About This Work
A remarkable anthology covering five distinct periods of ancient Indian literature. From the joyous hymns of the Rig Veda (2000-1400 BC) to the sublime philosophy of the Upanishads, the noble teachings of Buddha, the righteous edicts of Emperor Asoka, and the brilliant imagery of classical Sanskrit poetry—this collection offers English readers a comprehensive view of India’s rich poetic heritage.
Contents
- 1 Front Matter
- 2 Indra, The Rain-Giver
- 3 Indra, The Supreme Deity
- 4 Varuna, God of Sky
- 5 Varuna, The God of Righteousness
- 6 Agni, Or The Fire
- 7 Ushas, Or The Dawn
- 8 Savitri, Or The Sun
- 9 The Gods of Agriculture
- 10 The God of Pasture
- 11 A Battle Hymn
- 12 A Bridal Hymn
- 13 A Funeral Hymn
- 14 The Golden Child
- 15 The Creator
- 16 Brahman, Or The Universal Soul
- 17 The Legend of Gārgī
- 18 The Legend of Maitreyī
- 19 The Legend of Umā
- 20 The Legend of Nachiketas
- 21 The Legend of Bālāki
- 22 Hymn of The Dying Man
- 23 Buddha's Birth
- 24 Buddha's Death
- 25 Ten Precepts from Dhammapada
- 26 Message to His People
- 27 Message to Foreign Nations
- 28 The Penance of Umā
- 29 The Conquests of Raghu
- 30 Muktālatā, Princess of Ceylon
- 31 Draupadī's Remonstrance
- 32 Yudhishthira's Reply
- 33 Vyāsa's Instructions
- 34 Autumn Fields
- 35 The Himalayas
- 36 Arjuna's Penance
- 37 The Nymphs
- 38 The Advent of Indra
- 39 The Advent of Siva
- 40 The Boar Hunt
- 41 The Combat
- 42 Prayer and Blessing
- 43 Appendix