Yama

[Guest guest]

Hello All, A reflection on Katha Upanisad:

 

 

 

 

 

The Katha Upanisad is the template of the jnana marg that is initiated by the

confrontation with the fact of death. The youth Nacitekas has seen through the

merely formal and superficial religious practice of his father, its

representative. As an offering, worn out cows, cows within the meaning of the

act, won't do, this is the accusation which he throws up to his father. "To

whom will you offer me"? In anger his father replies - "To death I give you".

 

When you seriously question your death and live in its presence this

places you in the present as the action of the gunas is suspended under the

glare of that basilisk. That can bring power, force and efficacy into your

life. Living in the face of death you cannot be touched and being fearless you

can accomplish much. This is symbolised by Yama's offer of three boons one

for each night that Naciketas had to wait while Yama was away, on business,

from his kingdom and thus could not recieve him and kept him waiting.

 

His first wish is that he be reconciled with his father. In the face of

death can we reall hold on to our quarrels?

 

His second wish is that he be given instruction in the fire sacrifice or

the Agnihotra. This is a symbol of the reality of life lived as sacrifice

before all consuming death. Done and moreover: "let me give you a special

boon: this sacrifice shall be called by your name Nachiketa.

 

For his third boon Naciketa asks When a person dies there exists this

doubt: "He still exists," say some; "he does not," Say others. I want you to

teach me the truth. This is my third boon. (I.i.20)

 

This would symbolise the most authentic response to Death, an inquiry

into the nature of the post mortem state. This profound wish Yama is reluctant

to grant for does it not put Death to death? Death is the best teacher of the

nature of the self. Ramana Maharshi as a boy of 17 took one giant step into

Moksha under its tutelage.

 

"he who leaves the body and departs, reciting the one-syllabled Brahman Om,

and dwelling one Me in My absolute aspect, attains the supreme state." B.G.

VII.12,13.