Vedic Experience

A. AT SUNRISE

Suryodaya

All that has been said about worship is meant to help us have the proper attitude of heart and mind as we approach the selected texts which, in their turn, are not an end in themselves, but simply companions on the road toward the final station of Man. The texts gathered here for prayer at sunrise follow a simple and natural pattern. Each season of the year presents five texts that contain certain underlying ideas: (1) The Mystery of the Origins; (2) The Awakening to Life and Light; (3) The Shining of the Sun: Prayers for Protection and for the Offering of the Sacrifice; (4) Praise to the Sacred Drink; and (5) The Discovery of the One.

Before we enter into the experience of prayer we wish to summon an invisible guide who will faithfully direct us; it is Gracious Disposition, shivasamkalpa. Without the grace of the Spirit--however we may envisage it--nothing can be properly thought, nothing can be properly done, no correct bearings can be taken, no real prayer can be uttered.

1. THE MYSTERY OF THE ORIGINS

It is still dark, just before the appearance of dawn. Man would like to pierce the obscurity, to understand what it is that overcomes and overwhelms him, to find an answer to the questions that haunt his mind about the beginning of everything, the mystery of beings and of Being. How did Men, the cosmos, come to be, come to life? What, who, is behind the scenes? Groping in the dark, hesitant, never sure which aspect of the reality they are trying to approach, the Vedic seers have made an attempt to describe some insights into these perennial questions. They do not expound metaphysical theories; they only whisper in a poetic murmur something of the mystery of the world. 35

Could it be a divine Artificer--here Brahmanaspati the Lord of the Holy Word--who fashioned the universe? 36 Or Aditi, the Universal Mother, who gave birth to the earth and then herself came to birth, followed by the Gods? Or the Gods, who produced the earth while dancing? All these cosmogonic conjectures remain hypothetical, while the one clear assertion is that from nonexistence comes existence, or, stated more simply, existence is.

Later on we are told of a divine Architect, vishvakarman. 37 Here the whole process is understood as a sacrifice, in which the sacrificer, the priest, is also the victim. 38 The universe is declared to be the work of a person, a poet, a seer, 39 a sculptor, a smith, a carpenter. What was the primal matter, the substance? The query remains unanswered. Nevertheless behind everything that is visible or tangible, behind any work of craftmanship, is invariably the One, who knows everything and who gave the Gods their names.

In one hymn of the Atharva Veda the “mighty mystery” to be known is that Heaven and Earth are the universal Father and Mother. 40 In another it is the Sun, the vivifier and generator, who brings to birth both Heaven and Earth. 41

It seems as if all the searchings, speculations, and yearnings of preceding ages are packed into the long, enigmatic, and at times obscure hymn to the Support of the Universe, skambha. 42 The main trends of thought here seem to be centered (a) on the Support itself, which holds everything, knows everything, and is the repository of all living beings; (b) on the solar Support, that is, the Sun, which alone remains stable while the generations of Men are destroyed and consumed by Time, the maker of seasons, months, and days, and which marks the time of sacrifice; (c) on the One, Brahman, which is frequently identified with the Sun and which in the compass of one stanza is identified, in rapid succession, with Fire, and with the threefold Swan (v. 17)--the One that embraces all things and yet is finer than a single hair (v. 25). He is fullness (v. 29), he is near and far, he does not die, he never grows old (v. 32), he is the Unborn (v. 41). The hymn ends on a clear note: the revelation of the atman, wise, immortal, ever young, self-existent (v. 44).

2. THE AWAKENING TO LIFE AND LIGHT

And it is Dawn! The exquisitely graceful and smiling Goddess awakens sleeping mortals to life and joy, for work or worship. 43 She is ever radiant, clothed in light, the light that announces a new day and restores vigor, courage, and hope to Men. As soon as Dawn appears, she prompts the worshiper to prayer, to the offering of the sacrifice. Then, having diffused her radiance, she disappears, youthful and immortal, before the splendor and warmth of the Sun.

3. THE SHINING OF THE SUN: PRAYERS FOR PROTECTION AND FOR THE OFFERING OF THE SACRIFICE

At the rising of the Sun a new day starts and Man is caught up in all kinds of activities. 44 He has to face once more the unknown, the struggles, difficulties, and evils that await him; he has to take care of his land, his cattle and horses, his goods, his relatives, his varied tasks--and himself. It is Pushan, divine Providence, 45 whom he spontaneously implores for protection against the wicked, against robbers, even against the untimely heat. It is to him that he addresses his prayers for green pastures, smooth paths, food in plenty, and spiritual energy.

Now the time has come to sacrifice to Agni, the bringer of peace, the priest who conveys Men’s offerings to the Gods in order to renew each day Man’s commerce with the divine. 46 It is he, pure light, from whom Men implore protection from evil and disease, for he is truly a tower in which all can take refuge and feel secure.

4. PRAISE TO THE SACRED DRINK

The preparation of the Sacred Drink Soma is not, like the agnihotra, a regular ritual; it is not of daily occurrence. It is an offering of the wealthy, the privilege of the rich and noble, an oblation for special occasions. Its sacred character makes it the supreme sacrifice of the Rig Veda with a highly elaborated ritual performance. Though the soma-juice may be prepared three times a day, we confine ourselves to hymns sung in praise of Soma during its purificatory rite. It seemed appropriate to include them in the selection for morning prayers. 47 The six hymns given, like all those belonging to Book IX of the Rig Veda, are addressed to pavamana, the self-purifying. They deal with the self-purification of the soma-juice as it passes through the woolen sieve, the most solemn act in the making of the sacred drink. These hymns therefore are extolling the highest qualities of the liquor, its cleansing power. Again and again its purity, clarity, and luminosity are praised. Soma, like Agni, chases away evil, sorrow, darkness, and impurity. He is all-powerful, the life-quickener who imbues his worshipers with vitality, health of mind and body, and noble thoughts. He is the sage par excellence who bestows wisdom and brings with him peace and joy, ecstasy and illumination. He leads to immortality.

Here we are already in a purely spiritual sphere. The early morning praise of the sacred drink awakens in the heart and mind of Man a desire for purity, wholeness, and wisdom; it brings to his awareness the stream of vitality and vigor which flows within him. Soma inspires in him a consciousness also of the immortal within him. It should be added that so sacred is this drink that in Vedic times only Gods and priests were allowed to partake of it. If we include these hymns in a daily prayer, it is because we are bold enough to mix Soma in our everyday bread.

5. THE DISCOVERY OF THE ONE

What is astounding about the Isha Upanishad is that within the compass of only eighteen verses it sets forth a series of intuitions, the more profound for their simplicity, which disclose the mystery underlying all these prayers, praises, and speculations of the Rig Veda and the Atharva Veda given in the sunrise selection. 48

The Isha Upanishad reveals the One in his transcendence and immanence, the One who is everywhere and nowhere. The path to him, it declares, is the path of nonduality, of oneness, through which one reaches true liberty, joy, and wisdom. Here is to be found immortality; here is to be found liberation. It is important to stress that the message of this Upanishad is not reserved for hermits, sages, recluses of the forests, monks, and the like. It may not be addressed to the masses, but it is in no way confined to those who have “left the world.” It is an error to think that the attitude of nonpossession, first step toward a unity of being, presupposes that one must abandon one’s earthly belongings and retire to a lonely spot. Nonpossession is an attitude of heart and mind where the ego, the little self, exists no more. It is complete unselfishness in everything, which makes one lightsome and free as a bird. It is the first existential step, and unless one resolutely enters upon that path, one will never grasp the wisdom revealed by this Upanishad.

The last four verses seem to have no direct link with the rest of the Upanishad. According to tradition they are a prayer for a dying person, followed by prayers to Agni, to the Sun, and to Pushan.

1. Gracious Disposition

Sivasamkalpa
YV XXXIV, 1-6

1. That Divine which soars aloft when Man awakes

and returns to its same place when he is sleeping,

the one Light of lights which travels afar--

may that spirit be graciously disposed toward me!

2. That through which the wise are active in sacrifice,

the understanding perform their duty in assemblies,

that incomparable spirit, interior to all beings--

may that spirit be graciously disposed toward me!

3. That which is wisdom, consciousness, and firmness,

that Light immortal interior to all beings,

without whose will we perform no action--

may that spirit be graciously disposed toward me!

4. That immortal by which this universe is encompassed,

all that was and is and is yet to be,

by which with seven priests the sacrifice is extended--

may that spirit be graciously disposed toward me!

5. That in which the prayers, the songs and formulas

are fixed firm like spokes in the hub of a cartwheel,

in which are interwoven the hearts of all beings,

may that spirit be graciously disposed toward me!

6. That which guides Men as a charioteer drives his powerful horses with the reins, which dwells within the heart, swiftly moving--may that spirit be graciously disposed toward me!

a) Spring

Vasanta
The Light of Man
Agni

O shining One, cause now the Sun, that unaging star, to climb the sky,

imparting light to men.

You, O Lord, are mankind’s bright sign, best, most beloved of the people. Awake!

Give strength to the singer!

RV X, 156, 4-5

2. To the Divine Craftsman

Vishvedevah
RV X, 72

1. With all the pleasing skill we may; the birth of Gods we now proclaim in chanted hymns, that Men to come may know the truth of what befell.

2. The Lord of the Holy Word, like a smith, blasted and smelted them together.

In erstwhile ages of the Gods from nonexistence existence came.

3. In earlier ages of the Gods from nonexistence existence came.

Then came to birth the cardinal points from within the upward-moving Power.

4. And from the upward-moving Power sprang earth, from earth the cardinal points.

Daksha was from Aditi born, from Daksha’s bosom Aditi.

5. Then did Aditi issue into being, she who, O Daksha, was your daughter.

After her the Gods, the blessed ones, Sharers of immortal life, were born.

6. When at that time you were found in the waters, O Gods, pressed together, close-clasping one another, a storm of dust arose from your feet as from the stamping feet of dancers.

7. When, O Gods, like wonder-workers, you inflated the worlds and all that is, you restored to the realm of day the Sun, who was lying hidden beneath the sea.

8. Eight in number are the sons of Aditi, who from her body sprang to life. With seven she joined the ranks of the Gods; the eighth, the Sun, she thrust to one side.

9. So with her seven sons Aditi advanced upon the earlier age. She brought the Sun to earth that he might bring things to life and then pass to his death.

3. You Who Shine Forth, Bring Blessings to Men

Ushas
RV I, 92

1. Now the Dawns have made their bright appearance,

unfurling their splendor in the eastern firmament.

Like strong men preparing their weapons,

these mothers, the reddish morning clouds, arise.

2. The rosy morning rays have arisen unhindered,

hitching to their chariot the willing red clouds.

Restoring to all things their erstwhile clarity,

the red-hued Dawns have assumed brilliant splendor.

3. They chant a hymn like women active in worship,

united on the same path, coming from afar.

They convey refreshment to the liberal giver

and bestow all good things on the preparer of oblation.

4. Dawn like a dancer puts on her ornaments;

as a cow yields her udder, so she bares her bosom.

She creates light for all living beings, flinging wide

the gates of darkness, as cows their enclosure.

5. We have beheld the radiance of her shining.

Advancing, she drives away the horror of the night.

Like a colored post, anointed at the sacrificial feast,

so the Dawn, Heaven’s daughter, is adorned with wondrous splendor.

6. Now we have crossed to the other shore of darkness.

Dawn, shining forth, brings a limpid clarity.

She smiles like an enchantress, shining in glory.

Her beautiful countenance awakens us for joy.

7. The singing priests have praised radiant Dawn,

the daughter of Heaven, the bringer of graces.

You, O Dawn, strengthen us with offspring and Men;

you make us rich in horses and cattle.

8. O Dawn, grant us renown, stalwart sons and servants,

ample treasure and possession of horses.

You who shine forth in glory and splendor,

impelled by your own powers, bring blessings to Men.

9. Gazing out over all the world

and spreading her light rays westward, Dawn shines.

She wakens to motion all living creatures

and heeds the voice of every worshiper.

10. This ancient of days is continually reborn,

adorning herself with similar colors.

As a bird catcher holds in his power flying creatures,

so this Goddess diminishes the life of mortals.

11. Now she discloses heaven’s farthest horizons,

chasing far away her sister the Night.

She reflects the splendor of the Sun, her lover,

and makes the score of days of all creatures to dwindle.

12. Bright Dawn, the blessed One, spreads forth her rays

like grazing cattle or expanding floodwaters;

never infringing divine precepts, she appears

with escorting sunbeams, visible to all.

13. Ample, O Dawn, is your store of treasure.

Grant us your wondrous boons that we

may nourish our children and our children’s sons.

14. Your shining evokes sweet sounds of life.

Grant us your favor this day that we

may abound in herds of cattle and in horses.

15. O Dawn, made more splendid by holy worship,

yoke to your car your reddish steeds

and bring to us all felicity.

16. O powerful Spirits, with one mind and will

direct your chariot toward our home

and make it rich in cattle and gold.

17. You who brought down from heaven sweet song,

a light that enlightens the race of Men,

grant to us now, O Spirits, strength.

18. May those who wake at dawn bring hither the Gods,

the givers of refreshment and doers of marvels,

on paths of gold that they may drink Soma.

4. Lead Us to Pastures Green, O God

Pushan
RV I, 42

1. Shorten our path, O God, remove

all stumbling blocks, Deliverer.

Be at hand to guide.

2. Scare from our road the wicked wolf,

the ill-intentioned one who lies

in wait to harm.

3. The robber lurking round our path,

who cunningly contrives our hurt,

chase far away.

4. Trample beneath your feet the burning

brand of the wicked, whoever he be,

the double-tongued.

5. From you, wise wonder-working God,

we claim today that selfsame aid

you gave our Fathers.

6. So, Giver of favors, you who wield

the golden sword, grant to us riches

easily won.

7. Help us elude pursuers, O God,

and make our path both smooth and fair.

Show us your might.

8. Lead us to pastures green, O God.

Protect us from untimely heat.

Show us your might.

9. Be gracious to us, fill us wholly,

impart to us food and spiritual vigor.

Show us your might.

10. All that God does shall win our praise.

We magnify his name with hymns,

seeking boons from the Mighty.

5. O Cleansing Drink, Make Us Perfect

Soma
RV IX, 4

1. O cleansing sacred Drink,

conqueror of high renown,

make us perfect.

2. Bring us to light, the light

celestial, and all pure joys,

make us perfect.

3. Enhance our skills and powers

of mind; drive far all foes;

make us perfect.

4. O purifier, prepare

this Drink, a draught for the Lord.

Make us perfect.

5. Give us a share in the Sun

by your wisdom and favor.

Make us perfect.

6. Sustained and helped by you,

long may we see the Sun!

Make us perfect.

7. Almighty God, upon us pour

a double portion of your grace.

Make us perfect.

8. O King ever victorious,

impart to us your wealth.

Make us perfect.

9. Strengthened by Man’s worship,

O purifier, you grant gifts.

Make us perfect.

10. Grant us, O God, Life-quickener,

all that this world affords;

make us perfect.

6. All Is Enveloped by the Lord

Ishavasyam
Benediction

That is Fullness, this is Fullness,

from Fullness comes Fullness.

When Fullness is taken from Fullness,

Fullness remains.

Om, peace, peace, peace.

IS U 1-3

1. This whole universe, all that lives

and moves on earth, is enveloped by the Lord.

Therefore find joy in abandoning the transient.

Do not hanker for another Man’s lot.

2. When he performs all actions with integrity,

a Man may desire to live a hundred years.

For you also there is no other way.

A Man’s deeds do not cling to him.

3. Infernal are some worlds called, enwrapped

in deepest darkness. Thither at death

go those who try to slay the atman.

b) Summer

Grishma
The Burning Light
Surya

Across the expanse of the whole horizon the seven bay mares draw the Sun on his chariot, the Lord of each single thing, moving and inert, to bring us joy.

RV VII, 66, 15

7. The Divine Architect

Vishvakarman
RV X, 81

1. The Seer, our father, once offered all these worlds in oblation,

assuming a priestly role, and sought to gain riches

by the power of prayer; he himself entered later creations,

while shrouding in mystery the first creative moment.

2. What was the primal matter, what the substance?

How could it be discerned, how was it made?

From which the Designer of all things, beholding all,

fashioned the Earth and shaped the glory of the Heavens?

3. A myriad eyes are his, a myriad faces,

a myriad arms and feet, turning each way!

When he, sole God, creates the Earth and Heavens,

he welds them together with whirring of arms and wings.

4. What was the timber and what the tree from which

the Heavens and also the Earth were chiseled forth? Ponder, O wise Men. Question in your hearts.

On what did he rely when he formed these worlds?

5. The haunts where you dwell, O Designer ever true to your laws,

on high, in the depths, and in every region between,

disclose to your friends at the hour of oblation. Willingly

offer your body in sacrifice, thus enhancing its vigor.

6. O Designer of all, who enhance your own vigor through oblation,

offer as sacrifice for yourself the Earth and the Sky!

Let others around us wander hither and thither!

May we find a generous patron to offer his bounty!

7. Let us now invoke for our aid the Lord of Speech,

the Designer of all things that are, the inspirer of wisdom!

May he, the ever kindly, be well disposed to our summons,

and may he, whose work is goodness, grant us his blessing!

8. Dawn Spurns None, Whether Lowly or Mighty

Ushas
RV I, 124

1. Dawn shines forth at the kindling of the fire.

When the Sun rises, light is spread.

The Inspirer God now sends us forth,

both two- and four-legged, each to its own task.

2. Never transgressing the heavenly laws,

marking the passing of human generations,

Dawn shines forth--the last of endless

mornings and the first of dawns to follow.

3. This Daughter of Heaven has revealed herself

in the eastern region, all clothed in light.

Faithfully she follows the path of Cosmic Order;

well understanding, she measures out the regions.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. As a girl without a brother seeking for men,

ascending the stage as if in search of treasures,

Dawn, like a loving wife for her husband,

fair-robed and smiling, unveils her bosom.

8. 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.

9. In the sequence of sisters, in the course of days,

each later one goes behind a former.

May these Dawns radiate abundance as before,

may they now herald for us a good day!

10. Awaken, O Dawn, the generous giver;

let the stingy miser sleep on in his bed!

Shine brightly, O bounteous teller of our days,

on those who now worship and sing their praise.

11. The maiden from the East has shone upon us,

harnessing her team of red-hued oxen.

She shines; the light floods in to rouse us.

May the Fire be present in every dwelling!

12. As birds fly forth from their roosting places,

so men rise at your summons to replenish their store.

Even to the sacrificer who remains in his home

your daily arrival brings much gain.

13. May my prayer confer praise on you, the praiseworthy!

The procession of Dawns has increased our riches.

By your good favor may we be endowed

with riches a hundred, a thousandfold!

9. Most Loving God, Guard Us from Evil

Agni
RV I, 189

1. By the right path, O Lord, lead us to plenitude;

lead us, O Lord. You know every path.

Deliver us from the sin that would lead us astray.

We desire to hymn you in myriad ways.

2. By your favors granted enable us, O Lord,

once again to leap over the pitfalls that face us.

Be a high tower, powerful and broad, for both us

and our children. To our people bring well-being and peace.

3. Spare us, O Lord, from all diseases.

Let them strike at those who are bereft of your aid!

May this earth afford us a gracious transit,

thanks to you, O Adorable, and all the immortals!

4. Protect us, O Lord, with your perpetual aid,

so that, now that you shine in your well-loved abode,

O Deity youthful, panic may not strike

your songster either today or tomorrow.

5. Abandon us not, O Lord, to the wicked,

the destroyer, the liar, the hapless wretch.

Do not hand us over to the demon who gnashes

or the toothless one or the man who may despoil us!

6. A God like you, O Lord, born of truth,

will furnish with armor the man who extols him,

preserving him from those who would harm or slander,

for you, O Lord, are the deliverer from ambush.

7. You alone can discern both the opposites.

Before the sacrifice you seize on Man

but during the sacrifice Man seizes you!

Like a racehorse, you let yourself be reined by the priests!

8. To propitiate this God we have uttered these phrases.

I, son of Man, have hailed Agni the strong.

May we, by the help of innumerable seers,

be surrounded on all sides by superabundance!

10. Lord, We Desire Your Friendship

Soma
RV IX, 31

1. Forth flows the Soma-juice,

pure, beneficent,

producing visible fullness.

2. Increase for us splendor

from earth and heaven.

Be the Lord of all might!

3. For you the winds blow,

full of love; for you

the rivers flow.

They enhance, O Soma, your greatness.

4. Surge, O Soma!

May potent strength

gather from all sides within you!

Be the central point of all power!

5. For you, O brown-hued Soma,

the cows have yielded

on the highest summit

imperishable milk and fatness.

6. O Lord of all,

we desire your friendship,

O Drop, powerful defender.

11. He Moves and He Moves Not

Ejati tan naijati
IS U 4-6

4. Unmoving, the One is swifter than the mind.

No power can reach him as he speeds on before.

Standing still, he outstrips those who run.

From him life-power thrills through all things.

5. He moves and he moves not; he is far, yet is near;

he is within all that is, yet is also outside.

6. The Man who sees all beings in the Self

and the Self in all beings is free from all fear.

c) Rainy Season

Varsha
Joyful Streams of Praise
Brhaspati

Like the cry of watchful birds swimming in water, like the loud claps of thundering rain clouds, like joyful streams gushing from the mountain, so have our hymns sounded forth to the Lord.

RV X, 68, 1

12. The Divine Creator

Vishvakarman
RVX, 82

1. The Father of vision, the wise in spirit, created

in the manner of ritual oil both these worlds that bow before him.

As soon as the easterr. ends were firmly secured,

the Sky and the Earth were in their turn extended.

2. Exceedingly wise, exceedingly strong is the Designer.

He is Creator, Disposer, Epiphany supreme.

Mortal Men rejoice that their votive offerings are heeded

there where they say the One is, beyond the Seven Seers.

3. He is our Father who begat us, he the Disposer

who knows all situations, every creature.

It was he alone who gave to the Gods their names;

to him come questioning all the other creatures.

4. To him the seers of old offered their substance in sacrifice,

as did also the multitude of singers

who fashioned this whole universe when first the spheres,

both the shadowy realm and the bright, were set in their places.

5. That which the Waters first received, beyond the heavens,

beyond the earth, beyond both Gods and demons--

say, what was that, the first primeval germ,

when all the assembled Gods, and they alone, were watching?

6. He was the primal germ borne by the Waters,

where in all the Gods were coalesced together;

at the navel of the Nonborn the One and Only is set,

he upon whom depend all created beings.

7. You have no knowledge of him who created these worlds;

some other thing has interposed between you.

The reciters of hymns who ravish life in their ritual

proceed with their muttering, enwrapped in confusion and ignorance.

13. Dawn, Emblem of the Immortal

Ushas
RV III, 61

1. O Dawn, whose enterprises never fail

and who understands all things, accept our songs.

O ancient yet ever-youthful Goddess, you proceed

in accordance with Law, endowed with wealth and fullness.

2. O immortal Goddess, beam forth your rays.

Let your shining chariot, loaded with gifts,

bring you hither in the company of your docile steeds,

your powerful steeds, O golden Lady!

3. Arising, you turn your face toward all creatures.

You, O Dawn, are the emblem of the Immortal.

You who each day proceed to the same goal,

direct toward us, O Maiden, your chariot.

4. Spinner of light, beautiful Dawn,

you proceed on your way to your wonted haunts.

You bring light to birth, O generous One,

and encompass the confines of Heaven and Earth.

5. I hail you, Goddess, Dawn of light!

To her let us offer the homage of our songs!

She imparts to us sweetness, she steadies the Heaven

and lavishes abroad her radiant splendor.

6. Our songs have awakened this Daughter of Heaven.

Equitable, generous, she has scaled the two worlds.

Toward Dawn, O Fire, when she comes in her brightness,

you advance, eager to share her fair treasures.

7. The Mighty One, firm-based on Order, speeds after

each dawn and makes his debut in the worlds.

Great are the powers of Mitra and Varuna.

Dawn in all directions diffuses her splendor!

14. The Divine Inspirer Arises

Agni-Surya
RV IV, 14

1. At many a dawn of shining splendor

has the Lord presided.

Come on your chariots, far-ranging Spirits,

come to our sacrifice.

2. Suffusing light for every creature,

the Inspirer God rises.

The Sun has filled heaven and earth with his radiance,

disclosing his presence.

3. Rosy Dawn advances, adorned with the brightness

of many a beam.

She pursues her way on her well-equipped chariot,

arousing Men to joy.

4. Come, O twin Spirits, at break of day

on your powerful chariots.

We offer in sacrifice this honey-sweet draught

for your delectation.

5. How is it that, though united and unsupported,

he does not fall down ?

By what inner power moves he? Who has seen? A firm pillar,

he protects heaven’s vault.

15. Inspire Us to Skill of Mind and Hand

Soma
RV IX, 36

1. Like a chariot horse

he speeds through the sieve

and spurts into the cup.

The winner of the race has reached the goal.

2. Become pure, O Soma,

as you flow with due care,

calling on the Gods,

passing through the sieve to the honey-dripping bowl.

3. Foremost Purifier,

let your lights

shine on us now,

inspiring us to skill of mind and hand.

4. His beauty enhanced

by the hands of those faithful

to Sacred Order,

he is purified, as he flows, in the woolen strainer.

5. May Soma bestow

on the offerer all treasures,

both earthly and heavenly,

and those that pertain to the airy spaces!

6. To the height of heaven

you ascend, O Soma,

O Lord of Power,

in search of horses and cattle and heroes!

16. In Him Dwells All Wisdom

Kavir manishi
IS U 7-9

7. When, to a Man who knows, all beings

have become one with his own self,

when furthermore he perceives this oneness,

how then can sorrow or delusion touch him?

8. He is radiant, encompassing all,

incorporeal, devoid of scar or sinew,

invulnerable, pure, unpierced by evil.

He is seer, sage, omnipresent, self-existent.

To everything he has assigned its due place

through ages and ages unending.

9. Into blinding darkness enter those Men

who revere ignorance; into blinder still

go those who pride themselves on knowledge.

d) Autumn

Sharad
The Eye of Light
Mitra-Varuna

The Eye of Light, established by the Gods, may we see his rising for a hundred autumns!

Yes, may we live for a hundred autumns!

RV VII, 66, 16

17. Know, O People, a Mighty Mystery

Mahadbrahma
AV I, 32

1. Know, O people, a mighty mystery,

about to be proclaimed--

that which is not found on earth or in heaven,

that by which the plants breathe.

2. In space is their stay, like a platform for the wearied,

the place of support

for all that is. This the wise know--

or perhaps they do not?

3. That which the trembling worlds and the earth

together created

is now in perpetual movement, like the streams

of the mighty ocean.

4. The one has encompassed all; it is established

upon the other.

To Heaven and to Earth, which possesses all things,

I have offered my worship.

18. Light Up Our Path . . . Leat Us to Worship

Ushas
RV VII, 75

1. From her birthphce in heaven

rosy Dawn is revealed

as ordained by Cosmic Law--

the presage of glory!

She has chased away fiends

and hateful darkness;

she lights up the paths--

most noble of the noble!

2. Arouse us today

to success and good fortune.

To loftier joys

promote us, O Dawn!

Grant to us wealth

of every kind,

O Goddess renowned,

friend of Man!

3. Look! The fair splendors

of Morning approach us,

everlasting, bedecked

with every color.

Filling the region

between earth and heaven,

they mount on high,

eliciting worship.

4. This Daughter of Heaven,

Queen of the world,

yokes her chariot

and goes far away.

She visits all the lands

where the five peoples dwell,

surveying the deeds

and the hearts of mortals.

5. Rich in treasure

beyond all telling,

this bride of the Sun

controls all wealth.

Our youthfulness she steals,

yet the seers extol her!

The priests sing the praises

of radiant Dawn.

6. Here come her steeds

of varying hues,

the red steeds drawing

resplendent Morning.

On her beautiful car

the fair Goddess advances,

bringing much wealth

for her faithful servant.

7. True with the true,

mighty with the mighty,

divine with the divine,

holy with the holy--

she flung down all barriers

and released the sunrays,

who greeted Morning

with shouts of joy!

8. O Dawn, grant us riches

to rejoice our hearts,

cattle and horses

and men of true valor.

Protect from trampling

feet our sacred grass.

Preserve us, O Gods,

evermore with your blessings!

19. The Priest of All Joy

Agni
RV VII, 10

1. Agni the golden, lover of the Dawn, spreads forth

his far-extending radiance. Brightly he shines,

refulgent, within a halo of pure light.

He has aroused and inspired our eager thoughts.

2. He shines forth at dawn like the sunlight, deploying the sacrifice

in the manner of priests unfolding their prayerful thoughts.

Agni, the God who knows well all the generations,

visits the Gods as a messenger, most efficacious.

3. To Agni are directed our songs and aspirations,

seeking the God and petitioning bounteous favors--

to the pleasant to behold, the handsome one, the mighty,

the mediator, conveyor of Men’s oblations.

4. O Agni, bring to us Indra, together with the Vasus,

bring hither the powerful Rudra with all his followers,

Aditi, kindly to all Men, together with her sons,

and longed-for Brhaspati with the singers!

5. At sacrifice the prayerful congregation worships Agni,

the priest of all joy, the ever-youthful deity.

It is he who holds dominion over all treasures,

unwearied envoy to the Gods at the hour of oblation.

20. Pure and Ever More Pure

Soma
RV IX, 59

1. O Soma, be pure

and ever more pure!

Win cattle and horses and the treasure of children

--all that brings joy!

2. Be pure for the waters,

be pure for the plants,

be pure for the sacrifice and ever more pure,

O you the inviolable!

3. O Soma, be pure

and ever more pure!

Surmounting all dangers you sit as a sage

on the sacrificial straw!

4. Attain, O Purifier,

the heavenly light!

Once born you wax great, O sacred Drop,

surpassing all!

21. Passing over Death

Mrtyum tirtva
IS U 10-12

10. To one result leads knowledge, they say,

to another ignorance. Thus we have heard

from the wise who explained it to us.

11. The Man who understands both knowledge and ignorance,

holding the two in tension together,

by ignorance passes over death

and by knowledge attains immortal life.

12. Into blind darkness enter those Men

who revere the permanent, into blinder still

go those who in the impermanent exult.

e) Winter

Hemanta
Imparter of Vigor
Shyena

Across the wastes, across the waters, the solar Falcon, observer of Men, has cleft an unerring path to his haven desired.

Transcending all the lower regions, may he wing his way hither as harbinger of blessings, accompanied by Indra!

May this heavenly eagle, observer of Men, this thousand-footed Falcon with progeny a hundredfold, imparter of vigor, restore to us the treasure that was stolen from us!

May he grant us ample means of libation, as he did to our Fathers in days of old!

AV VII, 41

22. Grant to Us Life, Power, and Riches

Savitri
AV VII, 14

1. I offer a song to this God, Inspirer

of heaven and earth, surpassingly wise,

possessed of real energy, giver of treasure,

dear to all hearts!

2. His splendor extends far and wide, his light

shines brightly in creation. He traverses the sky,

golden-handed, measuring the heaven by his appearance,

full of wisdom!

3. It was you, God, who inspired our father of old,

granting him space above and on all sides.

May we too enjoy day by day your blessings

and life abundant!

4. This Inspirer God, the Friend whom we adore,

has bestowed on our Fathers life, power, and riches.

Let him drink Soma, rejoicing in our offerings.

In his Law walks the pilgrim!

23. O Dawn, Convey to Us Joy

Ushas
RV VII, 78

1. The first rays of Dawn have appeared once again!

Her splendors diffuse their radiance on high.

O Dawn, giver of Light, who draw near

on your lofty chariot, convey to us joy!

2. The well-kindled Fire lifts up its voice loudly;

the singers greet her with hymns of praise.

Goddess Dawn approaches with her light,

driving away all darkness and danger.

3. There in the East the day is appearing;

the lights of morning, increasing, shine brightly,

bringing forth the Sun, Sacrifice, and Fire,

while evil darkness withdraws in the West.

4. Heaven’s bounteous Daughter has come once again,

and all eyes behold the Dawn in her shining.

She has mounted her chariot, empowered by its own impulse

and drawn by its team of well-yoked horses.

5. Awaking, we greet you with confident minds,

we and our nobles who furnish the oblations.

Show yourselves favorable, O Dawns, as you arise

and protect us forever with your blessings!

24. The Inspirer of All Men, Heart’s Delight

Mitra-Varuna
RV VII, 63

1. Here comes the Sun beneficent! His gaze

rests upon all Men, on all Men his blessing.

The God, the eye of Mitra and Varuna,

has rolled up darkness like a scroll of parchment.

2. The Inspirer of all Men advances, the Sun,

displaying his mighty shimmering banner.

Now he will turn again the chariot wheel

which, harnessed to the shaft, the sun-horse pulls.

3. Emerging resplendent from the bosom of the mornings,

he ascends, heart’s delight of all the singers.

This is the God I hail as Vivifier!

He never infringes the Order’s harmony.

4. This bright jewel of the sky rises--limitless his vision!

Far is his goal; he hastens on resplendent.

Now, animated by the Sun, earth’s people

can go about their business and perform their tasks.

5. He follows, like an eagle with flight unswerving,

the course designed for him by the Immortals.

Directly the sun rises, Mitra and Varuna, we are eager to serve you with worship and oblations.

6. May Mitra, Varuna, Aryaman, grant us freedom

and space enough for us and for our children!

May we find pleasant pathways, good to travel!

Preserve us evermore, O Gods, with blessings!

25. Born for Glory, Come Forth for Glory!

Soma
RV IX, 94

1. Like ornaments vying for the neck of a winner,

like the cries of men contending for light,

so our songs strive for Soma who, in accordance with his choice,

is purified by waters as a sage. His wisdom

is like an enclosure for the rearing of cattle.

2. It is he who has revealed the abode of immortality.

All worlds have expanded for him who found the Light.

Our songs, increasing like cows in the pasture,

hail aloud the sacred Drop with deep devotion.

3. Encompassing wisdom on all sides, the Seer,

the Hero, moves through all worlds like a chariot,

preparing for mortals glory among the Gods,

rewards for the skillful, new things among the Gods at their appearing.

4. Born for glory, he has come forth for glory.

He endows the singers with glory and strength.

Robed in glory, they have gone to immortality.

He, measuring his course, is successful in the encounter.

5. Stream for us nourishment, horses, and cattle!

Shed light abroad, give delight to the Gods!

All this for you is easy of achievement,

for you, Soma Purifier, repel all enemies.

26. Immortality

Amrta
IS U 13-14

13. To one result leads the impermanent, they say,

to another the permanent. Thus we have heard

from the wise who explained it to us.

14. The Man who understands both the impermanent and the permanent

holding the two in tension together,

by the impermanent passes over death

and by the permanent attains immortal life.

f) Frosty Season

Shishira
The Divine Friend
Mitra

He who is called Divine Friend brings Men together.

The Divine Friend supports both earth and heaven, watching over the peoples, never closing an eye.

To the Divine Friend offer an oblation of fatness!

RV III, 59, 1

In Whom Dwells All That Lives and Breathes

Skambha
AV X, 8

1. Homage to him who presides over all things,

that which was and that which shall be;

to whom alone belongs the heaven,

to that all-powerful Brahman be homage!

2. It is thanks to Skambha that Heaven and Earth

remain firm-fixed, each in place.

In him dwells all that lives and breathes

and all that opens and shuts the eye.

3. Three generations are past already;

others have followed in the relay of praise.

On high is positioned the measurer of space.

The Golden One has entered the green-gold plants.

4. One is the wheel; the bands are twelve;

three are the hubs--who can understand it?

Three hundred spokes and sixty in addition have been hammered therein and firmly riveted.

5. Take heed, O Savitri. Six are twins;

one is born singly. The twins desire

to unite with one that is born alone.

6. Though manifest, it is yet hidden, secret,

its name the Ancient, a mighty mode of being;

in Skambha is established this whole world;

therein is set fast all that moves and breathes.

7. Advancing in the East, withdrawing in the West,

it turns on one wheel, one rim, a thousand elements.

With a half of itself it begat all creation.

What has become of the half that remained?

8. The five-horsed chariot draws onward all creatures

with fleet-footed side horses pulling from the rear.

One sees of it the not yet vanished portion, not the vanished.

The Beyond appears nearer, the Before more distant.

9. A bowl there is with aperture at side and base upturned;

within it is accumulated every form of glory.

Upon it on their seven thrones are set the Seven Sages,

appointed as protectors of this whole vast sphere.

10. The verse hitched in front and the verse hitched behind,

the verse hitched to each and to every portion,

the verse through which the sacrifice proceeds to consummation--

which is it, I ask you, of all the verses?

11. What moves, what flies, what stands quite still,

what breathes, what breathes not, blinks the eye--

this, concentrated into a single One,

though multiple its forms, sustains the earth.

12. The infinite extends in many places,

the infinite and finite having a common border;

the guardian of the firmament alone can trace

that line, he who knows what has been and shall be.

13. The Lord of creatures stirs within the womb;

unseen himself, he comes to diverse births.

With half of himself he brought forth the whole world.

Of the other half what is the special sign?

14. Like a woman carrying water in a pitcher,

so he conveys the water on high.

All creatures behold him with their eyes,

but all do not know him with the spirit.

15. He dwells far away with that which is full.

Far away is he, free from deficiencies,

a great marvel in the center of the universe.

To him do sovereign rulers bring tribute.

16. That from which the Sun arises,

that into which the Sun subsides--

that I believe to be the Supreme.

There is nothing whatever that goes beyond.

17. Those who know or of old or in times between

refer by word of mouth to the knower of the Veda,

they speak one and all of the Sun in first place,

next, of Fire and also of the threefold Bird.

18. The Sun, the Bird who soars in the sky,

spreading his wings on a thousand-day flight,

pursues his course, gathering all the Gods

in his bosom, surveying all the worlds.

19. By Truth he blazes forth on high,

by Sacred Word he surveys below,

by Breath he breathes across these worlds--

the one in whom resides the Supreme.

20. The Man who knows the two fire sticks

from which by friction wealth is obtained--

it is he whom they call a knower of the Supreme,

it is he who knows the mighty Brahman.

21. In the beginning he came into being, footless.

In the beginning he bore the heavenly light.

Four-footed now, he has become the abode

of delightfulness, assuming [in himself] all delights.

22. In the same way whosoever reveres

the everlasting God who reigns supreme,

will himself become the abode of delights,

will himself receive food in abundance.

23. Men say that he is everlasting,

and yet he is renewed today.

Day and night with different forrns

by turns give birth to one another.

24. A hundred, a thousand, tens of thousands, millions--

innumerable are the forms of the Self entered in him.

They are destroyed; he gazes [imperturbable]!

Thus shines this God; thus is he!

25. The One is finer than a single hair;

the One is utterly invisible;

and yet this Deity, to me so dear,

is vaster than the whole wide universe.

26. Dwelling immortal in the house of mortals

is a fair maiden, never growing old.

The one for whom she was created lies prone

and he who made her has himself grown old.

27. You are woman, you are man,

you are boy and young girl, too.

You are the old man leaning on his staff.

When born, you everywhere reveal your face.

28. He is their father and no less their son,

at once the eldest brother and the youngest.

The One God penetrates within the mind,

the Firstborn--yet even now within the womb.

29. From fullness he pours forth the full;

the full spreads, merging with the full.

We eagerly would know from whence

he thus replenishes himself?

30. She is of ancient days, born in long ages past;

she the primeval has traversed creation.

The great Goddess Dawn, the shining One,

looks out from each being that blinks the eye.

31. The Deity whose name is “Helpful” dwells

encompassed by Cosmic Order.

It is by reason of her color that these trees

are green, and green their garlands of flowers.

32. Behold the marvelous mystery of God.

Near though he is, one cannot leave him!

Near though he is, one cannot see him!

He does not die, nor does he grow old.

33. Words uttered by the One who existed

before all else convey things as they are;

the place to which they go, reverberating,

is called by men great Brahman, the Ultimate.

34. That base on which both Gods and Men

are founded, like spokes set firmly in a hub,

in which the waters” flower by supernatural means

made its appearance--who or what is he?

35. The Gods who set the wind a-blowing,

who hold in relation the five compass points,

who deem themselves to be superior to offerings--

these guides of the Waters, who are they?

36. One among them is clothed with the earth;

another encompasses the airy spaces;

one, the Disposer, holds firm the heaven,

while others protect all the four quarters.

37. Who knows the fine-drawn thread on which

the creatures that we see are spun,

who knows the thread of that same thread

he also knows Brahman, the Ultimate.

38. I know the fine-drawn thread on which

the creatures that we see are spun;

I, even I, the thread know of the thread

and, consequently, Brahman, the Ultimate.

39. When, betwixt heaven and earth, the Fire

sped onward, consuming all things, there

where the wives of a single husband stood afar--

then where was Matarishvan to be found?

40. Matarishvan then had entered the Waters;

the Gods also had passed beneath the waves.

On high was the Sun, the measurer of space.

Soma purified, had entered the golden flames.

41. Loftier even than the lofty Gayatri,

strode he forth toward the Immortal.

Where, I ask, is the Unborn visible?

The knowers of song after song alone know it.

42. He who sends creatures to their rest,

who amasses great wealth, whose laws are as true

as the God Savitri--that One stands firm,

as firm as Indra, in the struggle for riches.

43. Behold now the lotus with nine gates, encircled

by the three strands; within is a great marvel

consisting in the Self. This it is

of which the knowers of Brahman have knowledge.

44. Who knows the Self, wise, youthful, never aging,

will have no fear of death, being free from desire--

immortal, wise, in his own Self resourceful

full of fresh sap, in nothing falling short.

28. Dawn Has Arisen, Our Welfare Is Assured

Ushas
RV VII, 79

1. Arousing the lands where dwell the five peoples,

Dawn has made visible the pathways of Men.

The beautiful dawn clouds convey her radiance.

The light of the Sun has disclosed earth and heaven.

2. The Dawns advance like clans arrayed for battle,

their bright rays tingeing the sky’s distant bounds.

The Sun extends his arms; the rose-colored dawn clouds,

imprisoning the darkness, beam forth their luster.

3. Goddess Dawn has arisen, endowed with great wealth,

eliciting homage--our welfare is assured!

Noblest of the noble, this Daughter of Heaven

grants to her worshipers varied treasures.

4. Give to us, Dawn, that copious bounty

with which you have rewarded those who sang your praises!

Loudly they acclaimed you, like the strong bulls that bellowed

as you unbarred the doors of the firm-set mountain.

5. Prevail on each God to give us his bounty!

Now at your appearing impart to us the charm

of pleasant voices and thoughts for our uplift.

Preserve us evermore, O Gods, with your blessings!

29. May He Who Knows Lead the Way!

Pushan
AV VII, 9

1. On distant pathways is the birthplace of the Lord,

remote from Heaven, remote from Earth.

To the two abodes that are dear to his heart

he comes, then departs, knowing each path.

2. He knows and traverses each heavenly realm.

May he guide us in ways that are wholly secure!

Undertaking our welfare, shielding from all harm

may he who knows lead the way with vigilance!

3. We take up our stance, Lord, beneath your law.

May we, who now praise you, incur no harm!

4. May the Lord interpose his right hand to protect us;

may he retrieve for us that which we have lost!

Yes, may we recover that which is lost!

30. Drive Far All Sorrow!

Soma
RV IX, 104

1. Be seated, O friends;

your songs uplift

for him who is undergoing

purification.

Array him like a child

in festive attire!

Bring him an offering!

2. Unite him to his worshipers

as a calf to its herd--

this bringer of prosperity,

producer of bliss

which delights the Gods,

doubly potent!

3. Purify him

who gives us power--

a banquet, he,

[most blessed One!],

for our Friend and our Protector

and all their attendants!

4. Our songs have followed you

like lowing cows,

O procurer of treasure!

We add to your flow

a stream of milk,

cream-hued to tawny.

5. You, sacred Drop,

are the master of ecstasies,

favorite drink

of the immortal Gods.

Show us the path,

O guide supreme!

6. Drive far away

the rapacious demon,

whoever he may be!

Drive far the godless,

the Man who is false.

Drive far all sorrow!

31. Unveil Your Face That I May See the Truth!

Satyadharmaya drshtaye
IS U 15-18

15. The face of Truth is covered over

by a golden vessel. Uncover it, O Lord,

that I who love the truth may see.

16. O Lord, sole Seer, Controller, Sun,

son of the Father of beings, shine forth.

Concentrate your splendor that I may behold

your most glorious form. He who is yonder--

the Man yonder--I myself am he!

17. Go, my breath, to the immortal breath.

Then may this body end in ashes!

Remember, O my mind, the deeds of the past,

remember the deeds, remember the deeds!

18. O Lord, lead us along the right path

to prosperity. O God, you know all our deeds.

Take from us our deceitful sin.

To you, then, we shall offer our prayers.