Kathopanishad Sanathana Vani

What is the Kathopanishad?
Why is it important for seekers of the Truth to study it?

In this episode, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai, gives an introduction to what is known as 'paravidya' or the highest spiritual knowledge that leads one to the Truth of one's Self. He describes how it is different from all other forms of knowledge which are all transient and ever-changing.

Sadguru introduces the Kathopanishad, and explains why listening and contemplating to this upanishad can help one assimilate the teachings and uncover the Truth for themselves.

For study materials related to the each episode in this series, visit:

https://www.saiprakashana.org/kathopanishad

If you'd like to get the links and shownotes for this episode, visit:

https://www.saiprakashana.org/KU-EP0

In this episode, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai dives directly into what He refers to as the main question posed by Nachiketa. 
It is the very essence of Kathopanishad.
“Tell me whether That exists or not because it cannot be touched, tasted, smelled nor heard? 
So how do I know if It exists?”
We are all doubtful about it. 
Scientists may say It does not exist. 
But Lord Yama says there is something that exists beyond the senses and the mind. 
So, is it true or is it not true?
That is the million dollar question of Nachiketa.
That is what the Kathopanishad teaches us.

If you'd like to get the links and shownotes for this episode, visit:

https://www.saiprakashana.org/KU-EP1

In the Gita, Lord Krishna says “The one who has śraddhā alone is entitled to knowledge.”
Through the Kathopanishad, we are shown the qualities which the young Nachiketa embodies – these are the qualities that all seekers of the Truth should imbibe.
Further, Sri Adi Shankara says, “In the śāstras, the scriptures, and in the guruvākya, whatever the guru tells, whoever has sattva buddhi, pure mindedness, who believes in that, such a person is called śraddhāvān.”
In this episode, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai clearly elaborates on the five qualities which every student of the divine Truth should personify.

If you'd like to get the links and shownotes for this episode, visit:

https://www.saiprakashana.org/KU-EP2

oṁ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ ॥
During vedic or prayer invocations, it is common for it to conclude with the chanting of three shantis. When one recites three shantis, each shanti is dedicated specifically for one of the three types of sufferings that every human being endures during their lifetime.

tapa means difficulty and traya means three. The three types of sufferings are ādhibhautika (related to the body), ādhidaivika (related to the gods/mind) and ādhyātmika (related to the soul).
Swami beautifully explains how Yama teaches the young Nachiketa about That which is beyond these three types of suffering.

If you'd like to get the links and shownotes for this episode, visit:

https://www.saiprakashana.org/KU-EP3

Although in this day and age, vedantic texts are accessible easily through various mediums at the touch of a button, the Truth as taught in vedanta, is not to be taken lightly.
In the past, spiritual seekers had to prove their readiness and make great efforts in order to be deemed worthy of receiving the knowledge from their gurus.

In this episode, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai describes in detail, the seven important qualities of such a spiritual seeker as described in another one of the ten principle upaniṣads – the praśnopaniṣad.

If you'd like to get the links and shownotes for this episode, visit:

https://www.saiprakashana.org/KU-EP4

Using the analogy of a computer, Sadguru beautifully explains the four aspects of the mind, namely –
मनस् manas – a collection of all kinds of thoughts
बुद्धि buddhi – the ability to discriminate, analyse, and come to a decision
चित्त citta – memory, storage
अहंकार ahaṁkāra – identification

The body follows what is collectively dictated by these four aspects of the mind.
Having described this, Sadguru then shares how to attain a pure, good mind, with pure thoughts, pure intentions leading to pure actions.
If you'd like to get the links and shownotes for this episode, visit:

https://www.saiprakashana.org/KU-EP5