Prasna Upanisad (with the original text in Sanskrit and Roman transliteration)

In Upanisads is articulated not only the quintessence of spiritual wisdom, but also the remarkable philosophical genius of the classical Hindu mind. Owning, however, to their complexity, metaphor, and even obscurity, Upanisadic writings have been endlessly debated, discussed and written upon, more specially since Sankara's time. Swami Narayana Prasad's commentary is yet another valuable addition to the existing literature attempting, as it does, to rationally unlock the metaphysical subtleties of Prasna Upanishad - with the master-key handed down to him in the disciplic succession of Sri Narayana Guru.

Prasna Upanishad offers an enlightened exposition of brahmavidya: knowledge of the Absolute/Supreme Reality. In an aptly thought-out dialectical situation, it offers a threadbare discussion of six questions which, centreing around procreation/origin of beings, prana: the most vital life-sustaining principle, functional state of self (purusa), significance of meditating on AMU - lead to the finally of Vedantic wisdom: the sublimity of non-dual Reality: the param purusa of sixteen kalas.

With the English version of the Upanisad, its original Sanskrit text and Roman transliteration, Swami Prasad's interpretation highlights the true import of this metaphysical piece - spelling out its contexts in the light of what the author calls "the metalogic of yogic-buddhi" and all else that is allegorical, obscure and riddle-like. For the authenticity of this commentary, the authors has had extensive discussions with a group of Vedantic Swcholars.

A stimulating work for the scholars of Indian philosophy, specially Vedanta, and no less for discerning readers.

About the Author:

Swami Muni Narayana Prasad is the Regulating Secretary of the famous Narayana Gurukula, a guru-disciple foundation set up by Nataraja Guru, the disciple-successor of Narayana Guru. A disciple of Nataraja Guru, who was initiated as a renunciate in 1984, Swami Muni Narayana Prasad has traveled round the world teaching Indian philosophy, with special emphasis on the Upanisads. He has been associated with the philosophical magazine, The Gurukulam as the editor for twelve years and continues to be one of its chief contributors. The author of many works, his publications in English include Basic Lessons on India's Wisdom, Karma and Reincarnation, Vedanta Sutras of Narayana Guru and Commentaries on the Katha, Kena, Mundaka, Prasna, Taittiriya, Chandogya and Aitareya Upanisads.