1 THOUGH e'en this heaven's wide space and earth have spread them out, nor heaven nor earth may be in 2 Like as the watery ocean, so doth he receive the rivers spread on all sides in their ample width. 3 Thou swayest, Indra, all kinds of great manly power, so as to bend, as't were, even that famed mountain 4 He only in the wood is praised by worshippers, when he shows forth to men his own fair Indra−power. 5 Yet verily the Warrior in his vigorous strength stirreth up with his might great battles for mankind; 6 Though, fain for glory, and with strength increased on earth, he with great might destroys the dwellings 7 Drinker of Soma, let thy heart incline to give; bring thy Bays hitherward, O thou who hearest praise. 8 Thou bearest in both hands treasure that never fails; the famed One in his body holds unvanquished migRV 55 · Rig Veda · null
RV 55
Rig Veda · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith
Themes in this passage
StrengthNatureThe DivineWarWorshipCharityTruthWealth
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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