TY  - BOOK
AU  - Arun Shourie
AU  - SHOURIE (Arun)
TI  - Hinduism : Essence and Consequence: A Study of the Upanishads the Gita and the Brahma Sutras
SN  - 0706908341
U1  - 294.5 23
PY  - 1979///
CY  - New Delhi
PB  - Vikas Publishing house Pvt Ltd
KW  - Hinduism
N2  - INTRODUCTION 
Gandhiji used to say that we should look upon texts like the Gita as the 
works of poets, the works of great poets, true, but none the less just the 
works of poets. The texts as we now possess them, he used to say, have 
been through centuries of interpolation, distortion, deletion and distillation. 
We do not even know, he said, that a Rishi named Manu ever lived. So 
unsatisfactory did he find their state to be that he suggested that we bring 
out a revised edition of the scriptures. 
At one level this essay is an attempt to sketch out some of the reasons 
that may lead a sensitive individual like Gandhiji to conclusions such as 
these. 

The essay is an exegesis of the praslltana-treyi— the 108 Upanishads, the 
Bhagvad Gita and the BraJima-Sutras — that is, of the triad on which our 
philosophical tradition rests. Much in these texts is profound. Much inthem 
is sound practical advice. But much in them is just nonsense. At another 
level, therefore, this essay is an attempt to sketch the consequences of a good 
thing being carried too far. 
The basic purpose of the essay, however, is to bare aspects of these 
texts which for centuries have provided convenient rationalizations for the 
existing state of affairs and which have helped reinforce the state of 
affairs. 
Much in the essay will offend the orthodox, much will be regarded as 
blasphemous. At a time when many are seeking to aggrandize their 
position by setting themselves up as the guardians of our heritage and 
abusing the work of others, it may be that this essay too will invite their 
compliments. 
Reflecting on the reception that his proposal for bringing out a revised 
edition of the scriptures was certain to receive at the bands of the orthodox, 
Gandhiji said, “The certainty' that the whole mass of Hindus and the per- 
sons accepted as religious leaders will not accept the validity of such autho- 
rity need not interfere with the sacred enterprise. Work done sincerely and 
in the spirit of service will have its effect on all in the long run and will most 
assuredly help those who are badly in need of such assistance," 
While this is a puny essay compared to “the sacred enterprise” he 
envisaged, I draw strength from the Mahatma’s assurance.

ER  -