Irony of Religious Hierarchy
The title alludes towards sitting near but there is an irony in the description of dharma in Hindu religion. The religious teachings preach empathy, transcendence and good will for others but the caste system or the religious hierarchy doesn’t allow people to come together. It is believed that the Brahmans can only get access to God but according to the book, those who acknowledge Brahma only they can get Mukti. If we look at this rule, then according to Hindu religion, no one can liberate his soul except the Brahmans. There is an irony in the treatment of Shudras as well. The religious teachings propagate the idea of compassion and empathy, but the Shudras are relegated to the periphery. They are not even allowed to sit with the Brahmans. The search for meaning in life promulgates the idea of free will but the Hindu philosophy allocates the tasks to individuals based on their caste. They are not given the free will to search for their intended purpose in life.
Irony of the Traveler
There is an irony in the fear of the traveler in story, ‘The snake and the rope.’ The traveler’s insecurity and fear cloud his intellect. He couldn’t distinguish between the snake and the rope. Although it was dark outside, but his screaming is ironical. It depicts how people get so much obsessed with their fears that they start considering everything dangerous. It was normal to find a rope attached to a bucket at a well but the traveler did not use his reason and reacted instantly.
Irony of Sacrifice
The story of Nachiketa is also ironical because Nachiketa’s father sacrifices the unhealthy, old and useless cows to please the god of death and to get a place in heaven. The sacrifice is ironical because he gives away the worthless things for seeking the highest place after death. Another irony is the sacrifice of his son, when Nachiketa suggests that the father should give the best thing to god and that he should sacrifice his dearest son, the father gets angry. Instead of loving his son or teaching him something, he kills the innocent child to please the god. It is ironical that the god whom he wanted to please feels sorry when he sees the child in the land of dead. He does not get happy.
