"There is that doubt, when a man is dead; some saying, he is; others, he is not. This I should like to know, taught by thee; this is the third of my boons."
But Death was unwilling to reveal his secrets, and told Nachiketas to ask for other boons.
"Choose sons and grandsons who shall live a hundred years, herds of cattle, elephants, gold, horses. Choose the wide abode of the earth, and live thyself as many harvests as thou desirest.
"If thou canst think of any boon equal to that, choose wealth and long life. Be king, Nachiketas, on the whole earth. I make thee the enjoyer of all desires.
"Whatever desires are difficult to attain among mortals, ask for them, anything to thy wish; these fair maidens with their chariots and musical instruments—such indeed are not to be obtained by men; be waited on by them whom I give thee, but ask not me about dying."
Nachiketas said: "These things last till to-morrow, O Death, for they wear out this vigour of all the senses. Even the whole of life is short. Keep thou thy horses, keep dance and song for thyself."
Pressed by the pious inquirer, Death at last revealed the great secret, which is the principle of the Upanishads and the principle of the Hindu religion:—
"The sage who, by means of meditation on himself, recognizes the Ancient, who is difficult to be seen, who has entered into the dark, who has hidden in the cave, who dwells in the abyss, as God—he indeed leaves joy and sorrow far behind.
