Kaṭha-upaniṣad is one of the most widely studied Upaniṣads, pregnant with Vedāntic philosophy. It is the story of a boy named Naciketā who meets Lord Yama (the Lord of Death). Their conversation evolves into a discussion about the nature of man, the nature of Ātman (Self), and mokṣa (liberation).

A sādhakā (spiritual seeker or student) must be prepared to assimilate the profound knowledge in the Upaniṣads. Naciketā was a fit student, and his mature thinking is evident when examining the 1st and 2nd vallīs of Kaṭha-upaniṣad.

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

1

Live a dharmic life—a moral and ethical life

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

2

Do your duties

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

3

Respond, don’t react

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

4

Have faith

Naciketā 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). Naciketā knew he was not a bad son. He also knew he was not a bad disciple. He had faith (śraddhā) that Lord Yama needed to convey something through him.

5

Have patience

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

6

Be selfless

Naciketā 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 Naciketā 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 sādhakā.

7

Ask the right questions

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

8

Have determination and willpower

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

9

Be firm in your resolve

Naciketā remained resolute despite Lord Yama’s tempting offers of worldly and otherworldly pleasures. He possessed the four essential qualities of a sādhakā (seeker)—viveka (discernment), vairāgya (dispassion), ṣaṭ-sampatti (the six virtues, namely śama, dhama, uparati, titikṣā, śraddhā, samādhāna), and mumukṣutvam (the longing for liberation).

10

Choose wisely

When Lord Yama offered Naciketā various boons for all kinds of pleasures, Naciketā made a wise choice. He chose the path of śreyas (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

Naciketā 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 Naciketā.

12

Don’t argue

Naciketā 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 śravaṇa (study), manana (reflection), and nididhyāsana (meditation). Naciketā’s evolved questions to Lord Yama demonstrate 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 Naciketā, Naciketā 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 not to be affected by the praise.

15

Renounce all dualities

Naciketā 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 from 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 Ātman (Self) hidden in the cave of the heart.