PODCAST · religion
Kathopanishad
by Sanathana Vani
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
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60. You Are DIVINE
Everything in this world is temporary. ‘Bad’ times pass and ‘good’ times pass. The only thing that is constant is you. The real, eternal you; brahman. We are absolutely pure and perfect as we are, however, this innate, perfect divinity is wrapped in a mind complex that has varied characteristics,...
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59. How Does A Realised Being Act In The World?
Only the one who has lost the fear of death can be considered truly spiritual, for they have realised what they really are, which is neither the body nor the mind. Such a person may continue to live in the world and perform various actions, yet they do not act out of their own will, driven by…
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58. The Truth Behind All Religions
Particular forms of God appeal to different people, just like some people are fans of particular films or film actors. Having a name and form to focus on in pursuit of the truth is fine and often even necessary, but it should not be mistaken for the truth itself. It is merely a mechanism by which...
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57. The Importance Of Having A Guru
Once we understand what needs to be known, we must then approach a guru with great humility in order to learn that very thing. The guru is important because without their guidance it is very difficult to learn that ultimate truth on our own. A guru knows both the ultimate knowledge that we are...
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56. The Correct Way To Think
The mind is comprised of four major elements and by a combination of these elements, we make decisions and navigate the world. In order to always make good decisions, it is necessary to verify our thinking with either a direct guru or against some universal standards set by the exemplary behavior...
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55. The Purpose Of All Spiritual Practices
Just as juice cannot be seen in the fruit, fragrance cannot be seen in the flower or butter cannot be seen in milk, so too, brahman may not immediately be seen in the world around us. However, by certain processes, we can extract the juice from the fruit, the butter from the milk, or the…
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54. When Will Brahman Reveal Itself?
It is said that brahman will only reveal itself to the one who believes in it despite not being able to perceive it with the senses or even imagine it in the mind. In a manner of expression, brahman is pleased with the one who believes in it. One may ask then, why brahman made creation with so…
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53. The Strongest Foundation For Spiritual Growth
One of the most basic and yet most important goals on our spiritual path, is to control the indriyas. Not giving in to their every whim and fulfilling every desire that may arise will form the requisite foundation for the rest of our spiritual growth. If this foundation is not laid correctly…
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52. Realise The Truth NOW
In this episode of Kathopanishad, we are emphatically urged to seek the truth right now as one never knows how long is left of their life. Learning this supreme truth is practically impossible on any other plane of existence, so we are warned not to wait for later or our next birth, but to make…
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51. Dispel Illusion By Removing Your Desires
The root of our bondage to this world of suffering is our desires. We must sever these bonds with the blade of detachment. The moment desires are removed, the whole illusionary world (maya) disappears. Furthermore, if we carefully and stringently examine the nature of this world around us, we…
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50. The Secrets Of Permanent Happiness
Just as electricity can manifest as light when conducted into a light bulb, as sound via speakers or as wind in the form of a fan, so too this one, singular ātman is manifesting as everything. The only one who can achieve the permanent, impervious happiness is the one who sees this oneness in the...
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49. Stop Blaming Or Praising Others (Including God)
The ātman is the screen on which everything is playing. Our experiences of happiness, sorrow, anger, frustration, excitement and dejection play on this screen through the function of our mind. Sadguru reminds us to be very careful about what we see, taste, hear, smell, touch, say or even think...
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48. Karma And Rebirth
The human birth is the most valuable of all possible incarnations as it is only through a human birth that one can realise their own divinity and free themselves from the cycle of suffering. However, a human birth is by no means guaranteed, and incarnating as lower lifeforms is always possible....
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47. The Body Lives And Dies By The Will Of Brahman Alone
The most important measure of our spiritual progress is how much we are able to reduce our identification with and attachment to the body. This can be achieved by regular contemplation on our true nature. In this episode, Sadguru teaches us to acknowledge that we are not alive because our body is...
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46. The Role Of Prana (Life Force) In Liberation
brahman is all expansive and all pervading. In, above, below, beside, in front, behind, all around and within all. Being the very source of the pañcaprāṇa, brahman ordains and governs all functions of the body, mind and senses. It is because brahman is, that we are. Hence, no harm can befall one...
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45. Rise From Body Consciousness To Divine Consciousness
Symbolically, everything that we consume through our senses is offered into a yajña (ritual) that continually goes on within us. The priest conducting the yajña represents our mind and the yajña puruṣa is verily brahman Himself. However, the ariṣaḍvargas (inner demons) are bent on disrupting the...
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44. Where Does Brahman Reside In One’s Body?
God is sometimes referred to as puruṣa. Why? puru means place and ṣa: means the one residing in. Since brahman is everywhere, It is referred to as puruṣa. However, although brahman is everywhere – in every place, It is also beyond any constraints of time. Yet, brahman is present, right now…
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43. The Infinite Potential Of A Mind Merged In Divinity
The ultimate indicator of spiritual progress is that, whatever happens, our lives should be lived effortlessly. Bad or good, we take all that life offers us in our stride and remain unaffected by it all. In this episode, Sadguru reminds us of the process of effortless living by merging our...
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42. See The Hand Of God In Every Experience Of Life
Everything exists in brahman. In whichever way one looks at life – it is brahman and brahman alone. One who comes to know this truth never comes to any worry nor needs to bother with the idea of preservation. In this episode, Sadguru teaches us quite clearly that, in sickness, in health, in...
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41. Spirituality Is Fearlessness
Fears arise from our desires and attachments. Either the fear of not getting what we want or the fear of losing it once we have it. To combat these attachments and the resulting fear, we should acknowledge and remember that everything belongs to brahman alone. It is not ours to acquire or cling…
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40. The Power Behind All The Senses
One who walks on the spiritual path and who wants to attain the highest Truth should not depend on any external motivation to act. Most people are distracted by the temporary temptations of life and forget the very purpose of their lives. jñāna (knowledge) teaches us how to develop vairāgya...
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39. Turn The Senses Inwards To Experience Divinity
God created the senses to function in an outgoing manner, but it is our task to withdraw our attention from the outgoing sense and focus inwards. Those who run after outward distractions finally meet their death and get lost in the repeated cycle of birth and death. The discerning one, however,...
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38. Hierarchy of Consciousness
It is said that the spiritual path is like a sharpened razor’s edge, difficult for those who have never had concentration of mind. Yama describes to Nachiketa in detail the process of attaining the highest level of consciousness. The process involves withdrawing from the object of the senses all...
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37. Assimilate the Truth in the three boons
In the Kathopanishad, it is not a mere coincidence that Nachiketa is granted three boons. Each of the three boons has a deep inner significance which aligns to the stages of progress in any spiritual seeker’s journey. In this episode, Sadguru lovingly takes us back to the start of the story and...
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36. Three Confusions in Life
The study of kaṭhopaniṣad will teach one that one’s true nature as the atman is always pure. The senses, mind and buddhi are not required. All that is required is just this belief that one is the atman through the practise of adhyātma yoga (yoga of the Self). However, due to the mind, one is...
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35. Qualities to be developed to continue on the path of Spirituality
This path is difficult for one who has never attempted it before. That is why one needs a guru. The first step has to be taken by the spiritual aspirant who has to wake up and arise from their spiritual slumber. Then, the next 99 steps will be taken by the guru who will hold one’s hand and take…
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34. Bodha (Wisdom) vs Jnana (Knowledge)
At all times, the blueprint of four is operating. The terms may be different, but the essence is always the same. virāt hiraṇyagarbha īśvara brahman jāgrat avasthā svapna avasthā suṣupti avasthā turīya avasthā Gross body Subtle body Causal body Universal Consciousness No matter which terms are...
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33. Adhyatma yoga; the ultimate Yoga for Self Realisation
Only those with a subtle intellect (sūkṣma buddhi) have the right kind of focus to perceive the truth that appears to be hidden in secret, although present in all beings. In this episode, Sadguru carefully and clearly guides us through the methodology of going within through the practice of...
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32. Develop a Sharp and Subtle Intellect (Buddhi)
It is said that only those whose buddhi is completely focused and one-pointed will be able to perceive the truth of the Self. This is because one requires a subtle vision in order to see, find and figure It out – even though It is always present there within us. For ordinary people whose mind is...
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31. The evolution of creation
The story of creation has always captured the wonder and imagination of many. There are countless versions of this story, be it the scientific theory of evolution or those depicted in various religious texts. In this discourse, Sadguru takes us step by step through the evolution of creation…
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30. Seven levels of withdrawal
With a steady mind and a discriminating buddhi, the senses can be kept under control and one can attain the Self by learning to withdraw slowly. This whole life is about withdrawal within, Sadguru says. The worldly path is about turning outside, while the spiritual path is turning inwards. In…
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29. Develop a Steady and Pure Mind
The strength of the mind consists of two aspects: its purity and its steadiness. A pure mind that is not steady is of no use. An impure mind that is steady is dangerous. Hence, in this discourse, Sadguru emphasises that purity and steadiness are the nobility and ability of the mind. Both have to…
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28. Eight steps to destruction
It is said that the pull of the indriyas are so strong like the wind that blows away the boat in the middle of the sea – making it almost impossible to control the boat. They are so strong that they can steal away the strength of the mind, as illustrated by the example of the chariot representing...
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27. Develop the Right Motivations in Life
Generally, there are three types of people in this world. The kind who are just motivated to only fill their own bellies and satiate their senses fall in the category of tamo-buddhi. Those who try to succeed at the cost of harming others, motivated by selfish ambitions fall under the category of...
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26. The Chariot of Life
How does one transform from body consciousness to divine Consciousness? Yama uses a most beautiful metaphor of a chariot, to illustrate the answer to this question – wherein the chariot is the body, the horses are the senses, the reins are the mind, held together in the hands of the buddhi...
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25. jivātman and paramātman (further explained)
A little child may be taught that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, even though in reality it is understood that the earth is the one revolving around the sun. However, in order to help the child understand, it is easier to first introduce the topic in this manner. Likewise…
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24. Part 2 - Jeevatma and Paramatma
Within a deep, secret cave, two reside, enjoying all that goes on externally. Who are these two and why do they hide? In this episode, Sadguru explains how the upaniṣad now introduces the concept of jīvātman. In the episodes thus far, all the concepts of the Source, the one Truth, has…
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24. Part 1 - Recap of Chapter 1 (Vallis 1 & 2)
In this episode, Sadguru revises the most important ślokas found in the first two vallis of chapter one of the kaṭhopaniṣad, as were covered in the episodes thus far. Swami expresses that these key ślokas are worth memorising and that when one memorizes them, one carries the knowledge within...
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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 mind is so important – to train the mind to focus on only one thing and...
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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 desperation to realise brahman. Do your best, and leave the rest to…
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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 enjoying whatever comes, “It is a part of life. Let it be.” In this…
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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 bodies. It is said, that having known this, the courageous and...
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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 at peace, perceives the glory of the ātman. The atom which is a...
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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 that which can exist on its own, and that which depends on something...
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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 sleep जाग्रत् अवस्था jāgrat avasthā (Waking state) उ u – form and name is sustained स्वप्न अवस्था svapna avasthā (Dreaming state) म् m –...
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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 trivial attainments. Sadguru says that the whole universe is filled…
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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 body वाङ्मयतपः vāṅmayatapaḥ: austerity of speech मानसतपः mānasatapaḥ: austerity of the mind The austerities for the body comprise...
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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 experience everything using that Self. Yet we don’t see the Self. In this...
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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 described in the scriptures. तर्कवाद tarkavāda– contemplation, reasoning and logical analysis of what has been heard or read. स्वानुभव svānubhava–...
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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 God/atman? Or are we doing it to achieve or attain some kind of returns for ourselves – by pleasing our…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Sanathana Vani
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Kathopanishad currently has 62 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Kathopanishad about?
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...
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Kathopanishad has 62 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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Kathopanishad is created and hosted by Sanathana Vani.
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