Sacred Concord

RV 64

Rig Veda · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith

2 They spring to birth, the lofty Ones, the Bulls of Heaven, divine, the youths of Rudra, free from spot an 3 Young Rudras, demon−slayers, never growing old, they have waxed, even as mountains, irresistible. 4 With glittering ornaments they deck them forth for show; for beauty on their breasts they bind their chai 5 Loud roarers, giving strength, devourers of the foe, they make the winds, they make the lightnings with 6 The bounteous Maruts with the fatness dropping milk fill full the waters which avail in solenm rites. 7 Mighty, with wondrous power and marvellously bright, selfstrong like mountains, ye glide swiftly on y 8 Exceeding wise they roar like lions mightily, they, all−possessing, are beauteous as antelopes; 9 Heroes who march in companies, befriending man, with serpents' ire through strength, ye greet the earth 10 Lords of all riches, dwelling in the home of wealth, endowed with mighty vigour, singers loud of voice 11 They who with golden fellies make the rain increase drive forward the big clouds like wanderers on th 12 The progeny of Rudra we invoke with prayer, the brisk, the bright, the worshipful, the active Ones 13 Maruts, the man whom ye have guarded with your help, he verily in strength surpasseth all mankind. 14 O Maruts, to the worshippers give glorious strength invincible in battle, brilliant, bringing wealth, 15 Will ye then, O ye Maruts, grant us riches, durable, rich in men, defying onslaught.
RV 64 · Rig Veda · null

Themes in this passage

StrengthWealthNatureCharityThe DivinePrayerAngerTruth

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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