Katha and Prasna Upanishads with Commentary by Adi Shankara

Katha may be the most widely known amongst all the Upanishads; its early Persian translations first found their way into Europe. Max Müller translated it 1879, Edwin Arnold rendered it in verse, as "The Secret of Death" and Ralph Waldo Emerson gave the central story at the end of his essay, Immortality. Central to the text is the story of Nachiketa, son of sage Vajasravasa, and his encounter with Yama, Hindu God of death.

Uttisthata jagrata prapya varan nibodhata
Ksurasya dhara nisita duratyaya
Durgam pathas tat kavayo vadanti
(Katha Upanishad 1.3.14)

"Arise! Awake! Realise and achieve the Highest with the help of the illumining, guiding and fulfilling Masters. The path is as sharp as the edge of a razor, difficult to cross, hard to tread - so declare the wise sages."

Commentary:
Arise! You need Supreme knowledge (God). Awake! Supreme knowledge (God) needs you." Who brings this message? The Master. The road may be long, but not endless. The goal is not only an endless life, but an ever-energising, immortal breath. A wise sage is he whose outer life is the manifestation of the Truth's inner life.

Katha and Prasna Up Ani Shads With Commentary by Adi Shankara