Yama now
realised that Nachiketas was earnest in knowing the great truth; he could not be tempted
with pleasure and pelf and he was firm of mind.
So he said: "There are two ways open for man, one is the good and the other the
pleasant way. The wise man follows the first only. It leads to knowledge of the Atman or
self. That is the greatest knowledge. One attains it through Brahmacharya. AUM is its symbol.
Learning or argument cannot teach it. One must keep
ones mind in peace.
Now, arise, awake and learn that knowledge."
Thus Nachiketas learnt the greatest truth by his courage. |