Hymns From the Vedas : Original Text and English Translation With Introduction and Notes

Contents: Foreword. Preface. Introduction. 1. Jnana yoga (the path of knowledge). 2. Karma yoga (The path of action): a. General well-being. b. Asrama division (stages of life). c. Division of society according to vocation (Varna). d. The ritual. 3. Bhakti yoga (The path of devotion). 4. Vibhuti-yoga (The path of splendour). 5. Raja-yoga (The path of mysticism). 6. Death. 7. Hymn to the earth. Indexes.

"The Vedas are the oldest source-books of religion in India. In this book, Dr. Bose has rendered into English selected hymns from all the four Vedas. The original Vedic text has also been given alongside the translation. The author has been guided in his translation by the work of orientalists, eastern and western. Unlike many of them, the author shows no preoccupation with the external forms and rituals of Vedic worship. His emphasis is on the poetic and spiritual values, on the inner life of the people and on their contact with the realities of material existence. His introduction highlights the Vedic ideals which have been a living force in India for countless generations." (jacket)