Indian Philosophy

A Sourcebook

By Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan & Charles A. Moore
Published by Princeton University Press
Philosophy

Main Attractions

1. History of Indian Thought
2. Ancient Times
3. Epic Works
4. Primary Codified Laws & Politics
5. Core Religious Beliefs
6. Secondary Religious Beliefs
7. Roots of Some Modern Ideas
8. Condensed 1000s of years
9. Accessible & Readable
10. Comprehensive Serious Introduction

Cuisine & Delicacies:
Ranked as: Hearty Veggie Burger
I just can’t rank this according to meat.  So many of the philosophies explain vegetarianism/veganism so well, it would be a crime.  This book is extremely informative and very comprehensive.  The Indian Philosophy cannon is open and has been for 1000s of years.  It’s a country of extreme diversity and cultures.  The length of their epics and number of sutras could silence Thomas Aquinas or other copious writers.  Somehow, editors of this book were able to keep the heart of these copious, profound texts and make them highly readable and accessible.  It was first printed in 1957 and has been unchanged since.

Destination Summary

It includes a complete overview of Yoga and all the major, traditional forms.  This could be of interest to people who practice the Western Adaptation of Yoga.  It could help to deepen their understanding of it’s meaning, philosophy and roots.  

It also includes a complete overview of  some of the most moving philosophies I’ve ever read.  The Vedanta system maybe, could be, compared to Plato’s Phaedo or Aristotle’s De Anima.  It isn’t right to compare anything from this book to a western book, but for the sake of introduction, maybe it’s acceptable. 

If that’s the case, then India’s Ramayana and Mahabharata could be compared to the Illiad and Odyssy for their love story and epic war.  Also, for the cultural significance for 1000s of years after their original oral re-tellings.  The Ramayana and Mahabharata are both briefly introduced in this book, Indian Philosophy.  More on these 2 great, foundational stories later.  

Please see my review of The Ramayana that includes information for the newly completed English Translation.

Off the Beaten Path

Deepak Chopra, his translations are beautiful.  His speaking is straightforward and insightful.  Hari Ravikumar has a new translation of the Bhagavad Gita.  His talk is a bit spiritual. 

Hari Ravikumar has a new translation of the Bhagavad Gita.  His talk is a bit more scientific with humour.  


Travel Advisory:


The wording is a little academic at times and could be a bit ‘dusty.’  Modern language is used so some archaic things could be lost in translation.  It was translated by a team, so it should be true to the original in meaning.  It doesn’t include any complete books, so if something sparks your interest, you may need to purchase more!  

Packing List
✓ Buy a copy! You’re sure to highlight and re-read
✓ Pen & Notebook
✓ Yoga Mat, if you’re into that type of Yoga
✓ Mental Yoga Mat, my type of Yoga!
   Meditative Music of your Choice
✓ Mind ready for pure joy & stretching

Recommended Resources:
The Ramayana - See my review for various options
✓ The Mahabharata -See my upcoming review for various options
✓ Bhagavad Gita - Heart of the Mahabharata (Stephen Mitchell has a popular translation)
The Dhammapada - See my upcoming review of Gil Fronsdal’s Translation

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