Kathopanishad is one of the most widely studied Upanishads pregnant with Vedantic philosophy. It is the story of a boy named Nachiketa who meets Lord Yama (the Lord of Death). Their conversation evolves into a discussion about the nature of man, the nature of Atman (Self), and Moksha (liberation).

A sadhaka (spiritual seeker or student) must be prepared to assimilate the profound knowledge in the Upanishads. Nachiketa was a fit student and his mature thinking is evident when examining the 1st and 2nd vallis of Kathopanishad.

Here are some qualities of Nachiketa that stood out to me:

1

Live a dharmic life—a moral and ethical life

Nachiketa noticed that his father was accumulating sin. He was not performing the yajna (sacrifice or offering) in the right spirit. His father was giving away barren and old cows.

2

Do your duties

Nachiketa wanted his father to receive the benefits of the yajna. In order to accomplish this, everything his father possessed had to be given away, including himself. So, Nachiketa went and asked his father to whom he should be given away.

3

Respond, don’t react

Nachiketa’s father, frustrated by his son’s repeated questions, angrily says, “I will give you unto death.” Nachiketa doesn’t react. He remains calm and responds with maturity.

4

Have faith

Nachiketa knew that his father did not mean what he said, but he couldn’t compromise on his understanding of dharma. He felt it was his duty to obey his father (and guru). Nachiketa knew he was not a bad son. He also knew he was not a bad disciple. He had faith (shraddha) that Lord Yama needed to convey something through him.

5

Have patience

When Lord Yama was not present at the portal of death, Nachiketa did not scream with impatience. Instead, he patiently waited with self-discipline and self-control.

6

Be selfless

Nachiketa was granted three boons by Lord Yama. He used the first boon to grant his father peace and joy. It absolved him of guilt for offering Nachiketa unto death. The second boon was used for the welfare of all. He wanted to know what actions one can perform to attain the pleasures of heaven. These pleasures are relatively immortal compared to this world. Finally, in the last boon, he desired to learn something for himself as a sadhaka.

7

Ask the right questions

When you are with a wise person, don’t waste time by asking trivial questions. Nachiketa acknowledged the wisdom of Lord Yama and wisely utilized his time by asking him relevant, pointed questions without deviation.

8

Have determination and willpower

Nachiketa was determined to obtain the answer to his question. Lord Yama attempted to dissuade him. He tried to persuade Nachiketa to choose a different boon.

9

Be firm in your resolve

Nachiketa remained resolute despite Lord Yama’s tempting offers of worldly and otherworldly pleasures. He possessed the four essential qualities of a sadhaka (seeker)—viveka (discernment), vairagya (dispassion), shat sampatti (the six virtues namely shama, dhama, uparati, titiksha, shraddha, samadhana), and mumukshutvam (the longing for liberation).

10

Choose wisely

When Lord Yama offered Nachiketa various boons for all kind of pleasures, Nachiketa made a wise choice. He chose the path of shreyas (good), which will lead him to his goal. He did not choose the path of preyas (pleasant), which will bring only temporary pleasure and lead him astray.

11

Show your dedication

Nachiketa convinced Lord Yama of his unwavering dedication. He was not swayed by worldly pleasures or comfort. The right teacher is always glad to share knowledge when the right student approaches them. Lord Yama was delighted to have found a student like Nachiketa.

12

Don’t argue

Nachiketa knew that Lord Yama was a wise person. He listened to the profound knowledge he was receiving with total faith in his guru. The knowledge of Self is not attained through argument but is rather subtle and beyond the reach of all instruments. It can only be attained through a perfect guru who possesses both the knowledge and experience of the Self.

13

Purify your mind

Do your duties and live a dharmic life. Introspect to purify your mind. This prepares you to realize your true nature through shravana (study), manana (reflection), and niddhidhyasana (meditation). Nachiketa’s evolved questions to Lord Yama demonstrates his level of maturity and the purity of his mind.

14

Don’t be swept away by praise

Even after Lord Yama showered praise on Nachiketa, Nachiketa remained focused. His single-pointed attention was clear when he repeated his question in a different way. He was not swayed by the applause of Lord Yama. He was mature enough to not be affected by the praise.

15

Renounce all dualities

Nachiketa reflected thoroughly. He intuitively understood that there must be something beyond dualities such as cause and effect, past and present, and virtue and vice. This was clear by the questions he posed to Lord Yama. All dualities, such as joy and sorrow, pain and pleasure, honor and dishonor, are temporary. Renounce them and fix your mind on Atman (Self) hidden in the cave of the heart.