Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan: A Complete Guide to His Books

Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan (1888–1975) was a prominent Indian philosopher, scholar, and statesman. He made important contributions to Indian philosophy and worked to connect Eastern and Western ideas. His numerous writings show his deep knowledge of religion, philosophy, and culture. Below, we discuss some of his most important books in detail.

1. The World Treasury of Modern Religious Thought (1953)

This anthology, edited by Radhakrishnan, presents a wide range of modern religious and philosophical thought from diverse traditions. It includes writings by influential thinkers from different cultures and religions, and offers readers a comprehensive overview of contemporary religious and philosophical ideas. Radhakrishnan’s editorial work emphasizes the universal aspects of spiritual and philosophical inquiry.

2. A reference book on Indian philosophy (1957)

This seminal work is a comprehensive compilation of key texts of Indian philosophy spanning a broad spectrum of philosophical traditions and schools. Radhakrishnan provides translations and commentaries on important texts from Hindu, Buddhist and Jain philosophies. The book is an essential resource for understanding the development of Indian philosophical thought.

3. The Hindu View of Life (1926)

In this influential book, Radhakrishnan explores the fundamental concepts of Hindu philosophy, such as the nature of reality, the self, and the purpose of life. He presents Hindu thought in a way that is accessible to Western readers, while remaining faithful to its traditional roots. This work is essential to understanding Radhakrishnan’s interpretation of Hinduism and its relevance to modern life.

4. The Idealistic View of Life (1932, Mandala Books)

Radhakrishnan’s “The Idealistic View of Life” analyses the idealistic aspects of philosophical thought, focusing on the nature of reality and the role of human consciousness in shaping it. The book is a critical analysis of idealism and its implications for understanding human existence and spirituality.

5. Indian Philosophy, Volume One (1923)

The first volume of this comprehensive work offers an overview of Indian philosophical systems from ancient times to the medieval period. Radhakrishnan analyses key figures, texts and concepts, giving readers an in-depth look at the evolution of Indian thought. This volume is essential for understanding the development of Indian philosophy.

6. Eastern Religions and Western Thought (1939, Oxford India Paperbacks)

In this book, Radhakrishnan examines the interaction between Eastern and Western philosophies, highlighting the ways in which Eastern religious traditions can influence and enrich Western thought. He explores the philosophical dialogue between these two traditions, offering insights into how they can mutually benefit each other.

7. The Philosophy of Rabindranath Tagore (1931)

Radhakrishnan offers a detailed analysis of the philosophical ideas of Rabindranath Tagore, a prominent Indian poet and philosopher. The book explores Tagore’s views on spirituality, education, and the nature of human existence, offering a deep understanding of his unique perspective.

8. Indian Philosophy, Vol. 2 (1927)

The second volume of Radhakrishnan’s “Indian Philosophy” continues the exploration of Indian philosophical traditions, covering developments from the medieval period to contemporary times. It offers a comprehensive analysis of various schools of thought and their contributions to Indian philosophy.

9. Eastern Religions and Western Thought (1939)

This book is a revised edition of Eastern Religions and Western Thought and includes additional reflections on the relationship between Eastern and Western philosophical traditions. Radhakrishnan expands on his earlier arguments and offers a more nuanced perspective on the dialogue between these two traditions.

10. The Heart of Hindusthan: 1 (1945)

In this book, Radhakrishnan explores the core values ​​and principles of Hinduism and offers insight into its spiritual and cultural dimensions. The book is a reflection on the essence of Hindusthan (India) and its philosophical and religious heritage.

11. The Kingdom of Religion in Contemporary Philosophy (1931)

Radhakrishnan examines the influence of religion on modern philosophical thought and analyses how religious ideas shape contemporary philosophical enquiries and how they are shaped by them. The book explores the interaction between religion and philosophy in the modern era.

12. Mahatma Gandhi: Essays and Reflections (1958)

This collection includes essays and reflections on the life and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi. Radhakrishnan offers insights into Gandhi’s principles of non-violence, truth, and social justice, highlighting his contributions to Indian thought and global philosophy.

13. Living with a Purpose (1963)

In this work, Radhakrishnan discusses the importance of living a purposeful life and explores how philosophical and spiritual principles can guide people to find meaning and personal fulfillment. The book is a practical guide to integrating philosophical insights into everyday life.

14. The Brahma Sutra: The Philosophy of Spiritual Life (1957)

Radhakrishnan offers a detailed commentary on the Brahma Sutras, one of the key texts of Vedanta philosophy. The book offers an interpretation of the text’s teachings on the nature of reality and the self, and provides valuable insights into Vedantic thought.

15. The Philosophy of Hinduism (1951)

This book presents an overview of Hindu philosophical thought, covering its major schools and concepts. Radhakrishnan explores the philosophical foundations of Hinduism and offers a comprehensive understanding of its key ideas and their relevance to modern problems.

16. The Concept of Man: A Study in Comparative Philosophy (1966)

Radhakrishnan compares the concept of man in various philosophical traditions, including Indian and Western thought. The book explores how different cultures understand human nature and existence, and offers a comparative analysis of these perspectives.

17. In Search of Truth (1953)

In this work, Radhakrishnan delves into the philosophical search for truth, examining how different traditions approach the concept of truth and its implications for human knowledge and experience.

18. Religion and culture (1949)

Radhakrishnan explores the relationship between religion and culture, and analyses how religious beliefs and practices shape cultural norms and values. The book offers insights into the dynamic interaction between religion and cultural development.

19. The Search for Truth (1956)

This book examines the philosophical search for truth and its importance in human life. Radhakrishnan examines various approaches to understanding and attaining truth, drawing on both Eastern and Western philosophical traditions.

20. East and West: Some Reflections (1955)

Radhakrishnan reflects on the philosophical and cultural interactions between East and West, offering insights into how these diverse traditions can enrich each other. The book offers an in-depth analysis of intercultural dialogue and understanding.