Muni's PlaySummary
The first Valli of the Katha Upanishad introduces the story of Nachiketas, the son of Vajasrava. During his father’s sacrifice, Nachiketas observes the worthlessness of the gifts and asks to whom he himself will be given. In a moment of anger, his father says, “I give thee to Death.” Following his father’s word, Nachiketas travels to the abode of Yama (the Lord of Death). After waiting for three days without food or drink, Yama grants him three boons. The first two boons concern his father’s peace and the knowledge of the heavenly fire-sacrifice. The third boon, the knowledge of what lies beyond death, becomes the central focus of the Upanishad as Yama tests Nachiketas’s resolve.