Prasna Upanisad

In Upanishads is articulated not only the quintessence of spiritual wisdom, but also the remarkable philosophical genius of the classical Hindu mind. Owing, however, to their complexity, metaphor, and even obscurity, Upanishadic writings have been endlessly debated, discussed and written upon, more specially since Shankara’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 Prashna Upanishad — with the master-key handed down to him in the disciplic succession of Sri Narayana Guru. Prashna 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 states of the Self (purusha), significance of meditating on AUM — lead to the finality of Vedantic wisdom: the sublimity of non-dual Reality: the param purusha of sixteen kalas. With the English version of the Upanishad, 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 author has had extensive discussions with a group of Vedantic scholars. A stimulating ork for the scholars of Indian philosophy, specially Vedanta, and no less for discerning readers.