The Self-existent created the senses out-going; for this reason
man sees the external, but not the inner Atman (Self). Some wise
man, however, desiring immortality, with eyes turned away (from
the external) sees the Atman within.

In the last chapter the Ruler of Death instructed Nachiketas regarding the
nature and glory of the Self. Now he shows the reason why the Self is not
seen by the majority. It is because man's mind is constantly drawn outward
through the channels of his senses, and this prevents his seeing the inner
Self (Pratyagatman); but now and then a seeker, wiser than others, goes within
and attains the vision of the undying Self.


II

Children (the ignorant) pursue external pleasures; (thus) they
fall into the wide- spread snare of death. But the wise, knowing
the nature of immortality, do not seek the permanent among
fleeting things.

Those who are devoid of discrimination and fail to distinguish between real
and unreal, the fleeting and the permanent, set their hearts on the changeable
things of this world; hence they entangle themselves in the net of insatiable
desire, which leads inevitably to disappointment and suffering. To such, death
must seem a reality because they identify themselves with that which is born
and which dies. But the wise, who see deeper into the nature of things, are no
longer deluded by the charm of the phenomenal world and do not seek for
permanent happiness among its passing enjoyments.