Although there have been other translations of the upanisads, this edition of Max Miller has long enjoyed the reputation of being the most schlorly. Not only does the translation contain the reflections of the greatest Indologist & Sanskritologistof the 19th century (who was also a profound philosopher in his own right), it also contains his long introductions of more than 250 pages,discussing the position of the upanisads & their value for the modern world. These profound writings are necessary reading for all Indologists, philosophers, & historians of religion. They are also most valuable experiences for the modern reader who is interested in learning about a great field of thought with deep mystical & existential implications. THE SACRED BOOKS OF THE EAST. :- I MUST being this series of translations of the Sacred Books of the character of the original texts here translated : the second, with regard to the difficulties in making a proper use of translations; the third, showing what is possible & what is impossible in rendering ancient thought into modern speech. KHANDOGYA—UPANISHAD:- FIRST PRAPATHAKA. The Khandogya-upanishad beging with recommending meditation on the syllable Om, a sacred syllable that had to be pronounced at the beginning of each Veda & of every recitation of Vedic hymns. As connected with the Same-vada, that syllable Om is called udgitha. Its more usual name is pranava. The object of the Upanishad is to explain the various meanings which the syllable Om may assume in the mind of a devotee, some of them being extremely artificial & senseless, till at last the highest meaning of Om is reached, viz. Barhman, the intelligent cause of the universe. TAITTIRIYAKA-UPANISHAD:-1. HARIH, Om ! May Mitra be propitious to us, & Varuna, Aryaman also India, Brihaspati, & the wide-striding Vishnu. Adoration to Brahman ! Adoration to thee, O Vayu (air)! Thou indeed art the visible Brahman. I shall proclaim the right. I shall proclaim the true (scil. Brahman). (I—5) May it protect me ! May it protcet the teacher ! yes, may it protect me, & may it protect the teacher ! Om ! Peace ! Peace! Peace!