This series is an attempt to the above questionsđ.
As Death is an accepted and much discussed subject in Hindu scriptures, I thought of starting this series with Kathopnisad, or Katha- upanishad as it is more popularly known.
Kathopanisad is a unique Upanishad which starts with a story of a young boy who is ready to face the Lord of Death in his quest for Truth, to know what lies beyond death.
Nachiketa is the son of the sage VÄjashravas, or Uddalaki, in some traditions. During a yagna when rishi Vajashravas was giving away his possessions to the needy, the young boy curiously pesters his father seeking to know to whom he, the fatherâs most valuable possession, would be offered to! His father, angered by the sonâs persistence, condemns his son to the lord of death, or Yama.
Honoring his fatherâs words, Nachiketa, then merely ten years old, walks to the abode of Yama. The child patiently waited for 3 days, as Yama was not at home to receive Nachiketa. As an apology Yama offers Nachiketa three wishes.
Nachiketaâs first boon was for his father, that his father should be forgiven, as his fatherâs reaction was provoked out of irritation and not intention!
The second boon was to know the truth behind the sacrificial fire. âI want to know what kind of karmas, what kind of yagas I have to do to attain.â Yama explained that the fire was symbolic of knowledge. There is basic education, which is knowing how to light the fire. Then there is knowledge of perception, which is knowing that fire gives light and heat. The third is inferential knowledge, which is knowing that fire can be controlled and utilized, or it can burn.
The third was: âWhat happens after death?â
To which Yama said, âNo, this question you take back. Whatever else you want, all the pleasures in the world, I can offer. This one question, you withdraw.â
Nachiketa is undeterred and persists Yama. Pleased with the boyâs earnestness, Yama grants him his third boon too and tells Nachiketa about the mysteries of life and death. Â
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