KATHOPANISHAD

"Of what use is it," he said to himself "giving these toothless old cattle and cows past the age of bearing? Should not my father, if he is minded to give what is dear to him, give me away?" So he went to his father and said: "Father! To whom are you going to give me?" His father did not pay heed to the question, but went on with the routine of the great sacrifice.

Nachiketas repeated the question again and again till Vajasravasa, losing patience, exclaimed without meaning anything like what he said: "You? I shall give you to Yama.  "Nothing could be uttered on such a solemn occasion but must be carried out. The father was aghast at his own exclamation. Nachiketas, how ever, decided to go to Yama.

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