Story

Da, Da, Da: Prajapati's Three Teachings

verses
3
book
1
chapter
1

What the texts say

In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Da, Da, Da: Prajapati's Three Teachings tells how the gods, humans and asuras, children of Prajapati, serve their teacher in disciplined study. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 5.2.1 When the gods ask for instruction, he gives one syllable, "da", meaning master yourselves. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 5.2.1 Humans ask next, and they take the same syllable as a call to be generous and give. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 5.2.2 When the asuras ask, described as forces of ego and darkness, the same sound holds restraint, generosity and compassion. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 5.2.3 Even thunder, the text says, proclaims this threefold practice to the world. Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 5.2.3

Where the story is told

Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 5.2

Begins at 5.2.1
  1. 5.2

Where to read

Every verse that tells the story, book by book.

  1. Upanishads

    3 verses · 1 chapter

    Brihadaranyaka Upanishad

    • Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 5.2.1

      The three offspring of Prajāpati—gods, humans, and asuras—served their teacher in disciplined study. When the gods asked for instruction, he gave a single seed-syllable: “da.” When they affirmed understanding, he revealed its meaning for…

    • Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 5.2.2

      Next, when human beings sought instruction, the teacher again gave the seed “da.” They grasped it according to their need: “datta—be generous, give.” The teaching was sealed with assent: “Om—so you have understood.”

    • Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 5.2.3

      When the forces of ego and darkness ask for instruction, the Teacher gives a single seed-sound—“da.” In it is hidden the whole discipline: restrain the senses, open the hand in generosity, and soften the heart in compassion. Even thunder…