The Philosophy of the Upanishads

“…….Motilal Banarsidass Indian Edition Of Denssen’s Book Is Quit Welcome……. For No Student Of Vedanta Can Hope TO Start His study In A Proper Manner Without Going Through Denssen’s Work.” (Journal Of Indian Council Of Philosophical Research,Vol.19, No.2, April-June, 2002) The philosophy of the Upanishads according to Paul Deussen is the culminating point of the Indian doctrine of the universe and this point he said had been already reached in vedic pre buddhistic times and in philosophical significance has been surpassed by none of the later development of thought up to the present day.

Review(s)

The book would create a great interest in the study and research in Indology. …the people interested in Upanishadic studies should read this book for getting better insights to the philosophy and philosophical history of Upanishads. – Godabarisha Mishr

About the Author(s)

Born 7 January 1845, at Oberdreis near Coblenz:  son of Adam Deussen, pastor; educated at Schulpforta near Naumburg: studied at Bonn, Tubingen and Berlin: Sanskrit under Lassen and Gildemeister, classical philosophy, theology:  Phil.  Dr. at Marburg, 1869: teacher at the Gymnasiurns at Minden and Marburg, 1869-72, and tutor in Russia, 1872-80: taught philosophy (the subject to which he was chiefly devoted) and Sanskrit, as Privat-docent at the University of Geneva: and philosophy at the Polytechnical School at Aix-la-Chappelle, 1875-9.  While at Geneva, his resolution was made to devote his life to the study of Indian philosophy (1873).  Since his return from Russia and residence in Berlin, from 1881 to 1889, this has been his main work: taught philosophy at Berlin University, first as Privat-docent then as Professor; since 1889, Ordinary Professor of Philosophy at the University of Keil; has travelled much in various parts of the world: over the greater part of India, 1892-3.  In 1904, the Order of the Red Eagle, 4th Class, was conferred upon him.  Among his chief works may be mentioned:  Das System des Vedanta, 1883:  Die Sutras des Vedanta, 1887:  On the Philosophy of the Vedanta in its relations to Occidental Metaphysics, Bombay, 1893; Sechzig Upanishads des Veda, 1897; Geschichte der Philosophie (I and II on the Vedic Hymns and Upanishads:  III-VI in preparation), 1894, 1899: ‘Outlines of Indian Philosophy,’ in the Indian Antiquary, 1902: Erinnerungen an Indian, 1904.