Kathopanishad
Kathopanishad is one of the 10 principal upanishads which present the essence and culmination of all knowledge found within India’s most ancient and sacred texts; the vedas. It is a dialogue between a little boy named Nachiketa and the Lord of Death, Yama, which covers the nature of life after death, the true meaning of sacrifice, and how one can transcend death.
It is believed that listening to the upanishads is the first step towards discovering our unique spiritual path to liberation. In 2020, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai gave a series of talks over the course of a month, which methodically and thoroughly explained the significance of the Kathopanishad and its relevance to us in our lives. This podcast series is compiled from those talks.
Episodes
62 episodes
1. Four steps to become buddha (the enlightened one)
In this episode, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai dives directly into what He refers to as the main question posed by Nachiketa. It is the very essence of Kathopanishad.“Tell me whether That exists or not because it cannot be touc...
0. Introduction to Paravidya and Kathopanishad
What is the Kathopanishad? Why is it important for seekers of the Truth to study it?In this episode, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, gives an introduction to what is known as 'paravidya' or the highest spiritual knowledge that ...
2. Five qualities of a good student
In the Gita, Lord Krishna says “The one who has śraddhā alone is entitled to knowledge.”Through the Kathopanishad, we are shown the qualities which the young Nachiketa embodies – these are the qualities that all seekers of the T...
3. Three kinds of sufferings (Tapatrayas)
oṁ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ ॥During vedic or prayer invocations, it is common for it to conclude with the chanting of three shantis. When one recites three shantis, each shanti is dedicated specifically fo...
4. Seven qualities of a spiritual seeker
Although in this day and age, vedantic texts are accessible easily through various mediums at the touch of a button, the Truth as taught in vedanta, is not to be taken lightly.In the past, spiritual seekers had to prove...
5. The four aspects of the mind
Using the analogy of a computer, Sadguru beautifully explains the four aspects of the mind, namely –मनस् manas – a collection of all kinds of thoughtsबुद्धि buddhi – the ability to discri...
6. Never distract from the goal of Self-realisation
Many times, Sadguru has declared that His favourite character from the upaniṣads is the young Nachiketa. In this episode, Sadguru gives us a clear indication of why this is so. Sadguru says that even though Yama trie...
7. Essential qualities of a spiritual seeker
Through the example of Nachiketa, and using anecdotes from other stories such as dialogues between Emperor Janaka and Rishi Astavakra, as well as from the Narada Bakthi Sutras, Sadrugu Sri Madhusudan Sai instructs us on the essential qualities ...
8. Always choose Shreyas (Good) over Preyas (Pleasant)
One of the most important teachings is shared by Yama to Nachiketa in this episode. The concept of two paths that appear before man at all times. śreyaḥ and preyaḥ.preyaḥ is the path that appears pleasant, but ...
9. Vedanta for Permanent Bliss
The ignorant man continuously chases after everything that is temporary.In this episode, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai teaches that out of the temporary, the permanent cannot be attained. Temporary attainments can only give temporary result...
10. The Knowledge of the Self is subtler than the subtlest
aṇoraṇīyān It means subtler than the subtlest.This is a word that Yama uses when explaining that the Truth cannot be taught or understood when just anybody talks of it. It will only be understood when one who ...
11. The Truth behind all the Existence
When a movie is played at a cinema hall, it is projected onto a blank screen. Likewise, what appears to be real in our lives is in fact only a ‘projection on the screen’. What is real is only the blank screen. Everything else that comes and goe...
12. Adhyatma Yoga
Whether we practise karma yoga, bhakti yoga or jñāna yoga – we should examine the true motivation behind our actions. Are the homas, the seva and the prayers/bhajans really solely to please ...
13. Three Pillars of Vedanta
In this episode, Swami introduces us to the concept of the three pillars of vedānta, which are:शास्त्रप्रमाण śāstrapramāṇa– all that is conveyed and describedin the scriptures.तर्कवाद tarkavāda
14. The true meaning of Brahma Vidya (Knowledge of the Ultimate)
When we look around, we notice many objects around us. Yet, we tend not to notice the light with which everything is lit up.Likewise, ātman is everywhere, our Self is everywhere, inside, outside and everywhere. We see and experi...
15. Three kinds of Tapas (austerities) to attain Self Realisation
In this episode, Sadguru explains the three kinds of तपस् tapas (austerities) to be performed in order to attain brahman.शारीरतपः śārīratapaḥ: austerity of the bodyवाङ्मयतपः vāṅmayatapaḥ: aus...
16. The perfect symbol and sound to describe Brahman
We may practise using the oṁ mantra in so many modified ways, however these are all just a lesser utilisation of a bigger power. oṁ can be used for much, much higher goals, unfortunately, most of us are using it for only very ...
17. The four states of Consciousness
According to vedanta, the four states of consciousness are captured beautifully in the divine ओंकार oṁkāra.अ a – from silence, form and name emerges from deep sleepजाग्रत् अवस्था jāgrat avasthā (Waking state)
18. You are neither the body nor the mind but the Supreme Consciousness
By realising the absolute nature of the Self (puruṣa), one achieves freedom from the guṇas (the fundamental attributes that cause desire). This is the highest kind of non-attachment. Knowing this, one can differentiate between...
19. A scientific approach to brahman’s existence
The entire world is a modification of the one pure consciousness.The ātman, subtler than the subtlest and greater than the greatest, dwells in the heart of all beings. The one free from desire and grief, with the sense and mind ...
20. The Subtle Truths of Pure Consciousness
It is seated, yet It travels far.It is lying down, yet It goes everywhere.In this episode, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai elaborates on this Truth of the supreme all-pervading and bodiless ātman, which resides in impermanent ...
21. Pain vs Suffering
Pain may be real, but suffering is unreal or imaginary.For the jīvanmukta, or the one who realises the Truth, the body may undergo karmic sufferings but the mind will not be affected. The mind will remain happy, peaceful enjoyin...
22. Aspire for brahman alone to the exclusion of all else
“How will you come to know God?” Sadguru asks.When you desist from doing wrong things, when you keep your minds pure, desires in control, mind fully absorbed in brahman, and are able to remain calm without any expectations or de...
23. Why Mastering the Mind is important to realise the Self
Unless the mind is free from all wants and desires and thinking of the past, or worrying about the future, and is focused entirely on attaining brahman, one cannot even think about attaining brahman. This is why mastering the ...