A Cautionary Story of Ego

Day 133

The Tale of Dama, Vyala, and Kata: A Cautionary Story of Ego

In the epic war between the gods and the demons, a powerful demon named Sambara terrorized the heavens. To counter the gods, Sambara created three seemingly invincible warriors: Dama, Vyala, and Kata.

Uniquely Crafted Warriors:

Unlike other demons, Dama, Vyala, and Kata weren't born into existence. They were crafted by Sambara's magic, devoid of past experiences and predispositions. They didn't fear death, hesitate in battle, or understand concepts like victory or defeat. They were essentially robots, programmed to fight.

The Seeds of Downfall:

Initially, the gods couldn't defeat these invincible warriors. However, Brahma, the creator, intervened. He recognized that the demons lacked a crucial element – ego. Without a sense of "self," they were unfazed by emotions like fear or attachment.

The God's Plan:

Brahma devised a plan. He advised the gods to retreat strategically, allowing the demons to believe they were winning. This prolonged engagement in war would slowly plant the seeds of ego in their minds.

The Rise of Ego and Desire:

As the battles continued, the demons began developing a sense of "I." They witnessed their actions reflected back at them, fostering a rudimentary ego. This, in turn, led to desires for a longer life, material possessions, and pleasures.

From Invincible to Vulnerable:

With the rise of ego and desire came vulnerability. The demons became attached to their bodies, fearing death and seeking comfort. This weakened their resolve and fighting spirit.

Exploiting the Weakness:

Seizing the opportunity, the gods launched a renewed attack. Now susceptible to fear, Dama, Vyala, and Kata fled the battlefield, leading to the downfall of Sambara's army.

A Tragic End:

Their defiance broken, the three demons sought refuge in the underworld. There, they were tricked by the god of death, Yama, and condemned to a cycle of rebirth, eventually becoming fish in a lake.

The Lesson: The Power and Peril of Ego:

Vasistha uses this story to illustrate the dangers of ego. While Dama, Vyala, and Kata were initially formidable, their downfall stemmed from the development of a sense of "self." This ego fueled desires, fear, and ultimately, their suffering.

The Path to Liberation:

Vasistha emphasizes the importance of transcending ego. He advises Rama to abandon the attachment to "I" and seek liberation in the ultimate reality, a state of pure, infinite consciousness.

Beyond Reality and Illusion:

The story concludes with a twist. Vasistha reveals that even the seemingly real world, including Rama and himself, is ultimately an illusion within the one infinite consciousness. True freedom lies in realizing this unity and dissolving the illusion of separation.

This tale serves as a powerful reminder of the deceptive nature of ego and the path to liberation through self-realization.