The first of many who are still to die, in the midst of many who are dying, Nachiketas entered the abode of Yama (the god
of death / restraint of passions) with faith in his heart. Offered three boons by Yama (the ruler of departed souls), Nachiketas asked that his father be freed from anger and that he be taught the fire sacrifice that leads to heaven. Both boons were granted. When a man is dead, whether he continues to exist or not, this Nachiketas wished to know as his final boon. Yama said that the matter is subtle and not easy to
understand. Asked to choose another boon by Yama, Nachiketas replied who can be happy with material possessions when they see the inevitability of Death? Yama said the wise prefer the good to the pleasant, the wise leave joy and sorrow behind. The wise are awake, the wise understand that the path is hard. Once the wise know the living spirit within, they do not fear any more. Freed from the bonds of ignorance, the wise are free. The ignorant pursue pleasure, they fall under the sway of death. He who differentiates between the worlds of matter and spirit goes from death to death. What remains when the spirit that dwells in the body leaves its abode? After reaching death, some spirits re-enter the womb to have another body according to their work and knowledge. Distinct from the spirit are the
senses. Knowing this, the wise man is not attached to them. The restraint of the senses is known as yoga. When all the desires that dwell in the heart cease, when all the ties of the heart are severed upon this earth, then the mortal becomes immortal. Freed from passion, they also become free from death. (Here ends the teaching of Yama.)