One of the later and
more developed Upanishads, the theoretical religious teachings that make up the
most recent layer of the Vedas, the oldest Hindu holy scriptures.
The Katha Upanishad, like other of the Upanishads, addresses
deep questions, including the essence of the Self (atman).
The narrative narrates the tale of Nachiketas, a little
child whose father, in a moment of rage, puts him to death.
Nachiketas visits Death's house, but there is no one there.
He has to wait three days for Death to return.
Death grants Nachiketas three boons, or desires, to make
atonement for disregarding a brahmin visitor, which the book defines as a
grievous transgression.
The first boon allows Nachiketas to return to his father's
home, while the second allows him to learn how to conduct a sacrifice fire.
With the last boon, he inquires as to what happens to a person
once the body dies.
Death initially attempts to avoid answering the question,
then offers Nachiketas additional gifts in exchange for his silence.
Death starts to expose his secrets when the youngster
presses on a response; these disclosures make up the majority of the book.
The truth of the Self, its eternal and indestructible
nature, its nuanced traits, and the challenges in realizing it are the key
themes of Death's mysteries.
The ultimate truth is the Self, and knowing it is to know
the only thing that really counts.
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