KathaUpanishad

Father I do not want to disobey your orders under any circumstances. I need your
blessings."
Nachiketa argued with conviction and quoted philosophical treaties against his father
who had no answer to his argument. He explained how Death was not frightful but just
the means to change the body and to acquire a new form. He explained a man became
immortal only through his actions. Nachiketa touched the feet of his father and started
along the path to the Kingdom of Death. Every person present was struck with awe and
wonder at the faith and courage of this little boy who was only eight years old.
Nachiketa was full of joy as he walked away, because he had prevailed upon his father,
but with every step the road became more and more difficult. There were furious
animals and demons, who tried to stop the boy and send him back, but he did not pay
heed to them, nor was he afraid. When he reached the door of Yamaraj's castle, the
guard told him that Yama Raj had gone out. Yama's guards would not allow anyone to
enter the palace in his absence, so it was better for the boy to return home. But
Nachiketa was determined to wait. He waited for many days; he did not eat or drink or
sleep.
After many days Yama Raj came back. As he was about to enter his castle he saw the
brave and fearless lad. Yama Raj was attracted towards the boy and asked for the
purpose of his visit. One of the watchmen briefed Yamraj as how Nachiketa was waiting
to meet him and has spent many days without eating or drinking. Yamaraj's heart was
touched; he rushed to the boy and embraced him saying, "Oh my dear boy! Who are
you? For what have you come here?’ " (http://susanskrit.org/qnq-for-nachiketa.html)
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