Indian Sacred Texts: The Upanishads, authored by Cemil Kutlutürk and published by Dergâh Publications as part of its "Eastern Thought" series, is a work of a philosophical and spiritual nature. The book aims to present the content and philosophical depth of the Upanishadic texts, which form the basis of Hinduism, to a Turkish audience through a scholarly approach. The first edition of the work was published in June 2014, with an expanded second edition released in September 2021. The book consists of 209 pages.
Content and Thematic Structure
"Indian Sacred Texts: The Upanishads" begins by highlighting the historical role of religious, literary, and scholarly works from the Indian subcontinent in reaching different cultures, particularly Muslim Turks. The book provides an in-depth analysis of the core concepts that constitute the essence of Hinduism: rebirth based on the consequences of one's actions (karma and saṃsāra / reincarnation), salvation from this cycle by following specific paths (yoga and mokṣa), and the ultimate union with the transcendent being (Brahman). The work details how these religious and philosophical ideas were first explored in the Upanishadic texts.
The Upanishads are texts that represent the philosophical and mystical depth of Hindu sacred literature. They convey concepts such as the unity of the universe and the individual soul, the nature of true knowledge, karma, reincarnation, and mokṣa through dialogues, stories, and poetic narratives. The book, in its analysis of these concepts, implicitly establishes a connection with their Western philosophical counterparts, providing a comparative framework for understanding. The study by Cemil Kutlutürk aims to address the need for a scholarly analysis, based on the content of the Indian sacred texts, to ensure these concepts are accurately understood and evaluated. The work emphasizes the significance of the historical, religious, and cultural background of Hinduism, positing that knowledge of these religious and philosophical foundations is essential for interpreting India's rising global influence.
Language and Style
In "Indian Sacred Texts: The Upanishads," Cemil Kutlutürk employs an accessible and scholarly language to convey complex philosophical and religious concepts. The text is characterized by an objective and descriptive style, in which the author directly presents the original meanings of the Upanishadic texts and the fundamental principles of Hinduism. The translation and interpretation demonstrate scholarly rigor, with a focus on conceptual clarity. The depth of the subject is enhanced by occasional comparative and analytical expressions, while avoiding promotional language. This style makes the work suitable for both the academic community and the general reader interested in Eastern philosophy.
Author's Position and Significance of the Work
Cemil Kutlutürk is an academic whose research includes the history of Indian beliefs and culture, the perception of Islam in Indian thought, and Hindu-Buddhist-Muslim relations. "Indian Sacred Texts: The Upanishads" is a significant work that reflects the author's expertise and scholarly identity in this field. The work is notable for addressing the need for accurate and comprehensive information on the Upanishadic texts and Hinduism in Türkiye. The book not only facilitates an understanding of Hinduism but also provides a key to analyzing the cultural and religious dynamics of the Indian subcontinent. In this regard, it serves as a valuable resource for academics and readers in the fields of religious studies, philosophy, sociology, and cultural studies.
