Original article by: Dr. Yashaswini
English Rendering by: M.S. Anantha
In the earlier days, Human beings used to earn in plenty but still they were not content with their earnings; hence they continued to amass more and more. On the other hand, the Demons (asuras) were indulging in numerous evil and violent acts. They were enjoying themselves by inflicting pain on others and doing injustice to the people. Next, the Devatas (Deities) indulged in sensual pleasures as if they did not have any control over the sensual organs. Like this, even though all these three, namely Deities, Demons and Humans, were enjoying life in their own ways, but still they were not getting any mental peace. It is said that too much of pleasure results in pain. Hence, not satisfied with the way they lived, they met Brahman, with heavy heart, and presented their problem.
Brahman, understanding the specialties of each one of the three, uttered a letter "da", as a solution to their problem. This letter "da" was understood by each of them depending upon their mental makeup. Devatas knew that all the sense organs are working by their divine forces and hence can be controlled by them. Hence, they understood the meaning of "da" as "daamyata"(Control). So they controlled their sensual organs and became mentally stabilized, thus achieving the happy and satisfied life. Demons thought that their nature has been to torture others and that has to be subsided by using those forces only. Hence they understood the meaning of "da" as "daya" (Merciful). So they started showing mercy on all, which resulted in good mental attitude and contentment. Next, the nature of human beings is to store the wealth for themselves. Hence they understood the meaning of "da" as "daanam" (Donating). Keeping enough money for themselves, they started distributing their money to others also, thereby maintaining the social balance. Being themselves happy, they made others also happy and thus led a peaceful and contended life.
All the three attitudes - Devatva, Demonic and Humanistic - are present in all of us and will ever be playing alternately within us. The essence of this story of Upanishad is that one should control the sense organs, should not inflict pain on others and himself should not get pained, should be merciful, to earn enough to lead a normal life, to donate to the society as per norms for the welfare of the society and to meditate on God. Finally, the truth is to become an Immortal being. As per Sri Sriranga Mahaguru's decree, if one lives keeping an eye on what has been stated above, it will indeed lead to a TRUE LIFE.
Note: The Kannada version of this article can be viewed at AYVM blogs.