POEM FOUR – Katha Upanishad – The Essence of Upanishads

Katha Upanishad

Poem four on Katha Upanishad. I decided to explore the ten Principle Upanishads and extract the essence from them. Given that the Upanishads are themselves an extraction of the extraction of the essence of all knowledge combinedโ€ฆ

Beyond the senses, lies the eternal truth,
Unseen, unheard, yet guiding our youth.
Death’s mystery, a quest to explore,
Beyond the body, the Self does endure.

Through wisdom’s teachings, a timeless tale,
Of Nachiketa’s journey, beyond the veil.
To know the Self, the true essence within,
Eternal, blissful, without and within.

Transient pleasures, ephemeral and fleet,
The Self alone, a treasure so sweet.
Awakening to truth, the ultimate goal,
The Katha Upanishad, a profound soul.

This poem encapsulates the central teachings of the Katha Upanishad, which narrates the story of Nachiketa’s quest to know the Self, the eternal essence that transcends death and transitory pleasures, and the importance of wisdom, self-inquiry, and awakening to truth.

*Please note that poetry is a creative expression, and this poem is a concise summary, not a literal translation of the Upanishad. For a comprehensive understanding, it’s recommended to refer to authoritative translations by qualified scholars or spiritual teachers.