| And the Thunder Said DA: Stories of Dharma in the Mythology, Philosophy, and Religion of India. Contributor(s): Kara, Ashok (Author) |
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ISBN: 0595491103 ISBN-13: 9780595491100 Publisher: iUniverse OUR PRICE: $33.26 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: October 2008 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Philosophy - Religion | Buddhism - General (see Also Philosophy - Buddhist) - Religion | Hinduism - General |
| Physical Information: 1.06" H x 6" W x 9" (1.72 lbs) 428 pages |
| Themes: - Religious Orientation - Buddhist - Religious Orientation - Hindu |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: Prajapati, the Creator, had three kinds of offspring: gods, men, and demons. They lived with Prajapati as brahmacharins (celibate students) practicing austerities. At the end of their term, the gods requested him saying: "Please instruct us, Sir." Prajapati uttered the syllable Da and he asked: "Have you understood?" The gods replied: "Yes. You have said to us, control yourselves (Damyata)." Prajapati responded: "Yes, you have understood." Then men spoke to him: "Please instruct us, Sir." Prajapati uttered the syllable Da and he asked: "Have you understood?" The men replied: "We have. You have said give (Datta)." Prajapati responded: "Yes, you have understood." Then the demons spoke to him: "Please instruct us, Sir." Prajapati uttered the syllable Da and he asked: "Have you understood?" The demons replied: "Yes. You have said to us, be compassionate (Dayadhvam)." Prajapati responded: "Yes, you have understood." That very thing is repeated by the celestial voice in the form the thunder that speaks to us: "Da, Da, Da" which means, "control yourselves," "give," "be merciful." In other words, writes Kara, the instruction to comprehending the ultimate mystery begins from an ethical injunction. He who is self-controlled, charitable, and merciful is given proximity to the gods. Ethics takes precedence over epistemology and ontology. |
