I know that (earthly) treasure is transitory, for the eternal can
never be attained by things which are non-eternal. Hence the
Nachiketa fire (sacrifice) has been performed by me with
perishable things and yet I have attained the eternal.


XI

O Nachiketas, thou hast seen the fulfillment of all desires, the
basis of the universe, the endless fruit of sacrificial rites,
the other shore where there is no fear, that which is
praiseworthy, the great and wide support; yet, being wise, thou
hast rejected all with firm resolve.

The teacher, saying that the imperishable cannot be attained by the
perishable, shows that no amount of observance of rituals and ceremonies can
earn the imperishable and eternal. Although the Nachiketa fire-sacrifice may
bring results which seem eternal to mortals because of their long duration,
yet they too must come to an end; therefore this sacrifice cannot lead to the
final goal. Yama praises Nachiketas because, when all heavenly and earthly
pleasures, as well as knowledge of all realms and their enjoyments were
offered him, yet he cast them aside and remained firm in his desire for Truth
alone.


XII

The wise, who by means of the highest meditation on the Self
knows the Ancient One, difficult to perceive, seated in the