Nachiketas - Learning to look beyond

Nachiketas Model - Persevering in the Pursuit of Knowledge

The story is from Kathopanishad, one of the ten primary upanishads. Nachiketas, son of Vajasravasav, found that his father's sacrifices (yajna) was not an authentic one, and he feared that it will not have the desired effect.  So he feels that he also should be given in yajna.  He persists with his father: Whom are you going to give me in daan?  Finally, being irritated, the father reacts: I am giving you to Yama. 

And Naciketas sets out on his perilous trip to Yamalok, where he waited for 3 long days to meet with Yama.  Yama appreciated his perseverance. And granted him 3 boons, one for each day of patient waiting. Naciketas: 1. Well being of his father and peace for him.  His purpose of yajna be fulfilled - this noble wish was granted. 2. Know ledge of the sacrificial fire. This too was granted. 3. The knowledge of what happens after death. At this, Yama is extremely reluctant, and dissuades him and asks him for anything else, like wealth or power.  But Naciketas is very resolute, and Yama gives in to lead him to the tough terrain of the real knowledge of the oneness, permanence and indestructability of the self beyond body (sarira). He becomes a jivanmukta (a self-actualised or liberated soul). 

The best thing, I found in Naciketas is his knack of dealing with truth. Follow truth in a manner that is increasing well being. He speaks the truth of the hollowness of his father's yajna.  But he fears for the ineffectiveness of the efforts of his father, and wants his dreams to be fulfilled. So he is trying to compensate for the lack, by offering himself.  And on attaining the boons, his first priority is to have reconciliation (peace for his father and perhaps, with his father too). Sometimes, we feel the kick of being unsparingly honest, and in the process seek that self glory rather than well being. Hence the famous saying from Manusmriti (4:138)

सत्यम ब्रुयात प्रियं ब्रुयात सत्यम अप्रियम न ब्रुयात 
प्रियं च नानृतम न ब्रुयात एष धर्म सनातन:

I would say, it is about speaking truth, and speaking unpleasant truth, in a manner which is intended to increase well being (not harm of others), and never to speak untruth, even when that is pleasing to many.  Knowledge pursuit, should also include imparting a skill of speaking truth, speaking unpleasant truth in a manner and intent of increasing well being, and never speaking untruth, even when it is pleasing. This is to be a life skill, ever relevant. 

Naciketas story leads me to reflect on learning process as a pursuit of knowledge leading to wisdom, involving 1) looking within 2) looking around 3) looking beyond and 4) being looked up to. 

• Learning as persevering in seeking knowledge - Passion for Learning - mumukshatva  (ardent desire) after the true knowledge. 
• Willing to go to any extent (even Yamalok) after true knowledge, as described by the poet elsewhere "To seek knowledge like a sinking star/ Even to the utmost bounds of human thought"
• Learning by posing the right questions at the right time
• Basic questions of who, what, where, when? and Deeper questions of How and Why? (Kipling's six honest servants)
• Creativity and innovation - why not? 
• Learning as looking within and finding  your self - Introspection.  That truly God is in you, and You are one with God. Some exercises that could help one to see oneself more clearly 
• Writing a journal - my strongest feeling & how I tackled it; a thought that strikes me today; a good that I did or that happened to me....
• Examen: 1. Presence of God 2. Gratitude 3. Review of the day 4. Face your shortcomings 5. Look to the new day
• Begin the day with a resolve
• Learning to look around and respond - Circumspection and compassion 
• A good deed a day - tyagarchana
  
• Naciketas - seeking peace and seeking well being of his father who was rude to him. 
• How can I help you? What can I do for you?
• How can I make things better? 
• Learning to look beyond and grow - metaphysics and philosophy 
• Learning in a manner that is looked up to by others. 

Nachiketas is said to have become jivanmukta.  A liberated person - still living on the planet for the well being of the planet/life. He is said to be the first learner or ideal student.  And the sacrificial fire is named after him.