Katha Upanishad Verse 1.2.11

In this verse, Yama acknowledges Nachiketas’ extraordinary discernment. Despite having the entire world’s pleasures and the fruits of heaven laid before him—the end of all desires and the goal of cosmic stability—Nachiketas has chosen to reject them all in favor of the ultimate spiritual truth.

Sanskrit Verse

कामस्याप्तिं जगतः प्रतिष्ठां क्रतोरानन्त्यमभयस्य पारं । स्तोममहदुरुगायं प्रतिष्ठां दृष्ट्वा धृत्या धीरो नचिकेतोऽत्यस्राक्शीः ॥ ११ ॥

Transliteration

kāmasyāptiṃ jagataḥ pratiṣṭhāṃ kratorānantyamabhayasya pāraṃ । stomamahadurugāyaṃ pratiṣṭhāṃ dṛṣṭvā dhṛtyā dhīro naciketo’tyasrākśīḥ ॥ 11 ॥

Translation

The end of all desires, the stay of all the universe, the endless fruit of worship, the other shore of fearlessness, the praiseworthy, the great and boundless goal, all these hast thou beheld, and being intelligent, Oh Nachiketas, hast boldly rejected all.