This is a new translation, with an extensive commentary, of the Katha Upanishad. It is a dialogue between an accomplished master, Yamaraja, and an ardent seeker, Nachiketa. Just like us, they had their share of life's pleasure and pain, success and failure, health and sickness and all the experiences that come with the desire to live and not to die. Only their burning desire for unveiling the mysteries of life enabled them to invest all their resources - physical, mental and spiritual - in this pursuit.

Step-by-step, testing Nachiketa's preparedness for the highest truth, Yamaraja ultimately imparts Brahma vidya, the science and knowledge of the highest truth, to his student. This science, according to the scriptures, is absolute and transcendental - the essence of our soul. In order to receive this gift, we learn the steps necessary to prepare ourselves: how to cultivate a clear, calm and tranquil mind, release the grip on our desires, shake off our inertia and nurture a compassionate heart.