Composed in 1962 by Swami Prabhavananda, a monk of the Ramakrishna Order, The Spiritual Heritage of India is a comprehensive summary of Indian philosophy and religion. Beginning with the foundational texts of Indian spirituality, the Vedas, Prabhavananda proceeds to a thorough analysis of the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and many of the Puranas. After covering the scriptural side of Indian religion, the book then turns to the six major schools of Indian thought, expanding in particular upon the Yoga and Vedanta schools. The author finishes with a discussion of the great monks and teachers of India, comparing the ideas of figures centuries apart, as well as relating them to the challenges of the modern world.


What separates The Spiritual Heritage of India from other similar titles is the author's ability to hone in on the finer aspects of Indian spirituality, while also providing the reader with a thorough overview. The long-time student of Indian thought, as well as one approaching it for the first time, will benefit greatly from the breadth and depth of Prabhavananda's writing.