BharatiyaStories

  Fight among the senses Chandogya Upanishad Many a time we take things that God has given us for granted. We do not appreciate its value. It could something as simple as our organs, our health or our skin. The beauty of creation is the specific role each of these play in our day to day life. Not caring for one doesn’t affect only that part. For example, over eating does not affect only our stomach. It has a bearing on our heart. There is a cute story in the Upanishads to teach us the importance   In Sanatana dharma, we consider the five karmendiryas (organs of action) and five gnanendriyas (organs of perception) as a blessing from the divine. The organs of action are hands, legs, speech (vocal chord), the reproductive organs and the anus. The five organs of perception are eyes, ears, mouth, nose and skin. All these ten are important for the productive life of a human being.   Once there was a ego tussle between the five gnanendriyas as to who was more important...

  Satyakama: The Seeker of Truth Chandogya Upanishad, 4.4 – 4.8 In Sanatana Dharma, knowledge seeking, debate and discussions is part of the fabric. We do not get angry when questioned about our practices. The other defining feature of the religion is the acceptance of knowledge from any and all sources. This is not now. A nice story from Chandogya Upanishad depicts this beautifully.   A young boy once came to Sage Haridrumata Gautama. He said “Guruji, I want to study under you. I would like to accept me as your student.” Gautama asked him for his family details and gotra. The boy was not aware of these details. He asked his mother but unfortunately, she also did not know. She was a poor woman and was only aware of her name that was Jabala. She had named her son Satyakama. Saying all this, Satyakama said, “Sir, I reveal myself to you as Satyakama Jabala. Is my name.”   In those days it was considered a requirement of every Guru to accept students who came for ...

  The story of Nachiket # Stories from the Upanishads Story from KatoUpanishad ( कठोपनिषद् ) Long long ago, there lived a sage called Vajashravas. He had a son called Nachiket who was five years old. In the vedic times, the rishis and kings regularly performed many yagnas or fire sacrifices. These were occasions to give many dhaan (charity) to others in the form of cattle like cows and calves, grains, precious metals, land and other wealth. One of the important rules was the charity be done wholeheartedly without any bad intentions. The giver is also supposed to do the entire yagna and give away charity without any attachment. Once Vajashravas undertook a sacrifice and took a vow to give away all his worldly possessions. Nachiket was a small boy, but was quite observant. He 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 ...

  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....

  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...