Chapter4— Katha Upanishad (Part II: The Chariot Allegory)
❦Incipit · Upanishads · IV❦
◆ About this chapter
The second section of the Katha Upanishad presents the famous chariot allegory, a foundational myth in Hindu philosophy that elucidates the relationship between the immortal Self (Atman) and the mortal body. Through the dialogue between the boy Nachiketa and the deity Yama, this chapter delineates the necessary discipline of the intellect and senses required to navigate the cycle of rebirth and attain liberation. Situated within the broader corpus of the Upanishads, it serves as a pivotal text for understanding the Vedantic conception of human consciousness and spiritual realization.
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
KKnow the Self as the lord of the chariot, the body as the chariot, the intellect as the charioteer, and the mind as the reins.2The senses are the horses, the objects of the senses are the roads. The Self, united with the senses and the mind, is called the enjoyer.3He who has no understanding, whose mind is always unsteady, his senses are uncontrolled, like the vicious horses of a charioteer.4He who has understanding, whose mind is always steady, his senses are controlled, like the good horses of a charioteer.5He who has no understanding, whose mind is always unsteady, never reaches that goal, but goes on to the cycle of rebirth.6He who has understanding, whose mind is always steady, reaches that goal, from which he is not born again.7He who has understanding, as the charioteer, and controls the mind, reaches the end of the journey, the supreme abode of Vishnu.8The wise man, who knows the Self as the lord of the chariot, the body as the chariot, the intellect as the charioteer, and the mind as the reins, is free from sorrow.
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