Dictionary of all Scriptures & Myths

DEATH, KING; YAMA THE SON OF VIVASVAT

A symbol of perfection; that is, of the personality (Vivasvat) perfected (Yama). It therefore stands for an aspect of the Higher Self, or Causal Self.

"The sage that hears and recites this primeval narrative that Death recited and Nachiketas heard is worshipped as in the sphere of Self." - Katha. Upanishad, III.

The spiritual ego or monad that has progressed through the sacred drama in its own experience is thereby exalted to the higher planes. As death only comes to the lower nature when it is perfected, so “Death” stands for the perfected personality which becomes one with the Self. "Nachiketas " is a symbol of the Soul which learns by experience, or is taught by the perfected personality (Yama) during its long series of incarnations in personalities. Death is king because it signifies supremacy over the lower nature.

See Also

GILGOOLEM
MANU VAIVASVATA
NACHIKETAS
PERSONALITY
REINCARNATION
SAGE
VAIVASVATA
Yama