Having seen, oh Naciketas, among men, having the splendor of Brahman, consider this.

Yama elevates his offer. Now he speaks not only of worldly riches but of brahma-varcasa — the splendor, radiance, or power of Brahman. This is a technical concept in the Vedic tradition: it is the spiritual aura that surrounds those who have accumulated ritual merit and Vedic knowledge.

The participle dṛṣṭvā (having seen) suggests that Naciketas has observed the great sages and masters in Yama’s realm during his wait. These illumined beings possess the divine radiance that derives from contact with Brahman. Yama hints that Naciketas could join them, obtain that same splendor.

The term māna (honor, esteem) indicates that such persons are revered. The implicit offer is of elevated spiritual status — not just material wealth but recognition among the illumined. This is more subtle than previous offers, appealing to the desire for spiritual excellence.

However, Naciketas will continue not to yield. Brahma-varcasa, even being a genuine spiritual achievement, is still an attribute that can be lost. What Naciketas seeks is knowledge of the Ātman itself, not its secondary attributes. The distinction between Brahman as object of knowledge and as essence of one’s own being is subtle but crucial.