Sacred Concord

RV 48 (9)

Rig Veda · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith

2 I, Indra, am Atharvan's stay and firm support: I brought forth kine to Trita from the Dragon's grasp. 3 For me hath Tvastar forged the iron thunderbolt: in me the Gods have centred intellectual power. 4 I won myself these herdi of cattle, steeds and kine, and gold in ample store, with my destructive bolt. 5 Indra am I none ever wins my wealth from me never at any time am I a thrall to death. 6 These, breathing loud in fury, two and two, who caused Indra to bring his bolt of thunder to the fray, 8 Against the Gungus I made Atithigva strong, and kept him mid the folk like Vrtra−conquering strength, 9 With food for mine enjoyment Sapya Nami came: he joined me as a friend of old in search of kine. 10 One of the two hath Soma, seen within it; the Herdsman with the bone shows forth the other. 11 I, as a God, ne'er violate the statutes of Gods, of Vasus, Rudriyas, Adityas. 2 The People of the heavens, the waters, and the earth have stablished me among the Gods with Indra's na 3 With deadly blows I smote Atka for Kavi's sake; I guarded Kutsa well with these saving helps. 4 Smadibha, Tugra, and the Vetasus I gave as prey to Kutsa, father−like, to succour him. 5 I gave up Mrgaya to Srutarvan as his prey because he ever followed me and kept my laws. 6 1, I crushed Navavastva of the lofty car, the Dasa, as the Vrtra−slayer kills the fiends; 7 I travel round about borne onward in my might by the fleet−footed dappled Horses of the Sun. 8 Stronger am I than Nabus, I who slew the seven: I glorified with might Yadu and Turvaga. 9 Bull over all the streams that flow along the earth, I took the Seven Rivers as mine own domain. 10 I set within these cows the white milk which no God, not even Tvastar's self, had there deposited,− 11 Even thus hath Indra Maghavan, truly bounteous, sped Gods and men with mighty operation.
RV 48 (9) · Rig Veda · null

Themes in this passage

StrengthNatureThe DivineWealthAngerComfortCreationDeath

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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