Kathopanishad - Story of Nachiketa Part 6

Nachiketa knows from his knowledge of scriptures and personal experience that death is not some unique, uncommon, or unnatural phenomenon. 

He knows that death is inevitable, but more importantly, he knows that it’s not the end of life. 

He reminds himself:

                                 अनुपश्य यथा पूर्वे, प्रतिपश्य तथा अपरे । 

                                 सस्यमिव मर्त्य: पच्यते - सस्यमिवाजायते पुनः 

    Anupashya Yathaa poorvay, Pratipashya Tathaa aparay

    Sasyam iva Mratyah Pachyatay, Sasyam Ivaajaayatay Punah.

                                                           

Look at our forefathers in the past, and look at the others now.

Like the corn decays the mortal, and like corn, it is born again.

                                                                (Kathopanishad 1-6)

In the first sentence, by saying - Look at the forefathers in the past and look at others now (Anupashya - remembering the past, and PratiPashya - considering the present), Nachiketa might be contemplating on two essential points. 

1. Look at what happened to the forefathers and others in the past; 

they are all gone, and many others around are also going (dying).

2. Look at the forefathers and remember what they did, how they acted. And also, consider how the people at the present time act now.

We all know that our parents, grandparents, and other loved ones have gone or will be gone; that one day we will be gone too. Yet this feeling creates sadness and sort of depression in our minds. 

Hearing his father's words - "to death shall I give you" - must have created some sadness and depression in Nachiketa's mind too.  

Usually, sadness and depression make people go down; mentally and physically. 

But many people, when faced with the challenge of a Life and death situation- get courage, strength, and great ideas to handle the situation. 

Like many other great people in history, such as Gautam Buddha, Mahaveer Jain, and Guru Nanak, etc., this feeling of sadness or depression inspired Nachiketa to find out the Reality and the meaning of life. 

Secondly, Nachiketa wants to remember what his forefathers did - what they believed, and how they acted. 

He also wants to consider what other great and wise people of his time believe and how they act. 

Since he comes from a hereditary lineage of great Brahmans (Learned Pundits), he knows that death is not the end of this life. 

He remembers the Scriptures: 

Like the corn decays the mortal, and like corn, it’s born again.

(Just like the corn or vegetation, people also die and are born again.) 

By quoting the Scriptures, he confirms his belief in Reincarnation - that life does not end with physical death.

 

Reincarnation and the theory of Karma are the two main aspects of Vedantic philosophy that are followed by all the major religions of the Indian sub-continent, such as Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, Buddhism, including Nirankari mission and Radha Soami, etc.

All religions believe that the Soul is immortal. 

Most Jews, Christians, and Muslims believe that the Soul will continue to live in the same physical form – but in spirit, like a shadow – along with their family and loved ones in heaven or hell for eternity. 

However, according to the Vedas and Vedanta, the Soul or Consciousness moves on to live in another body. 

After the death of the physical body - the Soul or consciousness takes another birth in a different form - different place and time - According to their Karma.  

This is known as Reincarnation. 

Even according to science, nothing is ever destroyed. 

Matter and Energy continually change their form and characteristics but are never destroyed. Everything is re-cycled. The five elements - earth, fire, water, air, and space, that body is consisted of - decay after the body dies and merge into nature to be re-cycled again.

According to Vedanta - Hinduism, and Buddhism - just like matter and energy, consciousness too, never dies. 

It also continues in a different form, in a different life. 

He also wants to know what his forefathers - people before him did and what others are doing now to cope up with this phenomena. And how to end this cycle of Reincarnation.

Considering these aspects - contemplating on these perspectives, Nachiketa fearlessly embarks on his journey to meet Yama, the angel of death.

                                                ' Rajan Sachdeva '

                                                                      (To be Continued)