All titles are available in the Society's library and bookshop
The Bhagavad Gita, translated by Swami Nikhilananda , Ramakrishna Vivekananda Center, New York, NY
Considered the essence of the Upanishads, and called the "practical scripture," this 700-verse
dialogue between Sri Krishna and the warrior hero Arjuna is one of the most important religious
classics in the world.
Note: Other translations of The Bhagavad Gita are also available.
God is Everything, by Swami Sarvagatananda, Vedanta Society of Toronto
A unique exposition of the Isa Upanishad, illuminating its literal and its inner meaning, and showing
the application of its truth in our lives.
Seeing God Everywhere, by Swami Shraddhananda, Vedanta Press, Hollywood, CA
A practical guide to spiritual living, with articles that stimulate in-depth spiritual practice.
Sermon on the Mount according to Vedanta, by Swami Prabhavananda, Vedanta Press, Hollywood, CA
An approach to Christ's teachings from the standpoint of Vedanta's practical methods for divine
unfoldment and spiritual realization.
The Upanishads, translated by Swami Nikhilananda , Ramakrishna Vivekananda Centre, New York, NY
Eleven major Upanishads are included. The Upanishads form the concluding portion of each of
the four Vedas: Rig, Sama, Yajur, and Atharva. The Upanishads are records of the highest
experiences of ancient sages who searched through meditation and intuition for Truth. The
Upanishads are also referred to as "the Vedanta." Swami Nikhilananda gives translation of each
verse, followed by commentary.
Vedanta: Voice of Freedom, by Swami Vivekananda (compiled and edited by Swami Chetanananda) , Vedanta
Society of St Louis
Selections from the lectures and writings by Swami Vivekananda who brought the message of
Vedanta to the West in 1893 and founded the first Vedanta Societies. The question "What is
Vedanta?" is discussed, as are a variety of topics including the universality and practicality of Vedanta.
Vedanta: A Simple Introduction, by Pravrajika Vrajaprana , Vedanta Press, Hollywood, CA
Topics include an overview of Vedanta and its universality; the four yogas for basic spiritual
practice; the harmony of religions; the oneness of existence; and God in human form.
Know divine union
by A.M. Bhattacharyya
Mysticism is a direct spiritual experience of union with the divine. A spiritually illumined person can intuitively experience oneness with the Supreme Being through inward perception.
To a mystic this lofty experience is real, not a figment of the imagination, though it transcends ordinary sensory, intellectual consciousness. At the height of a mystical experience, all perceptions of duality between the subject and the object disappear; all external thoughts and worldly desires evaporate. The mystic’s mind is completely absorbed in an ocean of infinite bliss and boundless joy.
Mysticism is universal in all religious traditions. Vedanta, Hindu religious philosophy, affirms a fundamental unity between the individual soul (atman) and the cosmic soul (Brahman). Vedanta says that realizing this unity leads to the liberation of the soul, which is the ultimate goal of human life. Through the practice of spiritual disciplines (the various yogas), one can reach the highest level of spiritual enlightenment and realize the oneness of Brahman and atman. This is the ultimate and the most blissful experience of a liberated soul.
Ramakrishna, a 19th-century Hindu saint, has described his mystical experience: “House, walls, doors, the
temple — all disappeared into nothingness. Then I saw an ocean of light, limitless, living, conscious, blissful. From all sides, waves of light with a roaring sound rushed toward me and engulfed and drowned me, and I lost all awareness of outward things” (Spiritual Heritage of India by Swami Prabhavananda).
