Sacred Concord

RV 116a

Rig Veda · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith

2 Borne on by rapid steeds of mighty pinion, or proudly trusting in the Gods' incitements. 3 Yea, Asvins, as a dead man leaves his riches, Tugra left Bhujyu in the cloud of waters. 4 Bhujyu ye bore with winged things, Nasatyas, which for three nights, three days full swiftly travelled, 5 Ye wrought that hero exploit in the ocean which giveth no support, or hold or station, 6 The white horse which of old ye gave Aghasva, Asvins, a gift to be his wealth for ever,− 7 O Heroes, ye gave wisdom to Kaksivan who sprang from Pajra's line, who sang your praises. 8 Ye warded off with cold the fire's fierce burning; food very rich in nouripliment ye furnished. 9 Ye lifted up the well, O ye Nasatyas, and set the base on high to open downward. 10 Ye from the old Cyavana, O Nasatyas, stripped, as 'twere mail, the skin upon 11 Worthy of praise and worth the winning, Heroes, is that your favouring succour O Nasatyas, 12 That mighty deed of yours, for gain, O Heroes, as thunder heraldeth the rain, I publish, 13 In the great rite the wise dame called, Nasatyas, you, Lords of many treasures, to assist her. 14 Ye from the wolf's jaws, as ye stood together, set free the quail, O Heroes, O Nasatyas. 15 When in the time of night, in Khela's battle, a leg was severed like a wild bird's pinion, 16 His father robbed Rjrasva of his eyesight who for the she−wolf slew a hundred wethers. 17 The Daughter of the Sun your car ascended, first reaching as it were the goal with coursers. 18 When to his house ye came, to Divodasa, hasting to Bharadvaja, O ye Asvins, 19 Ye, bringing wealth with rule, and life with offspring, life rich in noble heroes; O Nasatyas, 20 Ye bore away at night by easy pathways Jahusa compassed round on every quarter, 21 One morn ye strengthened Vaga for the battle, to gather spoils that might be told in thousands. 22 From the deep well ye raised on high the water, so that Rcatka's son, Sara, should drink it; 23 To Visvaka, Nasatyas!
RV 116a · Rig Veda · null

Themes in this passage

WealthStrengthChildrenNatureCharityWarWisdomComfort

Wealth in other traditions

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

And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
Genesis 13:2 · Bible · Genesis
She spoke; Minerva burns to meet the war: And now heaven’s empress calls her blazing car. At her command rush forth the steeds divine; Rich with immortal gold their trappings shine. Bright Hebe waits; by Hebe, ever young, The whirling wheels are to the chariot hung. On the bright axle turns the bidden wheel Of sounding brass; the polished axle steel. Eight brazen spokes in radiant order flame; The circles gold, of uncorrupted frame, Such as the heavens produce: and round the gold Two brazen rings of work divine were roll’d. The bossy naves of sold silver shone; Braces of gold suspend the moving throne: The car, behind, an arching figure bore; The bending concave form’d an arch before. Silver the beam, the extended yoke was gold, And golden reins the immortal coursers hold. Herself, impatient, to the ready car, The coursers joins, and breathes revenge and war.
Iliad 5.77 · Iliad · 5
Give unto orphans their wealth. Exchange not the good for the bad (in your management thereof) nor absorb their wealth into your own wealth. Lo! that would be a great sin.
Quran 4:2 · Quran · Women
While he was thus in two minds Helen came down from her high vaulted and perfumed room, looking as lovely as Diana herself. Adraste brought her a seat, Alcippe a soft woollen rug while Phylo fetched her the silver work-box which Alcandra wife of Polybus had given her. Polybus lived in Egyptian Thebes, which is the richest city in the whole world; he gave Menelaus two baths, both of pure silver, two tripods, and ten talents of gold; besides all this, his wife gave Helen some beautiful presents, to wit, a golden distaff, and a silver work box that ran on wheels, with a gold band round the top of it. Phylo now placed this by her side, full of fine spun yarn, and a distaff charged with violet coloured wool was laid upon the top of it. Then Helen took her seat, put her feet upon the footstool, and began to question her husband.42
Odyssey 4.12 · Odyssey · 4

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