Gods, men and demons, children of Prajapati, lived as students with their father! Their studentship being over, they requested their father to instruct them. Prajapati uttered the syllable “ Da” and asked them if they understood what he said. The Devas replied that they have understood the meaning of the syllable “DA" and it meant “ Damyata--control yourselves! Prajapati was happy and said that they have understood it properly.
On their part, the men requested the Prajapati to instruct them! Once again, Prajapati uttered the syllable “Da” and wanted to know if they have understood its meaning. The men instantly replied that they have grasped the meaning of the syllable correctly. They said that the syllable meant “ Datta”--give! Prajapati was overjoyed and remarked that they have understood it properly.
Later the demons requested Prajapati to instruct them! He once again repeated the syllable “Da" and questioned whether they understood the meaning of the syllable. They replied that they have understood it correctly! The syllable meant “ Dayadhvam”--be compassionate! Prajapati was happy that all his students, Devas, men and the demons have understood the significance of the three syllables. Meanwhile ‘the heavenly voice of thunder repeated the same--Da, Da, Da, that is, control yourselves, give to others, and be compassionate. Therefore one should practice the same triad--self control, charity, and compassion! In TS Eliot's poem “Waste Land” thunder pops up in the fifth and final section and says, “Datta, Dayadhvam, Damyata” in Sanskrit language! Thunder is the harbinger of rain! Brihadaranyaka Upanishad contains hymns on virtues and ethics. In 5.2.3 it recommends three virtues temperance, charity and compassion for all life!
The first ethical precept of Brihadaranyaka Upanishad became the foundation of “Yama” in different schools of Hindusim. In Patanjali’s ‘Yoga Sastra’ it consists of ahimsa, nonviolence in thought, word and deed for all creatures ; Satya, restraint from falsehood; Astheya, restraint from stealing; Brahmacharya, restraint from sex; and Aparigraha, restraint from avarice and possessions! Various aspects of spiritual consciousness are discussed in the conversations between King Janaka of Videha and his mentor Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi. Besides, many others engage Janaka and Yajnavalkya with their questions which bring out profound answers from the great Sage and the king!
The Upanishad says that Self is the dearest for man. There is no difference between man and God! It is foolish to think you are separate from God. Brahman manifests in each and every object in the universe. It is consciousness that controls man’s wakefulness, sleep and dreams. From the Self come forth all organs, worlds, all deities and all beings. Self is the Truth of truth! It is not for the sake of the husband that a husband is dear, but for the sake of the Self is a husband dear!There is no difference between the Self and the Brahman!The Upanishad questions “by what should one know that by which all this is known?” Brahman is the imperishable unseen seer,and hearer! Heis the vital force. Atman can be described by saying “not this, not this”--neti, neti”. Like a caterpillar drawing itself to move to the next blade of grass the Self throws off the body and takes a new body! It is important that we should know these eternal truths to lead our lives peacefully, and happily!!!
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