1. The black drop sank in Ansumati's bosom, advancing with ten thousand round about it. Indra with might longed for it as it panted: the hero-hearted King laid down his weapons. 2. Flying in terror from the snort of Vritra all deities who were thy friends forsook thee. So, Indra, with the Maruts be thy friendship: in all these battles thou shalt be the victor. 3. The old hath waked the young Moon from his slumber who runs his circling course with many round him. Behold the God's high wisdom in its greatness: he who died yesterday to-day is living. 4. Then, at thy birth, thou wast the foeman, Indra, of those the seven who ne'er had met a rival. The hidden pair, heaven and the earth, thou foundest, and to the mighty worlds thou gavest pleasure. 5. A friend we count thee, sharp-edged, thunder-wielder, Steer strong of body, overthrowing Thou, helping, causest pious tribes to conquer: Indra, I laud the, heavenly Vritra-slayer. 6. Bring to the wise, the great, who waxeth mighty your offerings,. and make ready your devotion! Go forth to many tribes as man's controller! 7. Call we on Maghavan, auspicious Indra, best hero in this fight where spoil is gathered, Strong, listening to give us aid in battles, who slays the Vritras, wins and gathers riches! 8. Prayers have been offered up-through love of glory: Vasishtha, honour Indra in the battle! He who with fame extends through all existence hears words which I, his faithful servant, utter. 9. May the sweet Soma juices make him happy to cast his quoit that lies in depth of waters! Thou from the udder which o'er earth is fastened hast poured the milk into the kine and herbage.SV 4.1.4 · Sama Veda · 4
SV 4.1.4
Sama Veda · translated by Ralph T.H. Griffith
Themes in this passage
StrengthWarFriendshipNatureDevotionThe DivineWisdomCharity
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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