KATHO UPANISHAD

1
 SHANTI MANTRA

Om sahana vavathu I
Sahanau bhunaktu I
Saha veeryam karavaavahai I
Tejas vinaava dheeta mastu I
Ma vidh vishava hai I
Om shanti shanti shanti hi II

May the Lord protect us.

May He make us enjoy our sessions together.
May we both strive together.
May our studies be bright and brilliant.
May there be no misunderstanding between us.
Let there be peace outside and with in.
Om Peace, Peace, Peace.
 Katho Upanishad
Summary
2 Chapters (119 Verses)

Chapter I (71 Verses) Chapter II (48 Verses)

Section I Section II Section III Atma Vidya

29 Verses 25 Verses 17 Verses Section I Section II Section III

- Story - Glorification - Chariot 15 Verses 15 Verses 18 Verses

- 3 Boons of Sishya, example.
Guru, Vidya. - 10
- Anyatra Features
Dharma – of Atma.
Adharma. - Benefit
- Omkara
Upasana.
3
- 6 features of
Atma.
 1st Chapter - 1st Valli

29 Verses

Verse 1 - 9 Verse 10 + 11 Verse 12 - 19 Verse 20 - 29

Story 1st Boon 2nd Boon 3rd Boon

- Pitru Devo Bava. - Naaciketa - Naciketa asks for Atma

- Fathers peace of Ritual + Jnanam.
Mind. Upasana for - Yama Dharmaraja tests
Brahma Loka. Naciketa with Dharma,
Artha, Kama.
Important Mantra : Verse 14

“I know well the fire (sacrifice) O Naciketas, which leads to heaven and I will tell it to thee. Learn it from me. Know that it 4
is the means of attainment of eternal heaven and also the support of the Universe, and is seated in the cavity (of the
heart of the learned). [I – I – 14]
Verse 1 – 9 : Story
• Vajasravas – Vishwajit Yaga – gives all possessions as Dakshina – old cows…
• Nachiketa – I am better than miserable cows – repeatedly asks – give me to someone
first.
• Irritated father say’s I will give you to Yamadharma Raja.
• Naciketa, 9 year old, made to wait 3 days outside Yamas House.
• Lord Yama does Pada Puja – Atito Devo Bava, Gives 3 Boons as compensation.
Values Taught :
a) Sraddha :
• In Ritual and Dakshina.
b) Vakya Paripalanam :
• Keep promises.
c) Deva Atiti Puja :
• Respect guests.
Verse 10 + 11 : 1st Boon
• Fathers peace of Mind, wellbeing.
• Pitru Devo Bava.
5
Verse 12 – 19 : 2nd Boon
• Naachiketa ritual + upasana.
• Upasana Karma Samuchhaya.
• Go to Brahma Loka after Virat, Vishwaroopa Upasana.
• After family, society is wellbeing important.
Verse 20 – 29 : 3rd Boon – Atma Jnanam
• Lord Yama tests Naciketa on Dharma, Artha, Kama.
• Naciketa reveals he has Viveka, Vairagyam, Sadhana Chatushtaya Sampatti,
Mumukshutvam.
• Dharma Artha, Kama Seemingly Good but are capable of causing addictions,
weakening will power, create sorrow.
Verse 20 :

There is that doubt. “When a man is dead,” Some say ‘He exist’ and some again say ‘He does not.’ this I should like to
know, being taught by thee. This is the third boon, that I ask. [I – I – 20]

• Arjunas question for entire Upanishad.

6
Verse 27 :

Man is not to be satisfied with wealth. Now that we have seen Thee, we shall surely get wealth. We shall
also live, as long as You rule. Therefore, that boon alone is fit to be craved for by me. [I – I – 27]

• Money cannot give trupti.

• No contentment through wealth.
• Naciketa shows tremendous maturity.

7
 1st Chapter - 2nd Valli
25 Mantra

Verse 1 - 13 Verse 14 Verse 15 - 17 Verse 18 - 25

Glorification of : Anyatra : Omkara Upasana Central Teaching

- Sishya - Dharma – Adharma
- Guru - Akruta – Krta
- Vidya - Bhutacha - Bhavyacha Goal called OM 6 features

Important Mantras : Verse 14, 18

Naciketas said : “That which thou seest as other than virtue and vice – as right and ‘unright’, as other than cause and
effect, as other than the past and future – tell me that.” [I – II – 14]

“The intelligent Atman is not born, nor does He die. He did not spring from anything, and nothing sprang from him. This
unborn, eternal. Everlasting, ancient, is not slain even when the body is destroyed. [I – II – 18] 8
Important Mantras : Verse 19, 20, 25

If the slayer thinks “I slay,” and if the slain thinks, “I am slain,” then both of them do not know well. This slays not nor is
This slain. [I – II – 19]

The Atman that is subtler than the subtlest, and greater than the greatest, is seated in the cavity of heart of each living
being. He, who is free from willing and wishing, with his mind and senses composed, beholds the majesty of the Self and
becomes free from sorrow. [I – II – 20]

To whom the brahmana and the ksatriya classes are (as it were) but cooked rice and death itself is a condiment (curry or
pickle), how can one thus know where that Atman is! (Thus ends the Second Valli of the First Chapter). [I – II – 25]

9
Verse 1 – 13 :
General observation of Upanishad :
a) Who is a fit Student?
• One who understands.

Real Unreal
- Eternal - Ephemeral
- Moksha - Dharma, Artha, Kama

b) Who is a fit teacher?

Srotriyam :
• Has skill and capacity to communicate the teaching.
• Most abstract, uncommunicable subject matter.
Brahma Nishtam :
• Teacher is one with what he is teaching.
• What he teaches, what he is.
• Embodiment of Shanti, Poornata.
• What you are in search for is you yourself. You are infinite Atma is the teaching.
• Never seek shanti and security outside, is the teaching. 10
c) What is greatness of this teaching?
• Unique knowledge.
• Apaurusheyam.
• Beyond observation, inference and other instruments of knowledge of material
sciences.
What is the light of wisdom
you see, witness, other than

- Virtue and vice. Cause and effect Bhutat and Bhavyat

- Right and wrong.
- Dharma and Adharma.
- Akrtat, Krta. - Past & future.
- Pairs of opposites :
- Seed – plant. - Beyond time
Joy – Sorrow
- Uncaused cause - What is content of
Birth – Death
Svayambu. immediate moment –
Success – Failure
- Knower of all causes and immortality, eternity?
Hope – Despair
effects.
Health – Disease
Light - Darkness

• What is beyond time and causation?

• Instruct me in the eternal reality.
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Verse 15 – 17 :
• Omkara Upasana – to prepare mind.
• Goal called “OM”
Verse 18 – 25 :
• Central teaching.
• Katho Upanishad begins in Chapter I – II – 15 like Gita in Chapter 2 – Verse 11.

“The intelligent Atman is not born, nor does He die. He did not spring from anything, and nothing sprang from him. This
unborn, eternal. Everlasting, ancient, is not slain even when the body is destroyed. [I – II – 18]

Gita :
The Blessed Lord said : You have grieved for those that
should not be grieved for; yet, you speak words of
wisdom. The wise grieve neither for the living nor for the
dead. [Chapter 2 – Verse 11]

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 Atma Svarupam

6 features

Nirvikaratvam Aboktrutvam Durvignayatvam

- Not comprehensible
- Changeless - Since Karmas don’t
- Seems to have properties
- Body, mind, intellect belong to me, Karma
of Body / Mind / Intellect
changing, not me the Phalam (Sanchita Agami,
because of proximity of
Conciousness. Prarabda) do not belong
instruments.
- Conciousness inherent to me.
- With Body.
in Body / Mind / Intellect. - Resultless Atma.
- Without Body.

Akartrutvam Sarva Adhishtanatvam Desha Kala Ateetatva

- Atma Akarta - Anor Aniyan mahtah – - Atma not located in time

- Actionless principle mahiyan. or space.
- Inner core of entire - Time and space rise and
universe. dissolve in Atma.
- Behind an atom and a star - Incidental nature with
Body / Mind / Intellect.
- Intrinsic nature – Without
Body / Mind / Intellect. 13
 1st Chapter - 3rd Valli

17 Verses

Verse 1 + 2 Verse 3 - 9 Verse 10 - 15 Verse 16 + 17

Traveller Jiva Chariot imagery Jnana Yoga Benefit of Jnana

Yoga
- Jivas are travellers in 10 Indicators
life looking for a
permanent home but
not found one.

Important Mantras : Verse 10

Beyond the senses are the sense-objects ; beyond these objects is the mind; beyond the mind is the intellect and beyond
the intellect is the Great Self. [I – III – 10]

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Important Mantras : Verse 11, 14, 15

Beyond the great (Mahat) is the unmanifested (Avyaktam). Beyond the Avyaktam (Prakrti) is the Purusa ; beyond the
Purusa there is nothing ; that is the end ; that is the highest goal. [I – III – 11]

Arise, awake ; having reached the great (teachers) learn (realize that Atman). Like the sharp edge of a razor is that path,
difficult to cross and hard to tread – thus say the wise. [I – III – 14]

He, who has realised that (Atman) which is without sound, without touch, without form, without decay, and also without
taste, without smell, without beginning, without end, beyond the Mahat (great), eternal and unchanging, is freed from
the jaws of death. [I – III – 15]

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Verse 3 – 9 :
• Chariot imagiary – Extending Journey.
Body Chariot
- Sense organs - Horses
- Mind - Reins
- Intellect - Driver
- Jiva - Traveller
- Sense objects - Route / Roads.
- Lord - Controller

Preparatory disciplines :
a) Chariot :
• Body must be kept healthy – don’t neglect health.
b) Damaha :
• Sense organs must be well controlled.
c) Shamaha :
• Mind – reins must be controlled.
d) Vivekaha :
• Driver, intellect must know goal of life and path.
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e) Aarjavam :
• All organs should work as a team.
• What intellect decides, body, mind, sense organs should co-operate.
• If all conditions fulfilled, Jiva attains Moksha.
Verse 10 – 15 : Jnana Yoga
• Spiritual journey not physical, external journey, but in the form of Vichara – enquiry
of Pancha Kosha.
• My Atma beyond Annamaya, Pranamaya, Manomaya, Vigyanamaya, Anandamaya
Koshas, as witness Conciousness of everything.
Verse 10 + 11 :

Beyond the senses are the sense-objects ; beyond these objects is the mind; beyond the mind is the intellect and beyond
the intellect is the Great Self. [I – III – 10]

Beyond the great (Mahat) is the unmanifested (Avyaktam). Beyond the Avyaktam (Prakrti) is the Purusa ; beyond the
Purusa there is nothing ; that is the end ; that is the highest goal. [I – III – 11]
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 Beyond Is
- Sense organs - Sense Object
- Object in mind - Intellect
- Intellect - Self
- Mahat – Samashti – Hiranyagarbha - Unmanifest – Avyakta
- Avyaktam - Purusha

• What type of intellect is required for enquiry?

Verse 12 :

This Atman hidden in all beings reveals (itself) not (to all), but is seen (only) by Seers of the subtle through sharp and
subtle intellect. [I – III – 12]

• Agriya – and Sukshma Buddhi.

• Sharp and subtle intellect required because object to be known is subject.
• Don’t objectify – learn to fall back on own self.

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Verse 14 :

Arise, awake ; having reached the great (teachers) learn (realize that Atman). Like the sharp edge of a razor is that path,
difficult to cross and hard to tread – thus say the wise. [I – III – 14]

• Arise, awake and gain freedom by Karma Yoga, Upasana Yoga and Jnana Yoga.
Verse 15 :

He, who has realised that (Atman) which is without sound, without touch, without form, without decay, and also without
taste, without smell, without beginning, without end, beyond the Mahat (great), eternal and unchanging, is freed from
the jaws of death. [I – III – 15]

Arjunas Question :
• Whether there is an existence after death or not?
• Pure existence eternally exists.
• In the realm of pure existence there is no trace of non-existence.
• Idea of existence can maintain itself, only with reference to its opposite
nonexistence. 19
 • World of matter cognised only through its properties which are revealed by 5 sense
organs.
Transcendental Atma – State of Immortality :
a) Ashabdam – Without sound
b) Asparsam – Without touch
c) Arupam – Without form
d) Avyayam – Without part, decay
e) Arasam – Without taste
f) Agandam – Without Smell
g) Anadi – Anantam – Without beginning or end.
h) Dhruvan – Changeless immutable.
i) Mahatah Param – Superior to Hiranyagarba.
j) Nityam – Eternal
Verse 16 + 17 :

The intelligent one, having heard and related this ancient story of Naciketas as told by Lord death, is glorified in the
world of Brahman. [I – III – 16]
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Verse 17 :

Whoever with devotion recites, before an assembly of brahmana-s or at the time of Sraddha ceremony of forefathers,
this highest secret, obtains thereby immortality, obtains immortality. (Thus ends the Third Valli of the First Chapter)
[I – III – 17]

Benefit of Katho Upanishad :

• Chanting – 3 Vallis during Sradda Kalam in presence of Brahmana gives punyam.
• Sravanam – Gives Punyam and Takes you to Brahma Loka.
• Understanding from Guru gives immediate liberation.

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 2nd Chapter – 1st Valli

15 Verses

Verse 1 + 2 Verse 3 – 13 Verse 14 & 15

Disciplines for Students Atma Svarupam - Seeing difference is

mortality.
- Seeing oneness in
Damaha / Pratyahara : - 6 levels of Conciousness. individual and totality is
- Sensory control. - 3 in Shariram : gaining immortality.
- Intellect difficult to Sthula, Sukshma, Karana
master. - 3 in Prapancham :
- Suppression – control Sthula, Sukshma, Karana
from outside.
- Mastery – control from
inside through wisdom,
Viveka.

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Important Mantras : 1, 10, 11

The self-existent (Brahma) created the senses with outgoing tendencies ; therefore, man beholds the external universe
and not the internal Self (Atman). But only some wise man desirous of Immortality, with eyes averted (turned within and
with his senses turned away) from sensual objects, sees the Atman within. [II – I – 1]

What is indeed here (visible as the world) the same is there (invisible as Brahman) ; and what is there, the same is here.
He proceeds from death to death who beholds here difference (between Brahman and the world). [II – I – 10]

By mind alone could this (Brahman) be obtained (realised) ; then there is no difference here at all. He, who sees any
difference here, goes from death to death. [II – I – 11]

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Verse 3 – 13 :

Atma Svaroopam (6)

Micro Level Macro Level

3 Sharirams 3 Prapanchas

Verse 3 :

That Atman by which man cognizes form, taste, smell, sounds, and the sexual joys… what is there unknowable to that
Atman in this world? This is verily that (Atman thou hast wanted to know). [II – I – 3]

• It is that Conciousness principle because of which one is concious of the world of

perceptions, emotions and thoughts.
• Entire Keno Upanishad in this verse.
• 5 Points of Nature of Conciousness (Not part, Property etc.).

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Verse 4 :

“He, by whom the end of dream as well as waking is perceived – that all pervading Great Self – I am” knowing this the
wise grieves not. [II – I – 4]

• One all pervading Conciousness manifests, expresses in different ways according to

quality of medium.
Example :
One Electricity – Expresses as

Fan Mike Bulb

- Mechanical energy of - Magnifying sound - Light energy

Motion. energy. - Small bulb
- Big bulb

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 One Conciousness Expresses
at 6 levels

Verses 3 - 5 Verses 6 - 9

Vyashti Samashti

Shariram Chaitanyam called Prapancha Chaitanyam called

Sthula Viswa – Verse 4 Sthula Virat, Vaisvanara
Sukshma Teijasa – Verse 4 Hiranyagarbha
Sukshma
Verse 6, 7
Karana Pragya – Verse 5
Ishvara, Antaryami
Karana
Verse 9
Verse 5 :

He who knows this Atman, the enjoyer of honey, the sustainer of life and the lord of the past and the future, as very
near.. He fears no more thereafter. This is verily That. [II – I – 5]

• Lord of past & future.

• One Lord enters the human heart as the self and also the universal self from which
all creation has sprung. 26
Verse 10 :

What is indeed here (visible as the world) the same is there (invisible as Brahman) ; and what is there, the same is here.
He proceeds from death to death who beholds here difference (between Brahman and the world). [II – I – 10]

• What is at micro level is same at Macro level. No difference between Brahman and
world. One universal self. Remove matter and what remains is Conciousness alone.
• Differences belong to field of matter – Kshetram / Prakrti not in Conciousness –
Kshetrajna / Purusha.
Verse 11 :

By mind alone could this (Brahman) be obtained (realised) ; then there is no difference here at all. He, who sees any
difference here, goes from death to death. [II – I – 11]

• One who sees difference in plurality goes from death to death.

One Chaitanyam Jagat

- Advaitam, exists as Jiva, Jagat and - Plurality in Shariram & Prapancha.
Ishvara. - No separate independent
existence of Jagat.
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Verse 12 + 13:

The person (Purusa) of the size of a thumb, resides in the middle of the body. Lord of the past and the future, and
henceforward (after knowing Him) fears no more. This is indeed That. [II – I – 12]

That person, of the size of a thumb, is like flame without smoke, Lord of the past and future. He alone is even today, and
will be verily tomorrow. This is verily That. [II – I – 13]

• One who meditates on that Purusha (Angusta Matram) goes beyond past and future
and ever lives in eternity… He alone is, was in past, is there today, and will be there
tomorrow.
• Knowing him all fears go away.
Verse 14 :

Just as water, rained on (high) mountain-ridges, runs down the rocks scattering on all sides, so does he, who beholds the
attributes as different, runs after them only (at all times). [II – I – 14] 28
Example :
• Rainy waters – flow down slope, become weaker, dissipated, absorbed by earth
disappears.
• Division means disappearance.
• Going after attributes means beholding difference and mortality.
Verse 15 :

As pure water poured into pure water becomes the same only, so becomes the Atman of the thinker (sage) who knows
this, (Unity of the Atman) O! Gautama. (Thus ends the Fourth Valli in the Second Chapter.) [II – I – 15]

Wave looks itself as wave Wave looks itself as water, forgetting

name + form
- Mortal - Sarvatra Jala Darshanam
- Claims immortality.

• See divine oneness in oneself and the totality and gain immortality.
• Man minus ego is God.

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 2nd Chapter – 2nd Valli

Atma Svarupam

Vyashti Level Samashti Level Atma from its own Angle

Verse 1 - 8 Verse 9 - 15 Atma

(Drop Micro and Macro
Jivatma Paramatma Adjectives).

Important Verses :
• Full Chapter 1 – 15 (Best portion of Katho Upanishad)

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Jivatma :
Verse 1 :

This body of eleven gates is indeed of the unborn even minded Self. Having meditated upon this (the seeker) grieves not
and the liberated one is ever liberated indeed. This is verily that. [II – II – 1]

• Jiva chaitanyam lives in Body of 11 gates.

2 Eyes
2 Nostrils 1 Navel
7 in Head 3 in trunk
2 Ears 2 Lower
1 Mouth
• 1 – Brahma Randhra at crown of head famous in Yoga Sastra.
• One who meditates on this Chaitanyam principle – the king of the city is free from
birth & death.
• Sense organ – openings are the gates.
• Presiding deities are the gate keepers.
• Mind – the Controller.
• Purusha – the King.
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Verse 2 :

As Hamsa (sun), He dwells in heaven ; as Vayu (air) He dwells in the sky ; as fire He dwells on the sacrificial altar (or on earth) ;
as guest He dwells in a house, He dwells in man, in the Gods, in the sacrifice, (truth), in the sky. He is born in the water, He is
born on the earth, He is born in the sacrifice, He is born on the mountains ; He is the true and the great. [II – II – 2]

• Same Purusa lives in the Sun, Air, Sky, Fire, Earth, Water.
Verse 3, 4, 5 :

He (Brahman) sends the Prana upward and throws the Apana downward. All Deva-s worship, That Adorable One,
seated in the centre. [II – II – 3]

When this Atman, who dwells in the body, is separated from the body. He is freed from this body, what remains here
(in this body)? This verily is That. [II – II – 4]

Not by Prana, not by Apana does any mortal live ; but it is by some other, on which these two depend, that men live.
[II – II – 5] 32
 • Purusa sustains all organs by lending reflected Conciousness.

• 1st charity to Pancha Prana.

• Prana appears to be enlivening the body.

• Give credit to Atma.

• If Conciousness were not there, to bless Prana, body will die, decay and disintegrate.

Gita :
Him who departs, stays and enjoys, who is united with
the Gunas, the deluded do not see ; but they behold who
possess the Eye-of-knowledge. [Chapter 15 – Verse 10]

• Just as a king leaves to stay in different capital, all his subjects follow.

• Similarly when reflected Atma leaves the Body all Pranas follow and nothing remains
in the body of 11 Gates.

• When pure Conciousness presides over the functions of the body as reflected
Conciousness, with reference to the body, it is said to be the individual soul – Jiva.

• Just as all pervading space in room called Room Space.

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Verse 6 :

Well now, O! Gautama, I will explain thee the mysterious and ancient Brahman, and (also what happens to the soul after
death. [II – II – 6]

• What happens to the soul after death?

• What happens to the Jiva when it has experienced the process of death in its
delusions?
• Infinite space can never be conditioned, limited by the walls.

Space / light Conciousness / Atma

a) Space / light is within hall. a) Conciousness is there within the
Body as Reflection.
b) Space / light is outside halls also. b) Conciousness is outside the body
also as a reflection.
c) Space / light not inside, outside hall c) Conciousness is not in Body , Mind
but hall is in one indivisible all complex and the universe.
pervading space / light. All bodies and the universe is in all
pervading Conciousness.
34
 • Atma is Sarva Adhishtana Chaitanyam.
• Conciousness is homogeneous and one without a Second.
• When the body perishes, the Divine Spark, or life centre, Reflected Chaitnayam that
presided over the body leaves, when it lived, undergoes no change but eternally
remains the same.
• The death and consequent departure from the dead body at the time of death and
the feeling of having entered a new form at the time of birth are both the delusory
ideas of the ego centre (Reflected self or the ego).
• The ego idea leaves its ideas of I-ness or myness with the dead body and develops
ownership and possession with another body form.
Verse 7 :

Some souls enter the womb to have a body, others go to the plants, just according to their work and according to their
knowledge. [II – II – 7]

• New body taken up according to :

a) Karma Belongs to instruments
b) Knowledge of Reality gained

35
Verse 8 : (Very Important)

The Purusa who remains awake shaping (all sorts of) objects of desires (into dreams) even while we are asleep – verily,
that is the Pure, the Brahman, and that is also called the Immortal. In That rests all the worlds and none can transcend
That. This verily is That (which you asked for). [II – II – 8]

• Pure Chaitanyam illuminates Jagrat, Svapna, Sushupti.

• It neither is awake, dreams, or sleeps.
• In its presence 3 states play relay race!
• Chaitanyam does not undergo any of the experiences. (Example : Street Lamp).
Verse 9 – 15 : Best Section of Katho Upanishad
• Lord of the city – Vyashti (Atma) is also the Lord of the world Samashti (Paramatma).
• He is eternal Brahman and Atman.
• He is seemingly subject to transmigration determined by Jnana and Karma of
equipments through which he expresses himself.
36
Verse 9 & 10 : Important

Just as fire, after it has entered the world, though one, assumes different forms according to the shape it enters, so does
the eternal Atman, of all living beings, though one, takes a form according to each shape it enters and also (in itself it
exists) beyond them. [II – II – 9]
Example :
• Fire pervades metal and takes shape of the container.
Fire Metal
- Formless, Shapeless. - Exists in different forms
- Fire takes Shape of Metal and exists in between
in invinsible form.
Conciousness Bodies
- Formless - Exists in different sizes, shapes.
- Conciousness assumes forms of medium.
Verse 10 :

Just as air, after it has entered the world, though one, assumes different forms, according to the shape it enters, so the
internal Atman of all living beings, though One, assumes forms, according to each shape it enters, and (in itself it exists)
beyond them (also). [II – II – 10] 37
 Air Conciousness
- Enters a horse, donkey, man, creeper, earth. - All pervasive and the universe exists
- All live on Air. because of that life principle.
Verse 11 :

Just as the Sun, the eye of the whole world is not contaminated by the defects of the external eye, so being the
Innermost Essence in all beings, Atma is not contaminated by external sorrows of the world. [II – II – 11]

Space Conciousness
- Space not wet by water, burnt by fire sullied - Not tainted.
by dust, foul smelling because of any
association.
Conciousness

- Not Parinama (Modification) Karanam - But Vivarta (Superimposition)

- Changing to become world, then it Karanam.
can’t be eternal. - Creation is caused by mind (Maya)
- Not like Milk becoming curd. superimposed on Atma.
• Conciousness like air & fire is immanent and transcendent at the same time. 38
Verse 12 :

(That) One (supreme) ruler, the soul of all beings, who makes His one form manifold… those wise men, who perceive Him
as existing in their own Self, to them belongs eternal happiness, and to none else. [II – II – 12]
• When life principle goes through the prism of mind, it causes delusionary world.
• Yogi in meditation becomes aware of his awareness as the self.
• Our Conciousness becoming concious of itself is the moment of self realisation,
unbroken, continuous, infinite joy. (Not Joy of Sense objects).
Sankhya Vedanta
- Many Conciousness, many Atmas. - One Atma.
- Atma appears as though many.
- Atma manifests as pluralistic world, Jagat
Karanam.
- Bodies, Upadhis many.
Vivekchoodamani :

That which, even though one Reality, is the cause for the many, the cause that refutes all other causes, which is distinct
from causes and effects and self-existent --- ―That Brahman Thou Art‖ …. Meditate on this in your mind. [Verse 260] 39
Verse 13 :

He, the Eternal among non-eternals, the Intelligence in the intelligent, who, though one, fulfils the desires of many… those
wise men who perceive Him as dwelling in their own Self, to them belongs Eternal Peace and to none else. [II – II – 13]

• Those who perceive the eternal truth (God) in themselves to them belongs eternal
peace and happiness.
• Cells of Body changes once in 7 years.
• World constantly changing.
• Change in waves perceived because of changing ocean below.
• Changing snake because of Rope.
• Intelligence borrowed from self.
• Conciousness behind law of karma where one comes and performs actions.
• Conciousness is substratum of the world of matter universe.
Atma World
- Karanam - Karyam, product, effect
- Nitya - Anityam
- Clay exists before, during, after - Pot subject to Birth + Death.
creation of pot – in 3 periods of time.
• One cause among all perishable effects at macro level. 40
Verse 14 :

They (the sages) perceive, that indescribable highest bliss as “This is That. How shall I know That? Does it shine (of Itself)
or does it shine by another light?” [II – II – 14]

• That is that – how to know that?

Verse 15 :

The sun does not shine there, nor does the moon, nor do the stars, nor the lightnings and much less this fire. When He
shines, everything shines after him ; by His light, all these shine. (Thus ends the Fifth Valli in the Second Chapter)
[II – II – 15]

• Sun, Moon, Star, lightening fire can’t illumine that.

• He is self evident.
• Everything shines after him.
• By his light all these shine.

41
 2nd Chapter – 3rd Valli

18 Verses

Verse 1 - 8 Verse 9 - 13 Verse 14 - 18

- Atma Svarupam = - Sarva Granthi Nasha.

- 4 Sadhanas
Upasamhara. - Sarva Kama Nasha.
- Greatness of human birth.
- Atma is Intelligence - Brahma Prapti.
- Atma – Anatma Viveka
Cause + Material Cause
- Samadhi - Yoga Abhyasa.
out of which universe
- Listen Sruti with Sraddha.
manifests.

Verse 1 – 4 : Atma Svarupam

Verse 1 :

This is the ancient Asvattha-tree whose roots are above and branches (spread) below. That is verily the Pure, that is
Brahman, and that is also called the Immortal. In that rest all the worlds, and none can transcend It. Verily this is That.
[II – III – 1]
42
 • Asvattha tree – Roots above (Subtler) and Branches below.
• Brahman, root cause of creation expanded in Gita Chapter 15 – Verse 1, 2, 3.
They (wise people) speak of the indestructible Peepul
Tree (Ficus Religiosa) having its root above and branches
below, whose leaves are the Vedas ; he who knows it is a
Veda-knower. [Chapter 15 – Verse 1]

Below and above are spread its branches, nourished by

the Gunas ; sense-objects are its buds ; and below in the
world of men stretch forth the roots, originating action.
[Chapter 15 – Verse 2]

Its form is not here perceived as such, neither its end, nor
its foundation or resting-place ; having cut asunder this
firm-rooted Peepul-tree with the strong axe of non-
attachment. [Chapter 15 – Verse 3]

Verse 2 :

This whole Universe evolved from the Brahman, moves (vibrates) in the Prana (in the highest Brahman). The Brahman is
a great terror, like an uplifted thunderbolt. Those who know this become immortal. [II – III – 2]

• Brahman is a terror like thunderbolt.

• Universe arose from Brahman and moves in Brahman.
43
Verse 3 :

For fear of Him the Fire-burns ; for fear of Him shines the Sun ; for fear of Him do Indra, Vayu and Death, the fifth,
proceed (with their respective functions). [II – III – 3]

• For fear of Brahman :

o Fire – burns
o Sun – shines
o Indra, Vayu, and death function.
Verse 4 :

If here – in this life – one is able to comprehend Him (Brahman) before the death of the body, (he will be liberated from
the bondage of the world), if not, then one has to take a body (again) in the worlds of creation. [II – III – 4]

• Know Brahman before death, otherwise one takes new body.

44
Verse 5 :

(Brahman is seen) in the Self as (one sees oneself) in the mirror ; in the world of manes, as (one perceives oneself) in
dream ; in the world of Gandharva-s as (one’s reflection) is seen in the water ; and in the world of Brahma, (as distinctly
separated) as light and shade. [II – III – 5]

3 Lokas – different experiences

Manushya Loka Pitru Loka Gandhara Hiranyagarbha &

Brahma Loka
- Body + Mind - Only mind - Dance + Music - In world of
experiences. - No physical body. Cosmic mind, self
realisation
clearest.
Conciousness Ego
- Original face - Like mirror.
- Understand ourself by looking at Mirror - Reflecting Conciousness.
- I am the source of reflection - Reflection merges in a process of
- Light knowledge to become one with self.
- Shadow.
45
Verse 6 :

A wise man knowing well the separateness of the existence of senses and their appearance and disappearance to be
other than the Self, grieves no more for them. [II – III – 6]

• Sense organs are distinctly separate from eternal and changeless Atma because they
are effects born out of causes (5 elements).
• One who discriminates between the play of senses and the eternal factor grieves no
more.
Verse 7 & 8 :

Beyond the senses is the mind, beyond the mind is the intellect, beyond the intellect is the great Atman, Superior to the
great Atman is the unmanifest (Prakrti). [II – III – 7]

And verily beyond the unmanifest (Prakrti) is the all-pervading Purusa devoid of all distinctive marks, knowing whom the
creature (the knower) is emancipated and he attains immortality. [II – III – 8] 46
 Beyond Is
Senses Mind
Mind Intellect
Intellect Atman
Atman Mahat – Hiranyagarbha
Mahat – Hiranyagarbha Avyaktam (Unmanifest) – Ishvara
Avyaktam – Ishvara Purusha - Brahman

• Knowing Purusha devoid of all distinctive Marks one is liberated, deathless state of
eternal existence Brahmavit Braheiva Bavati.
Mundak Upnishad :

He who knows that Supreme Brahman becomes Brahman, and in his line (family), none who knows not the Brahman
will ever be born. He crosses grief; crosses sin, and being free from the knots-of-the-heart, becomes immortal.
[III – II – 9]

47
How to realise that Brahman?
Verse 9 :

His form is not to be seen. No one beholds Him with the eye. By controlling the mind, by the intellect and incessant
meditation He is revealed. Those who know this (Brahman) become Immortal. [II – III – 9]

• By controlling the mind, by the intellect and by incessant meditation he is revealed.

• Those who know this Brahman become immortal.
Verse 10 :

When the five organs of knowledge are at rest together with the mind, and when the intellect ceases functioning
(becomes calm) that state they call the highest. [II – III – 10]

• When the sense organs, mind and intellect are at rest, the self is revealed.

48
 Sleep Samadhi

- Ignorance - Stage of self meeting the self.

- Sense organs, mind, intellect at rest in - Sense organs, mind, intellect at rest.
sleep.

- Reaches land of ignorance. - Reaches Land of eternal Conciousness,

land of sunshine, knowledge.

- Slave of negative living. - Knower is master of positive existence.

• Capacity to withdraw and remain absorbed in Nirvikalpaka Samadhi.

Verse 11 :

Yoga Meditation

- Firm control of Sense organs (Tapah) - Fixing mind on Atma.

- Santi is product of contentment not - Other 50% of battle of liberation.
flirtations with sense objects. - Path of knowledge Jnanam.
- 50% of battle.
49
Verse 12 :

(The Self) cannot be reached by speech, nor by mind, or nor even by the eye. How can it be realised otherwise than from
those who say, that “It exist”? [II – III – 12]

• Self not reached by Speech, mind, eyes. Realised by words of Sruti only.
Verse 13 :

The Self is (first) to be realised as existing and (then) as It really is. Of these (aspects), the real nature of the Self that has
been known as merely existing, becomes evident to the seeker. [II – III – 13]

Realisation of Atman

- Conditioned in its - Pure witness of all states of

manifestation. Conciousness.
- Om with attributes - Om – as attributeless pure
- Hiranyagarbha or Virat upasana. Conciousness, Unmanifest
Brahman.
• Meditate on truth as Asti essence of existence – not Nasti.
• Kevala Astitva Bava is realisation of truth. 50
Verse 14 :

When all the desires that dwell in the heart are destroyed, then the mortal becomes immortal, and he attains Brahman
even here. [II – III – 14]

• State of desirelessness is state of Kaivalya, illumination.

Verse 15 :

When all the knots of the heart are destroyed here (even while a man is alive), then the mortal becomes immortal. This
much alone is the instruction (of all the Upanishad-s). [II – III – 15]

• When 3 knots (Avidya, Kama, Karma) destroyed by Atma Jnanam, one becomes
Immortal (Jivan Mukti).
• Jnanenaiva Kaivalyam here and now, by dropping notion of difference between
Brahman and Jiva.
Verse 16 :
• 101 subtle nerves in heart.
• Sushumna goes upto crown, where heartbeat of newborn child can be felt.
• If one doesn’t realise Brahman in this birth, Jiva goes to Brahma Loka and enjoys
Kaivalyamukti during Pralayam. 51
Verse 17 :

The Purusa of the size of a thumb, the Inner Self, is ever seated in the heart of all living beings. One should draw Him out
from one’s own body with steadiness, as one draws the pith (central stalk) from a reed (rush grass). Know Him as Pure
and Immortal, yes, know Him as the Pure, the immortal. [II – III – 17]

• Pith removed from reed of rush grass.

• Purusha size of thumb drawn out from our own body.
• Know him as pure, immortal.
• Divine presence beyond 5 Koshas.
• Extricate the element of absolute Conciousness, the pure, essence from the delusory
Conciousness of the body, mind complex.
• Pure Conciousness is the inner controller and director of all physical, mental and
intellectual activities in a human being, is the soul, the Atman.
• Know him to be immortal.
• He is pure and impurities of mind are not in him. He is immortal, eternal, unborn
truth, all pervading and uncaused cause of all effects seen in his manifestation.
52
Verse 18 :

Naciketas, having been so instructed by Lord Death in this knowledge and in the whole process of Yoga, became free
from all impurities and death, and attained Brahman ; and so will attain any other too who knows thus the Inner Self.
(Thus ends the Sixth valli in the Second Chapter) [II – III – 18]

• General Phala Sruti from Upanishad.

• Naciketa became free from all impurities and death and attained Brahman and so will
any other too who knows thus the inner self.
• Phalam for Naciketa Ritual + Virat Upasana taught through 2nd boon is Krama Mukti
by going to Brahma Loka.

53
 KATHO UPANISHAD
CONCLUSION
S. No. Reference Meaning
Question :
1. * I – I – 20 - When man is dead, some say he exists and some say he exists
not… what is the truth?
There is that doubt. “When a man is dead,” Some say ‘He
exist’ and some again say ‘He does not.’ this I should like
to know, being taught by thee. This is the third boon, that
I ask. [I – I – 20]

- World is ephemeral, senses fire of man decays, longest life is

2. I – I – 26
short – I don’t want the world.
Ephemeral these ; O! Death, these tend to decay, the fire
(vigour) of all the senses in man. Even the longest life is
indeed short. Let thine alone be the chariots, the dance
and the music. [I – I – 26]

- Happiness not from arrangement of situations outside by the

3. I - I – 27
mind. It also ends. Hence, not interested in wealth.
Man is not to be satisfied with wealth. Now that we have
seen Thee, we shall surely get wealth. We shall also live,
as long as You rule. Therefore, that boon alone is fit to be
craved for by me. [I – I – 27]
54
S. No. Reference Meaning
- 2 Goals – Sreyaha, Preyaha – both bind man. Choose Sreyas
4. I – II – 2
over Prayas.
Both the good and the pleasant approach the moral man ;
the wise man examines them thoroughly and
discriminates between the two ; the wise man prefers the
good to the pleasant, but the ignorant man chooses the
pleasant for the sake of this body through avarice and
attachment (for getting and keeping). [I – II – 2]

- Wise renounce Joy & Sorrow by meditating on inner self in

5. * I – II – 12
the care of intellect.
“The wise sage, renounces joy and sorrow by means of
meditation on the inner Self, recognises the Ancient, who
is difficult to be seen, is hidden in the cave of the heart,
dwells in the abyss, is lodged in the intelligence and
seated amidst miserable surroundings indeed.” [I – II – 12]

Question :
6. * I – II – 14 - What you see other than Anatma… Virtue & Vice, Right &
Unright, Cause & Effect, Past & Future, Tad Vad – Tell me that.
Naciketas said : “That which thou seest as other than
virtue and vice – as right and ‘unright’, as other than
cause and effect, as other than the past and future – tell
me that.” [I – II – 14]
55
S. No. Reference Meaning
Answer :
- Intelligent Atma (Chaitanyam) not born / dies.
7. *I – II – 18 - Not cause of anything, cause for something.
- Unborn, eternal, everlasting, Ancient Atma doesn’t die,
When body dies.
“The intelligent Atman is not born, nor does He die. He
did not spring from anything, and nothing sprang from
him. This unborn, eternal. Everlasting, ancient, is not slain
even when the body is destroyed. [I – II – 18]

8. * I – II – 19 - Atma not Doer or Enjoyer.

If the slayer thinks “I slay,” and if the slain thinks, “I am
slain,” then both of them do not know well. This slays not
nor is This slain. [I – II – 19]

- Atma is subtlest and greatest. Mind without desires beholds

9. I – II – 20
the self and becomes free from sorrow.
The Atman that is subtler than the subtlest, and greater
than the greatest, is seated in the cavity of heart of each
living being. He, who is free from willing and wishing, with
his mind and senses composed, beholds the majesty of
the Self and becomes free from sorrow. [I – II – 20]
56
S. No. Reference Meaning
10. * I – II – 23 - Atma reveals to one who chooses Atma.

This Atman cannot be attained by the study of Veda-s nor

by intelligence, not by much hearing. It is gained by him
who chooses (prays to) this (Atman) alone. To him this
Atman reveals Its true nature. [I – II – 23]

11. * I – II – 25 - Paramatma is Adhistanam of entire creation.

To whom the brahmana and the ksatriya classes are (as it

were) but cooked rice and death itself is a condiment
(curry or pickle), how can one thus know where that
Atman is! [I – II – 25]

- Beyond senses are sense objects, beyond objects is the mind,

12. * I – III – 10
beyond mind is intellect, and beyond intellect is self.

Beyond the senses are the sense-objects ; beyond these

objects is the mind; beyond the mind is the intellect and
beyond the intellect is the Great Self. [I – III – 10]

57
S. No. Reference Meaning
- Beyond Mahat is Unmanifest – Avyaktam. Beyond Avyaktam
13. * I – III – 11
(Prakrti) is Purusa.

Beyond the great (Mahat) is the unmanifested

(Avyaktam). Beyond the Avyaktam (Prakrti) is the Purusa ;
beyond the Purusa there is nothing ; that is the end ; that
is the highest goal. [I – III – 11]

14. II – II – 7 - Some Reborn as human or plants according to Karma.

Some souls enter the womb to have a body, others go to

the plants, just according to their work and according to
their knowledge. [II – II – 7]

- Purusa remains awake in dream, sleep and waking when mind

15. * II – II – 8 is conjuring desires or at rest. Pure Brahman is immortal. In
that rests the world.
The Purusa who remains awake shaping (all sorts of)
objects of desires (into dreams) even while we are asleep
– verily, that is the Pure, the Brahman, and that is also
called the Immortal. In That rests all the worlds and none
can transcend That. This verily is That (which you asked
for). [II – II – 8]
58
S. No. Reference Meaning
- Nachiketa by Atma Vidya, became free from all impurities and
16. * II – III – 18 death and attained Brahman and so also others will attain by
knowing the inner self.
Naciketas, having been so instructed by Lord Death in this
knowledge and in the whole process of Yoga, became free
from all impurities and death, and attained Brahman ; and
so will attain any other too who knows thus the Inner Self.
[II – III – 18]

59