Tuesday, March 28, 2017

The Three Virtues

Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣat [5-2]

Brahmā/Prajāpati had three types of children - the gods, the humans and the demons. All three groups studied under their father. 

The gods asked Prajāpati, "Sir, Teach us."

Prajāpati replied with a single letter, "da" and asked them, "Have you understood?"

The gods replied, "Yes, we have. da is dāmyata - have restraint." Prajāpati agreed that they had. 

The humans asked Prajāpati, "Sir, Teach us."

Prajāpati replied with a single letter, "da" and asked them, "Have you understood?"

The humans replied, "Yes, we have. da is datta- give." Prajāpati agreed that they had. 

The demons asked Prajāpati, "Sir, Teach us."

Prajāpati replied with a single letter, "da" and asked them, "Have you understood?"

The demons replied, "Yes, we have. da is dayadhvam- have compassion." Prajāpati agreed that they had. 

The thunder in the sky goes "da da da" as if it were conveying this message to all of us: practise self-restraint, engage in charity and have compassion. 

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