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A Verse from the Katha Upanishad

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Upanishad Mantras - Verse 3
Katha Upanishad 5.11; The Nectar of Chanting, 4th ed., 2017 reprint (S. Fallsburg, NY: SYDA Foundation, 1984), p. 133; English rendering © 2020 SYDA Foundation.

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    This share is about Katha Upanishad, Chapter 5, Verse 11


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    As I was contemplating this beautiful verse, I recognized that I can feel compassion for the suffering in the external world without getting caught up in it. I can let it pass. In fact, through remembrance, I can try to go even deeper and see it as a part of the divine play of Consciousness that must play out. If I am able to have this perspective, it will enable me to observe and take action from that still, true place deep inside myself that is the Witness of all. Then I can be in this world, yet not of this world.
     

    Hawaii, United States

    This verse moved me very much. I had to read it over and over again in order to let its teaching sink in deeply. Many years ago, it was inconceivable that I would not be affected by my own or others’ suffering. It often sucked me down into the depths of emotion. Yet nothing changed when I allowed myself to get down in this way.

    Today, although I am still aware of suffering, I no longer take it on as I once did. I try to let go of my focus on darkness and repeat the mantra instead. I attempt to accept what is, without any judgment. I don’t always succeed, but it is important for me to practice this acceptance.

    Konolfingen, Switzerland

    In my meditation practice and in my daily life, this verse helps me to identify myself with the Self, which is like the light of the sun within me. It reminds me not to get caught up in the wheel of false impressions and limitations. Contemplating this verse also inspires me to maintain the perspective of the Witness while performing all the necessary actions of my life.

    I am so grateful to the Guru for providing this teaching from the Upanishads, which focuses my awareness on the importance of remaining aligned with my Self.
     

    Udaipur, India

    As I contemplated this verse, I felt its beauty was being revealed to me more and more. The verse teaches me that the all-pervasive soul remains unaffected by worldly suffering. I have experienced that despite having my share of challenges and worries, there have been times when I have been able to rise above these external sorrows. This has usually occurred when I have taken refuge in chanting. In these situations, when I chant and continue chanting, I have found that my sorrow vanishes eventually, and I often experience bliss. Although the drama of the external world may stay as it is, I am able to transcend it and feel the bliss of the Self. Once I enter this blissful state, I try to remain in it for as long as possible. This bliss is always there, right within me, irrespective of whatever may be happening in the external world.

    Dombivli, India

    I love this verse. The second part is especially powerful for me: “…the one inner Self of all beings is not affected by the suffering of the world, for it is independent of that.”
     
    This is why I find comfort in meditation. When I meditate, I rest in that place within—calm, peaceful, unaffected by the world—the inner Self.

    Washington, United States

    This verse is very reassuring to me. It is easy to look around and see so much suffering in the world. This verse reminds me that the inner Self within every being is free of the suffering.

    When I go deep inside in meditation, the suffering does not exist in my awareness. When I am feeling connected to the experience of the Self in daily life, the world still continues on with its innumerable dramas, and I may still be aware of the suffering, but my predominant experience is of the Self rather than of the suffering. When I am in that state of being connected to the Self, I am able to bring the lightness, love, and benevolence of the Self into my world, and my actions and words have the potential to reduce suffering.

    California, United States