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Hinduism -- Sacred books Books
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The Song Celestial; Or, Bhagavad-Gîtâ (from the Mahâbhârata) Being a discourse between Arjuna, Prince of India, and the Supreme Being under the form of Krishna
"The Song Celestial; Or, Bhagavad-Gîtâ (from the Mahâbhârata)" by Sir Edwin Arnold is a poetic translation published in 1885. This English rendering of the ancient Sanskrit text presents a dialogue between Krishna, an incarnation of the Divine, and Prince Arjuna. Krishna instructs Arjuna on duty and liberation through right action as they face an eternal battle between right and wrong, wisdom and ignorance. This translation profoundly influenced Mahatma Gandhi, who called it the best English version he encountered.
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A Prose English Translation of Vishnupuranam (Based on Professor H. H. Wilson's translation.)
"A Prose English Translation of Vishnupuranam" by Manmatha Nath Dutt and H. H. Wilson is a religious text written in the late 19th century. This translation focuses on the Vishnu Purana, one of the eighteen Mahāpurāṇas in Hindu literature, and provides profound insights into the creation, nature, and duties of the universe, presenting a blend of mythology, philosophy, and cosmology. The content centers around the divine figure Vishnu, his various incarnations, and the ritualistic and philosophical aspects of existence. At the start of the Vishnupuranam, the dialogue between Maitreya and the sage Parāçara unfolds. Maitreya, eager to gain knowledge, inquires into the origins of the universe and the principles governing existence, prompting Parāçara to recount the creation myth involving Vishnu as the ultimate source of all that is manifest. The narrative introduces the cyclical nature of time, with descriptions of the four ages (Yugas) and the process of creation, maintenance, and destruction that Vishnu oversees. Key themes such as the evolution of various beings, from deities to humans, and their respective duties within this grand tapestry of life establish a foundation for understanding the intricate relationship between the divine and the cosmos.
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Mârkandeya Purâna, Books VII and VIII
"Mârkandeya Purâna, Books VII and VIII" by B. Hale Wortham is a translation of classic Hindu scripture likely written during the late 19th century. This text is part of the Mârkandeya Purâna, one of the eighteen Mahâpurâṇas, which are ancient religious and cultural texts of Hinduism. The likely topic of this book revolves around the themes of duty, righteousness, and the trials of its central character, King Hariçchandra, who exemplifies virtue facing severe tests. In these books, the story unfolds with King Hariçchandra facing a series of tribulations due to a curse from the sage Viśvāmitra. Initially a virtuous ruler, Hariçchandra is forced to give up his kingdom, wealth, and even sell his wife and son into servitude to fulfill his promise to the sage. Despite his hardships, including living as a lowly Chaṇḍāla and enduring endless suffering, Hariçchandra’s commitment to truth and righteousness never wavers. Ultimately, after enduring tremendous trials and displaying unparalleled integrity, he is rewarded by the gods, leading to his reunion with his family and ascendance to heaven, showing that steadfast adherence to virtue brings ultimate liberation and joy.
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Bhagavadgita — Des Erhabenen Sang Religiöse Stimmen der Völker: Die Religion des alten Indien II
"Bhagavadgita — Des Erhabenen Sang" by Leopold von Schroeder is a philosophical poem translated and introduced in the early 20th century. This work is a part of Indian literature and is recognized as a critical philosophical text that integrates deep spiritual and moral principles through a poetic lens. It centers around the dialogue between the prince Arjuna and Krishna during the fabled battle of Kurukshetra, addressing themes such as duty, righteousness, and the nature of reality. The opening of the text provides a detailed introduction about the significance of the Bhagavadgita, characterizing it as a unique blend of philosophy, poetry, and spirituality that has been revered in India for centuries. It sets the scene for the epic narrative, where Arjuna, confronted with the moral dilemmas of war and familial ties, is counseled by Krishna. This dialogue lays the foundation for the teachings on duty, detachment, and the eternal nature of the soul that unfold in the subsequent verses.
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Bhagavad-Gita: Herrens Sång
"Bhagavad-Gita: Herrens Sång" by Hjalmar Johannes Runeberg is a philosophical text rooted in ancient Indian wisdom, written in the early 20th century. This work is a Swedish translation of the renowned scripture that forms part of the Indian epic Mahabharata and serves as a spiritual and ethical guide. The Bhagavad-Gita addresses profound themes of duty, righteousness, and the paths to self-realization, all conveyed through a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna. At the start of the text, the scene is set on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where the hero Arjuna faces a moral crisis as he prepares to fight against his own relatives and friends. Overwhelmed with grief and doubt about his duty as a warrior, he questions the righteousness of the impending conflict. This opening establishes not only the storyline but also the central philosophical conflict, as Krishna begins to impart wisdom about life, the nature of the self, and the importance of fulfilling one’s duty without attachment to the results, a foundational theme that pervades the book.
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