1.          The Goal of Life

Long time ago a man in India named Vajasrabasa, hoping for divine favor, performed a rite which required that he should give away all his possessions. He was careful, however, to sacrifice only his cattle, and of these only such as were useless – the old, the barren, the blind and the lame. Observing this cheapness, Nachiketa, his young son, whose heart had received the truth taught in the scriptures, thought to himself: "Surely a worshipper who dares bring such worthless gifts is doomed to utter darkness!” He came to his father and cried: “Father, I too belong to you; to whom do you give me?” His father did not answer; but when Nachiketa asked the question again and yet again, he replied impatiently “I give you to Yama!”

Then Nachiketa thought to himself: “Of my father’s many sons and disciples I am indeed the best, or at least of the middle rank, not the worst; but of what am I to the King of Death?” Yet, being determined to keep his father’s word, he said:

“Father, do not repent your vow! Consider how it has been with those that have gone before, and how it will be with those that live. Like corn, a man ripens and falls to the ground; like corn, he springs up again in his season.”

Having thus spoken, the boy journeyed to the house of Yama.

But the King of Death was not at home, and for three nights he waited.  Finally Yama returned, he was met by his servants, who said to him: “A Brahmin, like to a flame of fire, entered your house as guest, and you was not there. Therefore must a peace offering be made to him. With all accustomed rites, you must receive your guest, for if a house holder does not show due hospitality to a Brahmin, he will lose what he most desires – the merits of his good deeds, his righteousness, his sons, and his cattle.”

Then Yama approached Nachiketa and welcomed him with courteous words. For three nights you stayed in my house without receiving my hospitality; I will grant you three boons- one for each night.

Nachiketa said: My first boon is that my father not be anxious about me, his anger be appeased and when I go home he will recognize me and welcome me.

Yama said: By my will your father should recognize you and love you as before; he should be tranquil of mind, and he shall sleep in peace.

Nachiketa said: In heaven there is no fear at all. You, King of Death, are not there, nor in that place does the thought of growing old make one tremble. There free from hunger and from thirst, and far from the reach of sorrow, all rejoice and glad. You, King of Death, know the fire sacrifice that leads to heaven. Teach me that sacrifice, for I am full of faith. This is my second wish.

Yama said: I shall teach you the fire sacrifice. He taught Nachiketa the fire sacrifice, and all the rites and ceremonies attending it.

Nachiketa repeated all that he had learned, Yama well pleased with him, said “I grant you an extra boon. From now on this sacrifice will be called the Nachiketa Sacrifice, after your name. Now choose your third boon.

Nachiketa said: When a man dies, there is this doubt: Some say, he is; others say, he is not. If you teach me, I would know the truth. This is my third wish.

Yama said: No, even gods were once puzzled by this mystery. Subtle indeed is the truth regarding it. Besides it is not easy to understand. You should choose some other boon, O Nachiketa!

Nachiketa said: O King of Death, even the gods has their doubts about this subject; and you have declared it is not easy to understand.  Besides there is no teacher better able to explain it than you. There is no other boon I would choose.

Yama said: Ask for sons and grandsons who shall live a hundred years. Ask for cattle, elephants, horses, and gold. Choose for yourself a mighty kingdom. Or ask anything you can imagine. Ask for not only pleasures but for power beyond all imagine. I will make you every good thing. Celestial maidens, beautiful to behold, such indeed were not for mortals. Together with their bright chariots and their musical instruments I will give all these to you, to serve you. But for secret of death, O Nachiketa, do not ask!

Nachiketa said: But, O King of Death, these endure only until tomorrow. Furthermore, they exhaust the vigor of all senses organs. Even the longest life is short indeed. Keep horses, dances, and songs for yourself. How shall he desire wealth, O King of Death, who once has seen your face? No, only the boon that I have chosen; that only do I ask.

Yama , well pleased at heart, begin to teach Nachiketa the secret of immortality.

To the thoughtless youth, deceived by vanity of earthly possessions, the path that leads to eternal abode is not revealed. This world alone is real; there is no hereafter – thinking thus, he falls again and again, birth after birth, into my jaws. 

Self is Subtler than the subtlest and beyond all logic.

To many it is not given to hear of the Self.

Many though they hear of it, do not understand it.

Wonderful is he who speaks of it.

Intelligent is he who learns of it.

Blessed is he who, taught by a good teacher, is able to understand it.