Following the Teachings of the Upanishads

By: Eknath Easwaran

Narrated by: Eknath Easwaran

The Upanishads are among the oldest of the Indian wisdom texts, the records of teaching sessions of illumined sages and their students, who were asking the fundamental questions of life. Easwaran's translation of these classic texts has been highly acclaimed, and in these informal talks to close students he draws out the main themes of eleven Upanishads - themes such as strengthening willpower, mastering our senses, reducing self-will, developing lasting, loving relationships, exploring the deeper levels of consciousness, and overcoming the fear of death. He illustrates his typically penetrating insights with analogies, entertaining anecdotes, references to mystics and spiritual teachers from East and West.

Easwaran explains that the Indian scriptures express one supreme, eternal law: if we live for others, in complete harmony with all life, in our homes, at work, and in our communities, we will find abiding happiness and fulfilment. To erase all selfishness from our hearts requires more courage and endurance, Easwaran says, than climbing the Himalayas - and he conveys vividly the joy and exhilaration of the spiritual life.

Meditation and the repetition of the mantram (or mantra) are essential for those who choose to take on these challenges, and Easwaran refers to these disciplines frequently. Anyone who is new to these spiritual practices might find it helpful to listen first to Easwaran's talk Meditation.

©2002 Blue Mountain Center of Meditation (P)2002 Blue Mountain Center of Meditation

Wisdom

More tantalizing tidbits for my journey. I wish that I could only have to write about what's important and not be structured by the minimum amount of words.

A book I'd want if stranded on a desert island

Easwaran's manner of speech lulls you into the depths and stillness of your consciousness while it entices you with tid-bits of some of the most universally profound concepts of spiritual, nay human, experience.

Enjoyable, succinct, comprehensible

Enjoyed listening to his succinctly put narrative of the main Upanishads. Enjoyed the cohesive narrative that's easy to internalize. Looking to listen again and again.

Awesome concept. Very difficult to listen to.

The content of these teachings are beautiful and inspirational. However, his voice can be very difficult to listen to and focus on.

gem

a must read for all who seek greater freedom from life troubles and want to achieve greater wisdom

A good soul!

I enjoyed listening to this sages outlook on the ordinary. I feel I have had a learning experience. It is nice to hear things from a wise ones point of view.

Masterful storyteller and teacher

I highly recommend written by spiritual leader. Call Quinn every reedy, and every time I listen to a Easwaran speak, I steal a little bit closer to my own
truth

nostalgic old vinyl record feel

What made the experience of listening to Following the Teachings of the Upanishads the most enjoyable?

The content is enlightening. The presentation is unassuming. The audio quality is poor but has a nostalgic old vinyl record feel to it. That is for those who remember vinyl records and eight tracks.

Any additional comments?

Overall very enjoyable.

Beautiful

This man has an amazing way with words that makes this type of philosophy so simple and easy to understand. All of his writings are life changing as well as his lectures.

Great content despite poor sound quality

The lecture and content are great, but the microphone sounds aa if it is far away, not always picking up Easwaran clearly