A Study of the Upanishads the Gita and the Brahma Sutras Arun Shourie creator SHOURIE (Arun) text New Delhi Vikas Publishing house Pvt Ltd 1979 monographic eng Eng lis h

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414 p. HB 25x16 cm. INTRODUCTION Gandhiji used to say that we should look upon texts like the Gita as the works of poets, the works of great poets, true, but none the less just the works of poets. The texts as we now possess them, he used to say, have been through centuries of interpolation, distortion, deletion and distillation. We do not even know, he said, that a Rishi named Manu ever lived. So unsatisfactory did he find their state to be that he suggested that we bring out a revised edition of the scriptures. At one level this essay is an attempt to sketch out some of the reasons that may lead a sensitive individual like Gandhiji to conclusions such as these. The essay is an exegesis of the praslltana-treyi— the 108 Upanishads, the Bhagvad Gita and the BraJima-Sutras — that is, of the triad on which our philosophical tradition rests. Much in these texts is profound. Much inthem is sound practical advice. But much in them is just nonsense. At another level, therefore, this essay is an attempt to sketch the consequences of a good thing being carried too far. The basic purpose of the essay, however, is to bare aspects of these texts which for centuries have provided convenient rationalizations for the existing state of affairs and which have helped reinforce the state of affairs. Much in the essay will offend the orthodox, much will be regarded as blasphemous. At a time when many are seeking to aggrandize their position by setting themselves up as the guardians of our heritage and abusing the work of others, it may be that this essay too will invite their compliments. Reflecting on the reception that his proposal for bringing out a revised edition of the scriptures was certain to receive at the bands of the orthodox, Gandhiji said, “The certainty' that the whole mass of Hindus and the per- sons accepted as religious leaders will not accept the validity of such autho- rity need not interfere with the sacred enterprise. Work done sincerely and in the spirit of service will have its effect on all in the long run and will most assuredly help those who are badly in need of such assistance," While this is a puny essay compared to “the sacred enterprise” he envisaged, I draw strength from the Mahatma’s assurance. Hinduism 294.5 SHOH 0706908341 230131 20230131100536.0