Katha Upanishad

An Online Philosophy Course with Dr. Nagaraj Rao

STARTING SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 2023

8AM CENTRAL USA TIME / 3PM WESTERN EUROPE / 6:30PM INDIA TIME

WE ARE VERY EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT ASHTANGA STUDIO & OM SHALA YOGA ARE TEAMING UP TO OFFER A BRAND NEW, EXCLUSIVE 10 WEEK COURSE ON THE KATHA UPANISHAD WITH DR. NAGARAJ RAO!

This scripture portrays a profound dialogue between Nachiketa, a young boy, and Yama, the God of Death, as they embark on a deep exploration of life's ultimate truths.The Katha Upanishad carries deep significance within the realm of Indian philosophy and spirituality. As a component of the ancient Indian scriptures called the Upanishads, it explores the essence of the self and the transformative journey towards enlightenment.

The Katha Upanishad takes us on a journey into metaphysical concepts, shining a light on the nature of the soul, the nature of the physical world, and the importance of seeking spiritual wisdom for liberation. Its timeless teachings continue to inspire seekers on their spiritual path, offering deep contemplation and inspiration for those seeking to understand the essence of existence.

The Katha Upanishad holds a lot of cultural and moral significance as well. It touches upon themes of courage, righteous actions (Dharma), and the pursuit of knowledge. The way it is narrated and the insights it imparts make it accessible and relevant to people from all walks of life.

As a foundational text of Yoga philosophy, the Katha Upanishad has played a role in shaping the religious and spiritual practices throughout history. It has influenced various schools of thought and contributed to the diverse richness of Indian philosophical traditions. Its timeless wisdom is a classic of Indian literature and has inspired countless generations on their spiritual paths.

The Katha Upanishad is believed to be the earliest known text to define Yoga, pre-dating both the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita.

Our instructor, Dr. Nagaraj Rao, is not your ordinary Sanskrit scholar. He is a shining star from Mysore, and we consider it an honor to share his knowledge with the world. With his razor sharp wit and light hearted humor, he is one of our favorite teachers. Through this journey into Indian philosophy, your understanding of life, human experience, and yoga will be enriched. We have full confidence that this lecture series will be a profound experience for everyone who attends.

Learning from a great scholar like Dr. Rao offers a whole new perspective. When we study Indian Philosophy with someone who has a lifetime of experience and a deep understanding of cross-references from other texts and traditional interpretations, the experience becomes a direct transmission of knowledge, world view, and life experience.

The great texts of India are vast, and our knowledge and perspective are limited. We often focus on what we can understand and relate to, but in doing so, we might miss many other valuable aspects. By embarking on this journey with a seasoned scholar, we open ourselves up to a broader and richer understanding that goes beyond our preconceptions. It's an opportunity for a transformative experience that will leave a lasting impact on your spiritual growth and outlook on life.

MORE ABOUT DR. 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.

The course will proceed as follows

10 Sundays / 10 hours of lecture with Dr. Rao.
(Each lecture will be a minimum of 1 hour, with time for questions and answers at the end)

Lecture Dates:
August 27
September 3
September 10
September 17
September 24
October 1
October 8
October 15
October 22

October 29

Tuition: $108 USD

*To join the course please fill out the form below, submit and then click “join the course” for payment.