The Interpretation Of The Syllable 'Da, 'Da, Da!'

( A wonderful story from Brihada Aranyaka Upanishads)

                                                  Chapter- 5.2

The Upanishads contain the ultimate doctrines of the Vedas and they are known as Vedanta! The literal meaning of Upanishad refers to the practice of pupils sitting near their Guru, listening to their teachings and reflecting on them, highlighting the tradition of oral transmission. They attended their teacher very attentively to receive the secret or profound knowledge. This method was followed for a long period in the days of yore!

Once, the three descendants (sons- the Devas, the Humans, and the Asuras) of Prajapati, lived as students (continence- the ability to restrain themselves) with their father- Lord Brahma! After completing their term, the Devas approached Prajapati for his guidance and said, ‘O Father! Give us some instructions.’

Prajapati taught them a single syllable, ‘Da!’ , and asked them, ‘ Have you understood?’

They said, ‘Yes, we have understood. You told us ‘to be self- controlled (Dama) for we are uncontrollable!’

Prajapati said, ‘Yes! You have understood well!’

Then the humans asked, ‘O Master! Speak to us! Give us instructions!’

Prajapati responded to them with the same syllable ‘Da’ and asked them , ‘Have you understood?’

‘Yes, father! We have. You told us to Give! Be charitable!’

He said, ‘ Yes, you have understood!’

Then, the Asuras said, ‘O father, please instruct us!’ 

Once again, Prajapati repeated the same syllable, ‘Da!’ And asked them, ‘Have you understood?’

The Asuras said, ‘Yes, we have understood! You told us- to be compassionate!’

He said, ‘Yes, you have understood rightly!’

Though the same syllable ‘Da’ was taught by Prajapati to all the three beings, their fear led them to understand the meaning according to the defects they had in their qualities. The way they interpreted the meaning shows that when one is conscious of one’s faults, one can be corrected or weaned from them through a very small amount of advice! That same thing had happened for all three- the gods, the humans , and the Asuras with a mere syllable ‘Da’.

The Devas took it as ‘Be self-controlled’ because- they are often overloaded with power, prosperity and wealth but still they are ever desirous for something or other! Thus, the meaning of ‘Da’ they took (as self- control or control over the senses) was absolutely appropriate for them! This Virtue is equally important for all of us too. Without it, one may become egoistic.

The humans took it as ‘Be charitable’ which would ultimately lead them to understand the value of sharing, kindness and togetherness! One can share their wealth, property, knowledge or whatever if one gives up the selfish attitude. That creates the divine bond of love, caring and harmony in society! 

The main intention or purpose of this story is to teach us three major disciplines in our lives! Be self-controlled, Be charitable, and Be compassionate! That very instruction is also echoed through the heavenly voice of the cloud! Every time, the storm cloud thunders, it says, ‘Da, Da, Da’ : Control yourself- Dama, Give (charity)- Dana, Compassion- Daya! These are the basic attributes for every individual to learn. Even, the Smriti says, ‘Lust, anger, and greed are the three gateways to hell. They should be renounced. 

Like a father would teach his children what is beneficent for them, these three classes (the gods and the rest) are His children and He wished them to learn these basic ethical principles which would lead them to happiness! Whether there are truly such gods and Asuras or not, among humans, those who are endowed with good qualities are considered as gods; those who cause pain and injury to others are known as Asuras! Hence, Prajapati, the Father of this Universe, rightly imparted the instructions to all of us- his children!