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23-Levels of Understanding

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23-Different Levels of Understanding
Taken From  Puraan

A story can be grasped at different levels based on our inherent biases and intellect. The following one proves it.

After the gods, men and demons (Dev, Manushya and Asur) completed their studies they went to their teacher, Prajaapati. The gods on the completion of their term, said, "Please instruct us." Prajaapati told them the syllable 'Da' and asked, "Have you understood?" The gods said: "Yes we have understood. You tell us to "control ourselves (Dam)". Prajaapati said: "Yes, you have understood".

Then the men said to Prajaapati: "Please instruct us." Prajaapati told them the same syllable ‘Da’ and asked, "Have you understood?" The men said: "Yes we have understood. You tell us to "give (Daan)". " Prajaapati said: "Yes, you have understood."

Then the demons (Asur) came and said to Prajaapati: "Please instruct us." Prajaapati told them the same syllable ‘Da’ and asked "Have you understood?" The demons (Asur) said: "Yes we have understood. You tell us to "have compassion (Dayaa)"." Prajaapati said: " Yes, you have understood."

The gods are the inhabitants of happy regions in the Heavens. They gain those regions as their rewards for leading meritorious and virtuous lives. For them the pursuit of pleasure becomes the business of life. Unless they avail themselves of the superior opportunity available there to attain the knowledge of Brahm (Supreme Self), they would have dissipated all their acquired merits and virtues in the indulgence of the senses, and they would have to start again at the human level. For the gods, pleasures of the flesh (senses) was the temptation and the control of the senses was their ally, that is why Brahmaa asked them to "control themselves".

Men are generally avaricious, selfish. Therefore Prajaapati told them to have charitable heart. Give of their ability, time, wealth, service etc.

Demons (Asur) are generally cruel and given to injuring others. They lack compassion and therefore the demons should learn about compassion and practice compassion (Dayaa).

[As you can see from the above story, it is a case of "to each his own" I]

 

 

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Created by Sushma Gupta on 5/9/09
Updated on 10/02/13
Contact: sushmajee@yahoo.com