Secrets of Death - Katha Upanishad
with Dr. H. V. Nagaraj Rao
Self-paced video course • Permanent access • One-on-one consultation included
Katha Upanishad is a profound and immersive course that takes students deep into one of India’s most revered spiritual texts. The Katha Upanishad is a conversation between the young seeker Nachiketa and Yama, the god of death. This dialogue explores life’s most fundamental questions: What happens after death? What is the soul? What is the highest truth? Through this course, guided by esteemed scholar Dr. H. V. Nagaraj Rao, students walk with Nachiketa on his extraordinary journey—one that begins with rejecting worldly pleasures and culminates in the fearless pursuit of ultimate knowledge. Dr. Rao brings this ancient scripture to life with vivid metaphors, philosophical insights, and traditional Indian wisdom passed down through centuries in Mysore India, the birthplace of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga.
Throughout the course, you’ll uncover teachings on the nature of the soul (ātman), the relationship between the body and spirit, the illusion of worldly pleasures, and the deep structure of Indian thought. Concepts like the chariot metaphor, the upside-down tree, the symbolism of Oṁ, the law of karma, and the difference between knowledge and experiential wisdom (jñāna and vijñāna) are explained in a traditional yet accessible way. Dr. Rao emphasizes that true understanding does not come from reading alone—it requires a pure heart, disciplined practice, and inner transformation. This course is not only about philosophical theory but about preparing yourself for death by living with clarity, courage, and spiritual purpose. It is a rare and precious opportunity to learn from an authentic lineage and awaken to the eternal truth within.
The course includes -
Complete video, audio and written curriculum. Stream on any device, revisit anytime—lifetime access.
Private 1-to-1 session. Schedule a 30-minute consultation with Andrew Eppler to clarify concepts or integrate them into your practice.
Downloadable Katha Upanishad Text.
Here are some key teachings of the Katha Upanishad
The Soul Is Eternal – The Katha Upanishad teaches that the ātman (soul) is unborn, undying, and untouched by the changes of the body or mind.
Face Death to Discover Truth – Nachiketa’s fearless confrontation with Yama, the god of death, becomes a doorway to the highest spiritual knowledge.
Desire Leads to Bondage – Most people pursue fleeting pleasures; true freedom begins when we turn inward and seek what is permanent.
True Knowledge Is Experiential – Real understanding comes not from reading alone, but from direct inner realization (vijñāna) guided by a qualified teacher.
Choose the Higher Path – Life offers two options: the easy and pleasurable (preyas), or the good and enduring (śreyas). Liberation comes only through the latter.
Enroll today and start studying immediately.
Your course never expires, and your one-on-one consultation is ready whenever you are.
Questions first? Just send an email—I’m happy to help.
Warmly,
Andrew Eppler
Director | Mysore Yoga Traditions
andrew@ashtangayogastudio.com
WhatsApp +1 (405) 503 7779
This timeless wisdom is yours to study at your own pace. The Course Includes -
Audio files
Written summaries of each lesson
a downloadable copy of the original Katha Upanishad Text
11 Hours of Video Classes with one of India’s most respected scholars
Tuition: $108
ABOUT DR. H. V. NAGARAJ RAO
Vidwan Dr. H.V. Nagaraja Rao is a distinguished scholar of Sanskrit grammar and poetics, known for his profound knowledge, clarity of thought, and unique ability to bridge ancient Indian wisdom with modern understanding. Trained in both traditional Gurukula systems and modern academic settings, Dr. Rao is celebrated for his scholarship in Sanskrit grammar, literary aesthetics, and Indian philosophy.
In his early years, he served as a researcher at the Oriental Research Institute in Mysore, where he published numerous original Sanskrit works, accompanied by English and Kannada translations. He later taught Sanskrit at the University of Chicago as a visiting professor and was invited as a fellow to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Dr. Rao has lectured across the globe—including in Thailand, Hong Kong, the United States, Israel, and England—sharing his passion for Sanskrit and Indian knowledge systems with diverse audiences.
In 2006, Dr. Rao guided the World Sanskrit Conference in Edinburgh, England, where he delivered a memorable address in chaste Sanskrit. That same year, he was honored by the Sahitya Akademi, India’s highest literary body, for his outstanding contributions to translation. More recently, he was selected for national recognition by the President of India for his lifetime contributions as a Sanskrit scholar.
Dr. Rao is also the honorary editor of Sudharma, the world’s only daily newspaper published in Sanskrit. Now in his 80s, he continues to teach and inspire with undiminished vigor, known for his razor-sharp wit and deep compassion.
What sets Professor Rao apart is his uncanny ability to illuminate complex philosophical texts—such as the Yoga Sutras, Bhagavad Gita, and the Upanishads—with clarity, precision, and infectious enthusiasm. His deep logical insight, paired with his rare gift for communicating in fluent English, makes his teachings accessible and deeply moving. Students often leave his lectures feeling uplifted, with a renewed sense of purpose and a desire to strive toward higher ideals in life.
Dr. H.V. Nagaraja Rao remains a living treasure of India’s scholarly tradition, carrying forward the flame of ancient wisdom into the modern world with grace, brilliance, and humility.Professor Rao has an uncanny ability to shed new light on texts such as the Gita and the Upanishads with his infectious passion and his ability to communicate in English, which is rare among Sanskrit scholars of his stature. Students leave his presentations with a feeling of liberation from the mundane and inspiration to strive for higher goals in life.
We specialize in high-quality, immersive education in yoga, offering a range of opportunities to study āsana, prāṇāyāma, philosophy, and more. Our courses are the result of over 30 years of practice and research and designed to bring you face to face with the yoga culture of Mysore. Our programs highlight the broader tradition of yoga, and in particular the lineage of Sri Krishnamacharya, which has flourished in Mysore for centuries.