Sri Isopanisad

For thousands of years, people on a spiritual quest have consulted the mystical, intensely philosophical Upanishads. As the name implies (upa-near; ni-down; shad-to sit), one is advised to sit near a spiritual teacher to learn. To learn what? This Upanishad’s name gives the clue: Isha means “the supreme controller.”

Sri Isopanishad is one of the principal Upanishads in Vedic literature that present the ultimate philosophical conclusions of Vedas. This cornerstone scripture expounds on the relationship and responsibility of a living being with other living beings and the Supreme Being.

Sri Isopanishad is one of the first books that were published by Srila Prabhupada in the course of establishing the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in the Western world. Srila Prabhupada composed this Sri Isopanishad with the same scholarly standards as his Bhagavad-gita As It Is and Srimad-Bhagavatam, providing the original Sanskrit verse, its English transliteration, word-for-word Sanskrit-English equivalents, translations, and purports.

In words of some eminent scholars:

 “The eighteen Sanskrit mantras of Sri Isopanisad are given in both devanagari and roman script, something that will be of great help to the beginning student. Swami Prabhupada has given intelligent and lucid commentaries on every mantra, and–unusual for this type of publication–a glossary and index has been added.” Dr. Paul Hockings, Professor of Anthropology, University of Illinois

“The first available English edition of Sri Isopanisad makes this most significant publication accessable to a broader public of students and scholars. This spiritual lawbook, with a most useful introduction by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, is a necessary supplement to any serious study of the Vedic culture. The Sanskrit diacritical equivalents and the glossary are most useful guides to deeper study and further understanding of ancient spiritual law and Vedic culture. I recommend this volume to any student or scholar of Vedic thought. To the generalist and specialist alike it will generate considerable provocation and understanding. It is an indispensable addition to any serious library collection.” Dr. Thomas N. Pappas, Professor of History, Anderson College