The 11th mantra of the dwitiya valli of the prathama adhyaya of Kathopanishad -

कामस्याप्तिं जगतः प्रतिष्ठां क्रतोरानन्त्यमभयस्य पारम् ।

स्तोममहदुरुगायं प्रतिष्ठां दृष्ट्वा धृत्या धीरो नचिकेतोऽत्यस्राक्षीः ॥

Nachiketas, the wise one, saw the fulfillment of desires, the foundation of the world, the endlessness of yajna, and the ultimate fearless state. With firm resolve, he transcended all sorrow.

When supreme bliss is attained, all worldly desires come to an end. No joy surpasses the self-realization of eternal happiness. After attaining this bliss, the trivial desires of the world lose their significance. As the mantra states, 'There is no immortality in these fleeting things,' highlighting that true liberation is the fruit of deliberate choice. All other actions yield only temporary results, but liberation comes only through conscious selection.

There are 25 levels of existence above the earth. Out of these, 17th to 25th are called Swarga. Surya is at the 21st level. By performing Trinachiketa (Chayana yajna), one can reach the 25th level. The 25th is called the blissful realm of supreme glory.

The 17th, 18th, 19th, and 20th levels which are below the Sun are inferior. The levels above the Sun are supreme, the 25th being the state of liberation. Other yajnas, apart from Trinachiketa, provide only the positions beneath the sun and cannot lead to the realm beyond the sun, which is called the 'transcendence of time.' This transcendence is attainable only through the Trinachiketa (Chayana) yajna. Thus, it is referred to as the 'end of time.'

In our physical existence, the self is the foundation of our being. The conscious realm resides in a far-off position but extends up to the 21st level. Hence, this state of consciousness can be referred to as the expansive one.

Yama says, 'You, Nachiketas, have renounced all fleeting worldly attachments until now. You have not yet comprehended the supreme truth of the self that forms the foundation of this vast universe, resting in one corner of its glory. Recognizing this truth is the work of a wise one. Seek it with determination, and you will find it. The moment you perceive this truth, like Nachiketa, you will abandon all material and transient pleasures.'

This passage reflects the spiritual journey of transcending worldly attachments and attaining ultimate realization through wisdom and determination.

Knowledge Bank

Creation of Death

At the time of creation, Brahama had not imagined that the world would soon overcowd with living beings. When he saw the condition of the world, Brahma got worried and sent Agni to burn everything down. Lord Shiva intervened and suggested a systematic way to keep population under control. That's when Brahma created death and Mrityu Devata to carry it out. Death is a mystery and coping with the death of a near and dear one is a challenge. Knowing that even the gods had to find solutions for overpopulation and death can make death less daunting and more understandable.

Who is Sweta in Mahabharata?

Sweta was son of King Virata. He was a commander of the Pandava army and caused great damage to the Kaurava side on the first day of the battle itself. Bhishma had to use Brahmastra to kill him. Sweta's relationship with his father was not good. Sweta was known for his inappropriate and unruly ways but reformed after he came in touch with the Pandavas.