UPANISHAD VAHINI - Sathya Sai Speaks

UPANISHAD VAHINI19said, “Master, man is mortal; but, some say that death isnot the end, that there is an entity called Atma whichsurvives the body and the senses. Others argue that thereis no such entity. Now that I have the chance, I wish toknow about the Atma from you.”Yama desired to test the credentials of hisquestioner’s steadfastness and eagerness to know theHighest Wisdom. If he was undeserving, Yama did notwant to communicate the knowledge to him. So, Heoffered to give him instead, various other boons, relatedto worldly prosperity and happiness. He told him that theAtma is something very subtle and elusive, that it isbeyond the reach of ordinary understanding and He placedbefore him other attractive boons that could be enjoyedmore quickly and ‘better.’ Nachiketha replied, “ReveredMaster! Your description of the difficulty of understandingit makes me feel that I should not let go this chancebecause I can get no teacher more qualified than You toexplain it to me. I ask this as my third boon and no other.The alternative boons You hold before me cannot assureme the everlasting benefit that Atmajnana (wisdom oftrue self) alone can bestow.”Seeing this Sraddha and this steadiness Yama waspleased, and He concluded that Nachiketha was fit toreceive the highest wisdom. He said, “Well, My dear boy!There are two distinct types of experiences and urges,