Upanisads (Oxford World's Classics)

Excellent introduction and endnotes. I liked Olivelli's translation and layout choices (as far as I can understand them, as layperson). A definite edition of the Upanishads.

I found this a thoroughly enjoyable gateway to difficult texts that I’d tried, with limited success, to access through 19th Century translations—but I’m left with a big question that I’d hoped to see discussed with insight and clarity in one of these reviews (or elsewhere online): viz., how other scholars respond to Olivelle’s translation of “tat tvam asi”—traditionally, it’s translated as “thou art that” but here it’s translated as “this is how you are” (see p. 152, et seq.), with a credible-seeming explanation found in the notes at p. 349. Both translations seem consistent with “Upanisadic” teachings/philosophy, but they strike me as strikingly different in emphasis and effect. I’d greatly enjoy any informed comments/reviews here that address this issue, particularly any that can reference scholarly reception to Olivelle’s translation of this famous formulation, or whether other classic Hindu texts shed any light on how it’s traditionally been construed and how, therefore, it should be translated (maybe Shankara?).

After being extremely underwhelmed by the popular Easwaran translation in its omissions and interpretation, I found this version to be superior in every way. More complete, a good introduction on the historical/cultural context of the Upanishads. Great notes about word choice and interpretation. And most of all, it gives you more material with which to think about and ask questions about the Upanishads instead of restricting you into whatever feel-good "spiritual" or "emotional" interpretation.

Like most books of this era and genre, it was used as a teaching tool, so it has a lot of repitition. Many of the ideas are esoteric to westerners and tedious if you don’t understand it. Still, important if you want to understand Hinduism.

This seller is excellent. No problems at all. I definitely recommend it.

Great read. I know others don't appreciate Olivelle's translation because of its lack of "spirituality" (if you will); it is, for lack of a better word, a "technical" work. However, I used this book for a comparative work with the Gospel of Thomas, and I couldn't have been happier with the outcome. Olivelle's translation is clear and informative. I personally prefer it to Easwaran's. Olivelle provides great notes and commentary for beginners and advanced readers alike.

Professor Olivelle is a great scholar - no doubt one of the most highly respected Sanskritists and prolific translators of our time. As such, it should be no surprise to find that his translation of the Upanisads is the best currently available, and will likely remain so for quite some time. The introduction to the text is extremely informative and helps place the works in their proper context. The text itself is quite meticulously translated - striking an agreeable balance of readability, scholarship and faithfulness to the original Sanskrit. A must for anyone interested in Hinduism.

This is the best academic translation around. From my experience, prints from Oxford provide better clarity when they are compared to other translations on the market. I recommend this print for students studying eastern philosophy through a program/professor. This book is organized well and is easy to follow. Provided commentary is clear and easy to understand. I highly recommend this book over other translations out on the market. Patrick Olivelle's translation is the best!