Hinduism, part II
Hinduism, part II
Indian philosophy, like Greek philosophy, develops as a response to mythical interpretations and explanations of both the origin and nature of the universe (cosmogony). The Vedas (books of knowledge) provide the foundations on Indian religion and philosophy. These books of knowledge were compiled hymns produced over several centuries by a multitude of contributors. This provides for multiple accounts and versions of the origins of the gods (theogony) and the origins of the universe (cosmogony). While many gods are represented in the hymns of the Vedas (the Rig Veda is the oldest), there is ultimately a movement to a more monotheistic view of the universe as the belief becomes pervasive that all things, including gods, are part of one supreme being, Brahman. Later philosophical and religious texts, like the Upanishads, provides philosophical inquiry and commentary on the Vedas.
Another important thing to consider as you prepare to read a creation hymn from the Rig Veda is translation. I have selected a translation that has been in print in multiple places both in books and online. In translation, when a text is translated from one language to another, inevitably, some aspect is lost or not conveyed in the original meaning. This will be extremely important when we study other religions later in the course. This does not mean that the English translation is wrong or that this one is better than all others. What is means is that the full meaning and/or experience might not be fully realized or expressed in another language, which is not the original. To fully experience a work in true essence, we would have to become fluent in languages represented by all the religious texts that we will view. That is not practical. So, we must keep in mind that there are many translations. Max Muller (1823-1900) provides early translations for many sacred books of the east. Feel free to explore! I will discuss translations further in another lecture.
https://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/index.htmLinks to an external site.
The following text and information on the translation can be found using the following link. The website also provides additional translations of excerpts from the Rig Veda. The text and explanatory notes are direct from the link, and I make mention of another reprint of the same translation.
The Creation in Rig Veda 10:129 – Wendy Doniger O’Flaherty’s translation
Wendy Doniger O'Flaherty's Version of Rig Veda 10:129
You can see more of her academic qualifications by following the link to her translation.
Her translation of Rig Veda 10:129 is from the book The Rig Veda. An Anthology (1981 ). Her translation from the Rig Veda follows:
The Creation
1 There was neither non-existence nor existence then; there was neither the realm of space nor the sky which is beyond. What stirred? Where? In whose protection? Was there water, bottomlessly deep?
2 There was neither death nor immortality then. There was no distinguishing sign of night nor of day. That one breathed, windless, by its own impulse. Other than there was nothing beyond.
3 Darkness was hidden by darkness in the beginning; with no distinguishing sign, all this was water. The life force that was covered with emptiness, that one arose through the power of heat.
4 Desire came upon that one in the beginning; that was the first seed of mind. Poets seeking in their heart with wisdom found the bond of existence in non-existence.
5 Their cord was extended across. Was there below? Was there above? There were seed-placers; there were powers. There was impulse beneath; there was giving-forth above.
6 Who really knows? Who will here proclaim it? Whence was it produced? Whence is this creation? The gods came afterwards, with the creation of this universe. Who then knows whence it has arisen?
7 Whence this creation has arisen - perhaps it formed itself, or perhaps it did not - the one who looks down on it, in the highest heaven, only he knows - or perhaps he does not know.
This translation is also found in Literature and the Language Arts: World Literature – The EMC Masterpiece Series
Post Question:
What can you determine about the nature of early religion from this Vedic hymn? In what way does the speaker view the gods? What is the tone of the speaker, and is the speaker’s tone important in exploring the nature of creation?
DO NOT FORGET TO RESPOND TO TWO OF YOUR CLASSMATES' POSTS!