Essence of the Upanishads
Essence of the Upanishads is a translation and commentary on the Katha Upanishad, an ancient Indian scripture. Written by Eknath Easwaran, the book was originally published in the United States in 1981, entitled Dialogue With Death. Non-English editions have also been published in several languages. The book has been reviewed in newspapers, magazines, and elsewhere. Topics covered The majority of the book is a commentary on the Katha Upanishad, divided into 12 chapters in two major parts entitled "Dialogue With Death" and "The Journey Through Consciousness." The second edition contains a new preface by the author. All US editions of Essence of the Upanishads (Dialogue With Death) contain the author's English translation of the Katha Upanishad (a 22 page appendix). The translation is described as "made particularly for use in meditation" (see the author's method of Passage Meditation). The third edition includes a previously unpublished introduction in which the author states: The Upanishads are probably the oldest body of wisdom literature in the world.... Out of hundreds of these documents, one in particular appeals to me as the essence of the Upanishads. Lyrical, dramatic, practical, inspiring, the Katha Upanishad embraces the key ideas of Indian mysticism and presents them in the context of a mythic adventure that everyone can relate to: the story of a young hero who ventures into the land of death in search of immortality. (pp. 11-12) Part One, entitled "A Dialogue With Death," contains two chapters of commentary: 1. An Inward Journey. Describes the confrontation of Nachiketa and his father, leading to his father's exclamation, "I give you to Death!"; Explains that this is a journey "within," and describes Nachiketa's meeting with Yama (Death), who offers him three boons; Nachiketa chooses forgiveness, ever-present vitality, and immortality. 2. Two Paths. Explains Yama's teaching about the human being as possessing five layers of consciousness, and being required by life to continually make choices between the pleasant (preya) and the beneficial (shreya); introduces image of the body as a chariot, and the senses as five unruly horses. Part Two, entitled "The Journey Through Consciousness," contains ten chapters of commentary. Most correspond to particular concepts from the Katha that are expounded by the author: 3. City of Eleven Gates. "If the body is a city... we are the ruler.... Unfortunately, however.... we begin to identify ourselves with the walls and gates." (pp. 59-60) 4. Gross and Subtle. Distinguishes the "gross" physical body (sthūla-sharīra) from the "subtle body" (sūkshma-sharīra), that "corresponds roughly to what we call the mind - our feelings, desires, intellect, and will" (p. 73) 5. A field of Forces. The Upanishadic conception of the mind as regulated by conditioned, automatic ways of thinking (samskaras) is explained as analogous to viewing the mind as a field of forces. Also explains the Upanishadic concept of energy (prana), and describes its relation to health. 6. Will and Desire. Presents ways that the human "will-quotient" can be gradually trained to match, and then co-opt, the power of desire. 7. Clear Seeing. Provides