Reading outline · Dialogue
Death’s teaching to Naciketas
Death contrasts two choices and develops the teaching concerning the self.
This outline follows the main passages. Open each reading to follow the story in full.
The good and the pleasant
Death contrasts two choices and develops the teaching concerning the self.
Death said: "The good is one thing, the pleasant another; these two, having different objects, chain a man. It is well with him who clings to the good; he who chooses the pleasant, misses his end. The good and the pleasant approach man: the wise goes round about …
The chariot
The chariot image connects body, senses, mind and understanding within the teaching.
"There are the two, drinking their reward in the world of their own works, entered into the cave (of the heart), dwelling on the highest summit (the ether in the heart). Those who know Brahman call them shade and light; likewise, those householders who perform the Trinâkiketa sacrifice. …
Inward attention
The dialogue continues through images of the inner self and the source of life.
Death said: "The Self-existent pierced the openings (of the senses) so that they turn forward; therefore man looks forward, not backward into himself. Some wise man, however, with his eyes closed and wishing for immortality, saw the Self behind. Children follow after outward pleasures, and fall into the …
The concluding teaching
The final vallī brings together discipline, release and Naciketas’ attainment. This edition also preserves a closing invocation, separately identified in the version notes.
"There is that ancient tree, whose roots grow upward and whose branches grow downward; — that indeed is called the Bright, that is called Brahman, that alone is called the Immortal. All worlds are contained in it, and no one goes beyond. This is that. Whatever there is, …
Sources & reading notes
Introductions and explanations are editorial writing. Quoted text retains its named edition; selections may be shortened with an ellipsis.
The good and the pleasant. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
The chariot. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Inward attention. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
The concluding teaching. Editorial summary of the cited text; narrative setting is not independent historical confirmation. Source ↗
Original scene outline
The good and the pleasant
Death contrasts two choices and develops the teaching concerning the self.
The chariot
The chariot image connects body, senses, mind and understanding within the teaching.
Inward attention
The dialogue continues through images of the inner self and the source of life.
The concluding teaching
The final vallī brings together discipline, release and Naciketas’ attainment. This edition also preserves a closing invocation, separately identified in the version notes.