Vedanta: A Simple Introduction

As a scholar and practitioner of Vedanta, I can say with confidence that this is the best introductory text on Vedanta available in the English language. It manages to communicate this subtle and complex philosophy in terms that are clear and, as the title suggests, simple. But it does so without oversimplifying. I regularly assign this text to my students (college students taking introductory courses on the religions of South Asia) and they have consistently praised it for the clear and engaging style in which it is written. One student reported to me that when she started reading it, she could not put it down until she had read it cover-to-cover. It really is that engaging. It is, of course, an introductory text. I recommend that readers interested in the various schools of Vedanta other than the modern Ramakrishna-Vivekananda-inspired interpretation of Advaita look to other works. But for novices, and especially for those interested in Vedanta as a spiritual practice rather than from a purely scholarly perspective, this book can't be beat.I would also like to say that the reviewer who bashed this book essentially for not being a Christian work has utterly missed the point. This is not Christianity, it's Vedanta! It would be like bashing a book by a Christian author for not talking about Brahman, or samsara...

A clear and concise introduction to Vedanta philosophy. If you're new to the concepts of the core teachings of Hinduism, this is a great place to start.

I was introduced to Vedanta more than 25 years ago through the works of India's Swami Vivekananda, who brought Vedanta to the West. Since then, I've read many of his books and a few by other authors. Vivekananda was an incredibly astute individual and an articulate writer with a gift for presenting, in simple language, the intricacies of Hindu thought. Even so, I wish I'd read this text first. It presents Vedanta as the consciousness-raising power it is without losing the reader in the weeds of complexity. I already had some understanding of the four yogas--bhakti, jnana, karma, and raja--but this book covers them in depth. The book also lays out the ongoing, cyclic process by which, when a religious practice has become corrupt, an avatar arises to enlighten humanity (a concept the Bahai's call progressive revelation). This is a concept I'd always wondered about but never fully understood. It also elucidates why Vedanta not only recognizes but embraces the teachings and traditions of Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, and other major religions by outlining what each, in turn, has bequeathed to human spiritual understanding. I give this book five stars because I can't give it a higher rating. I highlighted many pages for my second reading. If you can read only one book about Vedanta, read this one. It will give you peace of mind and appreciation for the world as it is.

This book is more then njust a simple introduction, it covers a lot of material That is essential to understanding Vedanta. The author not only approaches the subject from that it it is, but also what it is not. Which, in my opinion, provides much more clarity in it explinations. I highly reccommend this book for anyone who is looking to understand a little about Vedanta. Whatever your reasons be, educational or spiritual, you will benefit from the read.

As a relative newcomer to the Vedanta philosophy, I found this to be the clearest, most concise introduction I've ever read. Inspired by my father's Vedanta beliefs, I started trying to learn more about beginning with Swami Vivekananda's complete works. I realized, though, that without having a frame of reference to understand what he's saying first, his collected works are a difficult place to start. This book gave me a great frame for understanding all of the other Vedanta works I'm currently reading. I'm highly recommending it both to Hindus who want to learn more about their faith and to non-Hindus who want to understand what Hinduism is really about, at its core.

Actually it is not only a superb primer, but a comprehensive reliable guide for the advanced student. The reason is that the heart of vedanta is not compicated. Sure, there are more complex and scholarly works on vedanta, but it is not a matter of intricacy and knowledge. It is a matter not a matter of knowing what other people say about vedanta, but of seeing for yourself. This book, short and sweet, points you in the right direction. If you want an ideal place to start, this is it. And, at a true bargain price. It is now part of my permanent library, though I'm sure I'll wind up giving it away and then buying another copy. A great book.

As someone new to Vedanta and very eager to learn, this book was a great source! Highly recommended to those looking for a quick but still deep intro to this philosophy.

You will NOT regret reading this book. It is so easy to understand. May all people read this and understand the unity we share.

good for a beginner