Hindu Scriptures: Introduction by R. C. Zaehner (Everyman's Library Classics) - Hardcover

Everyman's Library

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0679410783 ISBN 13: 9780679410782

Publisher: Everyman's Library, 1992

Synopsis

Among the sacred books of India are the hymns of the Rig-Veda, the world's first recorded poems; the "magical texts" of the Athara-Veda; the stirring pantheistic speculations of the Upanishads; and the Bhagavad-Gītā, a cosmic drama of divine self-revelation in human history on the field of human battle. Taken together they represent 3,500 years of a continuous religious tradition that is multifarious, inclusive, and, at the same time, wedded to a central spiritual vision.

This edition features the translations and annotations of R. C. Zaehner, a pioneering scholar whose selections in this volume, first published by Everyman's Library in 1966, have never been bettered as an introduction for the general reader to the Vedic tradition. Zaehner has chosen the most interesting and important verses, rendered in English that is accessible and vivid, and his introduction provides an excellent guide to the historical context, the philosophical significance, and the literary power of these beautiful and ancient texts.

Introduction by R.C. Zaehner

(Book Jacket Status: Not Jacketed)

About this title

Review:

"Good has significantly revised R. C. Zaehner's book on Hindu scriptures by deleting some parts and adding the Yajnavalkya-Smrti (a work on conduct, legal proceedings, and penitential rites), the first seven chapters of the Kirana-Tantra (a work on initiation into the Saiva Siddhanta cult), and the Bhagavat-Purana (a work expressing popular devotionalism). . . . The book provides fresh translations of portions of the Rig and Athavara Vedas, some Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita."--"Library Journal

About the Author:

Robert Charles Zaehner (1913-1974) taught at Oxford University after serving as an intelligence officer in Iran. He specialized in Eastern religions, and many of his books focused on Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, and comparative religion. His translations have made him one of the most important exponents of Hindu theological and philosophical doctrines.

About this edition

• Publisher: Everyman's Library
• Publication date: 1992
• ISBN 10: 0679410783
• ISBN 13: 9780679410782
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 448
• Editor: Zaehner R C