Having
crossed beyond both hunger and thirst and being above grief,
(they) rejoice in heaven.
XIII
Thou knowest, O Death, the fire-sacrifice that leads to heaven.
Tell this to me, who am full of Shraddha (faith and yearning).
They who live in the realm of heaven enjoy freedom from death.
This I beg as my second boon.
XIV
Yama replied: I know well that fire which leads to the realm of
heaven. I shall tell it to thee. Listen to me. Know, O
Nachiketas, that this is the means of attaining endless worlds
and their support. It is hidden in the heart of all beings.
XV
Yama then told him that fire-sacrifice, the beginning of all the
worlds; what bricks, how many and how laid for the altar.
Nachiketas repeated all as it was told to him. Then Death, being
pleased with him, again said:
XVI
The great-soured Yama, being well pleased, said to him
(Nachiketas): I give thee now another boon. This fire
(sacrifice) shall be named after thee. Take also this garland of
many colours.
XVII
He who performs this Nachiketa fire-sacrifice three times, being
united with the three (mother, father and teacher), and who
fulfills the three-fold duty (study of the Vedas, sacrifice and
alms-giving) crosses over birth and death.
Pages:
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53