Normally when we talk about GOALS we think of the Arjuna and Drona story. There is an even better story. Not very many people know this story.

This story appears in Kathoupanishad (aka Nachiketa’s story). Nachiketa’s father – a very big and learned man was doing some “charity” – Vajashravas (name of the father). The son (N) realized that his father giving away useless cows was wrong. So he asked his father “whom are you giving me to”? . In a fit of anger his father said “to Lord Yama” – in a fit of rage. Son decided to go to Yama.

Yama – the greatest teacher – sees him standing there fearlessly. Yama is surprised to see a young well read scholar standing in front of him (sorry cutting down the details..it is too long).

Yama apologises for the delay..and tells him I will give you 3 boons…and this is what N asks…

1. Make my father happy- he must be sad for sending me here
2. Teach me ‘Agni’
3. Teach me Brahma Vidya

Yama grants him the first and the second boons.

Yama baulks at the 3rd boon. He is happy to teach, but he is not sure whether the student is ready.

So he offers him all the wealth, ever lasting youth, beauty,…..everything that a person could ask for…and Nachiketas sticks to his GOAL He wants only the Brahma Vidya. Focus. Complete focus.

Look at his priority. The first goal is for somebody else (but family), the second one is for society, and the 3rd goal is for his forthcoming students.

Amazing – how could a person be so focused.

Nachiketa passes all tests of how he can lose focus…and he sticks to his focus.

Of course I can write a note on “Nachiketa and investing” – I would rather leave it to your imagination.

If you read the N story you will read words like shraddha (I would call this also focus), Saburi (patience)….and of course Focus.

I am sure all of you are smart enough to understand the need for Shraddha (belief that equity will give better returns than debt in the real long run), Patience (Saburi, you know what it means) and FOCUS. When you reach your goal….you sell. Stop being greedy!

Hey this means I can do a post on the 7 deadly sins of investing – greed, glutoony, lust….yipee! on another day!!