Rig Veda on Contentment

2 He who brings gifts to him the Ancient and the Last, to Visnu who ordains, together with his Spouse, 3 Him have ye satisfied, singers, as well as ye know, primeval germ of Order even from his birth. 4 The Sovran Varuna and both the Asvins wait on this the will of him who guides the Marut host. 5 Even he the Heavenly One who came for fellowship, Visnu to Indra, godly to the godlier,

2 O Indra, where the ground is hard to traverse, smite down our foes, the mortals who assail us, 3 God of the fair helm, give Sudas a hundred succours, a thousand blessings, and thy bounty. 4 I wait the power of one like thee, O Indra, gifts of a Helper such as thou art, Hero. 5 Here are the Kutsas supplicating Indra for might, the Lord of Bays for God−sent conquest. 6 With precious things, O Indra, thus content us: may we attain to thine exalted favour.

2 Who hath with prayer bowed to the Soma−lover? What pious man endues the beams of morning? 3 Who claims to−day the Deities' protection, asks Aditi for light, or the Adityas? 4 To him shall Agni Bharata give shelter: long shall he look upon the Sun up−rising, 5 Him neither few men overcome, nor many to him shall Aditi give spacious shelter. 6 This Hero curbs the mighty for the zealous: the presser's brew Indra possesses solely: 7 Not with the wealthy churl who pours no Soma doth Indra, Soma−drinker, bind alliance. 8 Highest and lowest, men who stand between diem, going, returning, dwelling in contentment,

2 Strong are the Soma−draughts; come nigh: the juices fill thee with delight: 3 Joy, Indra, in the strengthening food et it content thy wish and thought, 4 Come to us thou who hast no foe: we call thee down to hymns of praise, 5 This Soma here expressed with stones and dressed with milk for thy carouse, 6 Graciously, Indra, hear my call. Come and obtain the draught, and sate 7 The Soma, Indra, which is shed in chalices and vats for thee, 8 The Soma seen within themats, as in the flood the Moon is seen, 9 That which the Hawk brought in his claw, inviolate, through the air to thee,

2 rn all thy forms, O Soma, rest thy powers that influence the heart. 3 Even if, O Soma, I neglect thy laws through my simplicity, 4 Our songs in concert go to thee as streams of water to the wells. 5 O Soma, through thy might who art skilful and strong, these longing men, 6 Our herds thou guardest, Soma, and the moving world spread far and wide. 7 On all sides, Soma, be to us a Guardian ne'er to be deceived. 8 Be watchful, Soma, passing wise, to give us store of vital strength. 9 Chief slayer of our foemen, thou, Indu, art Indra's gracious Friend, 10 Victorious is this gladdening drink: to Indra dear it grows in strength. 11 This to the sage who offers gifts brings power that comes from wealth in kine.

2 His two red horses, all−supporting, let him yoke: let him, well−worshipped, urge them fast. 3 The flame of him the Bountiful, the Much−invoked, hath mounted up, 4 Thee, thee Most Glorious One we make our messenger. Bring the Gods hither to the feast. 5 Thou, Agni, art the homestead's Lord, our Herald at the sacrifice. 6 Give riches to the sacrificer, O Most Wise, for thou art he who granteth wealth. 7 O Agni who art worshipped well, dear let our princes he to thee, 8 They in whose home, her hand bearing the sacred oil, Ila sits down well−satisfied− 9 Do thou, a Priest with pleasant tongue, most wise, and very near to us, 10 They who bestow as bounty plenteous wealth of steeds, moved by desire of great renown− 11 The God who gives your wealth demands a full libation poured to him. 12 Him have the Gods appointed Priest of sacrifice, oblation−bearer, passing wise.

2 The God, intelligent, the speedy envoy whom thou hast sent hath come to me, Devapi: 3 Within my mouth, Brhaspati, deposit speech lucid, vigorous, and free from weakness, 4 Let the sweet drops descend on us, O Indra: give us enough to lade a thousand wagons. 5 Knowing the God's good−will, Devapi, Rsi, the son of Rstisena, sate as Hotar. 6 Gathered together in that highest ocean, the waters stood by deities obstructed. 7 When as chief priest for Santanu, Devapi, chosen for Hotar's duty, prayed beseeching, 8 O Agni whom Devapi Arstisena, the mortal man, hath kindled in his glory, 9 All ancient Rsis with their songs approached thee, even thee, O Much−invoked, at sacrifices. 10 The wagon−loads, the nine−and−ninety thousand, these have been offered up to thee, O Agni. 11 Give thou these ninety thousand loads, O Agni, to Indra, to the Bull, to be his portion. 12 O Agni, drive afar our foes, our troubles chase malady away and wicked demons.

2 To be invoked and hymned in fight with Vrtra, that well−praised Indra gives us real bounties. 3 Him, verily, the men invoke in combat; risking their lives they make him their protector, 4 Strong God! the folk at need put forth their vigour, striving together in the whirl of battle. 5 Hence many a one worships the might of Indra: hence let the brew succeed the meal−oblation. 6 Indra gives comfort to the man who truly presses, for him who longs fot it, the Soma, 7 He who this day for Indra presses Soma, prepares the brew and fries the grains of barley− 8 When the impetuous chief hath sought the confliet, and the lord looked upon the long−drawn battle, 9 He bid a small price for a thing of value: I was content, returning, still unpurchased. 10 Who for ten milch−kine purchaseth from rne this Indra who is mine? 11 Now, Indra! lauded, glorified with praises, let wealth swell high like rivers for the singer.

2 Inhabiting one dwelling−place in common, strong Stallions and the Mares have come together. 3 The Holy Pair, of wondrous power, have coupled: they formed the Infant, they who bred produced him. 4 For tracks of Order and refreshing viands attend from ancient times the goodly Infant. 5 He, calling loudly to the Seven red Sisters, hath, skilled in sweet drink, brought them to be looked on. 6 Seven are the pathways which the wise have fashioned; to one of these may come the troubled mortal. 7 Not Being, Being in the highest heaven, in Aditi's bosom and in Daksa's birthplace, 3 He who is Lord of all divine oblation, shared by all living men at break of morning, 4 Increasing by his strength. while lauds content him, with easy flight unto the Gods he travels. 5 With songs and adorations bring ye hither Agni who stirs himself at dawn like Indra, 6 In whom all goodly treasures meet together, even as steeds and riders for the booty. 7 Yea, at thy birth, when thou hadst sat in glory, thou, Agni, wast the aim of invocations.

2 Verily no one knoweth whence they sprang: they, and they only, know each other's birth. 3 They strew each other with their blasts, these Hawks: they strove together, roaring like the wind. 4 A sage was he who knew these mysteries, what in her udder mighty Prsni bore. 5 Ever victorious, through the Maruts, be this band of Heroes, nursing manly strength, 6 Most bright in splendour, flectest on their way, close−knit to glory, strong with varied power. 7 Yea, mighty is your power and firm your strength: so, potent, with the Maruts, be the band. 8 Bright is your spirit, wrathful are your minds: your bold troop's minstrel is like one inspired. 9 Ever avert your blazing shaft from us, and let not your displeasure reach us here 10 Your dear names, conquering Maruts, we invoke, calling aloud till we are satisfied. 11 Well−armed, impetuous in their haste, they deck themselves, their forms, with oblations: to you, the pu 12 Pure, Maruts, pure yourselves, are your oblations: to you, the pure, pure sacrifice I offer. 13 Your rings, O Maruts, rest upon your shoulders, and chains of gold are twined upon your bosoms. 14 Wide in the depth of air spread forth your glories, far, most adorable, ye bear your titles. 15 If, Maruts, ye regard the praise recited here at this mighty singer invocation, 16 The Maruts, fleet as coursers, while they deck them like youths spectators of a festal meeting, 17 So may the Maruts help us and be gracious, bringing free room to lovely Earth and Heaven. 18 The priest, when seated, loudly calls you, Maruts, praising in song your universal bounty. 19 These Maruts bring the swift man to a stand−still, and strength with mightier strength they break and 20 These Maruts rouse even the poor and needy: the Vasus love him as an active champion. 21 Never, O Maruts, may we lose your bounty, nor, car−borne Lords! be hitidmost when ye deal it. 22 What time the men in fury rush together for running streams, for pastures, and for houses.

2 At Ayu's ancient call he by his wisdom gave all this progeny of men their being, 3 Praise him, ye Aryan folk, as chief performer of sacrifice adored and ever toiling, 4 That Matarisvan rich in wealth and treasure, light−winner, finds a pathway for his offispring. 5 Night and Dawn, changing each the other's colour, meeting together suckle one same Infant: 6 Root of wealth, gathering−place of treasures, banner of sacrifice, who grants the suppliant's wishes: 7 Now and of old the home of wealth, the mansion of what is born and what was born aforetime, 8 May the Wealth−Giver grant us conquering riches; may the Wealth−Giver grant us wealth with heroes. 9 Fed with our fuel, purifying Agni, so blaze to us auspiciously for glory.

2 Rich shall he be in gold and kine and horses. Indra bestows on him great vital power, 3 Longing, I came this morning to the pious, the son of sacrifice, with car wealth. laden. 4 Health−bringing streams, as milch−cows, flow to profit him who hath worshipped, him who now will 5 On the high ridge of heaven he stands exalted, yea, to the Gods he goes, the liberal giver. 6 For those who give rich meeds are all these splendours, for those who give rich meeds suns shine in hea 7 Let not the liberal sink to sin and sorrow, never decay the pious −chiefs who worship!

2 O pleasant Food, O Food of meath, thee have we chosen for our own, 3 Come hitherward to us, O Food, auspicious with auspicious help, 4 These juices which, O Food, are thine throughout the regions are diffused. 5 These gifts of thine, O Food, O Food most sweet to taste, 6 In thee, O Food, is set the spirit of great Gods. 7 If thou be gone unto the splendour of the clouds, 8 Whatever morsel we consume from waters or from plants of earth, O Soma, wax thou fat thereby. 9 What Soma, we enjoy from thee in milky food or barley−brew, Vatapi, grow thou fat thereby. 10 O Vegetable, Cake of meal, he wholesome, firm, and strengthening: Vatapi, grow thou fat thereby. 11 O Food, from thee as such have we drawn forth with lauds, like cows, our sacrificial gifts,

2 He, Mighty, knows the gift of wealth, he knows the deep recess of heaven: 3 He knows, a God himself, to guide Gods to the righteous in his home: 4 He is the Herald: well−informed, he doth his errand to and fro, 5 May we be they who gratify Agni with sacrificial gifts, 6 Illustrious for wealth are they, and hero deeds, victorious, 7 So unto us, day after day, may riches craved by many come, 8 That holy Singer in his strength shoots forth his arrows swifter than

8 Of wealth and homes of men thou art the ruler, and opener of the stable of the cattle. 9 By what great might is he renowned as strongest, wherewith the Lofty One stirs up wild battles? 10 Slay us not; bring, bestow onus the ample gift which thou hast to give to him who offers. 11 Now, Indra! lauded, glorified with praises, let power swell high, like rivers, for the singer.

2 He by the splendour of his arms is Priest of every able man. 3 All rests upon the laud and love of him the rich, high−flaming God, 4 So, Agni, be the Friend of these with liberal gift of hero strength. 5 O Agni, quickly come to us, and, glorified, bring precious wealth.

2 Near him thou seemest mightier still in native glory, set to hold 3 Yea, this is by the light of him whom powerful siong hath bound to act, 4 Wealth loads the Wonder−Worker's car through his, the very wise One's power. 5 Now, too, the princes shall obtain excellent riches by our lips.

2 From you, benignant Gods, may we gain fully food for sustenance. 3 Guard us, O Rudras. with your guar4 save us, ye skilled to save, my we 4 Or ne'er may we, O Wondrous Strong, enjoy another's solemn feast,

2 As Priest thou sattest at the seat of worship, furthering us, best Offerer, meet for honour. 3 In thee, still watching, they have followed riches, who goest with much wealth as with an army, 4 They who approached the God's abode with homage, eager for glory, won them perfect glory: 5 On earth the people magnify thee greatly, thee their celestial and terrestrial riches. 6 Dear priest among mankind, adorable Agni hath seated him, joy−giver, skilled in worship. 7 Longing for bliss, pure−minded, God−devoted, Agni, we seek thee, such, meet to be lauded. 8 Sage of mankind, all peoples' Lord and Master, the Bull of men, the sender down of blessings, 9 Agni, the mortal who hath toiled and worshipped, brought thee oblations with his kindled fuel, 10 Mightily let us worship thee the Mighty, with reverence, Agni! fuel and oblations, 11 Thou who hast covered heaven and earth with splendour and with thy glories, glorious and triumphant. 12 Vouchsafe us ever, as man needs, O Vasu, abundant wealth of kine for son and offspring. 13 May I obtain much wealth in many places by love of thee and through thy grace, King Agni;

2 Thou art our Bhaga to send wealth thou dwellest, like circumambient air, with wondrous splendour. 3 Agni! the hero slays with might his foeman; the singer bears away the Pani's booty− 4 The man who, Son of Strength 1 with sacrifices, hymns, lauds, attracts thy fervour to the altar, 5 Grant, Son of Strength, to men for their subsistence such things as bring high fame and hero children. 6 Eloquent, Son of Strength, Most Mighty, Agni, vouchsafe us seed and offspring, full of vigour.

2 For here, like flies on honey, these who pray to thee sit by the juice that they have poured. 3 Longing for wealth I call on him, the Thunderer with the strong right hand, 4 These Soma juices, mixed with curd, have been expressed for Indra here. 5 May he whose ear is open hear us. He is asked for wealth: will he despise our prayer? 6 The hero never checked by men hath gained his strength through Indra, he 7 When thou dost drive the fighting men together be, thou Mighty One, the mighty's shield. 8 For Indra, Soma−drinker, armed with thunder, press the Soma juice. 9 Grudge not, ye Soma pourers; stir you, pay the rites, for wealth, to the great Conqueror. 10 No one hath overturned or stayed the car of him who freely gives. 11 Indra, that man when fighting shall obtain the spoil, whose strong defender thou wilt be. 12 His portion is exceeding great like a victorious soldier's spoil. 13 Make for the Holy Gods a hymn that is not mean, but well−arranged and fair of form. 14 Indra, what mortal will attack the man who hath his wealth in thee? 15 In battles with the foe urge on our mighty ones who give the treasures dear to thee, 16 Thine, Indra, is the lowest wealth, thou cherishest the mid−most wealth, 17 Thou art renowned as giving wealth to every one in all the battles that are fought. 18 If I, O Indra, were the Lord of riches ample as thine own, 19 Each day would I enrich the man who sang my praise, in whatsoever place he were. 20 With Plenty for his true ally the active man will gain the spoil. 21 A moral wins no riches by unworthy praise: wealth comes not to the niggard churl. 22 Like kine unmilked we call aloud, Hero, to thee, and sing thy praise, 23 None other like to thee, of earth or of the heavens, hath been or ever will be born. 24 Bring, Indra, the Victorious Ones; bring, elder thou, the younger host. 25 Drive thou away our enemies, O Maghavan: make riches easy to be won. 26 O Indra, give us wisdom as a sire gives wisdom to his sons.

27 For so much bliss, or even more, O Asvins, Wealthy Gods, than this, 28 Ascend your car with golden seat, O Asvins, and with reins of gold, 29 Golden is its supporting shaft, the axle also is of gold, 30 Thereon, ye Lords of ample wealth, come to us even from afar, 31 From far away ye come to us, Asvins, enjoying plenteous food 32 With splendour, riches, and renown, O Asvins, hither come to us, 33 May dappled horses, steeds who fly with pinions, bring you hitherward 34 The whcel delayeth not that car of yours accompanied by song, 35 Borne on that chariot wrought of gold, with coursers very fleet of foot, 36 O Wealthy Gods, ye taste and find the brisk and watchful wild beast good. 37 As such, O Asvins, find for me my share of new−presented gifts, 38 He who hath given me for mine own ten Kings like gold to look upon. 39 No man, not any, goes upon the path on which the Cedis walk. 2 When the priests, strengthening the Son of Holy Law, present their gifts, 3 Since Kanvas with their lauds have made Indra complete the sacrifice. 4 Before his hot displeasure all the peoples, all the men, bow down, 5 This power of his shone brightly forth when Indra brought together, like 6 The fiercely−moving Vrtra's head he severed with his thunderbolt, 7 Here are−we sing them loudly forth−our thoughts among−the best of songs.

2 The wealthy ones adorn thee, they who bring us horses as their gift: 3 The holy statutes rest by thee, as 'twere with ladles that o'erflow. 4 O Agni, what thou deemest wealth, Victorious and Immortal One! 5 Skilled in all lore is Agni, he whom erst Atharvan brought to life. 6 At sacrifices they adore thee, Agni, when the rite proceeds. 7 Men, Agni, have established thee as welcome Priest at holy rites, 8 Wide and aloft thou spreadest thee, O Agni, with tby brilliant flame.

2 He with his friend is active, lauded, good to man, Indra who must be glorified by one like me. 3 Who are the men whom thou wilt further, Indra, who strive to win thy bliss allied with riches? 4 Thou, Indra, through the holy prayer art mighty, worthy of sacrifice at all libations. 5 Help now, as Highest, those who toil at sacrifice: well do the people know thy great protecting might. 6 All these libations thou makest effectual, of which thou art thyself supporter, Son of Power. 7 They who with flowing Soma pray to thee, O Sage, to pour on them thy gifts of opulence and wealth,

2 Here is the psalm for wealth, and food, in plenty: let us do many deeds to bring us glory. 3 May we o'ercome our foes with acts of valour, as heaven is over earth, hills over lowlands. 4 Give us not up as prey to death, O Sorna still let us look upon the Sun arising. 5 O Asuniti, keep the soul within us, and make the days we have to live yet longer. 6 Give us our sight again, O Asuniti, give us again our breath and our enjoyment. 7 May Earth restore to us our vital spirit, may Heaven the Goddess and mid−air restore it. 8 May both Worlds bless Subandhu, young Mothers of everlasting Law. 9 Health−giving medicines descend sent down from heaven in twos and threes, 10 Drive forward thou the wagon−ox, O Indra, which brought Usinarani's wagon hither.