Sacred Concord

RV 100 (4)

Rig Veda · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith

2 Bring swift, for offering, the snare that suits the time, to the pure−drinker Vayu, roaring as he goes, 3 May Savitar the God send us full life, to each who sacrifices, lives aright and pours the juice 4 May Indra evermore be gracious unto us, and may King Soma meditate our happiness, 5 Indra hath given the body with its song and strength: Brhaspati, thou art the lengthener of life. 6 Indra possesseth might celestial nobly formed: the singer in the hotise is Agni, prudent Sage. 7 Not often have we sinned against you secretly, nor, Vasus, have we openly provoked the Gods. 8 May Savitar remove from us our malady, and may the Mountains keep it far away from where 9 Ye Vasus, let the stone, the presser stand erect: avert all enmities and keep them far remote. 10 Eat strength and fatness in the pasture, kine, who are balmed at the reservoir and at the seat of Law. 11 The singer fills the spirit: all mens, love hath he. Indra takes kindly care of those who pour the juice. 12 Wondrous thy spirit−filling light, triumpliant; thy hosts save from decay and are resistless.
RV 100 (4) · Rig Veda · null

Themes in this passage

StrengthThe SoulCompassionCreationThe DivineImpermanenceLeadershipLove

Strength in other traditions

The same theme, as Christianity, Islam, Hellenism and Taoism address it.

Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.
Job 36:5 · Bible · Job
Allah is He Who shaped you out of weakness, then appointed after weakness strength, then, after strength, appointed weakness and grey hair. He createth what He will. He is the Knower, the Mighty.
Quran 30:54 · Quran · The Romans
“Stern power of war! by whom the mighty fall, Who bathe in blood, and shake the lofty wall! Let the brave chiefs their glorious toils divide; And whose the conquest, mighty Jove decide: While we from interdicted fields retire, Nor tempt the wrath of heaven’s avenging sire.”
Iliad 5.6 · Iliad · 5
Hence he who (relies on) the strength of his forces does not conquer; and a tree which is strong will fill the out-stretched arms, (and thereby invites the feller.)
Tao Te Ching 76.3 · Tao Te Ching

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