O radiant sun….
November 10, 2008
“Give strength, O radiant sun, to our bodies; give strength to our sons and grandsons; that they may live long; for you are the giver of strength.”
- Rig Veda
The first born rays of divine light…
November 9, 2008
“The first born rays of divine light, manifested by the prime source of universal illumination gliding everywhere and dissipating ignorance issue forth like the Dawn, daughter of the Sun, and diffuse ambrosial imperishable food amongst Nature’s bounties.“
-Rig Veda
Heaven and earth bear divine nectar…
November 8, 2008
“O resplendent Lord, the heaven and earth bear divine nectar for you, as a mother bears the embryo. O showerer of benefits, the priests pour it out for you and purify it for your acceptance.”
- Rig Veda
The heaven and earth bear divine nectar…
November 7, 2008
“He surpases all measures in His brightness, and far exceeds Nature’s forces; for none may be his equal. He is more vast than heaven and earth together, or the widespread spacious firmament.”
-Rig Veda
Give safety to the inhabitants of the world…
November 6, 2008
“Adorable and powerful resplendent Lord, you are great and magnificent, overcoming adversaries by your prowess; you alone are the ruler of all the world. May you help us in fighting against our adversaries and give safety to the whole world.”
-Rig Veda
The performer of the sacred deeds…
November 5, 2008
“You cherish the performer of the sacred deeds like pools of water, deep and full.; or like a careful herdsman who cherishes the cows, or like milk cows that go well guarded to the pasture, or like water brooks that reach the lake.”
-Rig Veda
Devourer of evils…
November 4, 2008
“The resplendent Lord is the devourer of evils, destroyer of the clouds of ignorance. He is the demolisher of strongholds of evil tendencies and inspirer of virtuous acts. He comes speedily, as if mounted on his cosmic chariot urging his horses to move towards us.”
-Rig Veda
A guide to the right path….
November 3, 2008
“O bounteous Lord, a guide to the right path, make me the guardian of the people, a monarch of men. Make me a holy sage, the lover of spiritual bliss, and grant me the wealth that last for long.”
Descend to us…
November 2, 2008
“Descend to us, riding as if in your cosmic chariot, for verily this celestial elixir of devotional love is for you. May you unyoke your dear horses near the places of worship for the worshippers solicit your presence here.”
-Rig Veda
Invocation
November 1, 2008
One of the features of the vedic tradition is that the divine is considered to be close, approachable, and responsive. So close, in fact, that they “live” in the heart space of the deity. The pujas and yagyas are performed with the intention of invoking the divine who responds and comes to be present to grant the devotee’s wishes. This perspective is reflected in many many verses of all the vedas.
“We invoke the resplendent Lord here with sacred hymns and prayers to accept our loving devotion; may He, repeatedly invoked, come here.
O resplendent Lord, I offer my devotional love to you, who are seated in the heaven of my innermost heart, for your kind acceptance.”
- Rig Veda