Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

I magnify the Lord, the divine, the Priest, minister of the sacrifice,the offerer, supreme giver of treasure.(Rig Veda I, 1, 1)

Worthy is the Lord to be praised by living as by ancient seers. He makes present for us the Gods.(Rig Veda I, 1, 2)

The Lord brings us riches, food in daily abundance, renown, and hero sons to gladden our hearts.(Rig Veda I, 1, 3)

Only that worship and sacrifice that you, Lord, guard on every side will reach the heavenly world of the Gods.(Rig Veda I, 1, 4)

May the Lord, wise and true offerer, approach, most marvelous in splendor,encircled with his crown of Gods!(Rig Veda I, 1, 5)

Whatever gift you may choose to give, O Lord, to your worshiper, that gift, refulgent One, is true.(Rig Veda I, 1, 6)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

To you, dispeller of the night, we come with daily prayer offering to you our reverence.(Rig Veda I, 1, 7)

For you are Lord of sacrifice, enlightener, shepherd of the world, who wax mighty in your own abode.(Rig Veda I, 1, 8)

So, like a father to his sons, be to us easy of entreaty. Stay with us, O Lord, for our joy. (Rig Veda I, 1, 9)

The day is dark and also bright. These two hemispheres, thanks to their
own intelligence, revolve. Once born, the Universal Lord, the Monarch,
thrust back by his own light the encroaching darkness.

Rig Veda VI, 9, 1

I know not how to stretch the threads or weave or discern the pattern
of those who weave in the contest. Whose son will be the one to speak
so well as to surpass, advancing from below, his father?

Rig Veda VI, 9, 2

He who knows how to stretch the thread and weave in their due time the
proper words will speak. He, the Shepherd of Immortality, knows it. Though
moving below he sees beyond any other.

Rig Veda VI, 9, 3

Behold, then, the Priest, the first to perform the priestly function. He
is for mortal men the immortal Light. He is born and is seated among us,
not to be shaken, the immortal, increasing constantly in his own body.

Rig Veda VI, 9, 4

A steady light is set for men to gaze on, of all the moving things the
swiftest Mind! All spirits divine with but one thought and intention
proceed unerring toward that unique Splendor.

Rig Veda VI, 9, 5

My hearing fades away, my eyes grow dim. The light that dwells within my
heart grows brighter. Far roams my mind, its confines overleaping. What
shall I utter, what my mind envisage?

Rig Veda VI, 9, 6

In fear and trembling all the Gods hailed you, O Lord, when you abode
amidst the darkness. O Universal Lord, accord us your grace. May the
Immortal now bestow his grace upon us!

Rig Veda VI, 9, 7

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

May the Sun guard us in the highest heaven! May the breezes protect us
in the airy spaces! May Fire be our guardian in earthly places! (Rig Veda X, 158, 1)

May the Inspirer, whose glowing flame deserves a hundred sacrificial
offerings, be pleased with us! From lightning flashes keep us safe. (Rig Veda X, 158, 2)

May the God of light grant to us sight! May the heavenly peaks grant to
us sight! May God the creator grant to us sight! (Rig Veda X, 158, 3)

Give sight to our eyes and sight to our bodies that we may see. May we
see the world at a single glance and in all its details. (Rig Veda X, 158, 4)

Thus, O Sun, may we gaze on you, most fair to behold! May we see clearly,
with the eyes of Men! (Rig Veda X, 158, 5)



 

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

Sacrifice [resembles] a loom with threads extended this way and that, composed of innumerable rituals. Behold now the Fathers weaving the fabric; seated on the outstretched loom. Lengthwise! Crosswise! they cry. (Rig Veda X, 130, 1)

Behold now a Man who unwinds and sets the thread, a Man who unwinds it right up to the vault of heaven. Here are the pegs; they are fastened to the place of worship. The Saman-hymns are used for weaving shuttles. (Rig Veda X, 130, 2)

What was the model, the pattern, what the connection? What was the ritual butter and the line of demarcation? What was the meter, the hymn, the preliminary chant, when all the deities sacrificed God in oblation? (Rig Veda X, 130, 3)

The Gayatri meter became the yokefellow of Agni, Savitri took as his companion the meter Ushnih, Soma, the one who is praised by hymns, took Anushtubh, while the word of the Lord of Speech was strengthened by Brhati. (Rig Veda X, 130, 4)

The meter Viraj was reserved to Mitra and Varuna; for Indra's day the meter allotted was Trishtubh. The meter Jagati had access to all the Gods. To this arrangement the human poets conformed. (Rig Veda X, 130, 5)

 

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

It was this same ritual the Seers, our Fathers, adopted when in the beginning sacrifice was first created. With the eyes of my mind I believe I can envisage those who were first to offer this sacrifice. (Rig Veda X, 130, 6)
The rituals, meters, and hymns were according to the rubrics, even those of the Seven godlike Seers of old. When the sages follow in the path traced by the ancestors they take the reins in their hands like charioteers. (Rig Veda X, 130, 7)
To the Lord, the far-renowned, the wise Ordainer, ancient and glorious, I offer the tribute of a song. Anointed with oil is he, the Lord, the powerful giver of bliss and guardian of noble riches. (Rig Veda V, 15, 1)
On the power of sacrifice which is grounded in highest heaven and by Cosmic Order in Cosmic Order established, [our Fathers], though mortal, attained immortal seats in those spheres above which firmly support the heavens. (Rig Veda V, 15, 2)
Agni extends the sacrifice to heaven: his forms are scattered everywhere. (Rig Veda X, 80, 4)



                               

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

Indra possesses power divine and glorious. The singer in the house is Agni, the wise, the seer. May our sacrifice be at hand and pleasing to the gathered people! For freedom and for perfect bliss we pray! (Rig Veda X, 100, 6 )
I have tasted, as one who knows its secret, the honeyed drink that charms and relaxes, the drink that all, both Gods and mortals, seek to obtain, calling it nectar. (Rig Veda VIII, 48, 1 )
Once penetrated within my heart, you become Aditi and appease the Gods' wrath. O Drop, who enjoy Indra's friendship, convey to us wealth, like a steed who is bridled, obedient. (Rig Veda VIII, 48, 2 )
We have drunk the Soma and become immortal! We have attained the light, we have found the Gods! What can the malice of mortal Man or his spite, O Immortal, do to us now? (Rig Veda VIII, 48, 3 )
Bless the heart, O Life-Drop, which has received you, as a father his son, or a friend his friend. Wise Soma, whose voice we hear from afar, prolong our days that we may live. (Rig Veda VIII, 48, 4 )

 

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

These glorious drops are my health and salvation: they strengthen my joints as thongs do a cart. May these droplets guard my foot lest it stumble and chase from my body all manner of ills. (Rig Veda VIII, 48, 5)
Make me shine brightly like fire produced by friction. Illumine us, make us ever more prosperous. Enthused by you, Soma, I find myself rich! Enter within us for our well-being. (Rig Veda VIII, 48, 6)
With hearts inspired may we relish the Juice like treasure inherited from our Fathers! Lengthen our days, King Soma, as the sun causes the shining days to grow longer. (Rig Veda VIII, 48, 7)
Have mercy upon us, King Soma, and save us! Do not forget that we are your disciples. We are eager, O Drop, with zeal and dexterity! Do not hand us over to our enemy's pleasure! (Rig Veda VIII, 48, 8)
It is you, O Soma, who guard our bodies; in each of our limbs you have made your abode, O surveyor of men! if we have transgressed your statutes, forgive us, O God, like a loving friend. (Rig Veda VIII, 48, 9)

 

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

Here, Racehorse, are your haunts for bathing; here are the traces of your champion hooves. Here I have seen the blessed reins that guide you, which those who guard Cosmic Order cherish. Rig Veda I, 163, 5
Your innermost self I have perceived in spirit, a Bird from heaven who directs his course on high. I have seen you rearing your winged head and advancing by dust-free paths, fair and easy to travel. Rig Veda I, 163, 6
There I have seen your exalted form seeking to obtain food in the track of the Cow. When mortal man approaches you for enjoyment, the great devourer of plants has awakened. Rig Veda I, 163, 7
Behind you, O Horse, come a chariot, the hero, an offering of cows, and a troupe of fair maidens. Desirous of your friendship, many follow. With splendid courage the Gods have endowed you. Rig Veda I, 163, 8
His horns are of gold, his feet of iron; he is fleet as thought and swifter than Indra. The Gods are gathered for this sacred meal, offered to the one who first of all mounted this Stallion. Rig Veda I, 163, 9

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

Like swans, the celestial coursers form a line when they, the steeds, reach the heavenly arena, the end of their lengthened row being motionless, while those in the center still proceed. (Rig Veda I, 163, 10 )
Your body, O Steed, flies as with wings; your spirit moves quickly like the wind. Your horns are found in sundry places, advancing in the forests with a jumping motion. (Rig Veda I, 163, 11)
The fleet-footed Steed, his mind recollected and thoughts directed godward, advances to the place of sacrifice. A ram of his kindred is led before; next come sages and minstrels. (Rig Veda I, 163, 12)
The Steed has attained the abode supreme. He has gone to the place of his Father and Mother. May he find a warm welcome today among the Gods and thus win good gifts for him who offers! (Rig Veda I, 163, 13)
Within him is fire, within him is drink, within him both earth and heaven. He is the Sun which views the whole world, he is indeed Light itself– the long-haired ascetic. (Rig Veda X, 136, 1)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

At the time of sacrifice, O Lord of the wood, the worshipers smear you with sacred oil. When you stand upright or when you repose on Earth's bosom, you still will grant us good fortune. (Rig Veda III, 8, 1 )
Set up to the East of the sacred Fire, you accept our prayer, intense and unflagging. Hold yourself high to bring us prosperity. Drive far away dearth of inspiration. (Rig Veda III, 8, 2 )
Lord of the wood, take now your stance on this, the loftiest spot of all earth. Well-fixed and measured one, give to the worshiper, who brings a sacrifice, honor and glory. (Rig Veda III, 8, 3 )
Girdled and adorned, he displays youthful beauty, yet is fairer by far when brought to new birth. With minds contemplative and godward directed, our sages of lofty intelligence rear him. (Rig Veda III, 8, 4 )
Born anew, he is born on a day most auspicious, growing in wisdom in the assembly of men. Wise men and skillful consecrate him with song. Approaching the Gods, the priest calls aloud. (Rig Veda III, 8, 5 )

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

If we weak men have sinned against the Gods through thoughtlessness and frailty or through pride, absolve us from this fault, O Savitr, and make us clean from sin before Gods and men. (IV, 54, 3)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

Whatever sin is found in me, whatever evil I have done, if I have lied or falsely sworn, Waters, remove this stain from me! (Rig Veda I, 23)
Yours, O King, are solaces a hundred, a thousand! Great and far-reaching be also your favors! Drive far away from us baneful Destruction. Remove from us whatever sin we have committed. (Rig Veda I, 24, 9)
Loosen the bonds, O Varuna, which bind us, which crush us, cramping our every movement. Make us sinless in respect to your Holy Law, unbound for Boundlessness, O son of Aditi. (Rig Veda I, 24, 15)
Whatever law of yours, O God Varuna, we, being mortal men, may violate day after day, do not consign us, we beg, as prey to death or to your own fierce anger, to be destroyed by reason of your displeasure. (Rig Veda I, 25, 1)
Give us, Lord, a share of sunlight, of waters, freedom from sin and communion with the living. Do not tarnish the joy of our hearts for we have put our trust in your name. (Rig Veda I, 104, 6)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

O Lord of the wood, whom god-fearing men have firmly positioned, and ax has fashioned, be pleased to grant us, O divine poles of sacrifice, a precious treasure, the gift of children. (Rig Veda III, 8, 6 )
May these posts which are felled and fixed in the earth, to which the sacrificial ladle has been raised, which fix the boundaries of the sacred field, gain for us from the Gods what is meet to be chosen. (Rig Veda III, 8, 7 )
The Adityas, the Rudras, and the Vasus, directing Earth and Heaven and earth's airy spaces, shall bless in concord our worship and raise our emblem of sacrifice high in the sky. (Rig Veda III, 8, 8 )
Like swans that fly in a long-drawn-out line, so these stakes have come to us brightly colored. Raised aloft by the sages and turned to the East, they proceed as Gods to the Gods' habitations. (Rig Veda III, 8, 9 )
These posts, set in earth and adorned with circles, appear to my eye like the horns of horned creatures. Upraised by the priests in supplication, may they lend us their aid at the onset of battle! (Rig Veda III, 8, 10 )

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

Imparter of strength, come, take full possession, O Soma, light-finder, man's constant overseer. Enlist your helpers, O Lord; place a guard on our lives both in front and behind to protect us.(Rig Veda VIII, 48, 15)
Let them utter loud sounds! We too will utter! Give tongue, one and all, to the Stones who give tongue, when, O rocks, O mountains, swiftly clashing, you bring to God's ears your rhythmic din. (Rig Veda X, 94, 1)
These Stones, gnashing their green-tinted jaws, emit sounds like a hundred, a thousand, voices. Their task achieved, these Pressing Stones, noble workers in a noble cause, forestall the offerer in tasting the oblation. (Rig Veda X, 94, 2 )
They utter loud sounds as they find the sweet Soma. Booming, they gnaw the pulp prepared. These bulls, skillful pounders, bellow aloud as they seize the branch of the reddish shrub. (Rig Veda X, 94, 3)
Exalted and inebriated by Soma, they shout, calling upon God through whom they have tasted the ambrosial Soma. They skillfully dance with the sisters, held in firm clasp together, and make the earth resound with their stamping. (Rig Veda X, 94, 4)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

May I take him to myself like a well-disposed friend! May this draught not harm us, O Lord of the bay horses– this Soma now absorbed within me! For this I pray to God to prolong my existence.(Rig Veda VIII, 48, 10)
Our weariness and pains are now far removed; the forces of darkness have fled in fear. Soma has surged within us mightily. We have reached our goal! Life is prolonged!(Rig Veda VIII, 48, 11)
This drop that has penetrated our hearts, O Fathers, this Soma, immortal deep within us mortals, him would we honor with our oblations. We long to abide in his grace and favor.(Rig Veda VIII, 48, 12)
In an intimate union with the Fathers, O Soma, you have extended yourself throughout Earth and Heaven. You would we honor with our oblations, desirous of becoming possessors of riches.(Rig Veda VIII, 48, 13)
O guardian Gods, pronounce on us blessing! Let sleep not overtake us nor useless talk. May we forever be dear to Soma! Having won the mastery,let us speak wisdom!(Rig Veda VIII, 48, 14)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

They have raised their voices to heaven, these eagles, they have danced with vigor, these dark-colored hinds. Now they sink toward the lower stone, find contact, and effuse copious Soma-seed, brightly shining. (Rig Veda X, 94, 5)
Like strong draught animals who draw a cart, bulls who wear the yoke and are harnessed together, the Stones emit bellows, panting and heaving. Then the sound of their snorting is like that of horses. (Rig Veda X, 94, 6)
Acclaim [the Stones] with their ten [workers], ten belts, ten thongs, and tenfold harness, with their ten reins, who, never growing old, yoked ten times over, draw the ten yokes. (Rig Veda X, 94, 7)
These Stones are like racehorses with ten sets of reins, their bits well fixed within their jaws. At the flowing of the Soma-juice they have been first to taste the milky fluid of the first-crushed stalk. (Rig Veda X, 94, 8)
These Soma-eaters kiss the bay steeds of Indra. They are set for their stalk-crushing task on an oxhide. When Indra has drunk the sweet Soma they extract, he increases in strength, waxes great, like a bull.(Rig Veda X, 94, 9)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

our stalk is as strong as a bull. Naught will harm you! You are ever full of juice, ever replete, fair in glory, like the daughters of the rich in whose sacrifice, O Stones, you take delight.  (Rig Veda X, 94, 10 )
Smashing but never shattered, these Stones are tireless; they know neither death nor cessation. Exempt from sickness, old age, and suffering, sleek-looking, free from thirst or craving.  (Rig Veda X, 94, 11 )
Your fathers stand firm from age to age. Enamored of repose, they stir not from their seat. Untouched by age, of golden Soma never bereft, they have forced heaven and earth to pay heed to their sound.  (Rig Veda X, 94, 12 )
Thus speak the Stones at their release, when their journey is over, as they clatter, like men drinking wine. Like farmers sowing the seed, they decrease not, but rather increase by their gulping this Soma.  (Rig Veda X, 94, 13 )
They uplift their voices at the ritual pressing, like children who playfully push at their mother. Unshackle now the thoughts of the Soma-presser! May they roll underneath, these stones till now revered!  (Rig Veda X, 94, 14 )

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

Girded with the wind, they have donned ocher mud for a garment. So soon as the Gods have entered within them, they follow the wings of the wind, these silent ascetics. (Rig Veda X, 136, 2)
Intoxicated, they say, by our austerities, we have taken the winds for our steeds. You ordinary mortals here below see nothing except our bodies. (Rig Veda X, 136, 3)
He flies through midair, the silent ascetic, beholding the forms of all things. To every God he has made himself a friend and collaborator. (Rig Veda X, 136, 4 )
Ridden by the wind, companion of its blowing, pushed along by the Gods, he is at home in both seas, the East and the West, this silent ascetic. (Rig Veda X, 136, 5 )
He follows the track of all the spirits, of nymphs and the deer of the forest. Understanding their thoughts, bubbling with ecstasies, their appealing friend is he, the long-haired ascetic. (Rig Veda X, 136, 6 )

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

O Lord of the wood, whom this ax well-whetted has set in our midst with resultant joy, put forth branches a hundred times over! So may we also with thousands be blessed! (Rig Veda III, 8, 11 )
How worthy of telling and how superb your birth, O Steed, when first you whinnied, on seeing the light, as you rose from the ocean of sea or of space with your eagle wings and limbs of swift gazelle. (Rig Veda I, 163, 1 )
This Steed, the gift of Death, Trita has harnessed, while Indra was the first of all to mount him, the Gandharva first to grasp in his hands the reins. From the substance of the Sun, O Gods, you fashioned this Steed. (Rig Veda I, 163, 2 )
You, O Steed, are Death, you the Sun; you by a secret decree are Trita; by only a little are you distinguished from Soma. You have, they say, three connections in heaven. (Rig Veda I, 163, 3 )
In heaven, they say, you have three connections, three in the waters and three within the ocean. You resemble, O Steed, the Lord of the Waters, for there, they say, is your highest birthplace. (Rig Veda I, 163, 4)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

All that is harmful, Savitri, God, drive far away from us, we pray. Send to us only what is good! - Rig Veda V, 82, 5
May we be sinless in the sight of Aditi through the gracious help of the God Savitri. May we obtain all excellent things! -
Rig Veda V, 82, 6
Come near to prove us free from sin, O Surya, Lord of mighty power. - Rig Veda VI, 50, 2
Do not let us suffer for the sin of others or ourselves do the deeds you punish, O Gods. - Rig Veda VI, 51, 7
Soma and Rudra, provide for our bodies all needful medicines. Loosen and withdraw from within us whatever sin we have committed, which still adheres within our persons. - Rig Veda VI, 74, 3

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

O Indra and Brahmanaspati, hear us! If we have gone the evil way, may the farsighted son of heaven protect us from suppression at the hand of our foes! ( Rig Veda X, 164, 4)
Victorious now, we are free from sin! May evil dreams and bad intentions be directed to those who wish us ill and those whom we ourselves detest! ( Rig Veda X, 164, 5 )
Which of these two came earlier, which came later? How did they come to birth? Who, O Seers, can discern it? They contain within them all that has a name, while days and nights revolve as on a wheel. ( Rig Veda I, 185, 1)
You two, though motionless and footless, nurture a varied offspring having feet and movement. Like parents clasping children to their bosoms, O Heaven and Earth, deliver us from evil! ( Rig Veda I, 185, 2 )
I crave from the Infinite a matchless favor, generous, irresistible, resplendent, inviolable, awesome. O you two worlds, procure it for this worshiper! O Heaven and Earth, deliver us from evil! ( Rig Veda I, 185, 3 )

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

Close to them may we stay–they know no suffering, these parents of the Gods who grant men favors. Both are divine, with days and nights alternate. O Heaven and Earth, deliver us from evil! - Rig Veda I, 185, 4

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

“These twin maidens, like two friendly sisters nestled close together, rest in their parents' bosom and kiss together the center of the world. O Heaven and Earth, deliver us from evil! “  - Rig Veda I, 185, 5

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

“These wide and lofty realms, the parents of the Gods, I invoke with reverence, their favor asking; they bring us life, showing us kindly faces. O Heaven and Earth, deliver us from evil! ” - Rig Veda I, 185, 6

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

“This far-flung Pair, variegated and vast, I at this sacrifice address with awe. Quick to our aid, they set us in a state of bliss. O Heaven and Earth, deliver us from evil! ' - Rig Veda I, 185, 7

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

Excuse us for anything we have done

“Such sin as we at any time committed against the Gods, a friend, or a family chief, of this may our prayerful musing be expiation! O Heaven and Earth, deliver us from evil! ”

- Rig Veda I, 185, 8

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

“May he and our elders who worship surpass all others who sing your praises! May the Lord burn away our sin! ” - Rig Veda I, 97, 3

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

“May high priests spring from you, O Lord! May we also be born again in you! May the Lord burn away our sin! ”  - Rig Veda I, 97, 4

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

“Shine brightly, Agni, and chase away our sin; beam down upon us grace. May the Lord burn away our sin! “- Rig Veda I, 97, 1

“We make our offering to you for fruitful fields and pleasant homes. May the Lord burn away our sin! “- Rig Veda I, 97, 2

“The Lord's all-conquering beams go far; his face shines bright on every side. May the Lord burn away our sin! “- Rig Veda I, 97, 5

“Your face is turned toward every side. Everywhere you pass the all-protecting. May the Lord burn away our sin! “- Rig Veda I, 97, 6

“O God, whose face shines every side, conveys us safely as in a boat. May the Lord burn away our sin! “- Rig Veda I, 97, 7

“Rescue us safely, as in a boat, across the stream, from dark to light. May the Lord burn away our sin! “- Rig Veda I, 97, 8

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

“May Heaven and Earth, twin objects of men's praises, bless and attend me with their help and favor, to the liberal God-fearer grant greater riches! May we be strong, O Gods, nourished on plenty!”  - I, 185, 9

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

With wisdom have I now uttered this truth, calling, for all to hear, on Earth and Heaven. Guard us from every fault and erring course; like father and mother succor and protect us.(I, 185, 10 )

Fulfill, O Heaven and Earth, this my prayer, with which, O Father and Mother, I now address you. Be of all Gods the nearest with your favors, in order that we may savor your quickening food. (I, 185, 11)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

[The Gambler:] These nuts that once tossed on tall trees in the wind but now smartly roll over the board, how I love them! As alluring as a draught of Soma on the mountain, the lively dice have captured my heart. My faithful wife never quarreled with me or got angry; to me and my boon companions she was always kind, yet I've driven her away for the sake of the ill-fated throw of a dice. [The Chorus or the Poet:] His wife's mother loathes him, his wife rejects him; he implores people's aid but nowhere finds pity. A luckless gambler is no more good than an aged hack to be sold on the market. Other men make free with the wife of a man whose money and goods the eager dice have stolen. His father and mother and brothers all say: He is nothing to us. Bind him, put him in jail! [The Gambler:] I make a resolve that I will not go gaming. So my friends depart and leave me behind. But as soon as the brown nuts are rattled and thrown, to meet them I run, like an amorous girl. [The Chorus or the Poet:] To the meeting place the gambler hastens. shall I win? he asks himself, hoping and trembling. But the throws of the dice ruin his hopes, giving the highest scores to his opponent. Dice, believe me, are barbed: they prick and they trip, they hurt and torment and cause grievous harm. To the gambler they are like children's gifts, sweet as honey, but they turn on the winner in rage and destroy him. Fifty-three strong, this band jumps playfully, like Savitri, the God whose statutes are true. They pay no heed to the anger of the powerful; the king himself pays heed to them. (X, 34, 1 - 8)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

“Rescue us safely, as in a boat, across the stream, from dark to light. May the Lord burn away our sin! Downward they roll, and then jump in the air! Though handless themselves, they can keep the upper hand over those who have! On the board, like magic coals, they consume, though cold, the player's heart to ashes. Abandoned, the wife of the gambler grieves. Grieved, too, is his mother as he wanders vaguely. Afraid and in debt, ever greedy for money, he steals in the night to the home of another. He is seized by remorse when he sees his wife's lot, beside that of her neighbor with well-ordered home. In the morning, however, he yokes the brown steeds and at evening falls stupid before the cold embers. To the mighty chieftain of your whole band, the one who has become the king of your troop, to him I show my ten fingers extended. No wealth do I withhold! I swear I speak truth! [The God Savitri:] Steer clear of dice. Till well your on field. Rejoice in your portion and value it highly. See there, O Gambler, your cattle, your wife. This is the counsel of noble Savitri. [The Chorus or the Poet:]” (X, 34, 8 - 13)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

When you present before the Lord this day, O Dawn of noble birth, the race of men, may Savitri the God, friend of the homestead, bear witness to the Sun that we are innocent.

(I, 123, 3)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

innocent I am -though proving it is always
hard ,perhaps the sun may help!

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

Mother goddess Savitri(Savithur)will witness.

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

“It is I alone, who against you have sinned many times. You have punished me as a father punishes his gambler son. My offense, O Gods, removes far; then remove far your snares. Do not pounce upon me like a bird swooping down on her offspring.” (II, 29, 5)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

“God ever youthful, whatever sin unwitting we have committed, as men are prone to do, cleanse us, we pray, in the sight of Mother Aditi. Entirely remove, O Agni, our every sin”

( IV, 12, 4 )

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

he man, O King, be he workmate or friend, who has scared me in a dream, enhancing my fears, and the thief and the wolf who plan to harm us– from these, O Varuna, protect us, we pray! May I never be deprived of my donor beloved, of my generous friend, O Varuna! Never may I lack, O King, well-appointed resources! May we speak, as men of valor, a strong word in the assembly! (II, 28, 10 - 11)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

You set free Shunahshepa from a thousand stakes, when he was already set for the sacrifice. So Agni, wise Priest, come and take your place and liberate us from the bonds that bind us. (V, 2, 7)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

The peoples are wise through the greatness of him who has fixed in their stations the heaven and the earth that has thrust up on high the vast dome of the sky and the stars and has spread out the earth down below. I muse in my heart and I ponder this question: When shall I again be at one with Varuna? Will he accept without rancor my offering? When, reassured, shall I taste of his mercy? I question myself on my sin, O Varuna, desirous to know it. I seek out the wise to ask them; the sages all give me this answer: The God, great Varuna, is angry with you. What, then, O God, is my greatest transgression for which you would ruin your singer, your friend? Tell me, O God who knows all and lacks nothing, so that, quickly prostrating, I may sinless crave pardon. Loose us from the yoke of the sins of our Fathers and also of those we ourselves have committed. Release your servant, as a thief is set free from his crime or as a calf is loosed from its cord. The evil, Varuna, was not done on purpose; it was wine, dice, or anger that led us astray, or thoughtlessness, sometimes the elder a younger. Even in sleep evil doing is not wholly banished. I am eager to serve you as a slave serves his master, you, God, all-watchful, I free from sin! This most wise God gives knowledge to the simple and spurs to achievement the clever and the discreet. O God, whose power is self-subsisting, may these praises now reach you and lodge in your heart! Well may it go with us in peace and in warfare! Ever protect us, O Gods, with your blessings! (VII, 80, 1 - 8)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

Let me not pass to the house of clay, King Varuna, as yet. Forgive, Lord, have mercy!

If I totter along, O wielder of thunder, like a puffed-up wineskin, forgive, Lord, have mercy! If by ill chance in the dullness of my wits I went straying, O Holy One, forgive, Lord, have mercy! Thirst is plaguing your worshiper, even when he stands surrounded by waters, forgives, Lord, have mercy! (VII, 89, 1 - 4)

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[Yami:] May I entice my friend toward friendship, far though he has gone beyond the oceans! The sage shall produce a grandchild for his fathers, considering what will happen here on earth. (X, 10, 1)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

are we not sowing the seeds here on Gaia ,
sanmugan?

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

[Yama:] Your friend repudiates such a friendship as will make of his sister a woman unrelated. The heroes, sons of the mighty Azura, sustainers of the heaven, view all from afar. [Yami:] Do not the immortals require of you that from the sole existing mortal issue an offspring? Let your heart and mine be fused together. Enter now as husband the body of your wife! [Yama:] Shall we do now what has hitherto been spurned? Shall we who speak truth now countenance wrong? The Merman and the Nymph within the waters– these are our origin, our intimate kinship. [Yami:] Even in the womb God, the Ordainer and Vivifier, the molder of forms, made us consorts. No one transgresses his Holy Laws; to this both Heaven and Earth bear witness. [Yama:] Who knows about the first day? Who has seen it? Who can of that day produce firm proof? Great is the decree of Mitra and Varuna, What, temptress, will you say to men to seduce them.(X, 10, 2 -  6)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

Grant us your friendship, have mercy upon us! Do not overwhelm us with your fierce attack! May your anger and evil intention be assuaged! Let the brown dice proceed to ensnare another! (X, 34, 14 )

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

[The chronicler] The one who has climbed the mighty steeps, thus blazing a trail for many to follow, the son of Vivasvat, the gatherer of men, Yama, the King, we worship with offerings. - X, 14, 1

Yama was the first to find us a way, the pastures that no one shall steal from us. The path that our ancient Fathers took all mortals, once born, must tread for themselves. - X, 14, 2

Matali is there, united with the ancient poets and Yama, with the priests of old and Brhaspati, praise of the singers, both those who extol the Gods and those the Gods extol. Some rejoice in lip praise; others, in the oblation. - X, 14, 3

[Invocation of Yama] Take your seat, O Yama, on the sacred grass, together with the priests of old and with the Fathers. May the prayers of the sages bring you hither! O King, rejoice in this oblation! - X, 14, 4

Come, O Yama, with the holy priests of old! Here, together with the Vairupas, rejoice! Seated on the sacred sacrificial grass, I summon also Vivasvat your father. - X, 14, 5

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May the priests of old, our Fathers, the Navagvas, the Atharvans and Bhrgus, all worthy of Soma, regard us with kindliness deserving, they, of worship and keep us ever in their grace and favor!. [The last blessings (to the dead)] Proceed, proceed along the ancient pathways whereon our Forefathers have passed before us. There you shall see God Varuna and Yama, the two kings, rejoicing in the offerings. Meet Yama and the Fathers in the highest heaven along with your offerings and praiseworthy deeds. Rid of imperfection, seek again your dwelling and assume a body, bright with glory. [To the evil spirits] Off with you, spirits! Flee, rampage elsewhere! For him the Fathers have prepared this place. Yama will grant him a place of relaxation, where days and nights rotate and waters flow. [To the deceased] Speed on your happy pathway, outstripping the two brindled dogs, each with four eyes, sons of Indra's messenger. Then approach the kindly Fathers who rejoice in the fellowship of Yama. - X, 14, 6 -10

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

[To Yama] Put him, O King, under the protection of your two dogs, each with four eyes, the guardians and keepers of the way, who gaze upon men. Bestow on him happiness and well-being. May the broad-nosed dark-hued pair, the life stealers, the messengers of Yama who run in men's wake, restore to us today a life of happiness, that we may live to see the sun! [To the priests] For Yama press the Soma-juice, To Yama offer the sacrifice. Toward Yama it mounts, a perfect offering, with Agni as herald going before. Present to Yama an offering rich in ghee; come forward and take your places. May he conduct us to the Gods, so that in their midst we may live forever! The offering steeped most richly in honey present now to the royal Yama. We offer homage to the Seers of old, to the pioneers who discovered the way. - Rig Veda X, 14, 11 - 15

(Yama is the deity of death)

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

This is a song for wealth, for food in plenty. Let us do many noble deeds to win glory! Now may the singer rejoice in all our doings! May Goddess Destruction move to distant places! May we surpass our foes by deeds of valor, as heaven surpasses earth and mountains the plains. All these our deeds the singer has acclaimed. May Goddess Destruction move to distant places! - X, 59,2 - 3

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

Do not deliver us over to Death, O Soma! Still may our eyes behold the rising of the sun! May the full life span determined by the Gods be ours! May Goddess Destruction move to distant places! O guide of the spirits, retain our heart within us. Prolong for us the life span yet to be lived! Allow us still to enjoy the vision of the sunlight! Strengthen your body by means of the fat we bring you! O guide of the spirits, restore to us our sight, give us again our life breath and powers of enjoyment. Long may our eyes behold the rising of the sun! O gracious Goddess, grant us your favor and bless us. May Earth restore to us our breath of life, may Goddess Heaven and the aery space return it! May Soma give us once again a body and Pushan show us again the way of salvation! May both the worlds accord to Subandhu a blessing, they who are youthful mothers of cosmic Order. May heaven and earth remove all evil and shame! May you be troubled neither by sin nor by pain! Your spirit which has gone afar to the past and the future, may it return to you again that it may live and dwell here. Now may his life be renewed and further extended, as by two skilled charioteers, pursuing their course! May he, like Cyavan -  X, 59, 4 -12

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 [The Father] Without seeing it you mounted, young man, the new chariot constructed by your mind; wheel less it is, with only one pole, yet it moves in all directions. The chariot, young man, which you made to roll forward, taking leave of the priests, was followed by a chant, conveyed on a boat from here to there. Who was father of the youth? Who caused the chariot to proceed on its way? Who can tell us today the nature of the viaticum's gift? According to the nature of the gift arose the beginning. First was the base extended; later was contrived an exit. Such is the seat of Yama, called also the home of the Gods; there the God plays on his flute, there he dwells, glorified by songs. - X, 135, 7

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

Friends, we are lucky to have our friend Sanmugan facilitate and moderate this pod which he is adept on.  Thank you Sanmugan, your expertise, knowledge and wisdom are appreciated.

This is the Book 1 “only” of the Rig Veda, a monumental work. 

The Rig Veda

Ralph T.H. Griffith, Translator

Book 1

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

Tvashtr prepares his daughter for her marriage. On hearing the tidings the whole world assembles. The mother of Yama, wife of great Vivasvat, vanished while being conveyed to her dwelling. From mortal man this immortal woman was hidden by the Gods. Fashioning another in her likeness, they gave this second to Vivasvat. She, Saranyu, bore the two Ashvins and then abandoned both sets of twins. May the all-knowing Pushan, guardian of the earth, whose cattle do not perish, dispatch you hence! May Pushan consign you to the Fathers' keeping, may Agni escort you to the Gods who know you!

- Rig Veda X, 17, 1- 3

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Do not burn him or utterly consume him, O Agni. Do not scatter his limbs and his skin! Perfect him, O you who survey men's deeds, and send him on to the abode of the Fathers.

When you have prepared him, O All-Knowing One, then deliver him up to the Fathers. When he arrives in the realm of the spirits he will become a controller of the Gods.

The Sun receive your eye, the Wind your spirit! Go, as is your merit, to earth or heaven, or, if that be your lot, to the waters, with your body diffused in the plants of the field.

Your share is the goat–burn him with your heat! May your blazing light and flame consume him! By these your auspicious forms, All-Knowing One, convey this man to the world of the saints. Release him again, O Agni, to the Fathers. The one offered to you now proceeds to his destiny. Putting on new life, let him approach the surviving, let him reunite with a body, All-Knowing One! Whatever wound the black bird has inflicted upon you, or the ant, the snake, or the jackal, may Agni, the all-consuming, make it whole, and Soma, who has entered within the priests. Shield yourself from Agni with the parts of the cow and smear your body with fat and oil, so that the daring Agni, eager to devour you, may not embrace you with his fiery blaze. O Agni, do not overturn this chalice, dear to the Gods and to those deserving Soma. From this chalice the Gods quench their thirst; in it the immortals find delight. The body-consuming Fire I send far away! Removing all dross, let him go to Yama's realm! But may the other, the All-Knowing, the skillful, convey this offering direct to the Gods!

Rig Veda X, 16, 1-9

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Incline toward us today, O Holy Ones. With awe I approach you to win your hearts. Protect us, O Gods, from the devouring wolf. Save us from falling into the pit, O you Holy Ones!

Rig Veda II, 29, 6

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Hardened sinners are these, like obtrusive young women of evil conduct who deceive their husbands. In their hearts no truth or faithfulness is found. It is they who have produced this abysmal region. - Rig Veda IV, 5, 5

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Into the abyss, Indra and Soma, plunge the wicked! Into bottomless darkness fling them, so that not one of them may ever return! May your fierce power prevail and subdue them! - Rig Veda VII, 104, 3

Be attentive to our prayer. Slay swiftly the wicked! Destroy the evil and treacherous demons! O Indra and Soma, may the wicked not prosper, whoever persecutes us with cunning power! - Rig Veda VII, 104, 7

May he be lost, himself and his children! Let him be consigned beneath the three earths! May the fair name of him who day and night seeks to harm us, O Gods, be totally blighted! - Rig Veda VII, 104, 11

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Scatter our foes, O Indra, subdue those who attack us. Send them down to nethermost darkness who seek to destroy us.

Rig Veda X, 152, 4

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Not understanding, and yet desirous to do so, I ask the wise who know, myself not knowing: who may he be, the One in the form of the Unborn, who props in their place the six universal regions? - Rig Veda I, 164, 6

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Pursue, O Death, the distant path, the path that is yours, not trodden by the Gods. I charge you, who can both see and hear: do not harm our children or our comrades. When, effacing the traces of Death, you return to prolong your span of days may you, enhanced with offspring and riches, live lives pure and bright, bringing honor to the Gods! Separated from the dead are these, the living. Our appeal to the Gods has been vouch safe. We now repair to dancing and laughter, returning to prolong our span of days. I fix a barrier around the living, so that none of them this boundary may pass. May they live a span of a hundred years, penning in Death beneath this mound! As days follow days in orderly succession, as seasons faithfully succeed one another, so shape the lives of these, O Supporter, that the younger may not forsake his elder. Attain your prime; then welcome old age, striving by turns in the contest of life. May the Ordainer, maker of good things, be pleased to grant you length of days! The women with husbands still living and strong advance, anointed with fragrant balm, tearless and free from sorrow. They mount first, adorned with their jewels, to the resting place. Arise, O lady! To the world of the living return! He is dead by whose side you are lying. Your marriage is over to this your husband who held your hand and ardently wooed you. I take from the hand of the dead this bow. It will bring us valor and prestige and power. You depart; we remain and are eager, as heroes, to frustrate all the snares and assaults of our foes. Subside into the lap of Earth, your mother, this Earth wide-spreading, this kind and gracious maiden who is soft as wool to the generous giver! From the womb of Nothingness may she preserve you! Make a vault, O Earth; do not press down upon him! Grant him easy access. Afford him shelter. Cover him up with the skirt of your robe, just as a mother envelops a child. May Earth, arched over him like a vault, lie lightly, propped by a thousand pillars. May this be a home for him dripping with fatness, a place of refuge to him forever. I prop up around you the earth in a mound. May I ever myself be free from harm! May the Fathers support firmly this pillar! May Yama grant this to be your dwelling! In days to come they will affix me like a feather on an arrow. I, however, restrain my speech, as the rein does a horse. - Rig Veda X, 18,1-14

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They call him Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Agni or the heavenly sunbird Garutmat. The seers call in many ways that which is One; they speak of Agni, Yama, Matarishvan.

Rig Veda I, 164, 46

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The One, without moving, supports six burdens. The cows have gone to him, the highest Instance.

Rig Veda III, 56, 2

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Like a wondrous bird she reveals her breast. She discloses delights like a singer of songs. She awakens sleeping mortals like a fly, ever returning, a most faithful apparition. In the eastem half of the sky's firmament the mother of the cloud-cows has set up her banner. She goes on diffusing her light far and wide until she fills the expanse of earth and heaven. The first among many is she to be seen, debarring from her light neither kinsman nor stranger. She radiates, proud of her pure appearance, spurning none, whether great or lowly. Departing like one who will return, sister Night relinquishes her place to her elder sister, who, beaming forth with the rays of the Sun, is adorned, like maidens going to a festival. - Rig Veda I, 124, 4 - 8

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O cleansing sacred Drink, conqueror of high renown, make us perfect.

Bring us to light, the light celestial, and all pure joys, make us perfect.

Enhance our skills and powers of mind; drive far all foes; make us perfect.

O purifier, prepare this Drink, a draught for the Lord. Make us perfect.

Give us a share in the Sun by your wisdom and favor. Make us perfect.

Sustained and helped by you, long may we see the Sun! Make us perfect.

Almighty God, upon us pour a double portion of your grace. Make us perfect.

O King ever victorious, impart to us your wealth. Make us perfect.

Strengthened by Man's worship, O purifier, you grant gifts. Make us perfect.

Grant us, O God, Life-quickener, all that this world affords; make us perfect.

Rig Veda IX, 4,1 to 10

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 - Rig Veda X, 81, 1 - 7 

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O learned people, may we with our ears listen to what is beneficial, may we see with our eyes what is beneficial. May we, engaged in your praises, enjoy with firm limbs and sound bodies, a full term of life dedicated to God.  - Rig Veda 1.89.8. rvp, p. 287

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At first was neither Being nor Nonbeing. There was not air nor yet sky beyond. What was its wrapping? Where? In whose protection? Was Water there, unfathomable and deep?
There was no death then, nor yet deathlessness; of night or day there was not any sign. The One breathed without breath, by its own impulse. Other than that was nothing else at all.
Darkness was there, all wrapped around by darkness, and all was Water indiscriminate. Then that which was hidden by the Void, that One, emerging, stirring, through power of Ardor, came to be.
In the beginning Love arose, which was the primal germ cell of the mind. The Seers, searching in their hearts with wisdom, discovered the connection of Being in Nonbeing.
A crosswise line cut Being from Nonbeing. What was described above it, what below? Bearers of seed there were and mighty forces, thrust from below and forward move above.
- Rig Veda X, 129,1 - 5

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May noble wisdom come to us from all sides, undeceived, unhindered, overflowing, so that the devas may always help us onward, unceasing in their care, our Guardians day by day. Ours be the blissful love of devas who desire straight life; about us may the grace of devas lie. We have approached the devas for friendship; may they prolong our life to the full, so that we may live. - Rig Veda 1.89.1-2. hv, p. 109

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The resplendent Self, through the ecstacy of spiritual joy, inspires all virtuous thoughts among men of divine nature. - Rig Veda 8.32.28. rs v. 9, p. 3,025

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A thousand-headed is the Man with a thousand eyes, a thousand feet; encompassing the Earth all sides, he exceeded it by ten fingers’ breadth. The Man, indeed, is this All, what has been and what is to be the Lord of the immortal spheres which he surpasses by consuming food. Such is the measure of his might, and greater still than this is Man. All beings are a fourth of him, three fourths are the immortal in heaven. Three fourths of Man ascended high, one fourth took birth again down here. From this he spread in all directions into animate and inanimate things. From him the Shining one was born; from this Shining one Man again took birth. As soon as born, he extended himself all over the Earth both behind and before. - Rig Veda X, 90, 1-5

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O Lord of the Holy Word! That was the first beginning of the Word when the Seers fell to naming each object. That which was best and purest, deeply hidden within their hearts, they revealed by the power of their love. The Seers fashioned the Word by means of their mind, sifting it as with sieves the corn is sifted. Thus friends may recognize each other’s friendship. An auspicious seal upon their word is set. They followed by sacrifice the path of the Word and found her entered in among the Seers. They led her forth and distributed her among many. In unison the seven Singers chant her. Yet certain ones, though seeing, may not see her, and other ones, though hearing, may not hear her. But to some the Word reveals herself quite freely, like fair-robed bride surrendering to her husband. - Rig Veda X, 71,1 - 4

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Ceaselessly they flow from the depths, pure, never sleeping, the Ocean their sponsor, following the channels ordained by the Thunderer. Now may these great divine Waters quicken me!

Rig Veda VII, 49, 1

Waters may pour from heaven or run along channels dug out by men; or flow clear and pure having the Ocean as their goal. Now may these great divine Waters quicken me!

Rig Veda VII, 49, 2

ln the midst of the Waters is moving the Lord, surveying men's truth and men's lies. How sweet are the Waters, crystal clear and cleansing! Now may these great divine Waters quicken me!

Rig Veda VII, 49, 3

From whom King Varuna, Soma, and all the Deities drink exhilarating strength, into whom the Universal Lord has entered, now may these great divine Waters quicken me!

Rig Veda VII, 49, 4

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“ ask you about the furthest limit of earth; Where, I ask,
is the center of the world? I ask you about the Stallion's prolific seed; I ask
you about high heaven where abides the Word.”  - Rig Veda I, 164, 34

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

His comrades all rejoice when their friend returns coveredwith glory, proclaimed victor in the assembly. He frees them from their sin,provides them with food. Prepared is he, fit for the competitionOne man with utmost care creates the verses; another sings asong in chanted meters. A third, the Brahmin, tells forth the wisdom of being,while yet a fourth prescribes the rules of sacrifice.Rig Veda X, 71,10 &11

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

 Now there is light, the fairest of all lights. Now comes to shining birth a glow of brightness. Night, sent away before the Sun is rising, has yielded up to morning her domain.

Rig Veda I, 113, 1

Trailing white offspring the radiant [Dawn] advances to claim the dwelling by dark [Night] relinquished. Morning and Night, the immortal sisters, follow hard on each other's heels with alternate colors.

Rig Veda I, 113, 2

They follow the same pathway, never ending. Instructed by the Gods they ply their course. Fair, yet contrasting, following one spirit, Morning and Night neither collide nor linger.

Rig Veda I, 113, 3

Dawn, the glorious bringer of graces, shines forth and flings wide open for us her shining doors. Stirring the whole world, she displays her riches, raising to consciousness all living creatures.

Rig Veda I, 113, 4

She wakes to action all who repose in slumber. Some rise to labor for wealth, others to worship. Those who saw little before now see more clearly. Dawn raises to consciousness all living creatures.

Rig Veda I, 113, 5

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

God Savitri advances in his golden chariot, wheeling toward us through the pitch-black void, conducting to their rest both men and Gods, directing his gaze upon all created beings.   Rig Veda I, 35, 2   Worthy of worship, he pursues his path, first up, then down, his horses resplendent. From the ends of the world God Savitri comes, repulsing all sorrow and every danger.   Rig Veda I, 35, 3   The God has now mounted his mighty chariot, ornate, decked with pearls, with poles of gold. Resplendent, adorable, he exercises his powerful thrust, dispelling the darkness.   Rig Veda I, 35, 4   Drawing the chariot with the golden shaft, his two steeds, white-hoofed, have gazed on mankind. All beings, men and creatures, abide forever in the bosom of Savitri divine.   Rig Veda I, 35, 5   Three heavens there are: two in the bosom of Savitri, the third the realm of Yama. Immortality rests stable as a chariot on its axle. Let him who understands this now declare it!   Rig Veda I, 35, 6

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

One she leads on to power, another to glory; another she leads on to pursuit of gain; yet others she directs to varied callings, raising to consciousness all living creatures.

Rig Veda I, 113, 6

The Daughter of Heaven now appears before us, a fair young woman clothed in shining garments. Auspicious Dawn, mistress of earthly treasure, shine upon us today in queenly splendor.

Rig Veda I, 113, 7

She, first of endless morns to come hereafter, follows the path of morns that went before. Dawn at her shining summons forth the living; the dead she never wakens from their slumbers.

Rig Veda I, 113, 8

O Dawn, you shine forth with the eye of the Sun. You wake the worshiper and inspire his heart to kindle the fire and offer sacrifice. Thus to the Gods you render noble service.

Rig Veda I, 113, 9

How long a time until they meet together, dawns that have shown and dawns to shine hereafter? Eagerly she yearns to join her predecessors and goes forth with the others, gladly shining.

Rig Veda I, 113, 10

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 Vanished are those who in the days before us gazed at the rising of the morning Sun. It is we the living who now behold the Dawn, and after us her shining others will see.

Rig Veda I, 113, 11

Disperser of our foes, bringer of joys, born child of Order, to Order ever faithful, convey our offerings to the Gods, O Dawn, and shine on us today for wealth and fortune.

Rig Veda I, 113, 12

Never has Goddess Dawn failed to appear. Again today the generous One has risen. Ever hereafter will she rise each morning. She proceeds by her own power, unaging, deathless.

Rig Veda I, 113, 13

On the sky's borders she appears in splendor. The Goddess has thrown off the robe of darkness. Her well-yoked chariot of tawny horses heralds the approach of Dawn and rouses all men.

Rig Veda I, 113, 14

With her she brings all life-sustaining blessings. Brightly she shines and sheds abroad her radiance. She is the last of countless vanished mornings. She is the first of more bright morns to come.

Rig Veda I, 113, 15

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 For this his prowess Visnu is acclaimed. He inhabits the mountains, like a savage beast wandering at will; in his three mighty paces are set all worlds.

Rig Veda I, 154, 2

Now may my prayer ascend to the far-striding Visnu, the Bull, who dwells upon the mountains, to him who unaided measured with threefold step these far-flung spheres.

Rig Veda I, 154, 3

The marks of his three strides are filled with honey imperishable; each is cause of joy. Alone he supports the three spheres– Earth and Sky and all things living.

Rig Veda I, 154, 4

May I attain to Visnu's glorious mansion where the faithful rejoice, where, close beside the Strider, within his highest footstep springs the well of purest honey!

Rig Veda I, 154, 5

O for your realms where dwell the tireless oxen abundantly fumished with horns, whence shine from the highest step of the widely striding Hero, his multiple splendors!

Rig Veda I, 154, 6

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

 Your flavors, O Food, are spread throughout space, high like the breezes they are scattered.

Rig Veda I, 187, 4

Those who share your sweetness with others are truly your friends. Those who keep your fine taste to themselves are stiff-necked wretches!

Rig Veda I, 187, 5

On you, O Food, is fixed the great Gods' desire. Great deeds were done under your sign, the Serpent slain.

Rig Veda I, 187, 6

If you have proceeded on high to the splendor of the mountain, even from there, sweet Food, return for our enjoyment.

Rig Veda I, 187, 7

From waters and plants we imbibe the choicest portion. Therefore, O Body, thrive; attain full stature.

Rig Veda I, 187, 8

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 May all the divine Powers together with the Waters join our two hearts in one! May the Messenger, the Creator, and Holy Obedience unite us!

Rig Veda X, 85, 47

Husband and wife in sweet accord give milk oblations to the Gods and press and strain the Soma.

Rig Veda VIII, 31, 5

They acquire a plenteous store of food. they come united to the altar. Their rewards never lessen.

Rig Veda VIII, 31, 6

They do not wander from the Gods or seek to hide their favors granted. Thus they acquire great glory.

Rig Veda VIII, 31, 7

With sons and daughters at their side they live a good long span of years, both decked with precious gold.

Rig Veda VIII, 31, 8

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

 You shine, all living things emerge. You disappear, they go to rest. Recognizing our innocence, O golden-haired Sun, arise; let each day be better than the last.

Rig Veda X, 37, 9

Bless us by your gaze, your brightness and shining. Bless us in cold and in heat. O Sun, grant us blessings at home and, when we are traveling, bestow upon us your wonderful treasure.

Rig Veda X, 37, 10

Protect both our species, two-legged and four-legged. Both food and water for their needs supply. May they with us increase in stature and strength. Save us from hurt all our days, O Powers!

Rig Veda X, 37, 11

Whatever grave offense we have committed against you, by our tongue, O God, or by carelessness of mind, lay the burden of this sin on the one who plans evil, on him, O Vasus, who wishes us ill.

Rig Veda X, 37, 12

His shining beams now introduce the God who knows all living things, that all may see the Sun.

Rig Veda I, 50, 1

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

O, Beautiful, Sanmugan!  You have written a lot!  I will enjoy deeply absorbing these words into my heart!

Remembering God, nam-smaran!, just remembering God and one comes out of a stupor. 

God is where all opposites meet!  All polarities become one. In God, death and life are not two things. In God, darkness and light are not two things.  In God beginning and end are not two things.  God means totality.  God comprehends all!

Reaching toward God, you will not lose anything, you simply gain everything.

All great mystics have described it.  When you call God's name, your energy starts to rush upwards, gravitation no longer affects your energy.  You enter the laws of grace! 

I am silent and thank you!
with love,
Cheyenne

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

I hereby agree with all your explanations. I have a feeling that you can write a book explaining all these. Thanks you very much.

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

Dear Sanmugan!

No!  I cannot write a book about love.  I feel if you can find a person who is wholly devoted to God, then devote yourself to that person - because love cannot be taught, it can only be 'caught!'  (smile!)…

….The study of the Vedas, the study of Srimad Bhagavatam caught my heart on fire!  No body can teach you love, you have to be in close vicinity of a lover.  Reading, watching, absorbing a person who loves God, feeling him, moving around with him, tasting the flavor of his being, will teach you love, will teach you prayer.

Then prayer is not a ritual.  It is a flowering within you. 

I am here with you not to write a book, but to be in your presence. To be near one that loves God. 

In silence and gratitude,
Cheyenne

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

Rig Veda X, 37, 9

Bless us by your gaze, your brightness and shining. Bless us in cold and in heat. O Sun, grant us blessings at home and, when we are traveling, bestow upon us your wonderful treasure.

 I bow…silently.  Will the day ever dawn when the treasured God of my heart will become my own?  Those who are absorbed by the flavors of feelings and are wholly living.

The awesome beauty to me, Sanmugan, is God has already penetrated - the news may not have gotten to us, but it already here, holding all together. 

Bless us with your gaze, your brightness and shining.

I shall not open my eyes again if I don't see you at first sight. Can you then tell me through the sense of smelling and through my listening ears that you have come?  Reveal yourself to me fully!  It is not the other shore I seek, my God, but this one!

with love,
Cheyenne

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

I have no words to write. God is with us, within us and surrounding us.

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

sanmugan…this is very reminiscient of My newly adopted Spirit Way, Lakota.

—————————————————————————————————————–

You shine, all living things emerge. You disappear, they go to rest. Recognizing our innocence, O golden-haired Sun, arise; let each day be better than the last.

Rig Veda X, 37, 9

Bless us by your gaze, your brightness and shining. Bless us in cold and in heat. O Sun, grant us blessings at home and, when we are traveling, bestow upon us your wonderful treasure.

Rig Veda X, 37, 10

Protect both our species, two-legged and four-legged. Both food and water for their needs supply. May they with us increase in stature and strength. Save us from hurt all our days, O Powers!

Rig Veda X, 37, 11

Whatever grave offense we have committed against you, by our tongue, O God, or by carelessness of mind, lay the burden of this sin on the one who plans evil, on him, O Vasus, who wishes us ill.

Rig Veda X, 37, 12

His shining beams now introduce the God who knows all living things, that all may see the Sun.

Rig Veda I, 50, 1

—————————————————————————————————————–

 I have often felt that Tribal India Origins are at the Roots of Hindu and Buddhist Religious Evolution, and that Tribal Root is the Same as All Tribal Roots, based Upon Mother Earth, the Stars, the Sun, the Sky, the Moon, the Creator,
 the Directions, Spirit Beings, Humans, Animals, Plants, and Others.

This Common Tribal Root Links Us All to the Creator, the Earth,
and Each Other, so It is Precious to Me.

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

Exactly correct.

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

 Worthy is the Lord to be praised by living as by ancient seers. He makes present for us the Gods.

Rig Veda I, 1, 2

The Lord brings us riches, food in daily abundance, renown, and hero sons to gladden our hearts.

Rig Veda I, 1, 3

Only that worship and sacrifice that you, Lord, guard on every side will reach the heavenly world of the Gods.

Rig Veda I, 1, 4

May the Lord, wise and true offerer, approach, most marvelous in splendor, encircled with his crown of Gods!

Rig Veda I, 1, 5

Whatever gift you may choose to give, O Lord, to your worshiper, that gift, refulgent One, is true.

Rig Veda I, 1, 6

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

The forms of gift-giving are forms of violence against spirit. This idea, “I can gain favor with this person and renown from the other people by altering the positions of objects in the material plane,” is born of duality. The dualistic mind encounters the sense-objects, and the mental patterns which form as a result of this contact become its “thinking.” Driven by the desire for happiness which drives all souls, it finds no other option but to believe it must be among these sense objects alone its destiny is to be pursued.

Such a mind is thus born into “original sin,” finding no other option for itself to pursue glory, than the rearrangement of objects on the material plane. Since it is not aware of itself practically as a spiritual entity, it believes itself to be the one who experiences the senses and reacts to sense experience, nothing more than this. Out of this reaction to sense experience it builds what it calls a “personality,” which is shockingly devoid of any significant idea about itself as a spiritual person in a body, or of others as spiritual persons in bodies. Its game therefore becomes one of increasingly sophisticated manipulation of all the “sense objects” it encounters around, the class of “other men” being encountered as a group of such objects with special properties, that may be manipulated in novel ways. It conceives of other men as selfishly motivated, like itself, and proceeds to dominate them within its capacities, beginning to seek renown among them, not only a greater collection of objects around itself.

Struggling to identify “the good,” the natural course for such benighted consciousness, that is called “ego,” is simply to reverse the giving/taking duality. The ego is able to understand that simply taking all the time from the world around is not acceptable, because the other people drive it back with all their own forms of selfish grabbing. Thus all the egos fall back within themselves, to understand a more canny way of getting more and more is to treat the other persons with a certain degree of niceness, so that they are dominating-by-niceness, getting more of what they want by greasing the social wheels around with rudimentary forms of recognition that they are not completely alone in the world surrounded by their objects of desire. This is what is called “human society,” today. Coupled with this is the mania for gift-giving, such as drove the recent Christmas holiday in America. The ego wants to think, “I am good,” which it defines as the shallow forms of niceness which will continue to allow it to go on grabbing from the world. Therefore it begins to give gifts, reversing its crude definition of evil as the one-who-only-grabs, that it was forced to abandon in childhood. Yet the ego is so terribly weak and inconsistent, that it only enters gift-giving as an arrangement, insisting on exchange. Its plot is thus poorly hidden, and anyone with objectivity can observe its insatiable greed.

Contrasted to this is the status of Heaven, wherein dwell the demigods. These gods and goddesses are securely linked to the divine Atman, which gives them a superlative input arising from above the senses. From this input they rise above the giving/taking duality, and furthermore invest their energies in the development of personality. As you have been saying, Sanmuga, they study the Personality of the Lord, to understand the dark unknown regions of their further expansion. Living in their spirits rather than their senses, these individuals are thrilled to encounter one another as noble personalities, so that they understand the exchange of gifts can be nothing more than a distraction from the true project of life, which is a spiritual project. They do not exchange gifts, therefore, but give the greatest gift which can be given, which is to approach one another without any anger, and with true affection, contributing creatively and beautifully to the social milieu of their higher society. Each angel builds a palace within the heart, which is filled with iconic images and shrines for all the other angels, for they are powerful in love, and would never be satisfied with loving one or two, as the egos appear to love only the few people who “sprang from the loins” at childbirth–proving their fanatical grasp upon their senses and their weakness in spirit. The angels would prefer to live in large groups, for unlike the egos they are both likeable, and capable of liking one another on the basis of personality, as a phenomenon of spirit.

Re: Rig veda, the first of the four vedas

I wanted to clarify the meaning of the scripture listed here, which is important to me, from the Rig Veda 1, 1.2-1.6. The “hero sons” would refer to children born in original goodness, with non-dual minds. Such children would be known in that their first thought would not be, “I possess,” that is the center of every egoic child’s life, necessitating that the parents “beat him down” until he learns he must be nicer to others to get what he wants. It’s a very big question with me today, whether the Earth will ever see such children, or if we are completely doomed to enduring the squalling of brats in their “terrible twos.”

Then, there is a higher renown than that based in the senses, which is renown in the regions of spiritual awareness and growth. The higher angels have the most of this renown, so that the angels turn not only to the Lord, but also to the higher angels, for their instruction. I believe that such fantastic beings do descend to the human frame, alongside the Lord, who descends freely and relatively often. My question is whether it is ordained that these beings may gather and by the strength of their dharma repel the egos.

I do not feel it is likely I will post again in this forum, my position in this world being a dangerous and unfavorable one. The egos have enacted de facto laws against claims to spiritual authority, where they are allowed to persecute freely, feeling no one is watching.