Podcast Summary: Ruth Perini, "Varaha Upanishad: The Path to Supreme Knowledge"

Podcast: New Books Network – New Books in Indian Religions
Host: Dr. Raj Bal
Guest: Ruth Perini
Date: September 4, 2025
Episode: Interviews with Authors about their New Books

Overview of the Episode

In this episode, host Dr. Raj Bal interviews translator and scholar Ruth Perini about her new publication, "Varaha Upanishad: The Path to Supreme Knowledge." The conversation explores the origins, philosophical depth, and translation process of this foundational yoga text. Ruth reflects on her journey into Sanskrit, the context and significance of the Varaha Upanishad, its major themes, and the relevance of its teachings on self-realization and yoga for contemporary practitioners and scholars.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Ruth Perini’s Scholarly Journey (01:31–05:26)

• Personal Background: Ruth began with a deep interest in ancient languages and philosophy in the 1960s. She felt disenchanted with Western philosophy and was later drawn to the yogic tradition through teacher training.
• Sanskrit Studies: Her search for Devanagari writing led her to formal study at Australian National University under the renowned McComas Taylor.
• Translation Initiative: Inspired by her mentor, she took up the challenge of translating the 21 Yoga Upanishads, beginning with those recommended by lineage leaders Swami Naranjan and later continuing solo after the passing of her collaborator.

The Genre and Context of Varaha Upanishad (05:46–10:06)

• Definition of Upanishad: Upanishad comes from "upa" (near), "ni" (attentively), "shud" (to sit) – emphasizing close, attentive learning from a master.
• Purpose: Designed to dispel spiritual ignorance, distinguishing between the true self (atman) and the temporal ego.
• Historical Placement: The Varaha Upanishad is one of 21 Yoga Upanishads, thought to be composed in the 13th–16th centuries CE.
• Content Focus:
  • Detailed mapping of the ‘subtle body’ – chakras, koshas (layers), prana (vital energies), and kundalini.
  • Emphasis shifts away from external rituals to internal transformation.
  • Integration of Vedanta (philosophical thought) and Tantra (esoteric practices), an unusual synthesis for its time.
• Quote: “The inner journey to the one permanent reality, the Atman, is the essential one. Journeys to external places such as holy sites and temples, as well as rituals and ceremonies are not given importance.” (Ruth Perini, 08:56)

Translation Process and Challenges (10:29–13:09)

• Research-Driven: Ruth reviews all available translations and secondary literature before transcribing and translating the Sanskrit text by hand.
• Iterative and Reflective: She leaves ample notes, revises regularly, and often finds meanings surfacing subconsciously.
• Translation Complexity: Sanskrit’s multiple meanings, case endings, and accrued semantic layers make precise English rendering complex and demand interpretive choices.
• Quote: “Sometimes then I can only do it not more than two or three hours at a time. And then I'll go off and do something else... in the middle of the night, I might wake up and think of meaning...” (Ruth Perini, 12:09)

Key Themes and Teachings of the Varaha Upanishad (13:09–19:12)

• Philosophical Structure: Features a dialog between sage Ribhu (almost enlightened) and Vishnu, exploring supreme knowledge.
• Mapping Reality: Lays out the elements of the universe—from material (earth, water, fire, air, ether) to consciousness (waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and pure consciousness).
• Three Gunas (Qualities):
  • Tamas: inertia, ignorance.
  • Rajas: activity, desire, competition.
  • Sattva: knowledge, harmony, goodness; ultimate aim is to purify sattva, achieving “shuddha sattva” (pure awareness).
• Practical Wisdom: Teachings are applicable to modern life and relationships; understanding personal and others’ behaviors through the lens of the gunas.
• Quote: “I found that it's a very good guideline... Am I being Tamasic? Am I being rajasic... or am I being sattvic?...” (Ruth Perini, 17:55)

The Varaha (Boar) Avatar and Its Symbolism (19:12–20:19)

• Mythological Context: The boar avatar of Vishnu descends during a time of crisis (universal flood), defeating the demon Hiranyaksha and restoring the earth—a story paralleling global flood myths.
• Representation: This avatar embodies rescue from ignorance and restoration of balance.

Intended Audience and Accessibility (20:11–22:00)

• For Scholars and Practitioners: The translation includes the original Sanskrit in Devanagari, with parses, making it valuable for students and scholars.
• Accessible to All: Ruth emphasizes that no Sanskrit knowledge is required and she supplements the translation with commentary and references to key teachers.
• Open Scholarship: Encourages feedback from readers on errors or improvements.
• Quote: “Because of the structure of the book, a knowledge of Sanskrit is not necessary.” (Ruth Perini, 20:55)

Continuing Sanskrit Work and Upcoming Projects (22:00–23:10)

• Future Translations: Ruth is working on the Amrita Nada Upanishad and the Amrita Bindu Upanishad, both focused on the theme of deathlessness and the jivanmukta (liberated while alive).
• Definition: Jivanmukta—one who has achieved liberation and wisdom while still embodied.

On Jivanmukti and Yogic Paths (23:10–28:09)

• Jivanmukti (Liberation in Life): The Varaha Upanishad and related texts emphasize final liberation attained in this life while fulfilling duties.
• Seven Stages to Wisdom: Desire for virtue, self-inquiry, cultivating a subtle mind, equanimity, non-attachment, knowledge of Brahman, and awareness of the true self.
• Paths to Liberation:
  • Immediate (like Sage Shukra)
  • Gradual (like Sage Varma Deva)
• Varieties of Yoga Described:
  • Mantra Yoga: transformation by sound.
  • Hatha Yoga: physical/energetic alignment.
  • Laya Yoga: dissolution of the mind.
  • Karma Yoga: selfless action.
  • Bhakti Yoga: devotion.
  • Jnana Yoga: contemplative wisdom.
  • Raja Yoga: “royal path” of meditative discipline.
• Quote: “Yoga, as well as a philosophy, is a body of practice... an experience that has evolved through the ages. Direct knowledge gained through experience is the goal of yoga.” (Ruth Perini, 27:40)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On the Upanishads and Modern Life:
  “That wisdom is as relevant today as it was in those days before we had all the material and technological and so on, benefits of different social systems, which is that there is a true self that is within everybody. And how to access that?”
  — Ruth Perini (13:48)

• On the Guna Framework as Practical Wisdom:
  “In relationships... I can ask myself... how am I acting in this conflict? Am I being Tamasic?... Am I seeing this trying to be better than the other person? Or am I being sattvic?”
  — Ruth Perini (17:55)

• On Jivanmukti and Its Necessary Qualities:
  “Jivanmukti means final liberation while fulfilling one’s duties in the material world. And there are seven stages of wisdom that are necessary to attain that state.”
  — Ruth Perini (23:19)

Important Timestamps

• 01:31–05:26: Ruth's journey into Sanskrit and her translation project
• 05:46–10:06: Explanation of the Varaha Upanishad, Upanishadic philosophy, and historical context
• 10:29–13:09: The translation process and its challenges
• 13:48–19:12: Key themes of the Varaha Upanishad; practical implications
• 19:12–20:19: Symbolism of Vishnu’s Varaha (boar) avatar
• 20:19–22:00: Intended audience and accessibility of Ruth’s translation
• 22:00–23:10: Ruth’s ongoing Sanskrit work and the idea of 'jivanmukta’
• 23:10–28:09: Yogic paths, jivanmukti, spiritual progression, concluding reflections

Conclusion

Ruth Perini’s work on the Varaha Upanishad offers both an accessible resource for students and a deep, reflective guide for those seeking spiritual and philosophical insights from Indian traditions. The discussion balances scholarly rigor, personal experience, and practical wisdom, making this episode a compelling listen for anyone interested in yoga philosophy, Sanskrit literature, and the living relevance of the Upanishads.