This is a continuation of our discussion in the previous blogs on the Kathopanishad. As discussed earlier as nachiketas asks of the highest knowledge of what happens after death. Yama (the guru) convinces his student (the shishya) Nachiketas of choosing something else because this knowledge is even difficult for the gods to bear. This blog deals with Yama tempting the student in order to persuade Nachiketas to drop this idea and ask of something else.
The Parable
As discussed in the earlier blogs Yama (the teacher) tries to persuade his student nachiketas to ask for another boon. He tempts nachiketas with materialistic pleasures. He asks nachiketas to ask for a life of hundred years full of prosperity and richness. He grants him to the king of the whole world with as many grand-sons and beautiful wives and elephants. Nachiketas replies that nothing in the world can satisfy him. As all the things consume us and cannot grant perennial joy. So, O lord of death please grant me the knowledge of death where I can attain the fountain of perennial joy and fulfilment.
Attractions for the seeker on the spiritual path
As a spiritual seeker starts his practices, he confronts not only internal distractions but outer physical attractions as well. This part of the Upanishad reminds the seeker of being aware of such obstacles in life, and also while being aware of them always have the final goal of life in mind. While meditating a spiritual seeker may find it too boring just to sit calmy with eyes and ears closed with total inactivity. Also, while doing this in the earlier stages one may find no change in themselves. Then a question arises what is the use of meditation should we be really practicing it? As mundane things give us physical results our mind has got a habit of looking for results in physical forms. But at the beginning a spiritual seeker is not guaranteed of any transformations because of many reasons
- His practices are not being done with total awareness
- Misunderstanding practices
- Absence of regular practice
- Impatience
- Lack of faith in one-self or over - thinking.
Due to some of the above listed reasons a spiritual seeker eventually gives up his practices and understands that there is nothing spiritual but the physical life only is of importance. These are the attractions for the seeker on the spiritual path where he only recognises the outer world and starts to think that real enjoyment or happiness lies in physical or material objects.
Non attachment
Not to deny the usefulness of the physical and the material world as they help us in saving our time and make our lives comfortable but it is to be known that the material world is not the end but a means to the end. So, how can be attractions for the seeker on the spiritual bath be overcome? The philosophy says the practice of vairagya the philosophy of non- attachment. We cannot remain attached to both physical as well as spiritual objects as attachment is seen as the major obstacle be it in any walk of life. So, lets start loving what we do and as Lord Krishna says leave the rest to the lord of life.
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