VEDIC KNOWLEDGE “AS IT IS”

Srila Prabhupada knew that philosophers and intellectuals around the world have had long admired the spiritual wisdom of Vedic writings like Upanishads, Puranas, Bhagavad-gita, etc. But he could also see that practically in every case the commentator had used the vedic writings to present his own philosophy without presenting the essence of the original spiritual texts. In other words, the original message of Vedic writings was never really spoken or conveyed, so we readers never had the chance to know what (vedas) they have to tell us. That’s why Srila Prabhupada decided to present the vedic literature “as it is” in the form of 108 volumes of the vedic encyclopedia.

In all the books – Srimad-Bhagavatam, Sri Isopanisad, Nectar of Instruction, etc. — the system that Srila Prabhupada gives is that he presents the original verse, its english transliteration, word-for-word Sanskrit— english equivalents, translations and purports. This makes the book very authentic and scholarly and makes the meaning self-evident.

Thus the present attempt is to offer the original manuscript of this great book of knowledge with full parampara explanation.

TEXT – The original text in Sanskrit which literally means perfectly composed. Sanskrit is recognized as the mother of all languages by historians & linguists.

TRANSLITERATION – This system of transliteration uses english letters with diacritic marks to give a simple and accurate pronunciation of the sanskrit verse. These verses are mantras that are suitable for meditation when chanted.

SYNONYMS – The english equivalents for sanskrit, bridge the gap between the two languages. With the meaning of the verse being clear you will save time trying to read ‘between the lines’.

TRANSLATION – Based on the synonyms, the translations are clear, consistent and authoritative. The style is enjoyable and enlivening. Reading from verse to verse you will feel as if time stands still.

PURPORT – These purports by Srila Prabhupada are the essence of the teachings coming down to us from God through the disciplic succession, without any adulteration. Each verse in the vedic encyclopedia is authoritative and is the basis for the complete vedic culture. Therefore this alphabetical listing of each line of every verse helps to easily look up references.

COLOR PICTURES – These are like windows to the spiritual sky. Being highly praised by the art community, they give a visual insight into the Vedic culture.

CONTENTS – Have an at – a – glance insight into each chapter from a list of subtitles. Every chapter’s few texts are summarized as subtitles to give you an overview of an chapter.

GLOSSARY – Many ideas of the vedic knowledge are better understood in their original Sanskrit. The glossary gives definitions of some of the common and important words.

GENERAL INDEX – This comprehensive and thorough index with thousands of references serves as the beginning for all your points of interest or concern.

VERSE INDEX – Each verse in the Vedic encyclopedia is authoritative and the basis for the complete Vedic culture. Therefore this alphabetical listing of each line of every verse helps to easily look up to references.