How to Fight the Three Doors to Hell: Unlock Mental Resilience and Conquer Life’s Toughest Challenges

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Prajapathi’s 3 “Da”s

In the Rig Veda, one of the sacred Vedic Sanskrit texts, Prajapati is described as the first God and creator of all other gods and beings. In the post-Vedic age he came to be identified with the Hindu god Brahma.

As such Prajapathi is the father of the Devas (Gods), Asuras (Demons) and Manushyas (Mortals). When the trio, the Devas, Demons and Manushyas are ready to leave home, they go to their father and request him to give them an invaluable lesson.

First the Devas arrived for their lesson. Prajapathi said, “Da”. The Devas nodded in agreement. “What do you understand from this?” He asked to make sure they got the message.

“Dama”, the Devas replied, we must exhibit self-control and self-restraint at all times. Since their decisions are attached to the reactions to their senses, this lesson was very valuable to the Devas. They thanked their father and left.

Next, the Manushyas went to their father for their lesson. Prajapathi said, “Da”. The Manushyas nodded in agreement. “What do you understand from this?” He asked to make sure they got the message.

“Daana”, the Manushyas replied, we must live a life of service and sacrifice at all times. Since humans find it hard to part with their material possessions and have an insatiable need for security, they must overcome it with an attitude of Daana. They thanked their father and left.

At last, it was the Asuras turn with their father. Prajapathi said, “Da”. The Asuras nodded in agreement. “What do you understand from this?” He asked to make sure they got the message.

“Daya”, the Asuras replied, we must learn to be compassionate at all times. Since demons are often cruel in nature, they must learn how to control their anger. They thanked their father and left.

The reminders of these lessons are all around us at all times. When thunder strikes with the sounds, “Da Da Da”, we must remember that the lightning and thunder are sending us a message of “Dama, Daana and Daya”.

Gita mentions the 3 doors to hell, Kama, Lobha and Krodha. And these 3 “Da”s are the antidote to them.

The Meaning Of Rig Veda

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Story SOURCE: As heard At A Story Telling Workshop On Culture at Chinmaya Mission Norcross in July, 2023.

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About Sanatana Dharma

ब्रह्म सत्यं जगन्मिथ्या जीवो ब्रह्मैव नापरः।
अनेन वेद्यं सच्छास्त्रमिति वेदान्तडिण्डिमः॥

Brahman alone is real; the universe is mithya – neither fully real nor unreal, but an appearance. The individual self (jiva) is none other than Brahman itself, not separate or different. This is the true teaching of the scriptures, as revealed by Vedanta. ~ Verse 20 from Brahma Jnānavali Māla