Vedanta-sara of Sadananda

This is a nice translation by Swami Nikhilananda of an important prakaraNa grantha of advaita vedAnta. I had the occasion to study this book in a course called "vedAnta dakShatA" at Madras Sanskrit College conducted by Shri KS Maheshwaran. The text is brief; it is easy to understand it superficially. But truly engaging with the whole of the shAstra it represents takes a life-time - or several life-times - of work. This book helps one to get started in a small but significant way. I also thank the Ramakrishna Math for bringing such precious books to the public for next to no cost. I feel immensely grateful and blessed to be able to read this book. Thank you!

The book essentially captures the essence of Vedanta, quoting from various Vedic scriptures, with verses in Samskrit explained in English. Really valuable, though at first reading everything may not be comprehended. But, easy enough with the explanations.

Very good for starters into Vedanta. After reading this one can understand Sankara commentary on upanishad

It is a good book for beginners. This is an authentic translation and it is beneficial for those who do not know Sanskrit. It is not perfect though owing to the same language barrier but yes, it is a start nonetheless.

Good treatise and an intro into Upanishads. Must read and guidance through u tube is essential

Perfect condition

This is a widely recommended book for those interested in Vedanta. Well written, nice explanation. Helpful if gone through before reading the Upanishads.

The quality of paper and the printing itself are not very good. You'd have to strain your eyes at times to read the small lettering on the creamish-yellow pages.

Wunderbares Buch

Thank you

L’essenza dei vedânta introduce i concetti sanscriti più importanti di questa filosofia, perché è giusto conoscere le basi, prima di avvicinarsi ai testi fondanti dell’Advaita Vedânta. L’ho comperato per seguire gli insegnamenti di Sri Sarvapriyananda, uno Swami che, con molta generosità e intelligenza, trasmette al mondo la saggezza di una delle più convincenti e profonde spiritualità.

This is an excellent commentary on the Indian Philosophy on Consciousness. In these days of Artificial Intelligence, scientists and engineers are wondering whether all the software and hardware developments can induce consciousness in the robots they are building. Their underlying assumption is by approximating the human neurons in the human brain, somehow, they can make the robots into humans or at least human like. Why not, they say. What the scientists fail to understand is the mind is also material. This is an astonishing statement as propounded in the Indian Philosophy. Consciousness stands apart. Consciousness acts through the mind, the mind acts through the brain. Are you aware in your sleep? Yes indeed. Sleep has these stages: Dreaming while sleeping, dreamless sleep. In both these states one is completely aware. Why? you may argue that one is not conscious during dreamless sleep. But, upon waking up, you say, I slept well. If you were not, how can you say, I slept well? Thus, the Indian philosophy propounds consciousness is distinct, and it is the ultimate, pure reality, and is not another material created by anyone. Consciousness is the uncreated, and untouched, shines on its own, illuminating everything including the mind. This is what the western mind does not understand. Even Buddhism agrees with the Indian philosophy, after all Buddhism was born in India. This book is definitely illuminating on these topics. Originally written in Sanskrit several thousand years ago, the authorship is unknown. This has been translated into English and other languages. No, AI will not become human, and autonomous. AI will never know what happiness is, nor what sorrow is.

I bought this for me, because this is what I like and this is what I read. I love the language of Vedanta - and presented here is the essence of it.