Hinduism

Chapter3— Katha Upanishad (Part I)

◆ About this chapter

Chapter 3 of the Katha Upanishad, situated within the foundational corpus of Hindu philosophical literature, presents a seminal dialogue between the young seeker Nachiketas and the personification of Death. This narrative explores the imperative of spiritual knowledge over ritualistic sacrifice, framing the soul's immortality as the ultimate reward for transcending fear of mortality. As a pivotal text in the Vedantic tradition, it establishes the metaphysical distinction between the perishable body and the eternal self, inviting readers to contemplate the nature of consciousness beyond physical existence.

Translation:

About this translation

King James Version (1611)

1611 · Public domain

The most influential English translation ever made. Sometimes archaic, but the standard PD English text.

Translators commissioned by King James I of England, 1604–1611

Vajasravasa, desiring a reward, performed a sacrifice. He gave away all his property. He had a son named Nachiketas. ²While the oblations were being poured, faith entered the heart of the boy. He thought: 'Those who give away cattle, water, and food, but do not give away faith, go to worlds without joy.' ³He said to his father: 'To whom shall I give myself?' He asked him thus three times. The father said: 'To Death I give thee.' ⁴He went to Death's house. For three days he stayed there without food. Death was not at home. When he returned, the daughter of Death said: 'Three nights, O Brahman, thou hast stayed without food.' ⁵Death returned and said: 'O Brahman, thou art my guest. Choose three boons.' Nachiketas said: 'Let my father be free from anger, let him know me, and let me be called Nachiketas again.' ⁶Death granted these boons. Then Nachiketas said: 'Of all the worlds, which is the one that is not subject to old age and death? Tell me that.' ⁷Death said: 'That is difficult to know. Even the gods have doubted this. Choose another boon, O Nachiketas, and do not press me.' ⁸Nachiketas said: 'If this is difficult to know, who else can know it? No one can know it better than thou. Choose another boon.'

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— 3 —sacredatlas.org