Death anxiety is a major concern that significantly affects psychological well-being. It is linked to various mental health issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, and suffering at the end of life. Although modern therapy methods, such as existential psychotherapy, logotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and mindfulness approaches, acknowledge the effects of being aware of mortality, they often lack coherence and cultural depth in dealing with death as a transformative aspect of life. On the other hand, the Yam-Nachiketa Dialogue from the Katha Upanishad provides a clear and culturally meaningful framework that directly addresses death anxiety through questioning, finding meaning, transcending the self, and accepting impermanence.


This narrative review examines the Yam-Nachiketa Dialogue as a therapeutic approach for understanding and easing death anxiety. It draws from classic Upanishadic texts, Indian psychological views, and modern psychological theories. The review highlights key themes, including facing mortality, the immortality of the self (ātman), ethical choices (śreyas-preyas), rethinking beliefs about death, focusing on the present, and building existential resilience. These themes connect to current therapy methods, such as existential psychotherapy, logotherapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, acceptance and commitment therapy, and spiritually integrated cognitive-behavioral strategies.


The review also explores the practical applications of this framework in different therapy settings, including grief counseling, trauma-related death anxiety, palliative care, and culturally sensitive therapy. By viewing death not as an end but as a shift in consciousness, the Yam-Nachiketa Dialogue offers a narrative that may lessen distress around death, increase meaning in life, and promote emotional stability. Overall, this review positions the Yam-Nachiketa Dialogue as a valuable and meaningful contribution to discussions on death anxiety, with important implications for integrative and cross-cultural therapy practices.