Sacred Concord

YV 1.1h

Yajur Veda · translated by Arthur Berriedale Keith

So with the offering of Soma I make for you, O 1ndra and Agni, a new hymn of praise; c O Indra and Agni, ninety forts Of which the Dasas were lords ye overtbrew Together in one deed. d This pure new-born hymn of praise this day, O Indra and Agni, slayers of Vrtra, accept with joy [1]. For on you both I call that are ready to listen, You that are ever readiest to give strength to the eager. e We thee, O lord of the path, As a chariot to win the prize, Have yoked for our prayer, O Pusan. f Lord of each way with eloquence; Driven by love he went to Arka; May he give us the comfort of gold, May Pusan further our every prayer. g By the lord of the field As by a friend may we win What nourishes our kine and horses; May he be [2] favourable to such as we are. h O lord of the field, the honey-bearing wave, As a cow milk, so for us milk; May the lords of right graciously accord us That which drops honey and is well purified like ghee. i O Agni, lead us by a fair path to wealth, O god, knowing all the ways; Keep away from us the sin that makes us wander; We will accord to thee most abundant honour. k We have come to the path of the gods To accomplish that which we have power to do; Let wise Agni sacrifice [3], let him be Hotr Let him arrange the offerings him the seasons. l What carrieth best is for Agni; Sing aloud, O thou of brilliant radiance. From thee wealth, like a cow, From thee strength riseth forth. m O Agni, once more lead us With thy favour over every trouble. Be a broad, thick, wide fortress for us, Health and wealth for our children and descendants. Thou, O Agni, art the guardian of law, Among the gods and mortals; Thou art to be invoked at the sacrifices. o If laws of you wise ones, O gods, In our ignorance we transgress, May Agni make good all that, He that knoweth the seasons wherein he may satisfy the gods.
YV 1.1h · Yajur Veda

Themes in this passage

WorshipThe DivineWealthStrengthCharityPrayerSinWisdom

Worship in other traditions

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

And one goat for a sin offering; beside the continual burnt offering, his meat offering, and his drink offering.
Numbers 29:31 · Bible · Numbers
Nor will ye worship that which I worship.
Quran 109:5 · Quran · The Unbelievers
Whatever a man sacrifice in this world as an offering or as an oblation for a whole year in order to gain merit, the whole of it is not worth a quarter (a farthing); reverence shown to the righteous is better.
Dhp 8.108 · Dhammapada · The Thousands
Full fifty more from Athens stem the main, Led by Menestheus through the liquid plain. (Athens the fair, where great Erectheus sway’d, That owed his nurture to the blue-eyed maid, But from the teeming furrow took his birth, The mighty offspring of the foodful earth. Him Pallas placed amidst her wealthy fane, Adored with sacrifice and oxen slain; Where, as the years revolve, her altars blaze, And all the tribes resound the goddess’ praise.) No chief like thee, Menestheus! Greece could yield, To marshal armies in the dusty field, The extended wings of battle to display, Or close the embodied host in firm array. Nestor alone, improved by length of days, For martial conduct bore an equal praise.
Iliad 2.41 · Iliad · 2

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