Books Should Be Free
Loyal Books
Free Public Domain Audiobooks & eBook Downloads
Search by: Title, Author or Keyword

Katha Upanishad

Book cover
By:

The Katha Upanishad is a profound and timeless text that delves into the nature of existence, consciousness, and the self. The dialogue between the young seeker Nachiketa and the god of death, Yama, is filled with deep philosophical reflections and spiritual insights.

The text explores themes such as the impermanence of life, the importance of self-realization, and the nature of the soul. It challenges readers to contemplate the true nature of reality and the purpose of human existence.

The language of the Katha Upanishad is poetic and metaphorical, inviting readers to reflect deeply on the profound truths it conveys. The text's teachings are as relevant today as they were centuries ago, offering timeless wisdom and guidance for those on the spiritual path.

Overall, the Katha Upanishad is a thought-provoking and enlightening read that will appeal to anyone interested in exploring the depths of the human experience and seeking spiritual enlightenment.

Book Description:
The word Upanishad (upa-ni-shad) consists of, "Upa" means "near;" "ni" means "down;" "shad" means "to sit." Thus, Upanishad is to sit down near the teacher to discuss, learn, practice, and experience. There are some 200 or more Upanishads. Some are lost and are only known about because of being referenced in other Upanishads.

Most of the Upanishads were kept secret for centuries, only passed on to others orally in the form of Shloka (a category of verse line developed from the Vedic Anustubh meter).

Katha-Upanishad is one the 11 principal Upanishads. Its chronology is contested as being between fifth century BCE and 1st millennium BCE.

Katha (Sanskrit: कठ) literally means "distress". Katha Upanishad uses words that symbolically embed and creatively have multiple meanings. For example, a closely pronounced word Katha (Sanskrit: कथा) literally means "story, legend, conversation, speech, tale". All of these related meanings are relevant to the Katha Upanishad.

The text presents Death as the Teacher and features a dialogue between an aspiring disciple, Nachiketas, the boy and a central character, and the Ruler of Death regarding the great Hereafter. It has two Adhyayas (chapters), each with three Valiis (sections), thus a total of six Vallis.

The 11 principal Upanishads to which Sankara appeals in his great commentary on the Vedanta-Surtras are: Chandogya, Talavakara or Kena, Aitareya, Kaushitaki, Vajasaneyi or Isha, Katha, Mundaka, Taittirtiyaka or Taittiriya, Brihadaranyaka, Svetasvatara, and Prasna. They are also called the 11 classical Upanishads or the fundamental Upanishads of the Vedanta Philosophy.

The Upanishadic literature is not a religious scripture and is free from dogma and doctrines. It is not a part of any religion but is a philosophy for all times and for all. German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, impressed by the Upanishads, called the texts "the production of the highest human wisdom". (


Stream audiobook and download chapters




Review this book



Popular Genres
More Genres
Languages
Paid Books