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The Wisdom of Vedanta

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`The Wisdom of Vedanta' by Swami Ahayananda is not the usual dry philosophy book one would normally expect to find on the subject of non-dualism.

Abhayananda's chapters draw on many years of experience and talks he has given. It is also not a book that just aims to push the boat out for Indian philosophy and takes a postmodern and inclusive approach, with excellent chapters on `The Perennial Philosophy', `Vedanta Christian Style' and `Non-dualism in Christianity'.

Additionally, chapters on `How to Meditate' and `Practical Vedanta' are not often found in books on the subject. But, for me, this is why Abhayananda's book is so special, as he isn't merely concerned about taking us into the realms of high philosophy just for the sake of it, but to show us how we can find the wisdom of this ancient and ongoing tradition in our daily lives and in our spiritual practices.

In all, `The Wisdom of Vedanta' is a wonderful spiritual primer and a great introduction to understanding the Hindu, Yogic and universal philosophy of Oneness.

`The Wisdom of Vedanta' is a wide-ranging introduction to the non-dual philosophy of Advaita and should be of particular interest to those who have been brought up in a background of Christianity but who have never been altogether comfortable with the interpretation given by the established church.

Some of the material reads like a modern scriptural text, with prayer-like `meditations' at the end of each chapter, but the word `God', used throughout, refers to our own essential nature and not to some remote and separate, omniscient being.

The book is a collection of lectures on a variety of topics, which do not need to be read sequentially. Many of these are commentaries on Upanishads and on `advaitic treatises' by the key philosopher, Shankara. In particular, there is an excellent complete commentary, in three lectures, on Shankara's important work on the nature of the self - Atmabodha. There is also a chapter comparing Vedanta and Buddhism and there are frequent references to Jnaneshvar, the thirteenth century Hindu poet, on which Abhayanananda has also written a book.

All religions have to begin from where we are and then lead us gently to the truth. Unfortunately, over time, there is a danger that the metaphors will be read as literal and the hidden, non-dual message will be lost. This is what has happened with Christianity and there is a need for books such as this to point the misguided back to the truth.

As with his other book `The Supreme Self', this will appeal most to those of a bhakta nature. It lacks intellectual rigour and occasionally makes statements that are not pedantically in accord with Shankara's vision of Advaita but this is a minor quibble over a book that can be heartily recommended to those unfamiliar with the subject.

Dennis Waite, author of Back to the Truth: 5000 years of Advaita

I read a book years ago about Sri Ramakrishna, his life and teachings. Then a few years later I came across Vevakananda, his desciple. Then I read THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT, by Vedanta which gave so much more meaning to Jesus' teachings that I had been having trouble with for years. And now THE WISDOM OF VEDANTA. It's taken 30 years but I believe this latest book has brought it all together for me. I highly recommend it to all who have spent their lives searching. I keep this one on my nightstand.

Vedanta has its origin in the Upanishads of ancient India. Swami Abhayananda tells the story of Vedanta (its origins, its universal applications, and its practice) in The Wisdom Of Vedanta, a compendium of his talks examining the philosophy and art of Self-Realization from many perspectives derived from his more than 25 years of insightful study and experience. The Wisdom Of Vedanta is a welcome addition to the reading list for all students of enlightenment, metaphysics, and the teachings of the Upanishads.