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== परिचयः || Introduction ==

== परिचयः || Introduction ==

Vaajasrava, Nachiketa's father performed the Visvajit yaaga and gave away all that he had in charity. Nachiketa a mere boy, कुमारं प्रथमवयसं सन्तमप्राप्तप्रजननशक्तिं बालमेव <ref name=":222">Sitarama Sastry. S.(1923) ''Katha and Prasna Upanishads and Sri Sankara's Commentary''. Madras: The India Printing Works</ref> Kumaara, young, not yet possessed of the power of procreating, was observing all those who received the दानम् || [[Dana (दानम्)|dana]] (charity). He was filled with anxiety at the impropriety of the act, all the faith in the principles laid down by the [[Vedas (वेदाः)|Vedas]], rushed into his senses. It is to be observed that a small boy he is,  realized that the cows given in charity were old, barren and useless to the receiver, and such an act would only lead the donor, his father to the lands devoid of happiness.

Vaajasrava, Nachiketa's father performed the Visvajit yaaga and gave away all that he had in charity. Nachiketa a mere boy, कुमारं प्रथमवयसं सन्तमप्राप्तप्रजननशक्तिं बालमेव <ref name=":222">Sitarama Sastry. S.(1923) ''Katha and Prasna Upanishads and Sri Sankara's Commentary''. Madras: The India Printing Works</ref> Kumaara, young, not yet possessed of the power of procreating, was observing all those who received the दानम् || [[Dana (दानम्)|dana]] (charity). He was filled with anxiety at the impropriety of the act, all the faith in the principles laid down by the [[Vedas (वेदाः)|Vedas]], rushed into his senses. It is to be observed that a small boy he is,  realized that the cows given in charity were old, barren and useless to the receiver, and such an act would only lead the donor, his father to the lands devoid of happiness. The present article gives insights into Nachiketa's qualities, having which led him to have permanent place in Brahmaloka.  

उशन्ह वै वाजश्रवसः सर्ववेदसं ददौ । uśanha vai vājaśravasaḥ sarvavēdasaṁ dadau (Katha. Upan. 1.1.1)

Meaning : Once, desirous of heaven, the son on Vajasrava (Vaajasrava) gave away all that he possessed.

 

<blockquote>उशन्ह वै वाजश्रवसः सर्ववेदसं ददौ || uśanha vai vājaśravasaḥ sarvavēdasaṁ dadau || (Katha. Upan. 1.1.1)</blockquote>Meaning : Once, desirous of heaven, the son on Vajasrava (Vaajasrava) gave away all that he possessed.

Nachiketa was fully aware that his father was desirous of giving away everything that he possessed. Nachiketa himself filled with श्रद्धास्तिक्यबुद्धिः made up his mind that - he was also "possessed" by his father and so he could also be given away in charity<ref name=":023222">Kodandaramacharyulu. K. (2011) Kathopanishat - Samajikaamsamulu (Pages 78 to 92) from Upanishat Sudha Lahari, Hyderabad: Sahiti Samskritika Samstha</ref>.

Nachiketa was fully aware that his father was desirous of giving away everything that he possessed. Nachiketa himself filled with श्रद्धास्तिक्यबुद्धिः made up his mind that - he was also "possessed" by his father and so he could also be given away in charity<ref name=":023222">Kodandaramacharyulu. K. (2011) Kathopanishat - Samajikaamsamulu (Pages 78 to 92) from Upanishat Sudha Lahari, Hyderabad: Sahiti Samskritika Samstha</ref>.

====दानधर्माचरण विज्ञानम् || Knowledge of Charity====

===दानधर्माचरण विज्ञानम् || Knowledge of Charity===

पीतोदका जग्धतृणा दुग्धदोहा निरिन्द्रियाः (Katha. Upan. 1.1.3)

<blockquote>पीतोदका जग्धतृणा दुग्धदोहा निरिन्द्रियाः || pītōdakā jagdhatr̥ṇā dugdhadōhā nirindriyāḥ || (Katha. Upan. 1.1.3)</blockquote>Meaning : Ones (cows) which have drunk water, eater grass, given their milk are barren.

 

Meaning : Ones (cows) which have drunk water, eater grass, given their milk are barren.

Anything that is given in charity has to given with an intent that it would be useful to the receiver. Nachiketa was completely knowledgeable at a tender age, that his father's donation of barren cows would not serve the purpose of such a charity and is not advisable according to sastras. This aspect of charity is discussed in the Sikshavalli of Taittiriya Brahmana<ref name=":023222" />.

Anything that is given in charity has to given with an intent that it would be useful to the receiver. Nachiketa was completely knowledgeable at a tender age, that his father's donation of barren cows would not serve the purpose of such a charity and is not advisable according to sastras. This aspect of charity is discussed in the Sikshavalli of Taittiriya Brahmana<ref name=":023222" />.

====वाक्कौशलम् || Expert orator====

===वाक्कौशलम् || Expert Orator===

Nachiketa's way of questioning and choice of words is an important quality that is required for a sadhaka. He was well versed in the knowledge of charitable things, yet he did not directly question his father's improper act of donation of barren cows. Indirect questioning - Paroksha--- devaaha is a characteristic that is appreciated and followed by Devatas in order not to hurt any being by direct harsh speech.

Nachiketa's way of questioning and choice of words is an important quality that is required for a sadhaka. He was well versed in the knowledge of charitable things, yet he did not directly question his father's improper act of donation of barren cows. Indirect questioning - Paroksha--- devaaha is a characteristic that is appreciated and followed by Devatas in order not to hurt any being by direct harsh speech.

====दूरदृष्टिः || Farsightedness====

===दूरदृष्टिः || Farsightedness===

Nachiketa aware of the evil results of an improperly conducted charity was impelled to take on the consequences and asks his father<ref name=":122">Swami Gambhiranand, (1957) ''Eight Upanishads, With the Commentary of Sankaracarya, Vol 1.'' Calcutta: Advaita Ashrama <nowiki>http://estudantedavedanta.net/Eight-Upanisads-Vol-1.pdf</nowiki></ref><ref name=":222" />

Nachiketa aware of the evil results of an improperly conducted charity was impelled to take on the consequences and asks his father<ref name=":122">Swami Gambhiranand, (1957) ''Eight Upanishads, With the Commentary of Sankaracarya, Vol 1.'' Calcutta: Advaita Ashrama <nowiki>http://estudantedavedanta.net/Eight-Upanisads-Vol-1.pdf</nowiki></ref><ref name=":222" /><blockquote>स होवाच पितरं तत कस्मै मां दास्यसीति || sa hōvāca pitaraṁ tata kasmai māṁ dāsyasīti || (Katha. Upan. 1.1.4)</blockquote>Meaning : So he asks his father "to whom will you offer me".

 

===पितृभक्तिः || Affection for elders===

स होवाच पितरं तत कस्मै मां दास्यसीति। (Katha. Upan. 1.1.4)

Seeing the charity of barren cows, wishing heartily for the welfare of his father (पितुर्हितकामप्रयुक्ताविवेश), to ward off the evil result that his father would accrue (पितुरनिष्टं फलं मया पुत्रेण सता निवारणीयमात्मप्रदानेनापि क्रतुसंपत्तिं कृत्वेत्येवं मत्वा<ref name=":222" /> (Shrimad Sankaraacharya Bhashyam)), Nachiketa making an offering of himself as an object to be given away<ref name=":122" /> shows his affection for his father.

 

===आत्मपरिशीलनम् || Introspection===

Meaning : So he asks his father "to whom will you offer me".

<blockquote>बहूनामेमि प्रथमो बहूनामेमि मध्यमः । bahūnāmēmi prathamō bahūnāmēmi madhyamaḥ । (Katha. Upan. 1.1.5)</blockquote>Meaning: Among many (disciples) I rank first (foremost in conduct of a disciple), among many I may be counted as (madhyama - may behave not as foremost in conduct). But I never did behave as the worst<ref name=":122" />.

====पितृभक्तिः || Affection for elders====

Seeing the charity of barren cows, पितुर्हितकामप्रयुक्ताविवेश wishing heartily for the welfare of his father, पितुरनिष्टं फलं मया पुत्रेण सता निवारणीयमात्मप्रदानेनापि क्रतुसंपत्तिं कृत्वेत्येवं मत्वा<ref name=":222" /> (Shrimad Sankaraacharya Bhashyam) to ward off the evil result that his father would accrue, Nachiketa making an offering of himself as an object to be given away<ref name=":122" /> shows his affection for his father.

====आत्मपरिशीलनम् || Introspection====

बहूनामेमि प्रथमो बहूनामेमि मध्यमः । (Katha. Upan. 1.1.5)

 

Meaning: Among many (disciples) I rank first (foremost in conduct of a disciple), among many I may be counted as (madhyama - may behave not as foremost in conduct). But I never did behave as the worst<ref name=":122" />.

Nachiketa inspite of hearing that he would be given to Yama, introspected his actions and mind as to why his father gave such a remorseful curse on him.

Nachiketa inspite of hearing that he would be given to Yama, introspected his actions and mind as to why his father gave such a remorseful curse on him.

====पितृवाक्यपालनम् || Treading the path of Truth====

===पितृवाक्यपालनम् || Treading the path of Truth===

अनुपश्य यथा पूर्वे प्रतिपश्य तथा परे । सस्यमिव मर्त्यः पच्यते सस्यमिवाजायते पुनः ॥ ६॥ (Katha. Upan. 1.1.6)

<blockquote>अनुपश्य यथा पूर्वे प्रतिपश्य तथा परे । सस्यमिव मर्त्यः पच्यते सस्यमिवाजायते पुनः ॥ ६॥ </blockquote><blockquote>anupaśya yathā pūrvē pratipaśya tathā parē । sasyamiva martyaḥ pacyatē sasyamivājāyatē punaḥ ॥ 6॥ (Katha. Upan. 1.1.6)</blockquote>Meaning : Nachiketa implores saying "considering the actions of forefathers (it behoves that one should tread in their footsteps) and consider the actions of others presently. Like corn, the mortal decays, and like corn they are born again.

 

Meaning : Nachiketa implores saying "considering the actions of forefathers (it behoves that one should tread in their footsteps) and consider the actions of others presently. Like corn, the mortal decays, and like corn they are born again.

Nachiketa reminds his father that his forefathers were सत्यवाक्परिपालकाः followers of Truth, so his father's words should not be falsified even if they are uttered in anger. What does one gain in this impermanent human world by breaking one's own words? Thus the concept पालयात्मनः सत्यम्। प्रेषय मां यमायेत्यभिप्रायः || protect your own truth and send me to mrityuloka<ref name=":222" /> (Shrimad Sankaraacharya bhasyam) ; establishes Nachiketa's adherence to truth. He consoles saying that everything is temporary in this material world, so there is no need to be desolate.

Nachiketa reminds his father that his forefathers were सत्यवाक्परिपालकाः followers of Truth, so his father's words should not be falsified even if they are uttered in anger. What does one gain in this impermanent human world by breaking one's own words? Thus the concept पालयात्मनः सत्यम्। प्रेषय मां यमायेत्यभिप्रायः || protect your own truth and send me to mrityuloka<ref name=":222" /> (Shrimad Sankaraacharya bhasyam) ; establishes Nachiketa's adherence to truth. He consoles saying that everything is temporary in this material world, so there is no need to be desolate.

====शक्तिसंपन्नः || Strength====

===शक्तिसंपन्नः || Strength===

Nachiketa, addressed as Kumara, is at a tender age of initiation into the formal education. Enlightenment at such age and knowledge of the rituals and sastras endowed him the ability to travel to Yamapuri and return from the point where no mortal can return<ref name=":023222" />.

Nachiketa, addressed as Kumara, is at a tender age of initiation into the formal education. Enlightenment at such age and knowledge of the rituals and sastras endowed him the ability to travel to Yamapuri and return from the point where no mortal can return<ref name=":023222" />.

====परार्थम् || Welfare of others====

===परार्थम् || Welfare of others===

Nachiketa's quest for knowledge of Agni or Brahman and Yama's revealing it is Paropakarakam for the welfare of all the mortal beings<ref name=":023222" />. Once the benefits of Agnichayanam and piling the fire thrice are known, people would be motivated to pursue it for their own good.

Nachiketa's quest for knowledge of Agni or Brahman and Yama's revealing it is Paropakarakam for the welfare of all the mortal beings<ref name=":023222" />. Once the benefits of Agnichayanam and piling the fire thrice are known, people would be motivated to pursue it for their own good.<blockquote>तवैव नाम्ना भवितायमग्निः सृङ्कां चेमामनेकरूपां गृहाण ॥ १६॥ </blockquote><blockquote>tavaiva nāmnā bhavitāyamagniḥ sr̥ṅkāṁ cēmāmanēkarūpāṁ gr̥hāṇa ॥ 16॥(Katha. Upan. 1.1.16)</blockquote>

 

तवैव नाम्ना भवितायमग्निः सृङ्कां चेमामनेकरूपां गृहाण ॥ १६॥ (Katha. Upan. 1.1.16)

 

Meaning : Nachiketa says "Even devatas have doubts and it is not easily understood."

<blockquote>देवैरत्रापि विचिकित्सितं पुरा न हि सुविज्ञेयमणुरेष धर्मः । dēvairatrāpi vicikitsitaṁ purā na hi suvijñēyamaṇurēṣa dharmaḥ ।(Katha. Upan. 1.1.21)</blockquote>Meaning : Nachiketa says "Even devatas have doubts and it is not easily understood."

Nachiketa pursues what is not easily understood even by the devatas shows his determination to achieve the apparently impossible task.

Nachiketa pursues what is not easily understood even by the devatas shows his determination to achieve the apparently impossible task.

====प्रलोभराहित्यम् || Unallured====

===प्रलोभराहित्यम् || Unallured===

Mantras from Kathaopanishad 1.1.23 to 29 reveal how Yama tries to lure Nachiketa into the materialistic world with grant of sons, cattle, gold, kingdom, horses and elephants among other things. Nachiketa remains unagitated and insists to learn about the secrets of death only. This shows his conquering of Preyas without getting lured into worldly pleasures.

Mantras from Kathaopanishad 1.1.23 to 29 reveal how Yama tries to lure Nachiketa into the materialistic world with grant of sons, cattle, gold, kingdom, horses and elephants among other things. Nachiketa remains unagitated and insists to learn about the secrets of death only. This shows his conquering of Preyas without getting lured into worldly pleasures.

====सहनशीलता || Patience====

===सहनशीलता || Patience===

Patiently, Nachiketa refuses all of Yama's offers of material things, and waits until Yama is totally convinced that he is a worthy disciple ready for the knowledge.  

Patiently, Nachiketa refuses all of Yama's offers of material things, and waits until Yama is totally convinced that he is a worthy disciple ready for the knowledge.  

== References ==

== References ==