The Katha is mesmerizing to the core. It consists of imagery that has no parallel. It depicts the dialogue between the unlikeliest of protagonists - Yama and Nachiketa. Yama means Death. It also means Emperor. or Time. or very Old Man. or Grandpa. or darkness stillness silence. Simply put Yama means restraint. But what kind of restraint? The restraint that cannot be tempted. The restraint that dares and flattens all temptations is Yama. And it also means time or timeless. Aged or ageless. What of Nachiketa? A young lad. A child of 8 or 9 years. One who has not even experienced teen. Yet one whose mind is crystal clear. Whose mind has not a ripple. Who can think through opacity. Who can navigate through dense fog. Who has a determination that cannot be deflected even an inch.What happens in the dialog? A conversation that probes deep into the human psyche. Is there any end to mental agony? Can the fear, guilt, weakness and deprivation one feels be gotten over? Is there such a thing as Death? What is beyond Death?Kaṭha Upanishad is from the final eight sections of Krishna Yajurveda, from its Kaṭha recension, named after Kaṭha Rishi.-> by Sandhi -> Kathopanishad. It consists of six sections in all, popularly visualized as two flowers each containing three petals that unfold as the aspirant imbibes and progresses.A treasure house for the earnest aspirant. Contains each verse in original Sanskrit, with a Latin transliteration, and expert commentary.And for the Sanskrit enthusiast, Padacheeda of each verse and Anvaya and Vibhakti cases of many verses are given. Uses clear well-spaced Devanagari font.
