Our Upanishad’s are the thresholds of virtues. Treasured in them are the essential and important facts, virtues and practices which one needs to practice and implement to lead a positive, healthy and a purposeful life. Out of the many virtues and practices which the Upanishads mention, the Brihad Aaranyaka Upanishad mentions three virtues which the creator Brahma ji mentions to adapt for an ideal and a good life. The three virtues popular as the three D’s are Damyata – Have control on self, Datta – Practising Charity and Dayatvam – being merciful and compassionate. There is an interesting story as to how Brahma Ji mentions these three virtues to creation and asks them to implement and practise the same.
Brahma Ji is the creator of life and all life sprang up from his creation. The Prajapatis, Devas, Asuras, humans and animal life all were created according to their own duties, responsibilities and roleplay to make the Universe flow in the path of Dharma. After he assigns all the respective responsibilities, Brahma Ji asks each of them to practise a virtue which would help them fulfil their role in completion towards Dharma.
The first ones to approach Brahma Ji were the Devas, who dwelled in the heavens and had the comfort and pleasures of heavens. They had miraculous powers and strengths through which they fought they won over evil and retained Dharma. When they asked Brahma Ji, what would be the foremost virtue they needed to practise, Brahma Ji answered Damyata meaning to have control on self. Power and strength need to be controlled and used for the benefit of others rather than showing of Supremacy. Control over self leads to being simple, humble and there is no place for pride. When there is no pride, success always stays and is celebrated.
The next ones to approach Brahma Ji were the humans. When Brahma Ji saw them, he asked them to practise the virtue of Datta meaning to practise charity. Being there for someone in need is the greatest virtue one can practise. It is not through miracles and power that humans achieve the impossible, but being together and being helpful to one other. Hence, Brahma Ji asks the humans to practise the virtue of Datta which imparts the beauty of share and care.
When the next genre of demons approached Brahma Ji, the creator asks them to practise Dayatvam and be merciful and compassionate. The demons were the bearers of great powers and boons. With the great gain of power, it is utmost necessary to be compassionate and show mercy towards others, lest the powers and boons lead to self- destruction and doom. When one shows compassion, equality and mercy towards all and treats all of them in an equal way, then it leads to peace and harmony of the Universe.
Thus, as told by Brahma Ji the three D’s are much essential to everyone as they teach the purpose of life. Asserting control on one self without falling to greed and desires, being

helpful to one other and building the bond of togetherness and practising compassion towards all living beings is what makes one complete and that is the real essence of life.