BharatiyaStories

  The Story of Da, Da and Da   # Stories from the Upanishads Source:Bhrihadranya Upanishad Brahma the Creator, created the devas, asuras and humans. As a parent he treats all his children in the same way. He is also the guru and the guide for all his creations. Once the Devas went to Brahma and said “Please give us a simple instruction for living our life.” Brahma just said the syllable Da. He looked at them and said, “Have you understood. Now please go and follow this.” The Devas said, “Yes. We have understood. Our universe is filled with objects that give so much pleasure to the senses. Hence we are not able to control the senses. You have told us to practice Damyata (Self control in Sanskrit) . Damyata indicates both control of the mind and the body. We shall obey you and try to follow abstinence.” They saluted the Creator and left. Next the humans created by Brahma came to him and said, “Oh Divine Father, Please give us an instruction that is easy for us to follow. Brahma l

  The Gods Go Hungry   Do you know there was a time when the Gods went hungry? Once all the celestial beings, the Devas came to meet the Creator Brahma. Brahma was happy to see them but was shocked to find they all looked weak and famished. He said, “Why are   you all weak?” The king of Gods, Indira responded, “ Param Pita, we are not getting any nourishment. The humans are earth are being nourished by Prithvi, the mother Goddess. But we are not able to get anything of sustenance in the Devalok.” Brahma said, “Yagna being performed by the humans on earth is nothing but an exchange of energies between the earth and Devas. They make the offering into the fire in your name and you in turn provide the seasons, rain and sun to help sustain the earth. This is the code of nature.” The Devas replied, “Indeed father. But whatever is being offered in the fire is not reaching us.” Brahma looked at Agni, the fire God questioningly. He bowed his head and said, “Indeed Lord. I am unable to tra

  The story of Nachiket # Stories from the Upanishads Story from KatoUpanishad ( कठोपनिषद् )   N Nachiket was a five year old boy. His father was sage Vajashravas. Once his father took a vow to give away all his worldly possessions. Nachiket as a small boy noticed that his father was not being sincere in his sacrifices. He was giving away things that were not needed by him and that may not be of any use to the receiver like a old and blind cow, broken stuff etc. Seeing this, Nachiket questions his father asking who he was giving his son to. In a moment of anger, the sage responds, “I am giving you to Yama, the god of death.” Nachiket takes this seriously and goes to Yamaloka in search of Yama. When he reaches Yamaloka he finds Yama had gone out. He waits for three days and nights for Yama without eating or drinking anything. When Yama returns, he finds this small boy waiting for him. He is touched that this small boy had not eaten for three days and is focused on his purpose.

  Sanatkumaras visit to Vaikuntam The Celestial Gatekeepers and their curse   Jaya and Vijaya were the gatekeepers for Sri Vishnu at Vaikunta. They were very proud of their work and sincere. One day Vishnu was in meditation and told them he was not to be disturbed. At the time, the Sanat Kumaras who were in their quest for knowledge were roaming the realms of the universe. The Sanat Kumars are the scholars who were the first manasa (created from the mind) children of Brahma. Named Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana and Sanatkumar, they were very learned scholars though appearing as small children. Though Brahma created them to propagate mankind and populate the world, they refused as they wanted to pursue their quest for higher objectives. These four learned Kumaras now reach the door of Vaikunta. They wanted to pay their respects to Mahavishnu. When they were at the doors of the sanctum, they saw their path obstructed by two guards. The Kumaras asked them who they were. The Guards re