Journey of the Soul: Nachiketa’s Profound Encounter with Yama, the God of Death

According to the story, Nachiketa was the son of a Brahmin named Vajasravasa. One day, Vajasravasa performed a great sacrifice in which he gave away all his worldly possessions. However, Nachiketa noticed that his father had given away old and useless cows instead of the prized ones, and he questioned that.

Annoyed by Nachiketa’s persistence in seeking an answer from the father, Vajasravasa angrily told him that he had given him away to Yama, the God of Death. Undeterred, Nachiketa decided to seek out Yama and went to the underworld to meet him.

When Nachiketa arrived in the underworld, he found that Yama was not present. He waited for three days without food or water until Yama returned and was impressed by Nachiketa’s patience and determination. As a reward, Yama offered Nachiketa three boons of his choice.

For his first boon, Nachiketa asked for his father’s forgiveness. For his second boon, he asked to learn the secrets of fire sacrifices, which Yama was happy to teach him. For his third and final boon, Nachiketa asked to learn the mystery of what happens after death.

For the third boon, Yama hesitated at first, but finally agreed to teach Nachiketa. This is how the conversation went:

Nachiketa: My first question is about the nature of the soul. What happens to the soul after death?

Yama: The soul is immortal and eternal. It is not born or killed but just moves from one body to another. The body may perish, but the soul continues to exist.

Nachiketa: But how does the soul choose which body to enter after death?

Yama: The soul chooses the body based on its karma. Good karma leads to a higher realm, while bad karma leads to a lower realm. It is based on the deeds one performs in their life.

Nachiketa: How can one achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death?

Yama: One can achieve liberation by performing good deeds, seeking knowledge, and realizing the true nature of the self. Only by realizing the self, can one attain moksha or liberation.

Nachiketa: But, Lord Yama, many people perform good deeds, yet they still suffer in life. Why is that?

Yama: The results of good deeds may not always be immediate. Sometimes the results may manifest in this life or the next. But one should continue to perform good deeds without expecting anything in return.

Nachiketa: Thank you, Lord Yama, for your wisdom and guidance. I will continue to seek knowledge and perform good deeds.

Yama: You are a wise young man, Nachiketa. May you attain success in your endeavors and lead a righteous life.

In short, Yama explained that death is not the end, but merely a transition from one form to another. He also taught Nachiketa about the cycle of birth and death and the importance of spiritual enlightenment.

Through his conversation with Yama, Nachiketa gained a deeper understanding of life and death, and the true nature of the universe. He returned to his father, who was overjoyed to see him alive and well. Nachiketa went on to become a great sage and teacher, and his story has become a powerful metaphor for the journey of spiritual growth and enlightenment.