Da, da, da: what the thunder says

The story, beat by beat

1. Gods, men and Asuras live as students with their father Prajapati.
2. The gods ask for a teaching; he says the syllable da; they take it as damyata, be restrained.
3. The men ask; he says da; they take it as datta, give.
4. The Asuras ask; he says da; they take it as dayadhvam, be merciful.
5. Each time he tells them they have understood.
6. The thunder repeats da, da, da; the three are to be taught together.

teaching thunder self control giving mercy