Devairatrāpi vicikitsitam purā na hi suvijneyam anuresa dharmah; anyam varam naciketo vrnīsva mā moparotsīrati maa srjainam
Lord Yama says to Naciketas:
1. Devaih atra api vicikitsitam puraa -- “With regard to this, even among the gods there have been doubts in days of yore;
2. na hi suvijneyam anuh eshah dharmah; -- Verily, it is not easy to understand, for very subtle is this principle of the Self.
3. anyam varam naciketah vrnīsva: -- For some other boon (that will befit your tender age), O Naciketas, you may ask.
4. mā mā uparotseeh ati mā srija enam -- Do not, please do not press me on this matter; release me from this (demand that you are making).”
The reluctance to impart precious wisdom and knowledge is being seen.
1. The first strategy Yama uses is to frighten away the Yama says that even the gods have entertained this doubt – and not just now, but throughout history, from the earliest of times. The suggestion here is that there is no answerto this question.
2. Next comes the second strategy. Yama moves on to say how difficult it is to understand it. Even the gods cannot grasp it fully. What chance would a young boy like Naciketas have of grasping it?
3-4Maa Maa: “Do not, do not”. Thirdly, Yama employs the strategy of diverting Naciketas’ mind to something else, to some other boon. He urges Naciketas not to press his demand for the “Great Secret” any further. Is Lord Yama simply evading the question? We shall see.
Naciketas’s reply to these words of Yama is surprisingly intelligent for a boy.
Even Secular Knowledge is Guarded:
The strategies of jealously guarding knowledge are utilized on earth by wealthy tycoons who keep a close watch over the intellectuals in society. Their theory is that it is people with knowledge who pose the greatest threat to them. They keep tight control over the educational system. Only that which will promote their philosophy of life is taught at schools and colleges. They also see to it that historical records of previous social uprisings are doctored to remove facts that may reflect badly upon their own rule. Even religion is not spared, and sacred scriptures are re-written to suit their own political philosophy.
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