The Katha Upanishad is one of the mukhya (primary) Upanishads, embedded in the Katha school of Krishna Yajurveda. It is also known as Kathaka Upanishad, and is listed as number 3 in the Muktika canon of 108 Upanishads.
The Katha Upanishad consists of two chapters (Adhyayas), each divided into three sections (Vallis). The first Adhyaya is considered to be of older origin than the second. The Upanishad is the story of a little boy, Naciketas (who like Socrates did-not claim to know) was the son of Sage VÄjasravasa. His father desiring the fruits of sacrifice, gave away all his worn-out cows as wealth. Out of anger at Naciketas pointing out the inadequacy of his gifts, his father sent him to the abode of Yama where he has to wait for three nights without food. When he finally meets Yama (the deity of death), he was given three boons by Yama for his deep sraddha / faith, one for each of the nights. Their conversation evolves to a discussion of the nature of man, knowledge, Ätman (Soul, Self) and moksha (liberation).
The Kathaka Upanishad affirms that “Ätman (the Self) is eternal and thus never born nor subject to death, and teaches the precept “seek Self- knowledge which is Highest Bliss”, and expounds on the unity of Ätman and Brahman, like the other primary Upanishads.
In this video Stephen Thompson, Gabriella Burnel and Linda Thompson, explain some of the key teachings of the Katha Upanisad.
About the presenters:
The Revd. Dr Stephen Thompson first experienced the power and beauty of the Sanskrit language through studying Advaita Philosophy at the School of Economic Science over thirty years ago. This enabled him to study Greek and Hebrew with fresh insights. After obtaining degrees in Sociology and Theology, Stephen completed a four-year degree in Sanskrit at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, followed by an MPhil and PhD at the Centre for Advanced Sanskrit Studies at the University of Poona. He has translated a major portion of the Mahabhashya of Patanjali into English for the first time, under the guidance of the famous Pandit Bhagavat Shastri. In recent years he has also been teaching Sanskrit at Middlesex University to BA Ayurveda students.
Gabriella Burnel holds a Sanskrit Degree from Oxford University where had a singing scholarship, and is now continuing study in India, exploring connection between Vedic Chants and Healing. Gabriella teaches both music and Sankrit, and leads regular chanting sessions in UK.
Linda Thompson is a teacher and practitioner of Ayurveda medicine. She is currently researching Eastern philosophy underpinning Ayurvedic treatments, as a PhD student of Philosophy in Malta University. She teaches Ayurveda at the School of Economic Science.
This event was organised by the Chetana Trust and hosted by the School of Economic Science.
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