The Vedic Experience Mantramanjari: An Anthology of the Vedas for Modern Man and Contemporary Celebration

One of the most stupendous manifestations of the Spirit is undoubtedly that which has been handed down to us under the generic name of the Vedas. The Vedas are still too much neglected not only in the world at large but also in their country of origin. this Vedic anthology will make direct and fruitful knowledge of the Vedas available to a wider range of people than the small elite of pandits and Indologists.

This anthology collects the most crucial texts of the Indian Sacred Scriptures--in all more than 500--newly translated into contemporary English. Dr. Panikkar's principle has been to select and place together texts so as to offer a selection of texts that cover the full range of 'The Vedic Experience' and at the same time to show how they manifest the universal rhythms of nature, history, and Man. Excerpts are taken from the oldest hymns, such as the Rig Veda; from the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas, or "Forest Treatises," and finally the Upanishads, which represent the mystical and philosophical culmination of the Vedas.

This is a book for meditation, for reading, public and private, as well as for thorough study at this wellspring of human wisdom. It should, moreover, facilitate that meeting of East and West so long desired and delayed, and now so imperative.

Review(s)

This is a welcome addition to the anthologies of Vedic hymns. This is intended for what the translator calls the "Modern Man" defined as one who is secular in his attitude (not irreligious) and finds himself in a transcultural situation." - Bhavan's Journal, Vol.44, No.17, April 15, 1998

The volume contains the central message of the Vedas-Rg., Sama, Atharva and Yojuh and their four parts. The anthology is divided into seven parts...adopting the geological, historical and cultural patterns....Each part of the volume is introduced by at least one mantra or antiphon and consists of two or more sections, which in turn have various sub-sections of several chapters. The collection is addressed to the modern man." - Prabuddha Bharata, September, 1996

This book is a sort of short translation of Vedas. The author, who is a real scholar, has neatly described the effect of Gayatri mantra. The language is beautiful, simple to understand and in many places, original translation of verses is given. The book is a piece of art and knowledge which one should have in personal collection. An excellent work done by Mr. Panikkar." - Mystic India, August, 1995

This is indeed a remarkable anthology with excerpts from Rig Veda, the Brahmanas, the Aranyakas and finally the Upanishads, which represent the mystical and philosophical culmination of the Vedas. This is a book for meditation as well as for thorough study at the well spring of human wisdom." - Dilip, Vol.27, No.4, Oct.-Dec., 2001

About the Author:

Raimundo Panikkar is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. His books include The Unknown Christ of Hinduism, Worship and Secular Man, The Trinity and the Religious Experience of Man, The Intrareligious Dialogue and Myth, Faith and Hermeneutics.