INDIAN WISDOM: The Religious, Philosophical and Ethical Doctrines of the Hindus

The object of the present volume is to draw attention to the best Indian writings. The book has been designed as much to give a summary of the history of Sanskrit literature as to present the reader with examples of certain selected portions of that literature.

In embarking on so vast an ocean of research, the volume begins with the original source and fountainhead of all Indian religious thought, philosophy and literature – the Veda. The book then in subsequent chapters presents the study and interpretation of the Brāhmaṇas and Upanishads, the systems of philosophy, the Smārta Sūtras or traditional rules, the Dharma Śāstras or law books, Purāṇas, Tantras, Nīti Śāstras and finally the Indian epics – the Rāmāyaṇa and the Mahābhārata.

The book should be of use to scholars and lay-readers alike and would successfully highlight India’s seminal role in world literature and civilization.