2 Let him be even that God who, for the earliest draught measuring out his power, increased his majesty; 3 Thou didst perform thy first great deed of hero might what time thou showedst power, through prayer, 4 He made himself by might Lord of all living things, and strong in vital power waxed great above them a 5 He with his might made firm the forward−bending hills, the downward rushing of the waters he ordaine 6 Fit for the grasping of his arms is what the Sire hath fabricated from all kind of precious wealth. 7 As she who in her parents' house is growing old, I pray to thee as Bhaga from the seat of all. 8 May we invoke thee as a liberal giver thou givest us, O Indra, strength and labours. 9 Now may that weaithy Cow of thine, O Indra, give in return a boon to him who lauds thee.RV 17 · Rig Veda · null
RV 17
Rig Veda · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith
Themes in this passage
StrengthPrayerThe DivineCharityFamilyKarmaWealth
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
See what all six traditions say about strength →
Search every tradition at once
Ask a question in your own words and see how six traditions answer it.