Synopsis The origins of the Upanishads, sacred writings of Hinduism, predate recorded history. Since they were revealed to the Rishis of the Vedic civilization some 5,000 to 10,000 years ago, many have come to regard them as the kernel of the mystical and philosophical truths that are the basis of understanding religion today. The twelve Principal Upanishads, which are transcreated are the chief ones selected by Sanskaracarya on which he wrote his magnificent philosophic commentaries. Alan Jacobs has used free modern verse to convey the essential meaning and poetry of the original text, omitting Sanskrit words as much as possible and providing a clear, contemporary commentary.