Life in the Vedic tradition is not a tragedy, nor a comedy, but a way towards the fulfillment of the aim of life, that is, realization of the self. The main purpose of the Indian tradition is disciplining human nature in such a way that it paves the way for the realization of the Self. Though the terrain is uneven, yet always challenging, the journey has never been termed tragic. The famous example is of Nachiketa of the Kathopanishad who is free from fear even at the door of Yama, the god of death. This makes the Book a joyous ride. One touchstone of critical wisdom is the quality of lines plucked from the text for illustration, rebuttal, support or analysis