Katha Upanishad 1.1.23,24,25
शतायुषः पुत्रपौत्रान्वृणीष्वा बहून्पशून्हस्तिहिरण्यमश्वान्। भूमेर्महदायतनं वृणीष्व स्वयं च जीव शरदो यावदिच्छसि॥ २३ ॥
एतत्तुल्यं यदि मन्यसे वरं वृणीष्व वित्तं चिरजीविकां च।
महाभूमौ नचिकेतस्त्वमेधि कामानां त्वा कामभाजं करोमि॥ २४ ॥
ये ये कामा दुर्लभा मर्त्यलोके सर्वान्कामाँश्छन्दतः प्रार्थयस्व।
इमा रामाः सरथाः सतूर्या नहीदृशा लम्भनीया मनुष्यैः।
आभिर्मत्प्रत्ताभिः परिचारयस्व नचिकेतो मरणं मानुप्राक्षीः॥ २५ ॥
"Ask for sons and grandsons who shall live a hundred years, many cattle, elephants, gold, and horses. Choose a vast domain of the earth, and live as many autumns as you desire." (1.1.23)
"If you deem any other boon equal to this, ask for wealth and long life; be a ruler over the wide earth, O Nachiketa, I shall make you enjoy all desires." (1.1.24)
"Whatever desires are difficult to attain in the mortal world, ask for all those desires at your will. Here are these fair maidens with chariots and musical instruments, that are indeed not to be obtained by men; with these, O Nachiketa, do not inquire about death." (1.1.25)
In these verses, Yama tempts Nachiketa with the allure of earthly pleasures and material wealth, offering him longevity, progeny, vast lands, and sensual delights.
This is a test to see if Nachiketa will forsake his quest for Ultimate Truth in favor of transient gratifications. Yama's offerings represent the pinnacle of worldly achievements, yet they are impermanent and bound by the cycle of birth and death.
Nachiketa's steadfastness in seeking Knowledge of the Eternal Self (Atman) over ephemeral pleasures underscores the Upanishadic emphasis on spiritual enlightenment as the highest pursuit. The narrative illustrates the discernment between the 'shreyas' (the good) and the 'preyas' (the pleasant), urging seekers to choose the path leading to liberation (moksha) rather than temporary satisfaction.
This dialogue highlights the central Upanishadic theme that true fulfillment is attained not through external acquisitions but through Inner Realization of one's True Nature. It serves as a reminder that while material possessions and sensory pleasures may provide temporary happiness, they cannot lead to the Ultimate Bliss that comes from Self-Knowledge and liberation.
Similar themes are echoed in other Vedic texts:
Bhagavad Gita (2.44)
भोगैश्वर्यप्रसक्तानां तयापहृतचेतसाम्।
व्यवसायात्मिका बुद्धिः समाधौ न विधीयते॥
"In the minds of those who are too attached to sense enjoyment and material opulence, and who are bewildered by such things, the resolute determination for devotional service does not take place."
Yoga Vasistha (6.1.33)
संसारसागरमिदं चित्तकल्लोलकं भये। दुर्लङ्घं नौरिवात्मानं समाश्रित्य तरिष्यसि॥
"This ocean of worldly existence, with the mind's waves of fear, is difficult to cross. Taking refuge in the Self, like a boat, you will go beyond."
These verses collectively emphasize the transitory nature of worldly pleasures and the supreme value of seeking the Ultimate Reality of Self-Realization.
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