Vedas 43 - Kathopanishad Part 3 C - The Charioteer & The Five Horses Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon
Vedas 43 - Kathopanishad Part 3 C - The Charioteer & The Five Horses
Yama continues his long Discourse.
Nachiketaa listens carefully,
On the growth and progress from
A state of mortality to
An immortal realm.
"O Nachiketaa,
Just see! What happens
When the mind is uncontrolled!
They gallop with high speed,
The five horses in tearing hurry
Like a thunder bolt!
They need to capture
The illusive objects
The worldly merchandise! "
Eyes intoxicated,
Ears stunned,
Nose overwhelmed,
Mouth opened,
Skin enthralled,
The glitterati of the five sensual damsels!
The Charioteer!
The majestic Intellect - tugs at the reins,
Steering the horses with unpredictable velocity,
Moving away- far away - far, far away
From the pure Self - the Soul
Seated in the innermost chamber of the chariot!
Kathopanishad is, perhaps, the most widely known Upanishad. The dialogue is long and spreads over six chapters containing 119 verses.
This is the third chapter, which has the most crucial verse with an explanation through a Similie of a Chariot.
Yama clearly explains to Nachiketaa, what is mortal and what is immortal.
This is, perhaps, the most interesting dialogue that I have ever read.I am attempting to summarise and make it as concise as possible. Each Upanishad should be read from the beginning and in order of the Series, otherwise, the meaning will be lost. It would be difficult to comprehend the philosophy of the Upanishad.
The five senses in humans drive them away, far away and far far away from the Right Path- Sirat Al Mustaqim the guidance remains transfixed on the side ways and we keep passing one after another sign boards....Fantastic One Geeta ji......100+++ for this entire series.
Many thanks for your wonderful response to these poems. I am truly grateful, Nehal ji. Be blessed.
On the growth and progress from A state of mortality to An immortal realm.... //.... The points taken up in the previous section nicely elaborated here through the reference of Chariot, driven by 5 horses and the charioteer. Very engrossing. Thanks, Geeta ji.
Rajnish ji, my humble Namaskar! Your presence in each poem of this Vedic Series is like a pearl of wisdom added to the Upanishads. I am, indeed, very grateful to you.
Nachiketaa listens carefully and learns for growth and progress. The majestic Intellect is revealed. This poem is very tender and beautiful poem excellently penned. A nice scriptural and perceptional poem is shared here...10
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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7/20/2025 8:32:10 AM # 1.0.0
It's an excellent depiction of character of Nachiketa...a brilliant poem... appreciated.