Mystery of Existence

Divine Foresight25 Sep, 2024History

Mystery of existence has been dealt with in Indian Philosophy and a detailed account can be found in Upanishads, pillars of ancient metaphysical knowledge. In Katha Upanishad, we find famous dialogue between Yama, the lord of death and a teenager boy Nachiketa. Yama had granted three boons to Nachiketa. As his third boon, Nachiketa asked Yama the mystery of what comes after death. Yama was reluctant to answer this question. He said that this had been a mystery even to the gods. He asked Nachiketa to avoid the question and lured him with many worldly pleasures and material gifts. But Nachiketa argues that all worldly treasures and heavenly pleasures come to an end sooner or later, if not the day after, after hundred years. These are not permanent means of enjoyment. He insists to get the ultimate knowledge of Self and pleads, ''O Lord of Death, you have promised me the third boon''.