What Is Hinduism?

image§

United your resolve, united your hearts, may your spirits be at one, that you may long together dwell in unity and concord! §

RIG VEDA 10.191.4§

Twilight

image
The seventh and last part of Professor Panikkar’s anthology is a summary of the rest. In this illustration, shimmering in the twilight of existence, Siva is worshiped as the endless light in a pillar of fire, signifying completion of the seven-part cycle in the Ultimate.§

At many a dawn of shining splendor has the Lord presided. Come on your chariots, far-ranging Spirits, come to our sacrifice. §

Suffusing light for every creature, the Inspirer God rises. The Sun has filled heaven and earth with his radiance disclosing his presence. §

Rosy Dawn advances, adorned with the brightness of many a beam. She pursues her way on her well-equipped chariot arousing Men to joy. §

Come, O twin Spirits, at break of day on your powerful chariots. We offer in sacrifice this honey-sweet draught for your delectation. §

How is it that, united and unsupported, he does not fall down? By what inner power moves he? Who has seen? A firm pillar, he protects heaven’s vault.§

RIG VEDA SAMHITA 4.14§

I hail you, Goddess, Dawn of light! To her let us offer the homage of our songs! She imparts to us sweetness, she steadies the Heaven and lavishes abroad her radiant splendor.§

Our songs have awakened this Daughter of Heaven. Equitable, generous, she has scaled the two worlds. Toward Dawn, O Fire, when she comes in her brightness, you advance, eager to share her fair treasures.§

The Mighty One, firm-based on Order, speeds after each dawn and makes his debut in the worlds. Great are the powers of Mitra and Varuna. Dawn in all directions diffuses her splendor!§

RIG VEDA 111.61§