Yamaraj and Nachiketa | Death and Hope

During my school days, I used to think that I am all smart and my teachers lack the ability to properly educate me. I believe most of the students of the present generation are carrying out their education with the same attitude. In fact, being equipped with the power of the internet, they are much more inclined towards this frame of mind. Basically, we all are blaming others for our shortcomings. Students held the teachers responsible for their limitations, teachers blame the management, and this vicious cycle of insinuation never stops. Blaming is an excellent self-defence mechanism, but for knowledge seekers, this attitude is a sure way to stagnation. Knowledge can be absorbed only when we leave our minds and hearts naked in front of our guru. No matter how much information we have, true knowledge comes only to those who seek it humbly in the presence of the guru. Only with right mental attitude can a student truly comprehend the truth being projected by the master. The aim of these articles is to expound the qualities expected out of a true disciple by means of stories of Guru Shishya Parampara from our scriptures.

We all know about the Yamaraj (God of Death) and are well aware of his erudition. But many of us have no clue regarding his teaching abilities. This tale from Kathopnishad will bring to the fore the story of Nachiketa and how his dedicated, inquisitive, and unselfish attitude persuaded even Death himself to become his guru.

In ancient times, there was a very rich man named Vajasravasa who performed Vishwajit yagna to attain heavens. The yagna required him to give away all his worldly possessions. Vajasravasa’s son Nachiketa, a nine-year-old brilliant child, observed that his father was gifting only those things which have been used till exhaustion and are of no value to the recipients. The importance of sincerity was well understood by a nine-year-old child, and all of us should keep in mind that only by the sincere execution of our duties can we achieve excellence in our respective fields.

Nachiketa can see through the farce of the sacrifice, and hence with the greatest respect and humility enquired of his father, “Am I not one of your possessions? So, whom are you gifting me to?” On repeated nagging by the son, the father became angry and replied, “I give you to the God of Death (Yama).” Nachiketa, being an obedient student, fulfilled the wish of his teacher (in this case, his own father) and went to the abode of Yama - Yamalok. He waited outside the gates of Yamalok without food, water, and shelter for next three days. Like Nachiketa, all of us should patiently pursue our aspirations and should make continuous efforts to achieve them.

After the third day, Yama arrived and was apologetic for this dishonor to the guest. He was highly impressed by the dedication of the child and offered him three wishes. The boy asked as his first wish for the welfare of his father. With his second wish, he desired to know the ways by which one can reach heaven. He did not ask this for himself but for the sake of the people. Finally, as his third wish, he asked the God of Death “What happens after a person dies? Does he continue to exist in another form? or not?" He knew that only the God of Death can impart him the ultimate knowledge that can kill his ignorance. Yama tried diverting his questions with materialistic offerings, but Nachiketa declined all of them. Pleased with such a young truth-seeker, Yama then taught him the knowledge of Brahman: the immutable one, realizing which man attains immortality. The world can change but not the Brahman! And Nachiketa with his qualities became the realized master of wisdom!

Nachiketa epitomizes the qualities required in a true disciple. His unselfish nature and purity of mind persuaded even God of Death to give him the most important lessons of life. Like him, the students should pursue knowledge in a selfless manner. One should always remember that the true transfer of knowledge takes place when both the students and teachers put in their best effort. If we see this world through the eyes of a student, always curious and inquisitive, humble and ready to learn, then this entire world can teach us invaluable lessons.