Swami Satyananda Saraswati narrated a story. Once upon a time there was a thunderous sound in the firmament. The sound was Da repeated three times. The sages and seers who were assembled heard the uproar and asked what the sound indicated. They were told that it meant three things: be restrained: be compassionate and learn to give.

Someone asked for an explanation of the word ‘Da’ repeated three times. Then the reply came. Devas are pleasure seekers and should restrain their passions. Demons should be kind and show mercy to others as they are very cruel and fiendish by nature. Human beings should share their earnings and give to others because they are inherently tight-fisted and miserly. So, the devas need to exercise restraint, the demons need to be kind and compassionate to all and human beings need to share their earnings with those who are deprived and less fortunate.

To give, to donate, to share your bread with our less fortunate brothers and sisters is the highest goal of life. The worst type of meanness and pettiness is to sit tight on our possessions. The most despicable part of human character is to crave everything and not share our wealth with others. Try to learn to give to others.

We are composed of Devas, Demons and Humans. Before the arrival of Christmas, let us attempt to change ourselves and be content with the joy of sharing.

Aim Hrim Klim

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