BRAHMA SAYS 'DA'

The Devas, who live above the sky and the stars in the celestial city of Amravati, were not happy. The Assuras, who live under the earth in the golden city of Hiranyapura, were not happy. Nor were the Manavas, humans, who live on earth, below the sky and the stars. So all three went to their grandfather, Brahma. Looking at their unhappy faces, Brahma said, 'Da'. What did that mean? No one knew. The Devas deciphered it to mean 'Damyata', which means moderation. Their craving for the pleasures of life had to be kept in check if they sought happiness. The Assuras deciphered it to mean 'Daya', which means compassion. Their desire do dominate the three worlds had do be kept in check if they sought happiness. The Manavas deciphered it to mean 'Datta', which means generosity. Their urge to hoard wealth had kept in check if they sought happiness.

(Katha Upanishad)