COMMENTARIES

Upanishads

Upanishad means sitting close - sitting close to the master

What are the Upanishads?

In Sanskrit, Upanishad means sitting close - sitting close to the master, not just physically, but also mentally. It signifies the finite getting close to the infinite, the known reaching out to the unknown. The Upanishads are dialogues between Master and student from ages ago. The master is the embodiment of wisdom and the student represents a spiritual seeker eager to come closer to wisdom.

Commentary by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

There are nearly 100 Upanishads available today out of which eleven are considered most important. Gurudev has spoken on four to date

Ishavasya Upanishad

Experience the wisdom of ages from Upanishad by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Ishavasya Upanishad is the most regarded of all Upanishads. All the other Upanishads are said to be commentaries on the verses mentioned briefly in the Ishavasya Upanishad. It contains many hints which show an extraordinarily piercing insight to who we really are. It contains a mystical description of the Self and both, the seen and the unseen, world.

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Katha Upanishad

The whole world runs away from death, because death snatches everything, but the one who accepts it and willingly faces it, receives something from death itself. Ironically, knowledge of death gives you the gift of life. Katha Upanishad tells the story of young Nachiketa who goes to face the lord of death and the extraordinary dialogue that ensues between them. Upanishad means sitting close to the master. Gurudev takes us through this beautiful story integrating its profoundness with real- life situations, turning abstract philosophy into existential reality.

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Kena Upanishad

In Sanskrit, Upanishad means sitting close - sitting close to the master, not just physically, but also mentally. It signifies the finite getting close to the infinite, the known reaching out to the unknown. The Upanishads are dialogues between Master and student from ages ago. The master is the embodiment of wisdom and the student represents a spiritual seeker eager to come closer to wisdom.

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Yogasara Upanishad

Yogasara is an incredible series of lucid commentaries by Gurudev, through which he reveals the sublime essence of true yoga! these inimitable commentaries have been drawn from four scintillating talks, on the subject, that Gurudev gave to an intimate audience in switzerland under the titles: surrender and bondage, uniting with the depth, beyond the wrapping paper and be a witness. A must read for young and old alike. Read the book and let the flame of knowledge ignite the light within.

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Watch a clip from the Katha Upanishad

"This temporary world is of death. Here, everything dies and everything changes. Do you recognize that subtle field of energy, that subatomic level of energy which does not change? All these human bodies are different, but there is one field of energy, the mind, that flows through everybody. Do you realize that there is one thing that is in everybody? Do you recognize the one consciousness?" Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

“In your true nature, you are free the moment you see it’s not in you. If you have a pain, observe it’s happening in the body. If there is tightness or joy in your mind, observe that it is tight, sad, unhappy or happy. Just observe that you are not enjoying, and it is happening elsewhere, as though it is happening elsewhere.” Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

“If even the slightest desire to be free has arisen in you, you should pat yourself on the back, you are very lucky. Billions of lives on this planet don’t have this blessing. They do not even live. They exist, die and dissolve. They are not bored. Even if they are bored, they’re bored about something very small. A little change can make them very comfortable again. So, blessed are those who get bored!” Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

WHAT READERS SHARE

An Elevating experience

What I like most about these discourses is the elevated space I find myself afterwards. The knowledge given, transcends the logical mind and touches on a deep level of relating. Sharing that experience with others, only makes it better.

Alex Marculescu

Mindfulness, explained scientifically by a practicing Sage

Easily one of the best books on meditation, what it is, how it works and how to practice. Explained in a simple, accessible, intimate manner.

Ajit Kumar

A must read.

Absolutely beautiful commentary on the Kena Upanishad. Deep, profound and mystical concepts explained with such simplicity.

Hrishikesh Karekar

COMMENTARIES

Upanishads

What are the Upanishads?

Commentary by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

Ishavasya Upanishad

Katha Upanishad

Kena Upanishad

Yogasara Upanishad

Watch a clip from the Katha Upanishad

EXCERPTS FROM GURUDEV'S COMMENTARY

WHAT READERS SHARE

An Elevating experience

Mindfulness, explained scientifically by a practicing Sage

A must read.

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