Rig Veda on Greed

2 Lead us anew to happiness, O Agni; lead us beyond all danger and affliction. 3 Far from us, Agni, put thou all diseases let them strike lauds that have no saving Agni. 4 Preserve us, Agni, with perpetual succour, refulgent in the dwelling which thou lovest. 5 Give not us up a prey to sin, O Agni, the greedy enemy that brings us trouble; 6 Such as thou art, born after Law, O Agni when lauded give protection to our bodies, 7 Thou, well discerning both these classes, comest to men at early morn, O holy Agni. 8 To him have we addressed our pious speeches, I, Mana's son, to him victorious Agni.

2 Cheered by this meath Indra, whose hand wields thunder, rent piecemeal Ahi who barred up the waters, 3 Indra, this Mighty One, the Dragon's slayer, sent forth the flood of waters to the ocean. 4 To him who worshippeth hath Indra given many and matchless gifts. He slayeth Vrtra. 5 To him who poured him gifts he gave up Surya,−Indra, the God, the Mighty, to the mortal; 6 Once to the driver of his chariot, Kutsa, he gave up greedy Surya, plague of harvest; 7 So have we brought our hymn to thee, O Indra, strengthening thee and fain ourselves for glory. 8 Thus the Grtsamadas for thee, O Hero, have wrought their hymn and task as seeking favour. 9 Now may that wealthy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee,

2 Ye ministers, to him who with the lightning smote, like a tree, the rain−withholding Vrtra− 3 Ye ministers, to him who smote Drhhikas who drove the kine forth, and discovered Vala, 4 Him who did Urana to death, Adhvaryus! though showing arms ninety−and−nine in number; 5 Ye ministers, to him who struck down Svasna, and did to death Vyamsa and greedy Susna, 6 Ye ministers, to him who as with thunder demolished Sambara's hundred ancient castles; 7 Ye ministers, to him who slew a hundred thousand, and cast them down upon earth's bosom; 8 Ministers, men, whatever thing ye long for obtain ye quickly bringing gifts to Indra. 9 Do ye, O ministers, obey his order: that purified in wood, in wood uplift ye. 10 As the cow's udder teems with milk, Adhvaryus, so fill with Soma Indra, liberal giver. 11 Him, ministers, the Lord of heavenly treasure and all terrestrial wealth that earth possesses, 12 Prepare thyself to grant us that great booty, O Vasu, for abundant is thy treasure.

2 Rejoicing in his friendship, let the priest be seated over man, 3 Him, glowing bright beyond all thought, they seek among the race of man; 4 He hath inflamed the twofold plain: lifegiving, he hath climbed the wood, 5 Wandering here the radiant Calf finds none to fetter him, and seeks 6 And now that great and mighty team, the team of horses that are his, 7 The seven milk a single cow; the two set other five to work, 8 Entreated by Vivasvan's ten, Indra cast down the water−jar 9 Three times the newIy−kindled flame proceeds around the sacrifice: 10 With reverence they drain the fount that circles with its wheel above, 11 The pressing−stones are set at work: the meath is poured into the tank, 12 Ye cows, protect the fount: the two Mighty Ones bless the sacrifice. 13 Pour on the juice the ornament which reaches both the heaven and earth 14 These know their own abiding−place: like calves beside the mother cows 15 Devouring in their greedy jaws, they make sustaining food in heaven, 16 The Pious One milked out rich food, sustenance dealt in portions seven, 17 I took some Soma when the Sun rose up, O Mitra, Varuna. 18 From where oblations must be laid, which is the Well−beloved's home,

2 Agni, the Bounteous Giver, bright with varied flames, laud thou, O singer Sobhari− 3 Thee have we chosen skilftillest in sacrifice, Immortal Priest among the Gods, 4 The Son of Strength, the blessed, brightly shining One, Agni whose light is excellent. 5 The mortal who hath ministered to Agni with oblation, fuel, ritual lore, 6 Verily swift to run are his fleet−footed steeds, and most resplendent fame is his. 7 May we by thine own fires be well supplied with fire, O Son of Strength, O Lord of Might: 8 Agni, who praises like a guest of friendly mind, is as a car that brings us gear. 9 That man, moreover, merits praise who brings, auspicious Agni, sacrificial gifts 10 He for whose sacrifice thou standest up erect is prosperous and rules o'er men. 11 He in whose dwelling Agni is chief ornament, and, all−desired, loves his laud well, 12 His, or the lauding sage's word, his, Son of Strength! who Is most prompt with sacred gifts, 13 He who with sacrificial gifts or homage bringeth very skilful Agni nigh, 14 The mortal who with blazing fuel, as his laws command, adores the Perfect God, 15 Give us the splendour, Agni, which may overcome each greedy fiend in our abode, 16 That, wherewith Mitra, Varuna, and Aryaman, the Asvins, Bhaga give us light, 17 O Agni, most devout are they, the sages who have set thee Sage exceeding wise, 18 Who have arranged thine altar Blessed God, at morn brought thine oblation, pressed the juice. 19 −May Agni worshipped bring us bliss, may the gift, Blessed One, and sacrifice bring bliss; 20 Show forth the mind that brings success in war with fiends, wherewith thou conquerest in fight.

2 Brhaspati, God immortal! verily the Gods have gained from thee, the wise, a share in holy rites. 3 When thou hast chased away revilers and the gloom, thou mountest the refulgent car of sacrifice; 4 Thou leadest with good guidance and preservest men; distress o'ertakes not him who offers gifts to thee. 5 No sorrow, no distress from any side, no foes, no creatures double−tongued have overcome the man,− 6 Thou art our keeper, wise, preparer of our paths: we, for thy service, sing to thee with hymns of praise. 7 Him, too, who threatens us without offence of ours, the evilminded, arrogant, rapacious man,− 8 Thee as protector of our bodies we invoke, thee, saviour, as the comforter who loveth us. 9 Through thee, kind −prosperer, O Brahmanaspati, may we obtain the wealth of Men which all desire: 10 With thee as our own rich and liberal ally may we, Brhaspati, gain highest power of life. 11 Strong, never yielding, hastening to the battle−cry, consumer of the foe, victorious in the strife, 12 Whoso with mind ungodly seeks to do us harm, who, deeming him a man of might mid lords, would 13 The mover mid the spoil, the winner of all wealth, to be invoked in fight and reverently adored, 14 Burn up the demons with thy fiercest flaming brand, those who have scorned thee in thy manifested mi 15 Brhaspati, that which the foe deserves not which shines among the folk effectual, splendid, 16 Give us not up to those who, foes in ambuscade, are greedy for the wealth of him who sits at ease, 17 For Tvastar, he who knows each sacred song, brought thee to life, preeminent o'er all the things that be 18 The mountain, for thy glory, cleft itself apart when, Angiras! thou openedst the stall of kine. 19 O Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn and prosper thou our children.

2 Unyoke, as at thy journey's end, O Hero, to gladden thee today at this libation. 3 When the Bull, quaffing, praises our Iibation, as a sage paying holy rites in secret, 4 When heaven's fair light by hymns was made apparent (they made great splendour shine at break of 5 Indra, Impetuous One, hath waxed immensely: he with his vastness hath filled earth and heaven. 6 Sakra who knoweth well all human actions hath with his eager Friends let loose the waters. 7 He smote away the floods' obstructer, Vrtra; Earth, conscious, lent her aid to speed thy thunder. 8 When, Much−invoked! the water's rock thou cleftest, Sarama showed herself and went before thee. 9 Come, Maghavan, Friend of Man, to aid the singer imploring thee in battle for the sunlight. 10 Come to our home resolved to slay the Dasyu: Kutsa longed eagerly to win thy friendship. 11 Thou comest, fain to succour him, with Kutsa,−a goad that masters both the Wind−God's horses, 12 For Kutsa, with thy thousand, thou at day−break didst hurl down greedy Susna, foe of harvest. 13 Thou to the son of Vidathin, Rjisvan, gavest up mighty Mrgaya and Pipru. 14 What time thou settest near the Sun thy body, thy form, Immortal One, is seen expanding: 15 Wishes for wealth have gone to Indra, longing for him in war for light and at libation, 16 Call we for you that Indra, prompt to listen, him who hath done so much for men's advantage; 17 When the sharp−pointed arrow, O thou Hero, flieth mid any conflict of the people, 18 Further the holy thoughts of Vamadeva be thou a guileless Friend in fight for booty. 19 O Indra, with these men who love thee truly, free givers, Maghavan, in every battle, 20 Now, as the Bhrgus wrought a car, for Indra the Strong, the Mighty, we our prayer have fashioned, 21 Now, Indra! lauded, glorified with praises, let power swell. high like rivers for the singer.

23 O Sages, evermore I crave your favour: be gracious unto all my prayers, O Asvins. 24 With liberal bounty to the weakling's consorts ye, Heroes, gave a son Hiranyahasta; 25 These your heroic exploits, O ye Asvins, done in the days. of old, have men related.

2 Quaff it pure, meal−blent, mixt with milk, O Indra; we have poured forth the Soma for thy rapture. 3 Those who gave increase to thy strength and vigour; the Maruts singing forth thy might, O Indra. 4 They, even the Maruts who were there, excited with song the meath−created strength of Indra. 5 Pleased, like a man, with our libation, Indra, drink, for enduring hero might, the Soma. 6 When thou didst loose the streams to run like racers in the swift contest, having smitten Vrtra 7 With reverence let us worship mighty Indra, great and sublime, eternal, everyouthful, 8 Many are Indra's nobly wrought achievements, and none of all the Gods transgress his statutes. 9 Herein, O Guileless One, is thy true greatness, that soon as born thou drankest up the Soma. 10 As soon as thou wast born in highest heaven thou drankest Soma to delight thee, Indra; 11 Thou, puissant God, more mighty, slewest. Ahi showing his strength when couched around the waters. 12 Sacrifice, Indra, made thee wax so mighty, the dear oblation with the flowing Soma. 13 With sacrifice and wish have I brought Indra; still for new blessings may I turn him hither, 14 I have brought forth a song when longing seized me: ere the decisive day will I laud Indra; 15 Full is his chalice: Glory! Like a pourer I have filled up the vessel for his drinking. 16 Not the deep−flowing flood, O Much−invoked One! not hills that compass thee about restrain thee, 17 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in this fight where spoil is gathered,

3 With milk they made Indra their good Preserver, lauding for help and rule the bounteous rainer. 4 With kine and horses satisfy this longing with very splendid bounty still extend it. 5 Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best Hero in the fight where spoil is gathered;

2 Accept, O Indra, and enjoy the well−dressed sacrificial cake: Oblations are poured forth to thee. 3 Consume our sacrificial cake, accept the songs of praise we sing, 4 Famed from of old, accept the cake at our libation poured at dawn, 5 Let roasted corn of our midday libation, and sacrificial cake here please thee, Indra, 6 At the third sacrifice, O thou whom many praise, give glory to the roasted corn and holy cake. 7 The groats have we prepared for thee with Pusan, corn for thee, Lord of Bay Steeds, with thy horses. 8 Bring forth the roasted corn to meet him quickly, cake for the bravest Hero mid the heroes.

2 With kindled fire and strewn grass let him worship, and, Soma−presser, sing with stones adjusted: 3 This wife is coming near who loves her husband who carries to his home a vigorous consort. 4 No troubles vex that King in whose home Indra drinks the sharp Soma juice with milk commingled. 5 May he support in peace and win in battle: he masters both the hosts that meet together.

22 Drive down your chariot hitherward drink ye the Soma's savoury juice. 23 When sacrifice which tells our reverence hath begun. Heroes! to drink the gushing juice, 24 Sate you with consecrated drink, with juice effused, ye Deities.

2 Crush with thy foot the niggard churls who bring no gifts. Mighty art thou 3 Thou art the Lord of Soma pressed, Soma impressed is also thine. 4 Come, go thou forth, dwelling in heaven and listening to the prayers of men: 5 Even that hill with rocky heights, with hundreds, thousands, held within. 6 We call on thee both night and day to taste the flowing Soma juice: 7 Where is that ever−youthful Steer, strong. necked and never yet bent down? 8 To whose libation doth the Steer, betake him with delight therein? 9 Whom, Vrtra−slayer, have thy gift and hero powers accompanied? 10 For thee among mankind, among the Purus is this Soma shed. 11 This, growing by Soma and by Saryanavan, dear to thee, 12 Hasten thou hitherward, and drink this for munificence to−day,

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 Drink the libation rich in sweets, O Asvins Twain: sit. Heroes, on the sacred grass. 3 The Priyamedhas bid you come with all the succours that are yours. 4 Drink ye the Soma rich in meath, ye Asvins Twain: sit gladly on the sacred grass. 5 Come to us, O ye Asvins, now with steeds of many a varied hue, 6 For we the priestly singers, fain tohymn your praise, invoke you for the gain of strength.

Many−named with this same thought that longs for milk, 18 Much−honoured by libations, may the Vrtra−slayer wake for us: 19 O Hero, with that aid dost thou delight us, with what succour bring 20 With whose libation joys the Strong, the Hero with his team who quells 21 Rejoicing in thy spirit bring thousandfold opulence to us: 22 These juices with their wedded wives flow to enjoyment lovingly: 23 Presented strengthening gifts have sent Indra away at sacrifice, 24 These two who share his feast, Bay Steeds with golden manes, shall bring him to 25 For thee, O Lord of Light, are shed these Soma−drops, and grass is strewn 26 May Indra give thee skill, and lights of heaven, wealth to his votary 27 O Satakratu, wondrous strength and all our lauds I bring to thee: 28 Bring to us all things excellent, O Satakratu, food and strength: 30 Bearing the Soma juice we call, best Vrtra−slayer, unto thee: 31 Come, Lord of rapturous, joys, to our libation with thy Bay Steeds, come 32 Known as best Vrtra−slayer erst, as Indra Satakratu, come 33 O Vrtra−slayer, thou art he who drinks these drops of Soma: come 34 May Indra give, to aid us, wealth handy that rules the Skilful Ones:

2 As with a hundred hosts, he rushes boldly on, and for the offerer slays his foes. 3 The drops effused, the gladdening draughts, O Indra, Lover of the Son 4 The matchless draught that strengthens and gives eloquence, the sweetest of the meath drink thou, 5 Come quickly to our laud, urged on by Soma−pressers like a horse− 6 With homage have we sought thee as a Hero, strong, preeminent, with unfailing wealth. 7 If now thou art at sacrifice, or if thou art upon the earth, 8 The active, fleet−foot, tawny Coursers that are thine are swift to victory, like the Wind, 9 Indra, from thee so great we crave prosperity in wealth of kine, 10 As, Maghavan, to Kanva, Trasadasyu, and to Paktha and Dasavraja;

2 Indu, by pressers urged to speed, bellowing out while beautified. 3 Pour on us, Soma, with thy stream manconquering might which many crave, 4 Hither hath Pavamana flowed, Soma flowed hither in a stream, 5 To waters with the stones they drive thee tawny−hued, most rich in sweets, 6 For Indra, for the Thunderer press the Soma very rich in sweets,

2 At thine effusion upward rise three voices full of joy, when thou 3 On to the fleece they urge with stone the tawny well−beloved One, 4 Flow with thy current to the sieve, O Sage most powerful to cheer, 5 Flow, Most Exhilarating! flow anointed with the milk for balm,

2 May we, when this Dawn and the next dance hither, be thy best servants, most heroic Hero! 3 What was the gladdening draught that pleased thee, Indra? Speed through our doors to songs, for thou ar 4 Indra, what fame hath one like thee mid heroes? With what plan wilt thou act? Why hast thou sought us 5 Speed happily those, as Surya ends his journey, who meet his wish as bridegrooms meet their spouses; 6 Thine are two measures, Indra, wide−wellmeted, heaven for thy majesty, earth for thy wisdom. 7 They have poured out a bowl to him, to Indra, full of sweet juice, for faithful is his bounty. 8 Indra hath conquered in his wars, the Mighty: men strive in multitudes to win his friendship.

2 Thou, Indra, heedless passest by the ill Vrsakapi hath wrought; 3 What hath he done to injure thee, this tawny beast Vrsakapi, 4 Soon may the hound who hunts the boar seize him and bite him in the car, 5 Kapi hath marred the beauteous things, all deftly wrought, that were my joy. 6 No Dame hath ampler charms than 1, or greater wealth of love's delights. 7 Mother whose love is quickly wibn, I say what verily will be. 8 Dame with the lovely hands and arms, with broad hair−plaits add ample hips, 9 This noxious creature looks on me as one bereft of hero's love, 10 From olden time the matron goes to feast and general sacrifice. 11 So have I heard Indrani called most fortunate among these Dames, 12 Never, Indralni, have I joyed without my friend Vrsakapi, 13 Wealthy Vrsakapayi, blest with sons and consorts of thy sons, 14 Fifteen in number, then, for me a score of bullocks they prepare, 15 Like as a bull with pointed horn, loud bellowing amid the herds, 18 O Indra this Vrsakapi hath found a slain wild animal, 19 Distinguishing the Dasa and the Arya, viewing all, I go. 20 The desert plains and steep descents, how many leagues in length they spread! 21 Turn thee again Vrsakapi: we twain will bring thee happiness. 22 When, Indra and Vrsakapi, ye travelled upward to your home, 23 Daughter of Manu, Parsu bare a score of children at a birth.