The Doctrine of the Upanisads and the Early Buddhism

by Hermann oldenberg and Shridhar B. Shrotri (Tr.)

Chapter I of this study, which discusses the older Upanisads, viz., the Brhad Aranyaka Upanisad and the Chandogya Upanisad, describes at the outset how the idea of the Supreme Being, the unique mystic power, was conceived in the words Brahman and Atman and how these two entities merged with each other and became identical. It then discusses the doctrine of metempsychosis as evolved from the relation between the Supreme Being and the world of plurality. In this period, the magician-priest begins to become a philosopher.

Chapter II deals with later Upanisads like Kathaka Upanisad, Maitrayana Upanisad and Svetasvatara Upanisad. This period clearly reveals beginnings of the formulation of a system in the form of Samkhya Doctrine and the Yoga. Here the ultimate goal of human yearning, the salvation from suffering, becomes visible.

In short, we perceive the development of thought of the Indian Philosophy from an impersonal god (of impersonal powers) to a personal god.But interestingly, a system strongly enforcing the elements of Yoga decisively rejected theism and adhered to the pessimistic thought of Indian mysticism: the Doctrine of Buddhism. This is described in Chapter III.

About the Author:

Hermann Goldenberg, one of Germany`s greatest Indologists, was interested in the history of Religions. He was equally at he in Vedic and Buddhist studies and made outstanding contributions to both subjects. His famous books are Buddha, sein Leben, seine Lehre, seine Gemeinde, Die Religion des Veda, Die Literatur des alten Indiens and Das Mahabharata, seine Entstehung, sein Inhalt, seine Form.

Dr. Shridhar B Shrotri studied German at Pune. After serving there as a Lecturer in German, he came over to karnataka University, Dharwad and rose there to the position of Professor of German. His translation of Oldenberg`s Die Religion des Veda into English was published in 1988.