Readings in Vedic Literature: The Tradition Speaks for Itself [Paperback]

Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1985

Editorial Reviews Book Description “Readings in Vedic Literature” provides a firsthand experience of India’s timeless wisdom. Along with concise introductory essays, the book includes the entire Bhagavad-gita and illuminating excerpts from the Puranas and Upanisads. In this way the reader can discover the tradition for him- or herself.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

“Readers, be of good cheer. To those of you who have surveyed in confusion the trackless path of Indian philosophy, this volume offers hope and respite. You are holding in your hands a reasonable and highly readable account of the particulars of Vedic thought....Read and find enlightenment.”

Professor Jerry Clack Dept. of Classics Duquesne University

“I am impressed by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami’s presentation. His initial chapter is one of the best statements available on the importance of the guru in transmitting spiritual knowledge....”

Dr. Thomas Hopkins Dept. of Religious Studies Franklin and Marshall College

About the Author

Satsvarupa dasa Goswami is a Vaisnava writer, poet and a senior disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He was among the first young Americans to assist Srila Prabhupada with his mission in the West and, as Prabhupada's intimate disciple, he served him as personal secretary for many years. Satsvarupa dasa Goswami has traveled broadly, lecturing on Krishna consciousness, and instructing disciples worldwide. Over a hundrend volumens of his published writings include poetry, memoirs, essays, novels, and studies based on the Vaisnava scriptures. Visit his website for regular updates: sdgonline.org --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (June 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0912776889
• ISBN-13: 978-0912776880
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,831,609 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Satsvarupa dasa Goswami is a writer, poet, and artist. He is also the author of Srîla Prabhupada's authorized biography, Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta. While traveling, lecturing and instructing disciples worldwide, he has published many books including poems, memoirs, essays and novels. In recent years, his devotional life has evolved to include the creation of numerous paintings, drawings, and sculptures that lovingly capture and express the artist's absorption in the culture of eastern healing and Krishna consciousness.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the Definitive Book on Vedic Literature, March 24, 2009

By 

S. KUMAR "Architect" (Texas, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Readings in Vedic Literature: The Tradition Speaks for Itself (Paperback)

I found the presentation to be brilliant, information to be authentic and overall the book to be highly accessible. Out of all the numerous books,such as encyclopedias on Hinduism, commentaries on Vedas, this books stands out tall due to the non-sectarianism, clarity and above all authenticity.

If you are overwhelmed by the various schools of vedic philosophies and the numerous books on them, then pick up this concise book and it'll quench your knowledge thirst. I particularly found Chapter5(The Teachings of the Acharyas and Chapter6(Impersonalism Versus Theism) of much help.

Table of Contents:
Foreword
Preface
Chapter 1: What Are the Vedas?
Chapter 2: The Empirical Approach to Vedic Literature
Chapter 3: Essential Elements of Vedic Thought
Chapter 4: Vedic Literature: Siddhanta and History
Chapter 5: The Teachings of the Acharyas
Chapter 6: Impersonalism Versus Theism
Chapter 7: The Vedic Social Philosophy
Chapter 8: Sri Isha Upanishad
Chapter 9: Bhagavad-gita
Chapter 10: Bhagavata Purana
The First Indologists
Bibliography
Glossary
Index

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Readings in Vedic Literature The tradition speaks for itself, April 11, 2010

By 

G. Gonzales "GG" (Fairfield, Iowa USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Readings in Vedic Literature: The Tradition Speaks for Itself (Paperback)

Good book. If you know NOTHING about Vedic literature, this is a good source. Then you can upgrade to other books of knowledge that has different sources.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting encounter with an established author., January 4, 2011

By 

Aruna Locana "=Aruna==" (L.A.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Readings in Vedic Literature: The Tradition Speaks for Itself (Paperback)

Wow, what an interesting book. It is a classic but now it is available in kindle format, certainly a bonus in these days: Readings in Vedic Literature: The Tradition Speaks for Itself

I tried contacting Satsvarupa Goswami and only a few weeks afterwards I got a reply from his email, that is available on his website. I think he is older now, something like 70 or more. I can see he went through a scandal where he was accused and took the blame, I was told a senior lady of ISKCON tried to seduce him and being frustrated by the rejection in marriage started a campaign against him. I guess that is to be expected in any institution or any religion. Hopefully people will realise that failed attempt at seduction of a seventy year old man is not a sane or normal behaviour.

I think however that the book was written in his youth, and it has a forward by Prof. Hopkins. Certainly worth a read.