son, who would be a worthier gift than useless cattle. His father, conscious
that he was not making a true sacrifice, tried to ignore the boy's questions;
but irritated by his persistence, he at last impatiently made answer: "I give
thee to Yama, the Lord of Death." The fact that anger could so quickly rise
in his heart proved that he had not the proper attitude of a sacrificer, who
must always be tranquil, uplifted and free from egoism.


V

Nachiketas thought: Among many (of my father's pupils) I stand
first; among many (others) I stand in the middle (but never
last). What will be accomplished for my father by my going this
day to Yama?

It was not conceit which led Nachiketas to consider his own standing and
importance. He was weighing his value as a son and pupil in order to be able
to judge whether or not he had merit enough to prove a worthy gift. Although
he realized that his father's harsh reply was only the expression of a
momentary outburst of anger; yet he believed that greater harm might befall
his father, if his word was not kept. Therefore he sought to strengthen his
father's resolution by reminding him of the transitory condition of life. He
said:


VI

Look back to those who lived before and look to those who live
now. Like grain the mortal decays and like grain again springs
up (is reborn).