This is the beginning of a nine lecture series on the Katha Upanishad. Here the foundations are laid and the text is introduced. Unlike many other Upanishads, the Katha Upanishad has a storyline and is quite entertaining. The basic context is that Yama the God of Death is obliged to grant three wishes to a noble and ideal young student. For the last wish his student, Nachiketa, asks Yoga to tell him the truth about death itself. A very profound discourse ensues and Dr. Rao delivers the material with absolute mastery!