Katha Upanishad

An Online Philosophy Course with Dr. Nagaraj Rao

The Katha Upanishad presents a profound dialogue between the young seeker Nachiketa and Yama, the God of Death, delving into life's ultimate truths and the nature of existence. As a foundational text of Yoga philosophy, it explores the essence of the self, the impermanence of the physical world, and the transformative path toward spiritual liberation. Its timeless teachings inspire seekers to contemplate the nature of the soul, the importance of wisdom, and the pursuit of dharma.

Influencing Yoga philosophy and shaping spiritual practices throughout history, the Katha Upanishad is one of the earliest texts to define Yoga, pre-dating the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita. Guided by Dr. H. V. Nagaraj Rao, a distinguished Sanskrit scholar, this course offers a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of Indian philosophy. Dr. Rao’s sharp intellect and engaging approach will provide you with profound insights into Yoga, life, and the pursuit of self-realization.

ABOUT DR. H. V. NAGARAJ RAO
Vidwan H.V. Nagaraja Rao is a great scholar of Sanskrit grammar who has been trained in both the traditional and modern methods of education. His specialty is Sanskrit grammar and poetics. In his early years he was a researcher in Oriental Research Institute in Mysore and has published many original Sanskrit works with English and Kannada translations. Dr. Rao has also lectured in many countries around the world including Thailand, Hong Kong, the United States, Israel, and England. He has taught Sanskrit at the University of Chicago as a visiting professor. He was invited as a fellow to the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Dr. Rao guided the World Sanskrit conference at Edinburg, England in 2006 where he delivered a speech in chaste Sanskrit. Dr Rao was awarded honors for his translations by Sahitya Academy, the highest literary body in India in 2006.

Recently, he was chosen for honor by the President of India as a noted Sanskrit scholar. He is the honorary editor of Sudharma, the only Sanskrit daily newspaper in the world. With his razor sharp wit, at the age of 80, Dr. Rao continues his lifelong passion for teaching and sharing ancient Indian knowledge systems with people from around the world.

Professor Rao has an uncanny ability to bring new light to 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.