A while back, I heard a beautiful upanishadic story from my spiritual teacher during one of the discourses. It shares a profound wisdom in a extremely simple manner. Here I am, trying to share it with the larger world.
Once all beings (gods, demons and humans) went to the creator to seek happiness. The creator was in a deep meditation. Upon coming out of meditation, he only uttered one word “द” (da). This single word was interpreted differently by different beings based on their intellect, their lifestyle and their spiritual evolution.
Gods were materially prosperous and addicted to overflowing sensual desires. Excess of everything had made them licentious and indulgent. They interpreted the word “द” as “दम” (dama)- Control. When one has everything, there is a tendency to get carried away by enjoyment. In such case happiness lies in “Control”, controlled enjoyment.
Demons were filled with anger towards other beings. They interpreted the word “द” as “दया” (dayā) – Compassion. Anger is the fire that burns one from within. While anger destroys everything around it, but first, it destroys the one who is carrying the anger in his heart. Only compassion towards everything and everyone can mitigate anger.
Humans had a comfortable living and were enjoying their growing prosperity. But they were filled with greed and wanted more. They interpreted the word “द” as “दान” (dāna) – Charity. Sharing is the best way to mitigate excessive attachment with anything. More you hold on to your possessions (object, memories or people), more they have a hold on you.
While this sounds like another symbolic story from ancient scriptures, it deserves deep contemplation. It is what we see daily in today’s world, around us and even within us. Prosperous people, society and nations continue to get indulgent and can’t control their sensual desires. They eventually lead to any/all (often wrong) means to consume more and more. Underprivileged section of society is angry at everyone. They are angry at governments, rich and even their fellow beings. They suffer with a deep sense of hatred for them, at times acting in a destructive way. Right in the middle, is a section of society that is prosperous today. But they continue to seek more prosperity and material security for future needs. In fact, an individual himself shows all three behavioral patterns in various stages of life in various situations.
I believe, we all need that one-word upadesha – “द”. We need to imbibe values of control, compassion and charity, if not for the entire world, at least for us to be at peace and evolve higher.
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