigveda, Yajurveda and Samaveda. Even Manu has often referred to only these three Vedas. The fourth one, Atharva Veda, according to some scholars was a later addition.The Upanishads r

This volume brings together sixteen articles on the religions, literatures and histories of South and Central Asia in tribute to Patrick Olivelle, one of North America’s leading Sanskritists and historians of early India. Over the last four decades, the focus of his scholarship has been on the ascetic and legal traditions of India, but his work as both a researcher and a teacher extends beyond early Indian religion and literature. ‘Religion and Identity and South Asia and Beyond’ is a testament to that influence. The contributions in this volume, many by former students of Olivelle, are committed to linguistic and historical rigor, combined with sensitivity to how the study of Asia has been changing over the last several decades.

Young and virtuous, Nachiketa and Satyakama had one thing in common - they sought true knowledge. The song of birds, the thunder of rain clouds, and the glow of the morning sun revealed life's secrets to Satyakama. Coming face to face with the lord of death, Nachiketa found the key to immortality. The lessons the two seekers learned were priceless, for they opened to others the door to eternal bliss.

In the Upanishads we find, in places the highest abstract truths placed before us through stories and dialogues. These stories are not mere legends. They form part of the book of life. They embody the teachings of the rishis, the ancient sages of India, as imparted on various occasions and under varying circumstances. A selection of these spirituality enlightening stories is given here so that we may understand clearly the deep significance of the Vedas. Life transforming in character, these ancient stories have perennial relevance. Published by Advaita Ashrama, a publication house of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math, India.

The jackal has a bad reputation in the animal world. Devious, selfish, dishonest and boastful, his aspirations are high, but his talents few. He seldom repays a favour. Should such a creature be tolerated? Only so long as he uses his cunning for the good of the community, says the wisdom of these Jataka tales which were written as early as the period between 3rd century BC and 5th century AD.

Nowhere is the tradition of storytelling more deeply rooted than in India, where tales told three thousand years ago are still part of popular culture. In this volume, a rich sampling of the many strands that make up this tradition has been memorably rendered into English.

The Higher Reality of Business The health of business is inextricably linked with the health of humanity and nature. But our current approaches to leadership treat business as entirely separate—and the result has been recurring economic, environmental, and human crises. In this extraordinary book, Ram Nidumolu uses evocative parables and stories from the ancient Indian wisdom texts, the Upanishads, to introduce Being-centered leadership. This new kind of leadership is anchored in the concept of Being, the fundamental reality that underlies all phenomena. Being-centered leaders are guided by an innate sense of interconnection—the good of the whole becomes an integral part of their decisions and actions. Using the experiences of over twenty trailblazing CEOs, as well as those from his own life, Nidumolu describes a four-stage road map every aspiring leader can use to reconnect business to the wider world—to the benefit of all.

This book introduces children to the rich treasury of Indian wisdom and cultural heritage through the 365 handpicked tales, one for each day of the year, from the Vedas, the Upanishads and the Puranas. The collection is faithful to the ancient texts available and presents them in a simple and concise form suited to the young reader. The beautiful illustrations bring to life the gods and demons, the benign and cruel kings, the sky-spirits and animals that populate its pages and send across messages to children-inspiring them, cautioning them, and charging them. The philosophy of our enlightened sages encourages one to think deeply and imbibe the unique values and morals presented in each story. For adults too, it can be a reminder of values getting hazy.

When Kama, the god of love, dares to disturb Shiva, he is burnt to ashes by the angry god in the presence of his horrified wife, Rati. Desperate in her sorrow, Rati prepares to immolate herself when she is stopped by a voice that tells her that Kama will be restored to her when he is reborn. Kama is reborn as Pradyumna, the son of Krishna and Rukmini, who is prophesied to destroy the demon, Shambara. Aware of the prophecy, Shambara decides to steal the baby from Krishna's palace and kill him while he is still helpless. But he has not counted on the fact that Rati, warned by Narada, is watching over Pradyumna as a maid in the demon's own palace.

Sahasramalla steals from everyone. But when he tricks the King himself, Sahasramalla realises that there is no longer anyone left to rob and wonders what to do next. Near by, a monk named Vasudda is speaking. Vasudda's words make Sahasramalla realise how many people he has cheated and betrayed. Taken from the Vardhamana-desana, a Jain classic, the story of Sahasramalla is told with compassion. Even a thief is given the option to repent and make up for his crimes.

This dark beauty was no ordinary woman. Born from the pure flames of a sacred fire, Draupadi was devoted wife to the five famously talented and virtuous Pandava brothers. The evil Kauravas wanted her for themselves, and eyed the Pandava kingdom as well. Raging at their impertinence, and ranting at her husbands’ helplessness, Draupadi inspired a deadly war which wiped out the Kaurava scourge for ever.