<p>Those in power often believe their power has no limits. They also believe their actions determine everything and they are in control of all processes. Such thoughts seem so natural that even the Gods are subject to these delusions. An anecdote from the Kenopanishad illustrates this reality.</p>.<p>Contemplating on the power which causes things to happen or not happen, the Kenopanishad recounts how the Gods got carried away by what they believed was their triumph. Bramha, by his grace, caused the victory of the Gods in a battle. The Gods, in turn, rejoiced and believed that there was none as powerful as them. Bramha knowing their thoughts appeared in a form not known to them. The Gods thought the form to be a wonder and set out to investigate what it was.</p>.<p>Agni, the glorious fire went first. The form stood firm and asked him what power he possessed. The fire posed many benevolent powers but what came to mind was that he could burn down everything. The form placed a blade of grass and asked him to burn it. Much as he tried the blade would not even ignite. Overawed, the fire returned.</p>.<p>Vayu, the mighty wind went next. Again, the wonderous form stood firm and asked him what power he possessed. The puzzled wind thought it was evident that he could blow away everything, and said so. The form placed a blade of grass and asked the wind to try. The wind roared but the blade would not budge. Defeated, the wind gave up and returned.</p>.<p>Indra went next. He went with a little more humility and on seeing him approach, the form disappeared. In its place stood a lovely woman. With folded hands Indra asked her who the wonderous form was. She told him it was Brahma. It was the one single power from whence all power emanated, the one which decided all action. Everything else was only a manifestation of the gracious being. Learning this, Indra realised that power was not just position or strength. Even a blade of grass backed by righteousness could hold its own against the strongest. </p>.<p>He returned with enlightenment to tell the others that their vanity about their power was a delusion. Division based on such notions was false and the discrimination it led to was not unchanging. When this truth is realised, not just the Gods but also lesser mortals find the strength to fight evil and follow the path of righteousness.</p>
<p>Those in power often believe their power has no limits. They also believe their actions determine everything and they are in control of all processes. Such thoughts seem so natural that even the Gods are subject to these delusions. An anecdote from the Kenopanishad illustrates this reality.</p>.<p>Contemplating on the power which causes things to happen or not happen, the Kenopanishad recounts how the Gods got carried away by what they believed was their triumph. Bramha, by his grace, caused the victory of the Gods in a battle. The Gods, in turn, rejoiced and believed that there was none as powerful as them. Bramha knowing their thoughts appeared in a form not known to them. The Gods thought the form to be a wonder and set out to investigate what it was.</p>.<p>Agni, the glorious fire went first. The form stood firm and asked him what power he possessed. The fire posed many benevolent powers but what came to mind was that he could burn down everything. The form placed a blade of grass and asked him to burn it. Much as he tried the blade would not even ignite. Overawed, the fire returned.</p>.<p>Vayu, the mighty wind went next. Again, the wonderous form stood firm and asked him what power he possessed. The puzzled wind thought it was evident that he could blow away everything, and said so. The form placed a blade of grass and asked the wind to try. The wind roared but the blade would not budge. Defeated, the wind gave up and returned.</p>.<p>Indra went next. He went with a little more humility and on seeing him approach, the form disappeared. In its place stood a lovely woman. With folded hands Indra asked her who the wonderous form was. She told him it was Brahma. It was the one single power from whence all power emanated, the one which decided all action. Everything else was only a manifestation of the gracious being. Learning this, Indra realised that power was not just position or strength. Even a blade of grass backed by righteousness could hold its own against the strongest. </p>.<p>He returned with enlightenment to tell the others that their vanity about their power was a delusion. Division based on such notions was false and the discrimination it led to was not unchanging. When this truth is realised, not just the Gods but also lesser mortals find the strength to fight evil and follow the path of righteousness.</p>