If you were Nachiketa, what questions would you like to ask Yama? Write them down in 100-150 words.
If I were Nachiketa, I would ask Yama: What happens to the soul after the body dies? Does the soul remember its past life, or does it start fresh with each birth?
Why do some people suffer more than others in life? Is there a way to break free from the cycle of birth and death?
What is the true purpose of human life, and how can one attain lasting peace? How can one overcome fear, attachment, and ignorance?
Is there a supreme power governing the universe, and can humans connect with it?
These questions arise from curiosity about life's deeper meaning and the desire to understand the mysteries of existence, suffering, and the path to liberation.
Explanation
The chapter describes Nachiketa's quest in the Katha Upaniṣhad, where he asked Yama about what happens after death. The story illustrates the importance of asking profound questions. Nachiketa persisted in his questioning and learned that the ātman (self) is immortal — neither born nor does it die. Students are encouraged to think like Nachiketa and formulate their own meaningful questions about life, death, and the nature of existence.
Solution Steps
Questions about the soul's journey after death and memory of past lives
Questions about suffering and liberation from the cycle of birth and death
Questions about the purpose of human life and attaining peace
Questions about overcoming fear, attachment, and ignorance
Questions about the existence of a supreme power
The underlying curiosity about existence, suffering, and liberation