Rig Veda on Suffering

2 Flow onward from the waters, flow, inviolable, from the plants: 3 Soma, as Pavamana, pass over all trouble and distress: 4 Thou, Pavamana, foundest light; thou at thy birth becamest great:

2 Bring forth the God with song divine, being Jatavedas hitherward, 3 He here, a God−devoted Priest, led forward comes to sacrifice. 4 This Agni rescues from distress, as 'twere from the Immortal Race,

2 May Dyaus and Prthivi, wise, true to Holy Law, keep us in safety from distress and injury. 3 Mother of Mitra and of opulent Varuna, may Aditi preserve us safe from all distress. 4 May ringing press−stones keep the Raksasas afar, ill dream, and Nirrti, and each voracious fiend. 5 Full flow libations; on our grass let Indra sit; Brhaspati the singer laud with Sama hymns! 6 Ye Asvins, make our sacrifice ascend to heaven, and animate the rite that it may send us bliss, 7 Hither I call the band of Maruts, swift to hear, great, purifying, bringing bliss, to he our Friends. 8 We bring the Stay of Life, who makes the waters swell, swift−hearing, Friend of Gods, who waits on 9 Alive ourselves, with living sons, devoid of guilt, may we win this with winners by fair means to win. 10 Hear us, O ye who claim the worship of mankind, and give us, O ye Gods, the gift for which we pray, 11 We crave the gracious favour of the Gods to−day, great favour of great Gods, sublime and free from fo 12 In great enkindled Agni's keeping, and, for bliss, free from all sin before Mitra and Varuna. 13 All ye, the Gods whom Savitar the Father of truth, and Varuna and Mitra govern, 14 Savitar, Savitar from cast and westward, Savitar, Savitar from north and southward,

2 Mark this my speech, Divine One, thou, Most Youthful! offered to thee by him who gives most freely. 3 Thy guardian rays, O Agni, when they saw him, preserved blind Mamateya from affliction. 4 The sinful man who worships not, O Agni, who, offering not, harms us with double−dealing,− 5 Yea, when a mortal knowingly, O Victor, injures with double tongue a fellow−mortal,

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.

May the Swift give us rapture, and like the Sun shine forth from yonder dawning, 7 When the wood−pile, made of good logs, is ready, at the Sun's worship to bind fast the Bullock, 8 Eight steeds thou broughtest down from mighty heaven, when fighting for the well that giveth splendou 9 Thou hurledst forth from heaven the iron missile, brought by the Skilful, from the sling of leather, 10 Bolt−armed, ere darkness overtook the sunlight, thou castest at the veiling cloud thy weapon, 11 The mighty Heaven and Earth, those bright expanses that have no wheels, joyed, Indra, at thine exploit 12 Mount Indra, lover of the men thou guardest, the well−yoked horses of the wind, best bearers. 13 The strong Bay Horses of the Sun thou stayedst: this Etasa drew not the wheel, O Indra. 14 Indra, preserve thou us from this affliction Thunder−armed, save us from the misery near us. 15 Never may this thy loving−kindness fail us; mighty in strength, may plenteous food surround us. 2 Strong to exalt the early invocation are Night and Dawn who show with varied aspect. 3 Cheer us the Roamer round, who strikes at morning, the Wind delight us, pourer forth of waters! 4 And Ausija shall call for me that famous Pair who enjoy and drink, who come to brighten. 5 For you shall Ausija call him who thunders, as, to win Arjuna's assent, cried Ghosa. 6 Hear, Mitra−Varuna, these mine invocations, hear them from all men in the hall of worship. 7 Praised, Mitra, Varuna! is your gift, a hundred cows to the Prksayamas and the Pajra. 8 Praised is the gift of him the very wealthy: may we enjoy it, men with hero children: 9 The folk, O Mitra−Varuna, who hate you, who sinfully hating pour you no libations, 10 That man, most puissant, wondrously urged onward, famed among heroes, liberal in giving, 11 Come to the man's, the sacrificer's calling: hear, Kings of Immortality, joy−givers! 12 Vigour will we bestow on that adorer whose tenfold draught we come to taste, so spake they.

21 I praise with song the Friend of man, whom Gods sent down to be herald and messenger, 22 Thou unto sharp−toothed Agni, Young and Radiant God, proclaimest with thy song the feast− 23 While, served with sacrificial oil, now upward and now downward Agni moves his sword, 24 The God, the Friend of man, who bears our gifts to heaven, the God with his sweet−smelling mouth, 25 Son of Strength, Agni, if thou wert the mortal, bright as Mitra, I worshipped with our gifts! 26 I would not give thee up, Vasu, to calumny, or misery, O Bounteous One. 27 Like a son cherished in his father's houi§e, let our oblation rise unto the Gods. 28 With thine immediate aid may I, excellent Agni, ever gain my wish 29 O Agni, by thy wisdom, by thy bounties, by thy leading may I gather wealth. 30 Agni, he conquers by thine aid that brings him store of noble heroes and great strength, 31 Thy spark is black and crackling, kindled in due time, O Bounteous, it is taken up. 32 We Sobharis have come to him, for succour, who is good to help with thousand powers, 33 O Agni, thou on whom all other fires depend, as branches on the parent stem, 34 The mortal whom, Adityas, ye, Guilelew, lead to the farther bank 35 Whoe'er he be, Man−ruling Kings! the Regent of the race of men− 36 A gift of fifty female slaves hath Trasadasyu given me, Purukutsa's son, 37 And Syava too for me led forth a strong steed at Suvastu's ford: 2 Maruts, Rbhuksans, Rudras come ye with your cars strong−fellied and exceeding bright. 3 For well we know the vigorous might of Rudra's Sons, the Martits, who are passing strong, 4 Islands are bursting forth and misery is stayed: the heaven and earth are joined in one. 5 Even things immovable shake and reel, the mountains and the forest trees at your approach, 6 To lend free course, O Maruts, to your furious rush, heaven high and higher still gives way, 7 After their Godlike nature they, the bull.

2 For the broad Sun was seen a path more widely laid, the path of holy law hath been maintained with ray 3 With Aditi the luminous, the celestial, upholder of the people, come ye day by day, ye who watch sleepl 4 This Soma be most sweet to Mitra, Varuna: he in the drinking−feasts, shall have a share thereof, sharing 5 Whoso, with worship serves Mitra and VaruiIa, him guard ye carefully, uninjured, from distress, guard 6 Worship will I proress to lofty Dyaus, to Heaven and Earth, to Mitra and to bounteous Varuna, the 7 With the Gods' help, with Indra still beside us, may we be held self−splendid with the Maruts.

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 Waxing greatness Indra slayeth Vrtra: the Hero with his aid hath helped the singer. He gave S 4 Thou with thy greatness hast filled full, O Indra, even both the worlds with might, O thou Most Mighty. 5 A Bull begat the Bull for joy of battle, and a strong Mother brought forth him the manly. 6 The people falter not, nor suffer sorrow, who win themselves this God's terrific spirit. 7 Whene'er the elder fain would help the younger the greater cometh to the lesser's present. 8 Thy dear folk, Indra, who present oblations, are, in chief place, thy friends, O Thunder−wielder. 9 To thee the mighty hymn hath clamoured loudly, and, Maghavan, the eloquent hath besought thee. 10 Place us by food which thou hast given, O Indra, us and the wealthy patrons who command us.

1 beg renown of Varuna the Mighty, the God exceeding kind to him who worships. 3 May we be in thy keeping, O thou Leader wide−ruling Varuna, Lord of many heroes. 4 He made them flow, the Aditya, the Sustainer: the rivers run by Varuna's commandment. 5 Loose me from sin as from a bond that binds me: may we swell, Varuna, thy spring of Order. 6 Far from me, Varuna, remove all danger accept me graciously, thou Holy Sovran. 7 Strike us not, Varuna, with those dread weapons which, Asura, at thy bidding wound the sinner. 8 O mighty Varuna, now and hereafter, even as of old, will we speak forth our worship. 9 Move far from me what sins I have committed: let me not suffer, King, for guilt of others. 10 O King, whoever, be he friend or kinsman, hath threatened me affrighted in my slumber−

7 Blest, Agni, be the man, the liberal giver, who with his lauds and regular oblation 8 I praise thy gracious favour: sing in answer. May this my song sing like a loved one with thee. 9 Here of free choice let each one serve thee richly, resplendent day by day at eve and morning. 10 Whoso with good steeds and fine gold, O Agni, comes nigh thee on a car laden with trcasure, 11 Through words and kinship I destroy the miglity: this power I have from Gotama my father. 12 Knowing no slumber, speedy and propitious, alert and ever friendly, most unwearied, 13 Thy guardian rays, O Agni, when they saw him, preserved blind Mamateya from affliction. 14 Aided by thee with thee may we be wealthy, may we gain strength with thee to guide us onward. 15 O Agni, with this fuel will we serve thee; accept the laud we sing to thee with favour

2 High up in heaven abide the Guerdon−givers: they who give steeds dwell with the Sun for ever. 3 Not from the niggards−for they give not fireely−comes Meed at sacrifice, Gods' satisfaction: 4 These who observe mankind regard oblation as streamy Vayu and light−finding Arka. 5 He who brings Guerdon comes as first invited: chief of the hamlet comes the Guerdon−bearer. 6 They call him Rsi, Brahman, Sama−chanter, reciter of the laud, leader of worship. 7 Guerdon bestows the horse, bestows the bullock, Guerdon bestows, moreover, gold that Rsisters. 8 The liberal die not, never are they ruined: the liberal suffer neither harm nor trouble. 9 First have the liberal gained a fragrant dwelling, and got themselves a bride in fair apparel. 10 They deck the fleet steed for the bounteous giver: the maid adorns herself and waits to meet him. 11 Steeds good at draught convey the liberal giver, and lightly rolling moves the car of Guerdon.

2 The Twain uphold, though motionless and footless, a widespread offspring having feet and moving. 3 I call for Aditi's unrivalled bounty, perfect, celestial, deathless, meet for worship. 4 May we be close to both the Worlds who suffer no pain, Parents of Gods, who aid with favour, 5 Faring together, young, with meeting limits, Twin Sisters lying in their Parents' bosom, 6 Duly I call the two wide seats, the mighty, the general Parents, with the God's protection. 7 Wide, vast, and manifold, whose bounds are distant,−these, reverent, I address at this our worship, 8 What sin we have at any time committed against the Gods, our friend, our house's chieftain, 9 May both these Friends of man, who bless, preserve me, may they attend me with their help and favour. 10 Endowed with understanding, I have uttered this truth, for all to hear, to Earth and Heaven. 11 Be this my prayer fulfilled, O Earth and Heaven, wherewith, Father and Mother, I address you.

2 Come to us with your chariot triple seated, three−wheeled, of triple form, that rolleth lightly. 3 With your well−rolling car, descending swiftly, hear this the press−stone's song, ye Wonder−Workers. 4 O Asvins, let your falcons bear you hither, yoked to your chariot, swift, with flying pinions, 5 The youthful Daughter of the Sun, delighting in you, ascended there your chariot, Heroes. 6 Ye raised up Vandana, strong WonderWorkers! with great might, and with power ye rescued Rebha. 7 To Atri, cast down to the fire that scorched him, ye gave, O Asvins, strengthening tbod and favour. 8 For ancient Sayti in his sore affliction ye caused his cow to swell with milk, O Asvins. 9 A white horse, Asvins, ye bestowed on Pedu, a serpent−slaying steed sent down by Indra, 10 Such as ye are, O nobly horn, O Heroes, we in our trouble call on you for succour. 11 Come unto us combined in love, Nasatyas come with the fresh swift vigour of the fal

3 Sakra, who like a curry−comb for horses or a golden goad, 4 Who for the worshipper scatters forth ample wealth, even though buried, piled in heaps: 5 Hero whom many praise, what thou hast longed for, oven of old, from men. 6 To Soma, Much−invoked, Bolt−armed! for thy carouse, Celestial, Soma−drinker come. 7 Here, verily, yesterday we let the Thunder−wielder drink his fill. 8 Even the wolf, the savage beast that rends the sheep, follows the path of his decrees. 9 What manly deed of vigour now remains that Indra hath not done? 10 'How great his power resistless! how invincible the Vrtra−slayer's matchless might! 11 O Indra, Vrtra−slayer, we, thy very constant worshippers, 12 O thou of mighty acts, the aids that are in thee call forward many an eager hope. 13 Verily, Indra, we are thine, we worshippers depend on thee. 14 From this our misery and famine set us free, from this dire curse deliver us. 15 Now let your Soma juice be poured; be not afraid, O Kali's sons.

2 Who for the Fivefold People's take hath seated him in every home 3 On all sides may that Agni guard our household folk and property; 4 I have begotten this new hymn for Agni, Falcon of the sky: 5 Whose lories when he glows in front of sacrite are fair to see, 6 May he enjoy this hallowed gift, Agni accept our songs, who bears 7 Lord of the house, whom men must seek, we set thee down, O Worshipped Onel 8 Shine forth at night and morn: through thee with fires are we provided well. 9 The men come near thee for their gain, the singers with their songs of praise: 10 Bright, Purifier, meet for praise, Immortal with refulgent glow, 11 As such, bring us abundant wealth, young Child of Strength, for this thou canst 12 Thou, Agni, givest hero fame: Bhaga and Savitar the God, 13 Agni, preserve us from distress: consume our enemies, O God, 14 And, irresistible, be thou a mighty iron fort to us, 15 Do thou preserve us, eve and morn, from sorrow, from the wicked men,

2 He goes to end his work with lightning flashes: wide is the seat his Asura glory gives him. 3 On most auspicious path he goes to battle he toiled to win heaven's light, full fain to gain it; 4 Fighting for kine, the prize of war, and I roaming among the berd be brings the young streams hither, 5 Bold, unsolicited for wealth, with Rudras he came, the Blameless, having left his dwelling, 6 Lord of the dwelling, he subdued the demon who roared aloud, six−eyed and triple−headed. 7 He raised himself on high and shot his arrow against the guileful and oppressive foeman. 8 He, like a cloud that rains upon the pasture, hath found for us the way to dwell in safety. 9 He with his potent Friends gave up the mighty, gave gusnia up to Kutsa for affliction. 10 He, with his Gods who love mankind, the Wondrous, giving like Varuna who works with magic, 11 Through lauds of him hath Ausija Rjisvan burst, with the Mighty's aid, the stall of Pipru. 12 So, swiftly Asura, for exaltation, hath the great Vamraka come nigh to Indra.

2 O Gods, Adityas, well ye know the way to keep all woes afar. 3 As the birds spread their sheltering wings let your protection cover us. 4 To whomsoever they, Most Wise, have given a home and means of life, 5 As drivers of the car avoid ill roads, let sorrows pass us by. 6 For verily men sink and faint through loss of wealth which ye have given. 7 On him shall no fierce anger fall, no sore distress shall visit him, 8 Resting in you, O Gods, we are like men who fight in coats of mail. 9 May Aditi defend us, may Aditi guard and shelter us, 10 The shelter, Gods, that is secure, auspicious, free from malady, 11 Look down on us, Adityas, as a guide exploring from the bank. 12 Ill be it for the demons' friend to find us or come near to us. 13 Each evil deed made manifest, and that which is concealed, O Gods, 14 Daughter of Heaven, the dream that bodes evil to us or to our kine, 15 Even if, O Child of Heaven, it make a garland or a chain of gold, 16 To him whose food and work is this, who comes to take his share therein, 17 As we collect the utmost debt, even the eighth and sixteenth part, 18 Now have we conquered and obtained, and from our trespasses are free.

2 Indra and Agni, Hero−lords when Vrtra fell, dwelling together, speeding emulously on, 3 Skilled in the Law I lift the hymn of praise to these, Law−strengtheners, unassailed, and great in majest 4 They with their might have stayed Heaven, Earth, and Prthivi, the Lord of Light, the firmament, −the 5 Bring gifts to Mitra and to Varuna who, Lords of all, in spirit never fail the worshipper, 6 The cow who yielding milk goes her appointed way hither to us as leader of holy rites, 7 The Gods whose tongue is Agni dwell in heaven, and sit, aiders of Law, reflecting, in the seat of Law. 8 Born in the oldest time, the Parents dwelling round are sharers of one mansion in the home of Law. 9 Parjanya, Vata, mighty, senders of the rain, Indra and Vayu, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman: 10 Tvastar and Vayu, those who count as Rbhus, both celestial Hotar−priests, and Dawn for happiness, 11 They generated prayer, the cow, the horse, the plants, the forest trees, the earth, the waters, and the hill 12 O Asvins, ye delivered Bhujyu from distress, ye animated Syava, Vadhrmati's son. 13 Thunder, the lightning's daughter, Aja−Ekapad, heaven's bearer, Sindhu, and the waters of the sea: 14 With Holy Thoughts and with Purandhi may all Gods, knowing the Law immortal, Manu's Holy Ones, 15 Immortal Gods have I, Vasistha, lauded, Gods set on high above all other beings.

2 This world's imperial Kings, O Mitra−Varuna, ye rule in holy synod, looking on the light. 3 Imperial Kings, strong, Heroes, Lords of earth and heaven, Mitra and Varuna, ye ever active Ones, 4 Your magic, Mitra−Varuna, resteth in the heaven. The Sun, the wondrous weapon, cometh forth as light 5 The Maruts yoke their easy car for victory, O Mitra−Varuna, as a hero in the wars. 6 Refreshing is your voice, O Mitra−Varuna: Parjanya sendeth out a wondrous mighty voice. 7 Wise, with your Law and through the Asura's magic power ye guard the ordinances, Mitra−Varuna. 2 Stretch out your arms with favouring love unto this man who singeth hymns, 3 That I may gain a refuge now, may my steps be on Mitra's path. 4 Mitra and Varuna, from you may I, by song, win noblest meed. 5 With your fair splendours, Varuna and Mitra, to our gathering come, 6 With those, moreover, among whom ye hold your high supremacy, 7 When morning flushes, Holy Ones! in the Gods' realm where white Cows shine, 2 For they are Kings of noblest might, of glorious fame most widely spread; 3 Approaching you with prayer for aid, together I address you first 4 E'en out of misery Mitra gives a way to dwelling at our case, 5 In Mitra's shelter that extends to utmost distance may we dwell, 6 Ye, Mitra, urge this people on, and to one end direct their ways.

2 May Mitra bear us oer distress, and Varuna and Aryaman, 3 For wonderful and meet for praise is these Adityas' saving help 4 The mighty aid of you, the Great, Varuna, Mitra, Aryarnan, 5 Guard us, Adityas, still alive, before the deadly weapon strike: 6 What sheltering defence ye have for him who toils in pouring gifts, 7 Adityas, Gods, from sorrow there is freedom; for the sinless, wealth, 8 Let not this fetter bind us fast: may he release us for success; 9 O Gods who fain would lend your aid, destroy not us as ye destroy 10 And thee too, O Great Aditi, thee also, Goddess, I address, 11 Save us in depth and shallow from the foe, thbu Mother of Strong Sons 12 Far−spread! wide−ruling! grant that we, unharmed by envy, may expand 13 Those who, the Princes of the folk, in native glory, neer deceived, 14 As such, from mouth of ravening wolves, O ye Adityas, rescue us, 15 Adityas, let this arrow, yea, let this mali. gnity depart 16 Fori Bountiful Adityas, we have evermore enjoyed your help, 17 To every one, O ye Most Wise, who turneth even from sin to you, 18 May this new mercy profit us, which, ye Adityas, frees like one, 19 O ye Adityas, this your might is not to be despised by us: 20 Let not Vivasvan's weapon nor the shaft, Adityas, wrought with skill, 21 On every side dispel all sin, Adityas, all hostility,

2 Yea, for ourselves we claim the grace of Heaven and Earth, of Saryanavan, of the Hills and Mother 3 May the great Twain, the Mothers, Heaven and Earth, this day preserve us free from sin for peace and 4 May this first Dawn bring us the host of gracious Gods: rich, may it richly shine for us who strive for 5 Dawns, who come forward with the bright beams of the Sun, and at your earliest flushing bring to us th 6 Free from all sickness may the Mornings come to us, and let our fires mount upward with a lofty blaze. 7 Send us to−day a portion choice and excellent, O Savitar, for thou art he who dealeth wealth. 8 Further me this declaring of Eternal Law, the Law of Gods, as we mortals acknowledge it! 9 This day we pray with innocence in strewing grass, adjusting pressing−stones, and perfecting the hymn. 10 To our great holy grass I bid the Gods at morn to banquet, and will seat them as the seven priests,− 11 Come hither, O Adityas, for our perfect weal: accordant help our sacrifice that we may thrive. 12 Adityas, Gods, vouchsafe that this our home may be praise−worthy, prosperous, our heroes' sure defen 13 This day may all the Maruts, all he near us with aid: may all our fires be well enkindled. 14 He whom ye aid, O Deities, in battle, whom ye protect and rescue from affliction,

2 Awake all pleasant strains and let the hymns flow forth: raise up abundant fulness: this is our desire. 3 Ye are the bliss of her who groweth old at home, and helpers of the slow although he linger last. 4 Ye made Cyavana, weak and worn with length of days, young again, like a car, that he had power to mo 5 We will declare among the folk your ancient deeds heroic; yea, ye were Physicians bringing health. 6 Listen to me, O Asvins; I have cried to you. Give me−your aid as sire and mother aid their son. 7 Ye, mounted on your chariot brought to Vimada the comely maid of Purumitra as a bride. 8 Ye gave a ain the vigour of his youthful life to tge sage Kali when old age was coming nigh. 9 Ye Asvins Twain, endowed with manly strength, brought forth Reblia when hidden in the cave and 10 On Pedu ye bestowed, Asvins, a courser white, mighty with nine−and−ninety varied gifts of strength, 11 From no side, ye Two Kings whom none may check or stay, doth grief, distress, or danger come u on t 12 Come on that Chariot which the Rbhus wrought for you, the Chariot, Asvins, that is speedier than thou 13 Come, Conquerors of the sundered mountain, to our home, Asvins who made the cow stream milk for 14 We have prepared this laud for you, O Asvins, and, like the Bhrgus, as a car have framed it,

2 The Sage who knows these Gods' three ranks and orders, and all their generations near and distant, 3 I praise you Guards of mighty Law eternal, Aditi, Mitra, Varuna, the noble, 4 Lords of the brave, infallible, foe−destroyers, great Kings, bestowers of fair homes to dwell in, 5 O Heaven our Father, Earth our guileless Mother, O Brother Agni, and ye Vasus, bless us. 6 Give us not up to any evil creature, as spoil to wolf or she−wolf, O ye Holy. 7 Let us not suffer for the sin of others, nor do the deed which ye, O Vasus, punish. 8 Mighty is homage: I adopt and use it. Homage hath held in place the earth and heaven. 9 You Furtherers of Law, pure in your spirit, infallible, dwellers in the home of Order, 10 For these are they who shine with noblest splendour; through all our troubles these conduct us safely− 11 May they, Earth, Aditi, Indra, Bhaga, Pusan increase our laud, increase the Fivefold people. 12 Come now, O Gods, to your celestial station: the Bharadvajas' priest entreats your favour. 13 Agni, drive thou the wicked foe, the evil−hearted thief away, 14 Soma, these pressing−stones have called aloud to win thee for our Friend. 15 Ye, O most bountiful, are they who, led by Indra, seek the sky. 16 Now have we entered on the road that leads to bliss, without a foe, 2 Or he who holds us in contempt, O Maruts, or seeks to blame the prayer that we are making, 3 Why then, O Soma, do they call thee keeper of prayer? Why then our guardian from reproaches? 4 May Mornings as they spring to life, protect me, and may the Rivers as they swell preserve me. 5 Through all our days may we be healthy. minded, and look upon the Sun when he arises.

2 For they are dealers forth of wealth, and, not deluded, with their might 3 Shelter may they vouchsafe to us, Immortal Gods to mortal men, 4 May they mark out our paths to bliss, Indra, the Maruts, Pusan, 5 Yea, Pusan, Visnu, ye who run your course, enrich our hymns with kine; 6 The winds waft sweets, the rivers pour sweets for the man who keeps the Law 7 Sweet be the night and sweet the dawns, sweet the terrestrial atmosphere; 8 May the tall tree be full of sweets for us, and full of sweets the Sun: 9 Be Mitra gracious unto us, and Varuna and Aryaman: 2 Thou by thine insight art most wise, O Soma, strong by thine energies and all possessing, 3 Thine are King Varuna's eternal statutes, lofty and deep, O Soma, is thy glory. 4 With all thy glories on the earth, in heaven, on mountains, in the plants, and in the waters,− 5 Thou, Soma, art the Lord of heroes, King, yea, Vrtra−slayer thou: 6 And, Soma, let it be thy wish that we may 7 To him who keeps the law, both old and young, thou givest happiness, 8 Guard us, King Soma, on all sides from him who threatens us: never let 9 With those delightful aids which thou hast, Soma, for the worshipper,− 10 Accepting this our sacrifice and this our praise, O Soma, come, 11 Well−skilled in speech we magnify thee, Soma, with our sacred songs: 12 Enricher, healer of disease, wealth−finder, prospering our store, 13 Soma, be happy in our heart, as milch−kine in the grassy meads, 14 O Soma, God, the mortal man who in thy friendship hath delight, 15 Save us from slanderous reproach, keep us., O Soma, from distress: 16 Soma, wax great. From every side may vigorous powers unite in thee: 17 Wax, O most gladdening Soma, great through all thy rays of light, and be 16 In thee be juicy nutriments united, and powers and mighty foe−subduing vigour, 19 Such of thy glories as with poured oblations men honour, may they all invest our worship.

1 NE'ER is he injured whom the Gods Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, 2 He prospers ever, free from scathe, whom they, as with full hands, enrich, 3 The Kings drive far away from him his troubles and his enemies, 4 Thornless, Adityas, is the path, easy for him who seeks the Law: 5 What sacrifice, Adityas, ye Heroes guide by the path direct,− 6 That mortal, ever unsubdued, gains wealth and every precious thing, 7 How, my friends, shall we prepare Aryaman's and Mitra's laud, 8 I point not out to you a man who strikes the pious, or reviles: 9 Let him not love to speak ill words: but fear the One who holds all four

1 'Through many autumns have I toiled and laboured, at night and morn, through age−inducing dawnings. 2 For even the men aforetime, law−fulfillers, who with the Gods declared eternal statutes,−− 3 Non inutilis est labor cui Dii favent: nos omnes aemulos et aemulas vincamus. 4 Cupido me cepit illius tauri [viri] qui me despicit, utrum hinc utrum illinc ab aliqua parte nata sit. 5 This Soma I address that is most near us, that which hath been imbibed within the spirit, 6 Agastya thus, toiling with strong endeavour, wishing for children, progeny and. power, 5 Membrum suum virile, quod vrotentum fuerat, mas ille retraxit. Rursus illud quod in juvenem filiam 6 Quum jam in medio connessu, semiperfecto opere, amorem in puellam pater impleverat, ambo disceden 7 Quum pater suam nilam adiverat, cum ed congressus suum semen supra wrrarn effudit. Tum Dii benigni 8 Ille tauro similis spumam in certamine jactavit, tunc discedens pusillaximis huc profectus est. Quasi dex 9 'The fire, burning the people, does not approach quickly (by day): the naked (Rakasas approach) not Ag

2 He made the heaven and earth resplendent by his birth: Child of two Mothers he was meet to be implore 3 Within the range of their surpassinq power, by might, the Gods created Agni with inventive thought. 4 Eager to gain, we crave from him the friendly God strength confident, choiceworthy meet to be extolled 5 For happiness, men, having trimmed the sacred grass, set Agni glorious for his strength before them her 6 Around thy dwelling−place, O brightly−shining Priest, are men at sacrifice, whose sacred grass is trimm 7 He hath filled heaven and earth and the great realm of light, when at his birth the skilful held him in thei 8 Honour the oblation−bearer, him who knows fair rites, serve ye the Household Friend who knows all thi 9 They who are free from death, fain for him, purified three splendours of the mighty Agni, circling all. 10 Man's sacrificial food hath sharpened like an axe, for brightness, him the Sage of men, the people's Lor 11 He stirs with life in wombs dissimilar in kind, born as a Lion or a loudly−bellowing Bull: 12 Vaisvanara, as of old, mounted the cope of heaven, heaven's ridge, well greeted, by those skilled in no 13 For new prosperity we seek to Agni, him whose course is splendid, gold−haired, excellently bright, 14 As pure and swift of course, beholder of the light, who stands in heaven's bright sphere a sign, who wa 15 The cheerful Priest, the pure, in whom no guile is found, Friend of the House, praise−worthy, dear to a

2 1n the two fire−sticks Jatavedas lieth, even as the well−set germ in pregnant women, 3 Lay this with care on that which lies extended: straight hath she borne the Steerwhen made prolific. 4 In Ila's place we set thee down, upon the central point of earth, 5 Rub into life, ye men, the Sage, the guileless, Immortal, very wise and fair to look on. 6 When with their arms they rub him straight he shineth forth like a strong courser, red in colour, in the 7 Agni shines forth when born, observant, mighty, the bountiful, the Singar praised by sages; 8 Set thee, O Priest, in, thine own place, observant: lay down the sacrifice in the home of worship. 9 Raise ye a mighty smoke, my fellow−workers! Ye shall attain to wealth without obstruction. 10 This is thine ordered place of birth whence sprung to life thou shonest forth. 11 As Germ Celestial he is called Tanunapat, and Narasamsa born diffused in varied shape. 12 With strong attrition rubbed to life, laid down with careful hand, a Sage, 13 Mortals have brought to life the God Immortal, the Conqueror with mighty jaws, unfailing. 14 Served by the seven priests, he shone forth from ancient time, when in his Mother's bosom, in her lap, 15 Even as the Maruts, onslaughts who attack the foe, those born the first of all knew the full power of 16 As we, O Priest observant, have elected thee this day, what time the solemn sacrifice began,

2 Soma and Rudra, chase to every quarter the sickness that hath visited our dwelling. 3 Provide, O Soma−Rudra, for our bodies all needful medicines to heal and cure us. 4 Armed with keen shafts and weapons, kind and loving, be gracious unto us, Soma and Rudra.

2 For not an enemy molests the paths which these Adityas tread: 3 Now soon may Bhaga, Savitar, Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman 4 With Gods come thou whose fostering care none checks, O Goddesss Aditi: 5 For well these Sons of Aditi know to keep enmities aloof, 6 Aditi guard our herd by day, Aditi, free from guile, by night, 7 And in the day our hymn is this: May Aditi come nigh to help, 8 And may the Asvins, the divine Pair of Physicians, send us health: 9 May Agni bless us with his fires, and Surya warm us pleasantly: 10 Drive ye disease and strife away, drive ye away malignity: 11 Remove from us the arrow, keep famine, Adityas! far away: 12 Now, O Adityas, grant to us the shelter that lets man go free, 13 Whatever mortal with the powe r of demons fain would injure us, 14 May sin o'ertake our human foe, the man who speaketh evil thing, 15 Gods, ye are with the simple ones, ye know each mortal in your hearts; 16 Fain would we have the sheltering aid of mountains and of water−floods: 17 So with auspicious sheltering aid do ye, O Vasus, carry us 18 Adityas, ye Most Mighty Ones, grant to our children and their seed 19 Sacrifice, O Adityas, is your inward monitor: be kind, 20 The Maruts' high protecting aid, the Asvins, and the God who saves, 21 Grant us a home with triple guard, Aryaman, Mitra, Varuna! 22 And as we human beings, O Adityas, are akin to death,

2 Tlou shalt be Aditi as thou hast entered within, appeaser of celestial anger. 3 We have drunk Soma and become immortal; we have attained the light, the Gods discovered. 4 Absorbed into the heart, be sweet, O Indu, as a kind father to his son, O Soma, 5 These glorious drops that give me freedom have I drunk. Closely they knit my joints as straps secure a c 6 Make me shine bright like fire produced by friction: give us a clearer sight and make us better. 7 May we enjoy with an enlivened spirit the juice thou givest, like ancestral riches. 8 King Soma, favour us and make us prosper: we are thy devotees; of this be mindful. 9 For thou hast settled in each joint, O Soma, aim of men's eyes and guardian of our bodies. 10 May I be with the Friend whose heart is tender, who, Lord of Bays! when quaffed will never harm me 11 Our maladies have lost their strength and vanished: they feared, and passed away into the darkness. 13 Associate with the Fathers thou, O Soma, hast spread thyself abroad through earth and heaven. 14 Give us your blessing, O ye Gods' preservers. Never may sleep or idle talk control us. 15 On all sides,. Soma, thou art our life−giver: aim of all eyes, light−finder, come within us.

2 All that is bare he covers o'er, all that is sick he medicines; 3 Thou, Soma, givest wide defence against the hate of alien men, 4 Thou by thine insight and thy skill, Impetuous One, from heaven and earth 5 When to their task they come with zeal, may they obtain the Giver's grace, 6 So may he find what erst was lost, so may be speed the pious man, 7 Gracious, displaying tender love, unconquered, gentle in thy thoughts, 8 O Soma, terrify us not; strike us not with alarm, O King: 9 When in my dwelling−place I see the wicked enemies of Gods,

2 The ribs that compass me give pain and trouble me like rival wives. 3 As rats eat weavers' threads, cares are consuming me, thy singer, gatakratu, me. 4 I the priests' Rsi chose as prince most liberal Kurusravana, 5 Whose three bays harnessed to the car bear me straight onward: I will laud 6 The sire of Upamasravas, even him whose words were passing sweet, 7 Mark, Upamasravas, his son, mark, grandson of Mitratithi: 8 If I controlled Immortal Gods, yea, even were I Lord of men, 9 None lives, even had he hundred lives, beyond the statute of the Gods

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.

2 The man with food in store who, when the needy comes in miserable case begging for bread to eat, 3 Bounteous is he who gives unto the beggar who comes to him in want of food and feeble. 4 No friend is he who to his friend and comrade who comes imploring food, will offer nothing. 5 Let the rich satisfy the poor implorer, and bend his eye upon a longer pathway. 6 The foolish man wins food with fruitless labour: that food −I speak the truth− shall be his ruin. 7 The ploughshare ploughing makes the food that feeds us, and with its feet cuts through the path it follo 8 He with one foot hath far outrun the biped, and the two−footed catches the three−footed. 9 The hands are both alike: their labour differs. The yield of sister milch−kine is unequal.

2 Death was not then, nor was there aught immortal: no sign was there, the day's and night's divider. 3 Darkness there was: at first concealed in darknew this All was indiscriminated chaos. 4 Thereafter rose Desire in the beginning, Desire, the primal seed and germ of Spirit. 5 Transversely was their severing line extended: what was above it then, and what below it? 6 Who verily knows and who can here declare it, whence it was born and whence comes this creation? 7 He, the first origin of this creation, whether he formed it all or did not form it,

3 That which destroys the sinking germ, the settled, moving embryo, 4 That which divides thy legs that it may lie between the married pair, 5 What rests by thee in borrowed form of brother, lover, or of lord, 6 That which through sleep or darkness hath deceived thee and lies down by thee, 2 From the neck−tendons and the neck, from the breast−bones and from the spine, 3 From viscera and all within, forth from the rectum, from the heart, 4 From thighs, from knee−caps, and from heels, and from the forepart of the feet, 5 From what is voided from within, and from thy hair, and from they nails, 6 From every member, every hair, disease that comes in every joint,