Katha Upanishad

This is one of the "Upanishads", or the philosophical parts of the "Vedas",he central sacred texts of Hinduism. It addresses a problem of interest toll: what happens after the death of the body. The story tells how Nachiketaeets Yama, the lord of Death. During their discussion, Yama explains thathere are two paths in life. By rejecting the path of the outside world, andhoosing "the path that leads inward", it is possible to achieve immortalityhrough a merging with the Universal Self.;This translation brings out thepiritual message of the "Katha Upanishad". Swami Ambikananda Saraswati seekso weave the poetry of the Sanskrit with her interpretation to convey thishousand-year-old wisdom. The text is illustrated with Indian miniatures fromhe Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

This Upanishad forms a part of the Brahmana belonging to the Katha Shakha of the Krishna Yajur Veda. It stands in a class by itself. It combines charming poetry, elevating mysticism, and profound philosophy. The subject of the mystery of death is introduced through the medium of an interesting anecdote; and the teaching of the Upanishad is presented in the form of a dialogue between a mere boy, Nachiketa, and Yama, the King of Death. With the text of the Upanishad in Devanagari, a lucid and faithful translation of the text and commentary, relevant notes, reference to quotations, and index to texts, this Upanishad is a must for all students of Vedanta. Published by Advaita Ashrama, a publication house of Ramakrishna Math, Belur Math.

The Katha Upanishad tells the story of the brahmana boy Naciketa who is cursed by his angry father to go to the underworld presided over by Yama, the god of death. Naciketa waits for three nights and when the god of death finally arrives, Naciketa is granted three boons by him. His first wish is that he should be reunited with his father and forgiven by him. His second wish is to learn about the worship of the sacred fire that grants one liberation and his third wish is to be given knowledge about the Absolute Truth. Upon hearing Naciketa’s third wish, Yama tests him and offers him all sorts of worldly pleasures instead. However, Naciketa is determined and seeing his resolve, Yama teaches him. Through his conversation with Death, Naciketa attains enlightenment.

This is a new and contemporary translation of one of India's most revered texts - The Katha Upanishad. Tigunait delights us with an understandable version of one of the most difficult texts of all religious traditions. The story is of a young boy who compels the Lord of Death to reveal the secret of what happens after we die. Tigunait's commentary and translation make this text ideal for anyone looking for inner growth and enlightenment.

Kathopaniñad is a unique Upaniñad which starts with a kathä (a story) of a young boy who is ready to face the Lord of Death in his quest for Truth to know what lies beyond death. He asks the very pertinent and philosophical question, ‘Is there or is there not, and if it is what is it?’ In short, this teaching is an extravaganza of spiritual knowledge and meditation that guides a student step by step to the glorious state of immortality, peace and bliss.

The Sacred Books of the East, a 50-volume series, encompasses the seven non-Christian religions of Asia: Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Zoroastrianism, Jainism, and Islam. Translated into English by authorities in their respective fields, these sacred texts have been edited by F. Max Muller and have profoundly influenced civilization. The Upanishads, Part 1 (1879) translated by F.Max Müller, is volume I of The Sacred Books of the East, a series available from Cosimo Classics. This book is in two parts and focuses on Hinduism. It is considered the foundation of Indian literature. The focal point of the Upanishad is on philosophy and meditation rather than on rituals of other Vedic texts. The term "Upanishad" relates to gaining knowledge, and readers wanting to learn about Hinduism religion should add this book to their personal library.