Devata (divine beings), manushya (human beings) and asura (demonic beings) are considered to be descendants of Prajapati. They were also his students and attained knowledge from him. One day, while they were still under his tutelage, a significant event took place. The divine beings approached Prajapati with a request: ‘You’ve taught us so much. Is there a mantra that encompasses all this vast teaching? A secret to life?’ ‘In this syllable lies an important teaching. It’s ‘Da!’’ Prajapati replied. Seeing the divine beings contemplate, Prajapati asked. ‘Did you understand?’ The divine beings replied in unison: ‘Yes, you speak of damayata—restraint, self-control, self-discipline. Isn’t it?’ Prajapati nodded. Seeing the divine ones approach Prajapati, the humans followed suit and asked Prajapati to teach them. Prajapati repeated the syllable: ‘Da!’ and asked the human beings if they understood. The human beings nodded and replied, ‘By ‘Da’ you mean datta—benevolence and generosity.’ Prajapati nodded with a smile. Seeing the divine beings and the human beings gaining some secret knowledge, the demons approached Prajapati with the query: ‘Teach us what you taught them.’ Prajapati repeated ‘Da’ to them. The demons seemed pensive, to which Prajapati wondered if they understood what he meant. ‘You told us to show mercy, compassion, understanding and empathy, right? The syllable ‘Da’ stands for dayadhvam, isn’t it?’ Prajapati happily nodded. All the divine, human and demonic beings were elated. They were proud to possessed the secret to life. Later that night, when the clouds on the far horizon started thundering, they made the sound, ‘Da! Da! Da!’ The divine beings knew it meant they needed to show restraint or else they’d become self-centred, arrogant and egoistic. The human beings knew they needed to be generous and help others, or else they’d become hoarders. The demons realised that it signified a need to display empathy, or else they’d end up tormenting others. Life wants us to follow all three ‘da’. In other words, damayata, datta and dayadhvam lead us on the path of Dharma. Since all these three attributes—divine, human and demonic—are present in each one of us, may we understand that the three important qualities—restraint, benevolence and empathy—make the tree of life bloom and help us live a righteous life. Blurb: May we understand that restraint, benevolence and empathy help us live a righteous life.
Rajessh M. Iyer is a storyteller who explores human relationships through meaningful anecdotes, parables, and stories; he shares his work on www.rajesshmiyer.com.
