Sacred Concord

RV 13 (8)a

Rig Veda · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith

2 In heaven's first region, in the seat of Gods, is he who brings success, 3 Him, to win strength, have I invoked, even Indra mighty for the fray. 4 Indra, Song −lover, here for thee the worshipper's libation flows. 5 Even now, O Indra, give us that which, pressing juice, we crave of thee. 6 What time the zealous worshipper hath boldly sung his songs to thee, 7 Generate songs even as of old, give car unto the singer's call. 8 Sweet strains that glorify him play like waters speeding down a slope, 9 Yea, who alone is called the Lord, the single Ruler of the folk, 10 Praise him, the Glorious, skilled in song, Lord of the two victorious Bays: 11 Put forth thy strength: with dappled Steeds come, thou of mighty intellect, 12 Grant wealth to those who praise thee, Lord of Heroes, Mightiest Indra: give 13 I call thee when the Sun is risen, I call thee at the noon of day: 14 Speed forward hither, come to us, rejoice thee in the milky draught: 15 If, Sakra, Vrtra−slayer, thou be far away or near to us. 16 Let songs we sing and Soma−drops expressed by us make Indra strong: 17 Him sages longing for his aid, with offerings brought in eager haste, 18 At the Trkadrukas the Gods span sacrifice that stirred the mind: 19 When, true to duty, at due times the worshipper offers lauds to thee, 20 That mind of Rudra, fresh and strong, moves conscious in the ancient ways, 21 If thou elect to be my Friend drink of this sacrificial juice, 22 O Indra, Lover of the song, when shall thy praiser be most blest? 23 And thy two highIy−lauded Bays, strong stallions, draw thy car who art 24 With ancient offerings we implore the Young and Strong whom many praise. 25 Wax miglity, thou whom many laud for aids which Rsis have extolled.
RV 13 (8)a · Rig Veda · null

Themes in this passage

StrengthWorshipThe DivineCharityDesireDharmaFriendshipJoy

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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