Sacred Concord

RV 24 (2)

Rig Veda · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith

2 He who with might bowed down the things that should be bowed, and in his fury rent the holds of Samb 3 That was a great deed for the Godliest of the Gods: strong things were loosened and the firmly fixed gav 4 The well with mouth of stone that poured a flood of meath, which Brahmapaspati hath opened with his 5 Ancient will be those creatures, whatsoe'er they be; with moons, with autumns, doors unclose themselve 6 They who with much endeavour searching round obtained the Panis' noblest treasure hidden in the cave, 7 The pious ones when they had seen the falsehoods turned them back, the sages stood again upon the loft 8 With his swift bow, strung truly, Brahmanaspati reaches the mark whate'er it be that he desires. 9 He brings together and he parts, the great High Priest; extolled is he, in battle Brahmapaspati. 10 First and preeminent, excelling all besides are the kind gifts of liberal Brhaspati. 11 Thou who in every way supreme in earthly power, rejoicing, by thy mighty strength hast waxen great, 12 From you, twain Maghavans, all truth proceedeth: even the waters break not your commandment. 13 The sacrificial flames most swiftly hear the call: the priest of the assembly gaineth wealth for hymns. 14 The wrath of Brahmanaspati according to his will had full effect when he would do a mighty deed. 15 O Brahmanaspati, may we be evermore masters of wealth well−guided, full of vital strength. 16 O Brahmanaspati, be thou controller of this our hymn, and prosper thou our children.
RV 24 (2) · Rig Veda · null

Themes in this passage

StrengthWealthAngerKarmaCharityChildrenDesireDevotion

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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