RV 103 (4)

Rig Veda · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith

2 With him loud−roaring, ever watchful, Victor, bold, hard to overthrow, Rouser of battle, 3 He rules with those who carry shafts and quivers, Indra who with his band rings hosts together, 4 Brhaspati, fly with thy chariot hither, slayer of demons, driving off our foemen. 5 Conspicuous by thy strength, firm, foremost fighter, mighty and fierce, victorious, all−subduing, 6 Cleaver of stalls, kine−winner, armed with thunder, who quells an army and with might destroys it.− 7 Piercing the cow−stalls with surpassing vigour, Indra, the pitiless Hero, wild with anger, 8 Indra guide these: Brhaspati precede them, the guerdon, and the sacrifice, and Soma; 9 Ours be the potent host of mighty Indra, King Varuna, and Maruts, and Adityas. 10 Bristle thou up, O Maghavan, our weapons: excite the spirits of my warring heroes. 11 May Indra aid us when our flags are gathered: victorious be the arrows of our army. 12 Bewildering the senses of our foemen, seize thou their bodies and depart, O Apva. 13 Advance, O heroes, win the day. May Indra be your sure defence.

RV 103 (4) · Rig Veda · null

Themes in this passage

Strength War Anger Courage Leadership Worship

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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