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Rigveda – Mandala 1, Sukta – 21 to 23

12/27/2024

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Men should desire to know the properties of the air and the fire. It is not possible to derive benefit from them unless one hears their attributes from great scientists.
Without practice, men cannot know the attributes of the air and fire and benefit from them.
When men being friendly to one another and for mutual benefit, utilizing and preserving the air and fire with proper knowledge (of science) advance dealing in various objects, they enjoy happiness.
Men should properly and methodically utilize the air and fire full of force and rapidity which are useful for the accomplishment of many purposes, connected with arts and crafts and sciences.
The air and fire which on account of their nature and attributes are superior to other elements, become the sources of protection by removing misery when they are utilized scientifically with wisdom.
May Indra and Agni (Prana-vital energy and electricity) which are well-known on account of the group of true attributes in that desirable state which fills us with joy and bliss, bestow happiness upon us.

Mandala 1 – Sukta – 22

learned person please enlighten us about the earth and fire which are united and attained together in this artistic dealing for the attainment of all happiness.
The fire and water which are best instruments in accomplishing all works of arts and crafts should be properly utilized.
No one's knowledge or wisdom can grow without preaching or instruction by an expert. Therefore, the learned and sackers after knowledge should respectively preach and hear attentively.
O men, because the car possessing the rapidity of fire and water goes even to the most distant places, there is nothing far away for you. You should make proper and methodical use of the fire and water.
For the sake of protection and love, I invoke God, the Creator of the world by Whose Grace a man gets gold and other gems. He is Omniscient and the most Admirable. It is He who pervades this, Universe.
A learned wise man glorifies God and obeys His commands. As we desire to attain God's attributes of Truth, justice and kindness etc. and perform the works ordained by Him in the Vedas, so you should also do.
As God gives the fruit of the actions of all souls being Omnipotent and Omniscient Supreme Being and Creator of the world and as the sun divides by its light the different objects and enlightens them by its piercing rays, both should be properly and wisely utilized i. e. God should be adored and proper use should be made of the heat and light of the sun.
Men cannot enjoy happiness without friendliness. Therefore, all people should be united and preaching and listening to the attributes of God and the sun full of heat, should take benefit from them for enjoying happiness or delight.
Learned people should accept the Agni in three forms of the fire, electricity and the sun as the most prominent means of accomplishment of arts and crafts and the manifestation of the powers of the earth and other objects. In this Yajna consisting of artistic activities, the special uniting powers of the earth and other objects have been named as their wives so to speak.
The learned persons should visualize all sciences in this world, through the study of the Vedas and experiments having obtained from human life. Without the distinct perception of the attributes and functions of the various objects, the knowledge does not bear fruit. This should always be borne in mind by all.
The wives of men should be of the same knowledge, merits and temperament as their husbands, because it is only by the union of the couple of similar knowledge, merits and temperament, that happiness is enjoyed and not otherwise. Therefore, all should enjoy bliss by marrying the spouses of the similar nature according to their free choice and by discharging their domestic duties properly.
Men should obtain most virtuous wives for getting abiding happiness from the objects created by God. Men and women should marry each other, having mutual love and being industrious. It is not possible for anyone to get happiness without wives of similar nature and exertion.
Learned persons or scientists should build aero planes and other conveyances with the earth and other elements and by the combination and use of the water and air in the machines, should travel on earth, in the ocean and sky.
The scholars should be able to go to the land, sea and sky by using water and fire in their machines by making vehicles etc. with earthly substances et cetera.
When this earth is perfectly known by men with the help of Geology and other sciences, it becomes the source of happiness, the dwelling place of embodied beings and provider of many jewels and diamonds.
No one can get the knowledge of the science of creation without the instruction given by the wise. All-pervading God has made these worlds with seven substances that uphold all, consisting of the earth, water, fire, air, Virat, atom and Matter.
Men should adore that Omnipresent God only Who made this world in three ways i.e. (1) This visible earth without light (2) invisible subtle world in the form of atoms etc. (3) Shining solar world. He made the form of the universe that can be logically known in the firmament.
Because this inviolable, Protector and Omnipresent God upholds this world consisting of the earth, middle region and heaven (which are to be known and attained) therefore being created by Him, all these substances follow the eternal laws ordained by Him.
O men, look at the works of that Omnipresent, Absolutely Pure and Omnipotent God Who is the true friend of the soul, the giver of all Happiness. You must know His acts of the creation, Protection, Justice and dissolution of the world by which a man is able to do the noble deeds of truth and justice etc.
Righteous, wise, active learned devotees of God see within their own spotless souls with pure knowledge the All-pervading Blissful State of God who is Omnipresent and All-bliss. They see it within, as ordinary men see the grand sun in the sky.
Those people who leave the sleep of ignorance and unrighteousness and wake up in the pursuit of knowledge and righteousness, they only attain the all-pervasive Vishnu i.e. God, who is perfect in all respects in the form of Sacchidananda.

Mandala 1 – Sukta – 23

Living beings who desire to attain and who are blessed in attaining, the air receives all of them and fixes them on his ground. The substances which have sharp and soft qualities, knowing them as they are, human beings should take help from them.
We invoke both Indra and Vayu (fire and wind) which help the aero planes in touching the firmament for the joy of the objects of the world created by God.
Wise men should utilize electricity and wind possessing thousands of functions and endowed with rapidity and other attributes, for the accomplishment of arts and industries.
It is not possible for men to enjoy happiness without Prana and Udana (two vital forces). Therefore, they should know the science which teaches their proper use.
The creation of the water and light is not possible without the air and the sun. These (the sun and the air) cannot be created except by God and without them (the sun and the air) men cannot accomplish any work.
Because it is on account of the sun and the air, that time is measured and all functions performed well, therefore by utilizing them properly, men can accomplish many works and acquire wealth thereby.
Men should know that it is not possible to kindle fire without the aid of the wind and the growth or development of substances is not possible without Indra or electricity.
No one can speak, hear and grow without the aid and attributes of the air. The solar world is so great and is the embodiment or mass of fire which the winds cause to shine. Without the sun and the winds and electricity one cannot perform one's speaking function properly.
O learned persons; the winds which give us (health and strength) so liberally, being associated with the sun or the lightning, destroy the cloud. Let not evil-minded persons ever prevail upon us or give us trouble.
Learned persons accept the winds which move from place to place and are of fierce and powerful nature born out of the sky.
Whatever good a person achieves in life is achieved by courage and daring such as by the knowledge of the friction of the winds, by running the electric machine, by going to distant countries and by the accomplishment of fire weapons, etc., happiness is attained. In the same way, by practicing techniques of special knowledge and efforts, you should continuously increase practical and transcendental pleasures.
Men can attain happiness well when they can acquire first the knowledge of the science of air or wind, then of the science of electricity and then that of the water, earth and herbs and drugs etc.
As shepherds and other feeders of animals, feed and nourish the beasts and by their milk etc. cause happiness to men, in the same manner, the sun having supported the sky and all substances therein, by its rays and gravitation, causes happiness to all beings.
Because this Resplendent God who is the nourisher of all by His might know fully the hidden soul or Atman dwelling in the cave of the heart or intellect doing many noble deeds, He is Omnipotent.
As the sun with its rays and cultivator with his ploughs etc. draws and digs the ground, sows the seed and having obtained corn etc. makes the spring and other seasons full of happiness, in the same manner, God makes all seasons’ givers of happiness to all souls according their sap.
As kinsmen always nourish and gladden their relatives, in the same manner, these waters going up and down cause happiness to all beings like friends. Without them, it is not possible for any living or non-living (inanimate) object to grow. Therefore, they should be properly utilized by all.
The water which goes towards the sun being penetrated by the rays of the sun and made subtle, comes down in the form of the rain and when utilized scientifically and methodically in various conveyances or vehicles, increases happiness.
The rays of the sun penetrate all waters and draw all around the waters. Then they get earth and herbs. Wise men should use some water for drinking, bathing and activities connected with arts and industries and thus should enjoy happiness.
O men, having known the attributes of the waters which contain disease-destroying powers and which contain in themselves the medicinal herbs, use them for the removal of diseases the medicinal herbs, use them for the removal of diseases and the accomplishment of arts, crafts and industries.
Soma (Moon the king of all herbs or the Soma-moon creeper) denotes to me that within the waters dwell all balms that heal. The waters contain all healing herbs. The Agni particularly in the form of electricity is also the benefactor of the Universe.
Without the Pranas, it is not possible for any living being or even trees etc. to maintain their existence. Therefore, the best medicine or healing balm for the removal of hunger, thirst and all diseases are to use the Prana properly and methodically.
Whatever good or evil, merit or sin is done by people, they get the fruit of the same under the dispensation of God's Justice.
All beings get the fruit of their actions through air, water, fire and other elements in previous as well as in the present life.
God and enlightened seers and men know that the fire in the form of electricity confers upon me vigor, progeny and life. They also know that the good or bad actions done by me are the cause of my birth. Therefore, I should always keep company with such enlightened persons and have communion with God.

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Rigveda – Mandala 1, Sukta – 17 to 20

12/20/2024

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We should be like the shining sun and moon which are benefactors of the world causing happiness to us in all worldly activities and are protectors like a vast empire.
When men use the fire and water in machines, in a methodical proper manner, they become the means of the speedy motion of the conveyances (like the Railways) and by carrying men and articles, become the sources of happiness to all.
Men should know the properties of fire and water (Indra & Varuna) which when utilized properly lead to much happiness.
Men should give up laziness, perform good deeds, and have association with learned persons, so that ignorance and poverty may be rooted out.
Among all the objects like the earth etc. which are the means of the gift of food and other things, fire, electricity and sun (which are all denoted by the common term Indra) are very prominent. Similarly, the water, air and moon (all denoted by the common term Varuna) are praiseworthy on account of their attributes. If they are used in actions with knowledge, they accomplish various purposes. This should be known to all.
Men should acquire much wealth by the proper use of fire, water, air, electricity etc. and by saving and increasing it, should spend it properly to bring about the welfare of all in the State.
Those persons who properly utilize Indra and Varuna (fire and water etc.) in their works, having acquired manifold wealth and victory, enjoyed happiness and made others also happy.
I invoke or utilize Indra and Varuna (air and water) which quickly bestow happiness upon us, for the accomplishment of various works.
Men should know exactly the properties or attributes of every object with deliberation and then should derive benefit from them.

Mandala 1 – Sukta – 18

Only a person who is born of light of knowledge can be a teacher well-versed in the science of arts.
May God Who is the Lord of infinite wealth of knowledge etc. Who is the Destroyer of all diseases like ignorance and physical maladies, who increases the power of body and soul, who know all things. Who promptly giveth happiness, endow us with the wealth of wisdom and of other kinds.
None should ever keep company with a wicked person, nor should one resort to violence unjustly, but all should protect all with justice.
Those persons who accomplish their work having learnt the properties of the air, electricity, sun, Soma and other creepers do not lose happiness. There is no end to their happiness.
Those persons who keeping themselves away from sin, desire to increase their happiness, should meditate upon God and properly use air, the medicinal juice and noble virtues that lead to progress.
Those persons only enjoy happiness who meditate upon God the Omnipotent Lord of all and giver of all Bliss and who associate with the President of the assembly, a man of the best merits and temperament. They get intellect which is full of e knowledge of all Shastras and their practical shape. Having become industrious and learned, they become delighted.
God who is Omnipotent and Omniscient and without whom this world can never be accomplished, pervades and knows the association of intellects and actions.
Omniscient Lord performs this Yajna in the form of the universe, where external sacrifices are performed and which is attained by all, being visible. He makes all the articles of the sacrifice which are put in the fire-oblations. He promotes the course of this wonderful sacrifice (in the form of the world) and is attained by the persons possessing Divine (noble) virtues.
As an ordinary man sees the light of the sun pervading on all sides, in the same manner, he attains grand happiness and joy by seeing omnipresent God who possesses the light of knowledge on all sides.

Mandala 1 – Sukta – 19

This physical fire, which ignites with the famous Sun and electrical form winds, should be preached or listened to by the laudable intellect of scholars with special knowledge of virtues for the accomplishment of every action or for the protection of all.

God's glory is infinite. No one can attain its end. But one can know it according to one's intellect and knowledge in the State of deep concentration and the practice of Pranayama etc. Men know it only to the extent that the glory is manifest in nature and told in the Vedas. It is not possible to know it perfectly.
The enlightened persons only, devoid of malignity who know the great worlds along with fire and airs, enjoy happiness. O Self-effulgent God, you are realised with the help of the Maruts (Pranas).
Those airs which are having quality of high speed, do not get stopped by anyone and are present with a group of powers etc. and illuminate the Sun world etc. by their qualities. By these winds electricity and this fire gets obtained well from every direction and is helpful in accomplishment of the tasks.
Airs when purified through the Yajna destroy all diseases and when they are impure, destroy all happiness. Therefore, men should enjoy happiness and health by purifying the air with the help of the lire (of the Yajna).
The worlds like the earth and moon depend upon or are illuminated by the brilliant sun. The fire leads to much happiness with the help of the airs.
It is with the combination of the air that it rains and water and particles go up and then come down. It is on account of them, that electricity is produced and used for various purposes.
With the association of the gases, all articles grow and become full of force. Therefore, men should accomplish various purposes with the combination of the fire and air.
Men should accomplish their various works through the combination of the air, fire, water etc. as learned scientists do.

Mandala 1 – Sukta – 20

In this Mantra, the doctrine of Re-birth is enunciated. Whatever kinds of actions are performed by men, they get the same kinds of birth and enjoyment in the next.
Those wise persons who with their scientific knowledge and with their words, make subtle the attributes of movement and maintenance and for the attainment of prosperity, perform various Yajnas in the form of industrious works, enjoy happiness and prosper.
Those persons who read the Vedas with the Upavedas and with the scientific and other technical knowledge thus acquired about the properties of the fire, water, air etc. apply it in the Vehicles fitted with various machines construct aero planes and the like, never suffer from poverty and misery.
Ribhus (wise scientists and artisans) who are endowed with righteousness (or are honest), whose ideas are perfectly true, apply the fire and water which protect body and soul and which have the property of uniting and dissecting, for the accomplishment of works again and again.
When learned persons acquiring the knowledge of the air and electricity make Agneya and other weapon, and conveyances with the rays of the sun, they get victory over their enemies and enjoy happiness.
When learned persons see with their own eyes the pleasing and new accomplished work of an artist scholar which confers happiness on all, they make it again fourfold by accomplishing works of art made with the earth, water, fire and air.
All men should discharge the duties of the Ashramas (Stages of life) namely Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha and Sannyasa along with the respect for the wise, association with noble persons and charity to the needy and deserving. All this should be done with body, speech and mind. Those who thus discharge their duties, make others happy with their association and teachings by giving them wisdom and wealth. But these actions should be completed one by one and then others should be taken up with peace and labour.

Those wise men who are performers of noble deeds, by their pious and holy acts, dwelling among the enlightened persons perform all sacrificial functions and thus enjoy abiding joy and bliss.

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Rigveda – Mandala 1, Sukta – 13 to 16

12/13/2024

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We shall discuss the hymns, Sukta wise & Mandala wise. Our focus is on the implicit meaning of the various hymns instead of literal translations of the hymns. These purported meanings are based primarily on the English translations by Swami Dharmanand Saraswati of the works done by Swami Dayanand Saraswati.

Highlights –
In Mandala 1, Sukta 13 to 16 highlight importance of fire and water. Fire in different forms such as electricity etc. are source of happiness. Fire purifies water and air to generate various juices, knowledge, wisdom and preserves bodies and strength of people. Fire can be used in many mechanical devices becomes fit to travel on earth, water and the sky. The fire becomes the conveyer of divine attributes and happiness when its properties are properly known. It is electricity and lightning etc. that take the water away and bring it down in the form of rain. With the help of wire or telegram, electricity takes sound to distant countries. This electricity is the subtle form of fire. It pervades and upholds all the particles or gross forms and disintegrates them. The visible fire is originated from it and dissolves in it at the end.

Agni is considered the mouth of the gods and goddesses and the medium that conveys offerings to them in a homa. In a properly performed sacrifice, seven flames of the fire are supposed to shoot up, not just one or two. The hungry fire will lap up in seven tongues, and the seven tongues have their own names. Mundaka Upanishad (2.4) mentioned the seven tongues of Agni as kali, karali, manojava, sulohita, sudhamravarṇa, sphulingini and visvaruci. Agni himself rises up to receive our offering and take us to the gods so that, in their satisfaction, they lift us up to the abode of the gods.
It is the sun that divides the Time into the year, season, month, fortnight, days and nights and so on.

One should try to establish three divine virtues at every house (1) An admirable speech which is used for study and teaching (2) the speech possessing various kinds of knowledge and expressed in the form of sermons and (3) `policy which is to be admired and revered everywhere and which cannot be condemned by wrong arguments.

Men should unite two-fold action with every object, first to know its properties and second to accomplish from them some purpose and also thank to the God who made all this. When men utilize properly all articles made by the combination of the earth and the water etc., they become stimulators of digestive power and by keeping diseases away increase strength, intellect and wisdom and illuminate or reveal divine attributes. It is through His power that God fulfils the desires of all industrious and righteous persons according to their actions. Because God gives happiness to all beings by creating all good things.

Men should acquire knowledge, do good deeds and should perform Yajnas etc. in every house thoughtfully. They should invite scholars to learn knowledge and art sitting at their feet.

The hymn wise, purported explanations –

Mandala 1 – Sukta – 13

The man who collects various things and uses the fire which carries many vehicles, (in the form of steam, electricity etc.) enjoys happiness in many ways, by which a man is able to do the noble deeds of truth and justice etc.
When oblation is put in the fire, it purifies the air, water etch, preserves the bodies and herbs and generates various saps. By taking them in pure form, the knowledge, wisdom and strength of the people grow.
The material fire which is received in this world for the purpose of Yajna, is supposed to bring happiness to the living beings. That fire has seven tongues i.e. (1) kali which is the light of white etc. (2) Karali - It is difficult to bear. (3) Manojava nojva- It is as quick as the mind. (4) Sulohita - One which has excellent blood colour. (5) Sudhumravarṇa - One which has a beautiful fuzzy complexion. (6) Sphulingini – from which many sparks arise and (7) Visvarupi – which has all forms. Human beings should take favour of all things with the tongues of these seven types of fire.
All men should know that the fire used in many mechanical devices becomes fit to travel on earth, water and the sky, confers happiness on all and accomplishes various processes, that are beneficial to all.
Whatever Ghee (Clarified butter) etc. is put in the fire, that goes to the middle regions and purifies the water that is there. That covers all articles with fragrance, makes all people happy and healthy.
Men should make houses, sacrificial halls and conveyances of many doors so that persons may dwell there, perform Yajna and go in and come out easily.
All men should know that when day and night are utilized for doing good to others through the dissemination of knowledge, they become the cause of happiness and pleasure to all.
As there is electricity possessing speed and other divine attributes, there is also this well-known visible fire. These two kinds of fire cause the sight of all objects and when utilized properly and methodically, they accomplish many works of art and industry etch, therefore men should take all benefits from their proper use.
lla, Sarasvati Mahi, three Goddesses who bring delight, Be seated peaceful, on the grass. One should try to establish three divine virtues at every house (1) An admirable speech which is used for study and teaching (2) the speech possessing various kinds of knowledge and expressed in the form of sermons and (3) `policy which is to be admired and revered everywhere and which cannot be condemned by wrong arguments.
I invoke in this house or sacrificial hall, God who is All-pervading, being present in all forms, destroyer of all miseries, the Best of all. May He be for us the only object of worship. (2) I invoke or utilize in this science of art and industry, fire which is disintegrator of particles.
When men utilize properly all articles made by the combination of the earth and the water etc., they become stimulators of digestive power and by keeping diseases away increase strength, intellect and wisdom and illuminate or reveal divine attributes.
Men should acquire knowledge, do good deeds and should perform Yajnas etc. in every house thoughtfully. They should invite scholars to learn knowledge and art sitting at their feet. You should never neglect them on account of laziness. This is the commandment or injunction of God.

Mandala 1 – Sukta – 14

The Vedic mantras are chanted to invite the Omnipresent God to Yajna which is done in the company learned persons and delight-giving articles. These things give happiness to the people. Those who have desire for the pleasures of behavior and altruism, they accomplish their deeds in the association of fire with the instruments working in the air, water and earth, and aircraft etc. and taking the command of God, read and teach the Vedas and perform the rituals as the deeds said in Vedas. They only enjoy happiness in every way.
The fire becomes the conveyer of divine attributes and happiness when its properties are properly known. The fire which your intellects praise, can accomplish your many works. In this universe, when men see the objects created by God, they should say that all thanks are due to that Almighty.
Those persons who knowing the attributes of these objects like electricity, air, sun, moon light, Prana or vital energy, fire etc. created by God, utilize them properly in their acts, enjoy happiness themselves and make other also happy.
God says “the articles electricity, air etc. which are made by me should be properly utilized according to the medical science and technology. Those who do so, enjoy all kinds of happiness and bliss, by driving away, all diseases and getting victory by maintaining a strong army and drinking good juice of herbs and fruits etc.
O God, we possessing all necessary things that are to be taken, given and eaten, desirous of protection, having the habit of adoring all, glorify you as wise learned priests do.
It is electricity and lightning etc. that take the water away and bring it down in the form of rain. With the help of wire or telegram, electricity takes sound to distant countries. In the same way, other articles become conferrers of happiness. This is the command of God.
Men should do all noble works in the household life with the worship of God, with proper application of fire and by drawing in the sap of herbs and plants etc.
Men should unite two-fold action with every object, first to know its properties and second to accomplish from them some purpose. The things like electricity which take the sap from all gross objects and leave it behind, for their purification, men should put fragrant and other articles in the fire, so that they may bring about the happiness to and welfare of all beings.
If God would not have made all these objects, how could any man derive benefit from them.? If men are in a sleeping state, they cannot attain any object which is to be enjoyed. But they are able to enjoy only when they are awake. Therefore, the adjective Only a wise man can take proper advantage of all these articles.
This Agni (whether visible or invisible - Electricity) with air when properly used is the cause of much prosperity and the Prana takes sweet juice which gives peace. For this reason, it is the principal means of technology, art and craft.
God creates and upholds all men and other beings. He is the most Adorable Supreme Being in all actions, Contemplation (communion) and knowledge. Therefore, it is He who as the Performer of this vast Yajna in the form of the Universe, makes us happy.
Scholars should promulgate divine objects in the world after combining art instruments and aircraft etc. with fire etc. substances for the happiness of human beings.

Mandala 1 – Sukta – 15

It is the sun that divides the Time into the year, season, month, fortnight, days and nights and so on as stated by Manu in his Smriti. With these seasons etc. It takes the sap of the herbs from all places and draws the water. They dwell in the sky with the rays of the sun and come and go with the air.
According to seasons, in airs are also attributes which are the causes of various movements of other particles. When fragrant oblations are put into the fire which are full of ghee etc., they purify them and make everyone happy.
This electricity is the subtle form of fire. It pervades and upholds all the particles or gross forms and disintegrates them. The visible fire is originated from it and dissolves in it at the end.
The fire with seasons in this world causes us to obtain all divine things in three forms of birth, name or place (causes and effects) from all sides. It establishes them and decorates or makes them beautiful by its light and takes their sap.
Men should know the laws which are operating in the air and other elements established by God and they should accomplish their works. By the accomplishment of those works, they should bring about the welfare of all beings in all seasons. It should be borne in mind that when all these substances are used methodically in a proper manner, they become like friends, otherwise they become inimical to us.
What do Prana and Udana (The vital airs) do with seasons is taught in the 6th Mantra. The Prana is the friend of all which has its movement outwards and Udana is strengthening, moving inwards. The whole Yajna in the form of this universe is pervaded by these two, so that all works are accomplished.
All human beings should worship the God in all deeds, in performing the means of worship and knowledge, and in performing yajnas. Material fire is to be well planned for homa and craftsmanship.
All things created by God in this world give happiness only when they are properly utilized by the wise and learned persons.
Men should imitate only good actions and not bad. In all seasons only proper actions should be performed. One should go and stay where it is suitable and proper and one should properly eat and drink and dress according to the place where he dwells. Men should enjoy happiness constantly by acting according to these directions.
God is fourth as He is distinct from the Universe of three kinds namely gross, fine or subtle and causal. None should worship anyone else but God who is Omnipresent Innermost Spirit, Support of all and Adorable. None should be worshipped or adored in His place. There is none except God Who gives the fruits of actions done by the souls.
God says, the pairs like the sun and the moon which I have made for the accomplishment of various works, cause the attainment of happiness in all seasons and acquisition of perfection in dealings.
The fire which is useful for various domestic and other. works and is the main cause in the performance of Yajnas, enables an artist to unify divine dealings.

Mandala 1 – Sukta – 16

The rays of the sun are takers or drawers of all sap, giving light to all as well rain. They give happiness to all, when used by men with discrimination.
It is through the day and the night, bright and dark fortnight and Dakshinaayana and Uttaraayana-the progress of the sun to the south and the north of the equator) (which are all denoted by the general term Hare that the sun enables us to perform all delight-giving duties.
Now by the term Indra, three substances are taught. (God, Agni in the form of electricity) and the prana or Vital breath.
The substances particularly the fire, electricity and the sun that are to be used by us in arts and crafts etc. shine, come and go with the help of the air.
This Indra (Sun) comes with his rays to our Yajna (nonviolent sacrifice) where hymns of praise to God are uttered and to our practical workshops etc., where wealth is acquired like a thirsty stag to a tank. He drinks the sap of the herbs, plants etc.
The air upholds all the gross or subtle substances created by God in this world for increasing the strength of creatures, remaining with them. It is by its conjunction that the living beings get strength.
Men should know that this excellent air when purified is the source of great happiness.
The air gives happiness to all beings pervading the universe with its going and being speedy and destroyer of clouds. Without it, it is not possible for anyone to do worldly functions or duties.
It is through His power that God fulfils the desires of all industrious and righteous persons according to their actions. Because God gives happiness to all beings by creating all good things.

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Rigveda – Mandala 1, Sukta – 9 to 12

12/6/2024

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We shall discuss the hymns, Sukta wise & Mandala wise. Our focus is on the implicit meaning of the various hymns instead of literal translations of the hymns. These purported meanings are based primarily on the English translations by Swami Dharmanand Saraswati of the works done by Swami Dayanand Saraswati.

Highlights –
These hymns inform that the God is present in every atom and give protection to one and all. Like Sun, it is duty of learned persons to propagate knowledge and spread happiness to others. All men should engage themselves in learning art and industry after studying various sciences. Vedas being revealed by almighty, are the greatest source of knowledge about God, soul, matter etc. Everyone should work hard to acquire this knowledge from Vedas. He, who pervades excellent virtues, surrenders his grand most power and delights, becomes fortunate.

The sun breaks into pieces the solid cloud by his rays and makes it fall down upon the earth. It is by the gravitation of the sun that the earth and other worlds regularly rotate in their circumference by which are made the season and day and night etc.
Fire transports the atomized objects done in the yajna to space and is the reason for the attainment of the best. The fire, which is thus combined with substances having fragrance, etc., removes all the bad odours and is pleasing to all, should be put to good use. The fire in the form of electricity which is present in all articles, illumines the sun and this material fire and they disappear in it, at the end in subtle form. If men know the properties of these two fires (the material and the sun) and utilize them properly, many works, may be accomplished and much happiness may be derived from them. Persons should utilise the fire (visible and invisible in the form of electricity) for the accomplishment of various arts and industries and enjoy desirable happiness yourselves and help others also to do so.
Those men, who with love to listen the praises of God, the promulgator of the truth for living beings, the preachers of knowledge, they become enlightened after attaining complete happiness. God commands that the men should take shelter in the righteous person, give charity of fearlessness or harmlessness, overthrow the enemies by using all legitimate means and producing excellent things to the living beings.

The hymn wise, purported explanations –

Mandala 1 – Sukta - 9

As God is present in every atom of this Universe and protects all the worlds constantly, so the sun also being the greatest, draws the objects in his front towards himself, gives them light and keeps them in order under the Eternal laws of the Lord.
It is the duty of learned persons to propagate knowledge of all objects from God to earth to the people and thus make them active through the acquisition of knowledge and to attain happiness of all kinds.
Those persons who glorify the Lord, are devoted to Him, are righteous and industrious, knowing God as Omniscient Supreme Being, bestow happiness on all, are worthy of receiving all the happiness.
We souls possess finite knowledge; therefore, we should believe in what God Himself has revealed about His nature, attributes and acts. It is not possible for us to comprehend them fully. It is not possible for anyone to know fully God's nature, attributes and acts. Therefore, it is through the Vedas that learned persons should know industriously, all objects like God, soul, matter etc. All objects should also be properly utilized. God alone should be considered as Adorable and Protector.
For the happiness of soul and body by the grace of God and by their efforts, human beings should always use knowledge and majesty for their protection and progress and the right path or the best charity, which destroys the sorrows arising out of poverty and laziness.
All men should exert themselves in this world for the acquisition of knowledge, good kingdom and prosperity, obeying the commandments of God and being industrious and renowned on account of virtues. None can get these things without exertion and labour, because God gives all kinds of happiness only to the industrious persons.
Human beings should adopt celibacy, relinquish the dissipation of objects, study by the best rules of food, etc., make a desire to add the aforesaid wealth to enjoy the whole life, through their efforts, so that this worlds or next world (Spiritual knowledge), firm and vast i.e. superlative happiness always remains there, but this said happiness cannot be attained only by the prayer of God, but for its attainment, it is necessary to make full efforts.
O God! By your grace, the wealth with which you earn, by which you get an army that fulfils many pleasures, should be established in us regularly.
All persons should glorify God only, as the Lord of the world, Revealer of the Vedas and All-pervading Supreme Being. They should also imitate God's Justice and other attributes and by exerting themselves they should attain the best knowledge, kingdom and wealth and then preserve and develop them at all times.
One who obtains delights through injustice or is a scoundrel person, he also pervades excellent virtues through created things for that Great God, surrenders his grand most power and delights and becomes fortunate. Those devotees of God who are righteous, industrious, benefactors of all and learned alone enjoy the happiness of knowledge and the bliss of the Vast.

Mandala 1 – Sukta - 10

All men should worship God only i. e. they should always obey His commandments (contained in the Vedas) As those who study the Vedas and acquire their knowledge well, deliver sermons to others and thus make human family virtuous and elevated, so all others should also behave. This result cannot be achieved by anyone else except the true worshipper of God, because according to God's command, there is none else equal to Him, therefore one should worship Him (in his heart) and should sing His Glory.
As the sun moves the earth and other world, which are in front along with the airs, draws them and gives them light, so a man who with the help of the knowledge is able to do many deeds continuously, is able to accomplish works with the group of means. It is such a man that can attain happiness in this world made by God. God also shows kindness to him.
All men should engage themselves in learning art and industry after studying various sciences. As there is the sun's grand and vast light here in this world, in the same way, learned persons should disseminate the attributes of God and the light of knowledge everywhere.
To those who glorify God, pray to Him and have communion with Him according to the true Vedic knowledge, God as the Innermost Spirit of all, reveals the real meaning of the Mantras and constantly gives them true delight. Therefore, their knowledge and exertion never decay.
In this world whatever glory and beauty is there, they glorify and manifest God only, because the merits of the created objects praise the creator. In the same manner, God is praised and prayed to for the attainment of various objects, for whatever thing we pray to the Almighty God, can be obtained only through our own labour or exertion.
All persons should pray to God only for the attainment of all virtues and to none else, for He alone who is unparalleled. Omnipotent Lord and Friend of all can give all these things.
Oh God! Just as you have made your fame and world's happiness famous by creating the Sun-like world, in the same way, by your grace, may we also make our mind and senses pure with the light of knowledge and righteousness and are happily perfected; and by lighting up our fame, wealth and make all human beings constantly happy and glorified.
When someone asks how big is the God, the answer is that which cannot be covered by all the heavens etc., He is such, because He is eternal. Keep praying to Him for performing the best deeds and getting the best things. When no one can reckon whose virtues and deeds, then how can one be able to attain one’s end?
Being the omniscient God, listening the speech and habits of the living beings as they are, sustaining the whole world and being the friend of all, this (God) alone is always worthy of being known and prayed to by humans.
Men should know that God alone is the accomplisher of all our noble desires and giver of victory to us in battles. Taking shelter in God who protects all objects having created them and obeying His commands, with all labor, they should obtain their own happiness and that of others.
Those men, who with love listen to the praises of God, the Omniscient, pure, the promulgator of the truth for living beings, the preachers of knowledge, they become enlightened after attaining complete happiness. Having attained life, obtaining seer’s spirit, he treats all learned human beings with love.
O God whatever glory and praise is there in the world, it is all Yours. Whatever growth of happiness and bliss is there, all that glorifies Yours. Those who realize the attributes of God and the properties of the objects of His Universe enjoy happiness and always growing in wisdom become venerable, in the whole world.

Mandala 1 – Sukta - 11

All Vedic Speeches glorify the lord Who is Omnipresent, Absolutely True, giving victory to righteous persons and Immanent everywhere. They praise a hero who conquers unrighteous persons with righteous strength and who protects the righteous. This is the command of God.
Those persons who regard God and heroic persons as their friends, are never afraid of any one, being full of strength.
As in God's Universe, there are eternal protections and acts full of perfect justice, in the same manner, men should also give the gifts of fearlessness and knowledge to the people. If there were no God, how could this universe come into being? If God does not give, how can men live? Therefore, we should believe in God as the Creator of all objects of the world and Giver of all happiness.
Just as the sun created by God is the destroyer of diseases with his rays and the upholder of the earth by his gravitating force, so should a commander by his power weaken or destroy the force of his enemies, should create disunion among unrighteous persons by the use of peaceful persuasion and charity and other means and by imbibing many virtues, should always preserve Swarajya.
The sun breaks into pieces the solid cloud by his rays and makes it fall down upon the earth. It is by the gravitation of the sun that the earth and other worlds regularly rotate in their circumference by which are made the season and day and night etc. in the same way, the commander of an army should behave.
God commands all. Men should take shelter in a righteous heroic person and who is therefore praised by all, as sharks and other creatures take shelter in the ocean. They should give the charity of fearlessness or harmlessness and should conduct all the affairs of the State well with knowledge and should try to make all happy by taking away all their misery.
God commands that highly intelligent persons should overthrow enemies by using all legitimate means consisting of peaceful persuasion, charity, discord and punishment and should diffuse knowledge and extend righteous Government. They should always exert themselves in such a way that deceitful or cunning persons may not grow.
For the happiness of the living beings, in the world, by producing many excellent things and giving them to the living beings, all thanks to that God, all human beings should take His shelter.

Mandala 1 – Sukta – 12

God commands men to know well the properties of this fire which is like a messenger in taking things above and below, by the means of which different kinds of machines can be made and which gives speed to the various vehicles or conveyances. They should utilize it properly, so that material happiness may be enjoyed.
Persons should utilise the fire (visible and invisible in the form of electricity) for the accomplishment of various arts and industries and enjoy desirable happiness yourselves and help others also to do so. In the case of Agni (fire) the meaning is- This fire which is the giver of health and happiness (by purifying the atmosphere and the water) brings divine articles to us the performers of the Yajna in pure form.
The direct fire in which we do the yajna of the substances with fragrance etc., which by purifying the air and cloud waters, stay in the space with those substances creates divine happiness in this world, therefore we have to search for the qualities of this fire, it should be done, this command of God must be obeyed by everyone.
God commands- "O men! This fire is your messenger, because it transports the atomized objects done in the yajna to space and is the reason for the attainment of the best. By this the famous qualities of fire which are known to all human beings, they must be revealed to the world for the accomplishment of their works.
The fire, which is thus combined with substances having fragrance, etc., removes all the bad odours and is pleasing to all, should be put to good use. It is proper for all human beings to believe this word of God.
The fire in the form of electricity which is present in all articles, illumines the sun and this material fire and they disappear in it, at the end in subtle form. If men know the properties of these two fires (the material and the sun) and utilize them properly, many works, may be accomplished and much happiness may be derived from them.
Men should reveal God to the people for the acquirement of Dharma (righteousness) with true knowledge and fire for the accomplishment of true art, so that they may enjoy happiness by the removal of all diseases.
The meaning of the word messenger should be understood in two aspects, i.e. one in such a way that the transmission of knowledge to all human beings - on the God side, and in the material side - the transport of goods from one country to another has been assumed. Those believers, that is, those who meditate on the Omniscient in their heart, those men who are protected from God, are saved from sins, become righteous and attain great happiness and those who tactfully combine the material fire in the chariots like aircraft, etc., they also get protection in war etc. They are the ones who protect others.
Those who serve God by their truthful deeds and special knowledge, they attain transcendental virtues, holy deeds and best-best pleasures and from which this fire has been created to illuminate the divine qualities, from that fire men should take the excellent benevolence.
Whatever object a man desires to obtain for that he should pray to God and should exert himself well to obtain it. Whatever attributes of God and other objects are mentioned in the Veda, men should act accordingly, should know the nature of fire and other objects and should utilize them properly.
When God is pleased by righteous persons through the proper and methodical study of the Vedas and the performance of the actions sanctioned by them, He grants them wealth in the form of knowledge, heroism and other virtues and noble desires.
Being the light of divine knowledge, the Vedas have been taken from the word “Deva”. When human beings with true love praise God with the speech of Vedas, then that God pleases those human beings with knowledge. In the same way, this material fire, which is equipped with knowledge and skill, stays in the fuel etc. and uses all the rituals.

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