The Relevance of the Rgveda to the Modern Times

THE RELEVANCE OF THE RGVEDA

TO THE MODERN TIMES

DR C. L. PRABHAKAR

I

Rgveda, that belonged to a hoary past and that is acclaimed as the earliest literary document of mankind and that was rightly described as a library by itself, deserves a place of propriety and relevance at all times. Rgveda remained a great source of inspiration and activity since times immemorial. Every time a fresh doubt is raised regarding its importance to the changing times and a satisfactory answer is obtained to that doubt after a fair look into the contents of that Veda. A question of this order is never outdated.

Rgveda is a compilation of prayers made by enlightened seers, both male and female, to various deities like Agni, Indra, Varuna, Apah and Aditi, etc. These deities are described to belong to different regions of the Universe. Seers have had a direct communion and experience in respect of these deities and guided by their knowledge and experience these hymns came into being. A verse in the Rgveda is called a mantra and Bhramhaand Dhiyah, etc., indicating that each verse is a product of mind that lived a deep experience.

Rgveda is not essentially a text for religion like Bible or Quran. This text speaks of information regarding the life of beings and the various contexts into which that life is subjected to. The daily routine of human life received a standardised mention worth a great inspiration. The life we see in this Veda is that of Aryans, the civilized community of those times. Obviously that cultural life, in any way appears not to be lagging behind the present set-up of the society. Therefore, Rgveda should be modern and interesting too at all ages.

Rgvedic prayers refer to the ups and downs, odds and fortunes, happiness and dismay, etc., of human life. The mantras indicate that such a curve in life isthe nature of the life itself and that to be normal. Rgveda exhorts emphatically: hope is the bedrock of happiness and that is optimism.

Every society contains opposition for any good and bad endeavours. Obstacles are posed to hamper the execution of many useful activities. Rgveda is aware of this and therefore sincerely makes a warning, that in order to guard against such tendencies, one should seek the blessings of the relevant deities who are known for corresponding abilities. This is the solution that the Veda offers in order to overcome opposing situations.

Rgvedic mantras are not saturated wholly with ideas that would look unpalatable to the current trends of ultra modern and urban culture. Rather those verses contain descriptions that would interest a boy, a youth and an aged simultaneously. Thus Rgveda is a book for all ages of men. But the samhitabeing a classic and further standardised by its character, similar expectations are vouchsafed from its reader.

Rgveda is a literary composition. Literature is a mirror that reflects the life and society. Therefore, this Veda contains a beautiful mention of good and bad habits. Also it points out a fact that dubious habits that look attractive in the beginning would result into loss and repentance. These habits refer to vices which are sweet at first but ultimately life-taking examples. Thus the hymns of the Veda draw the attention of people with their noted interest in order to guide them properly such that the very meaning of their life should be understood and realised. Such being the character of the Rgveda in general, it would be an irreparable loss if one does not turn to the Veda for guidance and inspiration.

Anthologies have been prepared. They satisfied the desire and the temperament of the editor and the corresponding readers. However, their scope is not exhausted. Moreover selections from Rgveda for study are made. Mostly those hymns that refer to religion and philosophy, are only picked up in order to decorate anthologies. But Rgveda has mantras in abundance that refer to social sciences as well as sciences proper. When this aspect is pursued, Rgveda’s significance and utility would be let known in these fields of knowledge also. That should be the aim of Vedic scholars academically trained in the subject.

No standard work of art and literature would grow outdated. Rather its relevance gains importance as the times progress further. Standard compositions abound in eternal values over which man should depend and set them as aims to be reached in course of one’s life. Rgveda is such a samhitathat deserves top-rank in respect of such eternal considerations. Rgvedic mantras are pregnant with unfathomable treasures of knowledge and wisdom.

Indifferent to the value and relevance of the Rgveda is great in the minds of young and the withering blood of the society; Therefore, it becomes a strong responsibility upon the learned in the Vedic lore to impress on the people the utility that the Rgveda gives to such people.

Rgveda firmly believes that there is nothing impossible to human beings. So long the blessings of deities continue, attainments are feasible and prosperity is certain.

II

The character of the Rgveda is noteworthy. It contains in total prayers addressed to various deities. A deity is that which is praised in a verse or a group of verses, and to whom a desire also is proposed by that bard that his desires should be fulfilled by the deity under praise. The prayer thus contains material describing their experiences, fears and hopes. Desires mentioned cover mundane happiness at first and secondly happiness in the other world. Thus the range of desires swings from material comfort to spiritual peace. A budget is proposed such that fulfilment of the same should take place in this world during their lifetime and at the same time also at a place which they reach after death in this world.

The extent of the Rgveda is clear. Rgveda is divided into ten mandalas(books). Each mandalacontains a certain number of groups of verses (sukta) and each suktacontains certain number of verses or mantras ranging from three to fifty and more. Each suktaand mantra has a seer (author), metre (the scale in which it is composed) and the devata(who is addressed solitarily or collectively). Mantras have magical significance when they are properly set into employment. The magical value behind each mantra is indisputable. Experience and practice are the only tests in that direction.

Mantras refer religious as well wordly thoughts. However, a sense of responsibility is indicated in the prayers that life must be made as easy and lucky as possible with relevant efforts. Moreover, a feeling should be a dominant experience that “All that survives and exists in nature belongs to God.” It would be a matter of great relief when it is deemed so.

Rgvedic verses have viniyoga(employment) in rituals. The mantras in general have recitational character in respect of employment in sacrifices. Hotr is the priest of the Rgveda. He invites deities to sacrifice such that they would receive their respective shares of oblations. There are certain lucky and significant mantras in the Veda which have lived a greater popularity in the Indian tradition. They are relevant even in respect of their intrinsic meaning. For example, consider the famous Gayatrimantra (Rv. 3.62. 10). Its application is highly extensive. It is a mantra employed for “purification.” The utterance of the mantra purifies the devotee. Presently it is in practice and popular as well among pious beliefs that when eatables are sprinkled by uttering this mantra the eatables magically become pure and fit for consumption either for God or to a devotee. Gayatri expiates sin also. Its mahatis manifold in greatness.

More than the religious and sacrificial importance of the mantra, this Gayatrimantra has a great secular significance. The worldly interpretation is that this mantra instructs one that one’s intelligence be properly directed as the intelligence in man is the very seat of distinguished righteous behaviour of that man. In respect of the word-combination, the verb pracodayat(direct) is unique and that is found in this mantra of the Rgveda only; but nowhere else.

The interpretation of Rgvedic verses has been a problem. Sayana interpreted Veda with reference to sacrifice, while European scholars did for the sake of comparison with their religion and literature. But scholars like Dayananda Saraswati and Sri Aurobindo saw light and realisation in the hymns of the Veda. At all such attempts, need of the times and the society warranted convenient interpretation of the Vedic texts. An endeavour of this sort only indicates a relevance that these verses of the Veda bore from time to time as though the Veda kept in view the trends of the times to come.

III

Hereunder let us consider a few verses of the Rgveda which point out useful hints that help the man of the present to gain peace of mind and adopt righteous living. These instances contribute to the title that a study of the Rgveda pays dividends to a ready seeker.

1. Rgveda contains many references to stress the importance of human body. It considers human body to be the primary means for any attainment. Rather it suggests that peace should be sought beginning from that level. The verse addressed to Gods reads: “Let us listen good with our ears, see good with eyes: be of service to gods with healthy limbs” (1-89-8). Also there is a prayer that the five elements of Nature and the surroundings in which people survive should be peaceful and remain within their compass and limits. Apart from that peace (santi) in the reverse as such is repeatedly solicited. Thus there is a sense of beautiful generality wishing peace in the nature and the all round environment.

2. Rgveda exhorts to value and protect one’s physical body. Further strength (balam) is the very need of physical body. Accordingly, therefore, there is a prayer to Indra (3-53-18) requesting him to bestow strength (balam) in his body. Likewise strong progeny. Also there is a prayer to Agni to bless the devotees such that they would cross over the unhappy life as a ship, a flood of water. Herein God’s blessings have the purpose that of a ship in helping to cross difficult waters.

3. Rgveda makes an appeal that one should aspire to live a full length of life. Attempts to cut short a full life with forced methods to be but a sin and a futility, There is a prayer (2-21-9) for Indra requesting him to bestow all material happiness such that the length of life shall not be discouraging. Likewise Rgveda contains a prayer to Lord Savita (10-38-14) to protect the devotee from all sides and help to have a fine longevity. Thus Rgveda with these verses and many more which are prayers to various deities promote longevity and aspirations too further in that direction.

4. Rgveda contains many prayers emphasising that success shall happen to one in life in case he too wills to work and toil throughout. In fact, it is said “Gods hate those who love laziness and who expect others to do favours to them unreasonably.” The verses in the famous Manyu Sukta of the Rgveda points out the spirit expected in work. Rv. 10-53-8 indicates that one should have speed in work to reach its completion like that of a river called “Asmanvati” that flows with great velocity so as to reach her Lord. Rv. 8-4-3 lets a fervent hope that Lord Indra bears with pleasure all strain in case his friendship is solicited earnestly by his devotee.

5. Rgveda is aware to point out care of home and its affairs which should be looked after for happiness. Agni is conceived as the Lord of home (Grhapati). He is repeatedly requested to bless devotees for a happy home. The prayer “asthuri no garhapatyani santu” (Rv. 6.15,18) is significant. Further Agni is imposed to protect householders with his tejasthat is undauntable and ever gracious and virtuous. Uniquely Agni is described with the epithet “Patnivan” (One having wife and family). There is no mention of the name of wife of  Agni in the RV.

6. This Veda is aware of a great worrying factor, viz., Debt (Rna) that shackles the foundations of hope and prosperity. In case that becomes a burden everyone is born in debt, lives in debt and dies in debt. Rnais something like a Fire which if neglected burns up the source of happiness itself. Rgveda specifically suggests that life lived without debt is a life of glory and happiness. Varuna is the lord of Rna. He is requested that he should bless the devotee as he did bless his ancestors, in order to wipe out the worry of debt. Debt is something that is continuous. It is brought forward by fathers and forefathers. The devotee makes an appeal for the grace of Varuna such that he would not make any fresh debts and reduce himself further to live upon the wealth of others. In addition to that Varuna is implored such that devotees live a debtless life completely.

7. Besides such caution, Rgveda contains mantras that refer to certain social habits which are harmful and also consequences of such habits. For example, hymns are there which list the troubles that would result in case one is addicted to the play of dice. That is the famous “Aksha Sukta” in the Rgveda. Herein the gambler laments for the state of being to which he was slowly reduced after attaching himself very much to that play. There are references to people who are known as those who neglect worship (ayajamana) who do not press Soma for gods (asunvan), who steal the wealth of others (stena) or taskara, etc. There are the elements who disturb the social and religious order and security. Prayers are addressed to deities like and Agni and Varuna to punish them.

8. Merits of a righteous path (supatha) are many. Agni and other deities are repeatedly requested to put the devotees on the righteous path and keep their mind auspicious. Good gives rise to good only. (Rv. 10-25-1) which is addressed to God (Deva) points out that God should help one to keep one’s mind pleasant. There are yet many prayers (e.g., 6-21-11, 4-2-9, etc.) which inform the state of mind to be in an encouraging condition. More shall be discussed elsewhere.

9. Rgveda suggests that God is at the of all activity. From him only the creation and creativity flows forth. Consider Rv. 4-11-3 which is a prayer for Agni. This mantra acknowledges that Agni is the chief spring of material prosperity and wealth for man. Further through the grace of Agni, there arises the idea of worship to gods. Consequently a sacrifice shall reap fulfillment therefrom.

10. Belief in God and his powers takes one a long way in the road of prosperity. Rgveda politely appeals to mankind to adopt to that teaching. Rv. 2-12-5 implores men “Please keep trust and belief in Indra” (Sraddhasmai Janasa Indrah). Indra is the leader and victor. In him should trust be kept by seekers.

11. (a) The choicest God (ishta devata) has a nature to help him who seeks his friendship. He removes the sins of the devotee. Rv. 5-85-2 which is a prayer to Lord Savitr is very significant. Lord Savitr cleanses the devotees away of all sorts of sin (visvani deva savitur duritani para suva, Yad bhadram tanma asuva).

(b) God is pleased if anybody attempts to please him Rv. 4-2-9 which is a prayer to Agni informs that a devotee is ready to please him; in return Agni should protect that devotee. Also Rv. 1-41-8 may be cited as another example for this. A dialogue between Indra and devotee in the Veda points out a fact that if the devotee initiates offerings at first to him, then the Lord would reciprocate the same in the form of gifts in multiples to that devotee.

(c) God has enough mahatto remove all sins and keep the devotee pure. Purity is a sign virtue. Virtue is a merit (punya) sins have been classified. They are chiefly known into two categories, viz., open (public) sins and private (secret) sins. Everyone normally would be a sinner in secret although one claims purity outside. For secret sins, self is the only judge Gods, therefore, are requested to ward off all classes. Each deity has capability to destroy sins. Tvastr is requested to destroy those sins which belong to body. Tvastr is the creator.

Thus the vibhuti(powers) of deity is infinite. Rgveda categorically describes the mahatand nature of deities in the collection of prayers.

12. Man and God are separate entities. There is a theory in the Veda. Man yearns to mix with God. God shows anxiety to get near man. It is ‘Love’ that operates. Life is a course of such endeavour for man towards God. Rgveda elaborates this idea. Further it points out that life and union with God is always a matter of case and comfort. RV 4-11-8 which is a prayer to Agni expresses: “he is a lucky guy (dhanyah) whom Agni patronises pleased with his prayers.” The ultimate desire of man is to reach God and become one with him. Rv. 6-44-10 which is a prayer to Indra emphasises that Lord Indra was everything to the devotee. Indra is the best friend of the worshipper.

13. Rgveda cautions a fact that certain inabilities in body like sickness, old age, and further the detergent factors like penury, miserliness, jealousy, etc., overpower one and prevent one from doing auspicious deeds. So there are several prayers addressed to deities that “before any of such weaknesses overtake their good conscience, deities are requested to direct them in a righteous path accorded as great by ancestors and learned. For example, RV. 1-91-10 contains a beautiful simile that: the presence of sky is enveloped by the growth of rays of sun overshadowing its existence. Accordingly the righteous prosperity is earmarked by the approaching of old age. The old age is likened to powerful rays of sun while the sky to the purity of self that desires to shine forth brightly in advance.

14. Desires are innumerable. Desires spring up constantly in mind. But Rgveda cautions that chief desire of note should be praying for birthlessness and liberation from the sin of mortality eternal immortality. Rv. 9.113.9 is a prayer for Soma that that deity should bless his devotee into a region where there exists but light after death. This suggests for a desire of birthlessness. There is also another prayer addressed to Rudra that Rudra should bless life with immortality (mrtyor mamukshiya mamrtat).

In this manner it is possible to multiply points that indicate the utility and modernity from the contents of the Rgveda relevant to existing situation, at the corresponding times. Suffice it to note that Rgveda is a great source of guidance and importance at the time when we look for moral strength to make our lives purposeful and full of meaning.