Journey From Many to One / Essentials of Advaita Vedanta
For many Westerners, the ideas contained in the Upanishads, the philosophical books of India, are puzzling, abstruse, and complex. In this extraordinary book, Swami Bhaskarananda leads readers step-by-step, chapter by chapter, to an understanding of the core of Vedic philosophy: the unity of being. The Swami accomplishes this philosophical and spiritual journey through the skillful use of apt analogies and well-directed reasoning that make the concepts of Hinduism accessible. Readers will find that this book will open their minds to new and rewarding possibilities of thought, while providing an uplifting appreciation of their own divine nature. --Terri Storseth, Ph.D., Asst Prof of Rhetoric, American University of SharjahA book which seeks to present in an easily understandable form the ancient teaching of Advaita is fraught with challenges. Only a person who is fully conversant with its complexities and has a solid background in its language can deliver something of its richness without compromising its integrity. Swami Bhaskarananda is fully qualified for this task. His presentation is a joy to read. It cuts to the core of Advaita and elucidates its principles with apt, fresh analogies and stories. The swami covers all the salient points helpful in understanding the nature of Brahman. The essential aspects of time (eternity), space (infinity) and causation (changelessness). The importance of a pure mind is intelligently explained and the conundrum of whether the world exists or not is convincingly presented. There is much food for reflection. --Mountain Path, January-March 2010 issueSwami Bhaskarananda has done it again. He has written his seventh book on the very challenging topic of Advaita Vedanta, and has explained lofty concepts in such a clear and simple way that by using the powers of logical thinking and concentration, the average person can easily understand these concepts. --Maryte Racys, Seattle Public Librarian