KATHA UPANISHAD: 7. Swami Gurubhaktananda.

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Monday 19, January 2025, 06:15.
KATHA UPANISHAD: “A Leap into the Beyond”:Parts 1 & 2 
with Bhashya by Sri Adi Shankaracharyaji.
on the 90 Lectures delivered by Swami Advayanandaji 
KATHA UPANISHAD:  Part 1 – Total 71 Mantras
Reflections by Swami Gurubhaktananda 
Chapters 1.1, 1.2 & 1.3 
Chapter 1.1: (29) Mantras
Mantram - 1.1.7: Lord Yama Instructs on Hospitality
Post-7.

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Mantram-1.1.8: Consequences of Inadvertence 

1 

Aashaa prateekshe, = “Hopes and expectations and merits gained    

sangatam soonritaam = in good company & their friendly discourses. 

2 

cha ishtaa-poorte, = the beneficial results of sacrifices & pious gifts 

putra-pashoon cha sarvaan; = such as having sons and many cattle – all  

3 

etad vringkte = these are destroyed, nullified,    

purushasya alpa-medhasah = in the case of the ignorant man 

4 

yasya anashnan grihe = in whose house, without taking food,    

vasati braahmanah. = a Brahmana stays as a guest.” 

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The serious consequences of inadvertence in hospitality are pointed out. Hosts have so much to lose by not taking proper care of a Brahmana guest as laid down in scriptures. 

1

Aashaa Prateekshe: 

Here the context of the “hopes and expectations” is of something personal that one desires to get when serving a saint, such as heaven or acquiring merit or material wealth, good relationships, etc. Through nurturing good company and listening to the talks of the wise, such wishes are fulfilled. 

2

Putra-Pashoon: 

The favourable results mentioned above are listed here. Sons and domestic animals were high on the list of “wealth” in those days. Today it would be luxury homes and German automobiles, and gifts such as holiday tours with all expenses paid! 

3

Alpa Medhasah: 

Those who overlook their responsibilities of attending properly to learned and saintly guests are referred to in the Shrutis as “dull-witted with little sense”. They lose a great opportunity to earn merit through serving holy men who come to them as guests. 

4

Brahmanah: 

Swami Chinmayanandaji suggests that Katha Upanishad may here be “considered as indulging in Brahmana-propaganda in the sense in which we understand Brahmanas today as a special privileged class.” And Lord Yama, who was the very embodiment of such adherence to propriety, would not brook any excuse. He does not justify himself, saying that he was out of town. He accepts full responsibility for the inadvertence, even in his absence, in hosting his guest. Therefore, with the humility of one who has erred, he pleads with Nachiketas to overlook his fault. 

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Next
Mantram-1.1.9: Lord Yama Offers Justice 
Continues.

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