The Upanishads: Katha - Prashna - Mundaka

by Sri M.

About the Book Katha Kathopanishad comes from the Yajurveda. It is the story of Nachiketas, son of Vajashravas, discussing the important question of Death and immortality with Yama the Lord of Death. This ancient story, mentioned in various other scriptures, is discussed in the Kathopanishad in detail. Kathopanishad is one of the ten principal Upanishads. Prashna As the name indicates, it is an Upanishad that questions everything including the concept of the Guru and Disciple. A great rishi proclaims to his students that if they abide with him for sometime, at the end of that period he would teach them the Truth if he himself has understood it. Adi Shankara has written an excellent commentary on Prashna which is again one of the principal Upanishads. Mundaka The Mundaka Upanishad too is one of the principal Upanishads and derives its name from the shaven head of the renunciant. Therefore the central theme of the Upanishad is the Brahman, the Supreme Truth and the only Reality, and how to understand it. Paraa vidya or the science of Reality is discussed in contrast to Aparaa vidya, knowledge of this illusory, material world. The path to the Truth is described to be akin to walking on the razor’s edge. About the Author Sri M was born in Trivandrum, Kerala. At the age of nineteen and a half, attracted by a strange and irresistible urge to go to the Himalayas, he left home. At the Vyasa Cave, beyond the Himalayan shrine of Badrinath, he met his Master and lived with him for three and a half years, wandering freely, the length and breadth of the snow clad Himalayan region. What he learnt from his Master Maheshwarnath Babaji, transformed his consciousness totally. Back in the plains, he, as instructed by his Master, lived a normal life, working for a living, fulfilling his social commitments and at the same time preparing himself to teach all that he had learnt and experienced. At a signal from his Master he entered the teaching phase of his life. Today, he travels all over the world to share his experiences and knowledge. Equally at home in the religious teachings of most major religions, Sri M, born as Mumtaz Ali Khan, says “Go to the core. Theories are of no use.” Sri M is married and has two children. During 2015-16 Sri M undertook the Walk of Hope, from Kanyakumari to Kashmir for 15 months covering a distance of 7500 kms, spreading the message of peace and harmony to restore the nation fit enough to be bequeathed to the future generations. He leads a simple life – teaching and heading the Satsang Foundation, a charitable concern promoting excellence in education. At present he lives in Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, three hours drive from Bangalore.

Genres: Philosophy, Spirituality, Nonfiction

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 5, 2017

About the author

Sri M (born Mumtaz Ali Khan), who was born a Muslim, was attracted to Vedic teachings at an early age. He met his Guru at the age of 9 and left home at 19 to live in the Himalayas, where he met many saints and sages before living with his Guru for three years. M has been associated with the famous Rishi Valley School as a former trustee of the Krishnamurti Foundation. Rather than choosing any specific religion or tradition, M teaches the universal essence of all religions.

M is founder of the Satsang Foundation. When asked about the Foundation and its purposes, he responded, “Satsang, which in Sanskrit, translates to holy company. Satsang is important because it is in keeping holy company that we overcome all circumstances and distractions, attain our true purpose of life, and uplift the world. By keeping holy company, not only with saints and sages and with other sincere spiritual seekers, but most importantly and with our True Self, our own Soul, we achieve deeper access and ultimate union with the Divine Essence. That is the goal of all prayer, meditation and spiritual practice, as well as all religions.”

He is a spiritual teacher and Guru to many and he teaches Kriya Yoga, the Upanishads and Sri Vidya Upasana. He lives in Madnapalle, Andhra Pradesh (near Bangalore) and travels around India and the World teaching and taking students on regular Yatras to sacred places.

Reviews

[Arnav Jaiswal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Katha Upanishad is a profound dialogue between Nachiketa and Yama that explores the mystery of death and reveals the path to self-realization and eternal truth.

[Craig Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

I loved how Sri M expounded and simplified the content of these 3 books! A must read and I will definitely read this book again. There is so much information and so much to learn that it will take several reads to absorb it all.

[Venkatesan Natarajan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is perhaps the easiest way to understand the essence of the three Upanishads - Katha, Prashna and Mundaka. I have come across other books on such topics but they are good transliterations, translations but doesn't uncover the core message in an easy, jargon free, layman's terms. Most of such books discuss and use highly complex language and terminologies. In this book, simple language that makes it easy to relate to our day to day questions, actions and behaviors makes it one of the best reads I have come across. The earlier book Wisdom of the Rishis is also in similar lines. A must read!

[Rahul Mehta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book for who wants to know about brahman and wants to know the truth..
Sri m explained in very easy language.
Its hard to understand because of deep meaning..
I recommend that book must be read with positive mindset..

[Vijayakumar Belur · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an introduction it is good. Verses could have been in Sanskrit

[Aniruddh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is only for those aspirants who are very interested in finding the truth. Each page has soo much to take in. One should not merely read it but also try to contemplate on the deeper meaning

[Sabri Celil Önemli · Rating 5 out of 5]

An impressive work about Upanishads. Thousands years wisdom is brought to our time by Sri M from original sanskrit texts. These texts can renew your souls...

[Bandita Verma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to Upanishads, the way such a heavy topic is explained in such relatable language, makes this book such an interesting read!

[Astro Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very detailed and very interesting.