Muni's PlaySummary
The third Valli of the Katha Upanishad introduces the famous chariot analogy to explain the relationship between the Soul, body, intellect, mind, and senses. It outlines a hierarchy of existence, placing the Purusha (the Cosmic Soul) as the final goal beyond all manifested and unmanifested forms. Yama provides the practical method of Yoga—the process of indrawing the senses and mind to realize the Supreme. The Valli concludes with a powerful call to “Arise! Awake!” and a definition of the Absolute as soundless, formless, and eternal, realizing which one escapes death.
Selected Verses
Chariot Analogy
The “Chariot Analogy” is a central teaching where Yama represents the human organism as a chariot. This analogy illustrates the necessity of a discriminative intellect (the driver) and a controlled mind (the reins) to guide the senses (the horses) toward the supreme goal.
- Katha Upanishad Verse 1.3.3
- Katha Upanishad Verse 1.3.4
- Katha Upanishad Verse 1.3.5
- Katha Upanishad Verse 1.3.6
- Katha Upanishad Verse 1.3.7
- Katha Upanishad Verse 1.3.8
- Katha Upanishad Verse 1.3.9
The Ladder of Existence
Yama describes the ladder of existence, moving from the gross to the subtlest. Beyond the physical senses are their objects; beyond objects is the mind; beyond the mind is the intellect; and beyond that is the “Great Atman.”
Method of Meditation
Practical instruction for meditation is provided, showing how to systematically withdraw the consciousness.
The Path to Realization
A dramatic and eternal call to action: “Arise! Awake!“.
Merit of the Teaching
The Valli concludes by affirming the spiritual merit of the teaching itself.