The Religion of the Veda: The Ancient Religion of India (from Rig-Veda to Upanishads) c9.s1.34

c9.s1.34

Even this mean and selfish construction of Faith, on one famous occasion at least turns forth a better side. A zealous young Brahman, Naciketas by name, observes that baksheesh is by way of being freely given. In fact his father Vājaçravasa has performed a desperately pious sacrifice, the "All-his-property-sacrifice"—luscious morsel for the Brahmans. He has given away in sacrifice and attendant fees all that he possesses. Then Faith enters into the boy Naciketas. He wishes, so to say, "to get into the band-wagon." He startles his father by asking: "To whom wilt thou give me?" The father replies: "To death"—we can imagine the formula that would come from the lips of a modern fond father, if his son were to ask him a question so very awkward. Naciketas takes him literally and goes down to Yama, the God of Death. He manages, however, to get the better of Yama, not only enjoying his hospitality, but also extracting from him certain profound information concerning the riddle of existence.¹