The hymn of CREATION:
Yasna 31.7:
Yas taa manta Pou-ru-yo
Who, first and foremost began stirring that ocean of nothingness
Rao-chey-beesh roi-thu-ven khw-aa-thraa
Thoughts, streaming out in radiant glory, Reverberating at the dawn of Life
Hvo khra-thwaa daan-mish ash-em
Instituting, that splendorous, knowledge based, ever expanding, regenerating cosmic law (Asha ) whose warmth governs the rhythm of the just created Universe.
Yaa daa-ra yat vahishtem mano
That warmth of Love and Compassion flowing from cords (reins) that Support and Control the universe
Taa Mazdaa mai-nyoo u-kshyo
Stimulating and strengthening our intellects, O Great Dispenser
Yee Noo-rem-chit Ahura haa-mo
through that shower of Thy perpetual Light
This mantra defines the nature of our Creator, the basis of his power and the way in which the universe was created. Each of these has an expansive and complementary echo in the Rig Veda as elucidated below.
Creation Thesis:
1st Verse:
In the Void of nothingness, One being, the self created (Ahu-ra); arose, by its own power. With his “churning stick” (Manta), A reverberating sound Mantra was generated at the dawn of life, creating matter (Universe) , with a burst of energy (heat and Light)
Scientific Validation : E=mC2
Blasting liquid acetone with ultrasound, scientists Rusi Taleyarkhan and Richard T. Lahey Jr. forced acetone bubbles to absorb this sound energy, expand & then burst, creating high temperatures (like those on the Sun’s surface), fusion of atoms (creation of matter) & emission of light.
Complementary sentiments in the Rig Veda:
X.129.1:
In the beginning, when there was no before;
There was neither the Existent (Sat’) nor the Non-Existent (A-sat’);
Neither air, the sky beyond, nor the heaven (Vyo-maa)
No protection by anyone, only shadowy unfathomable waters, concealed by shadows.
X.129.2
There was neither death nor immortality (A-mrutam),
No beacon of light to distinction between night and day.
In this nothingness, One arose, the Asu-ra, enwrapped in the void; Breathed, windless, by its own power. Other than that there was nothing beyond.
X.129.3
In this Ocean of indistinguishable watery nothingness, covered in Void,
That One being (tan) arose through the power of heat (tapa-sas) ; by its own propulsion.
Nature of the Creator:
The Creator is addressed as “Khwatr” (ख्वत्र =Vedic Savitr): The stimulator of Intellect
(The Vedic root word “saa” or “swa”, becomes “Khw ” in Avesta, meaning “radiant, glorious”. The ending “Tr” in both avestan and vedic, stands for concentrated light like in a star)
Thus the vedic “Savitur/Savitr”, the Stimulator of life and motion on this earth , and of human intellect ; the power controlling the bright Sun and the Universe; is none other than “Khwtr” (later called Khursheed Yazad) of the Avesta. Similarly the famous Vedic Sage Kavi Sush-ravah is none other than our Kavi Kai Khosrau.
Devoted invocations to that supreme intellect, who powers the Sun and the cosmos, follow an almost verbatim similarity in both scriptures, as can be seen below.
Khursheed (Khwatr) Neyash:,
“We revere the Glorious Sun, the visible, shining symbol of thy immortal Power & Glory; to withstand the forces of darkness, for deriving strength of spirit & alertness of mind. Through it, we, on this Earth & all thy creations get purified (sins are absolved, through genuine remorse & corrective actions). May we be inspired & illuminated by the immortal light of thy Sun, whose rays travel at wonder speed (like powerful horses ).”
Gayatri Mantra:
We meditate on that Creators’ Symbol, the Sun , the glory who has created the universe, who is fit to be worshiped; who is the embodiment of Knowledge and Light, who is the remover of all sins and ignorance. May he illuminate our entire universe's intellects.
This mantra, believed to have been composed by Sage Vishvamitra, is said to be so ancient that the four Vedas were said to have been derived from it.
The Gayatri Mantra must be recited by all 'twice-born' (navjyot initiated) Hindus, especially the Brahmins , (Priests) who are expected to recite it every morning and evening. It is said that the recitation of the Gayatri five times a day (as in the 5 Gehs, or time divisions of the Zarathushtri Daena) is as effective as performing the pancha-maha-yagya. (the 5 great sacrifices)
One may note that Nav (new) Jyot (flame/birth) implies that the child has acquired “knowledge “ & is therefore responsible for all future actions; in effect having been “reborn” as an adult with due rights and responsibilities. The clear implication here is the use of intelligent judgment, as opposed to blind following of the dictates of another, verbatim of the sentiment echoed in the Tir Yasht ,13-14 and Vandidad 18.54.
In ancient times this initiation occurred at the age of fifteen.
Our Sadra and kusti, the garments which define & broadcast our religious & ethical affiliation have been defined in the Vedas.
In RigVII.33.9, 12, Sage Vasistha is referred to as wearing white vestments spun by Yama (Avesta Yima) and brought to him by Apsaras (angels). Vashishta was also known as Maitri-Varuni (son of Varuna and Mitra)
The 'Dadestan-i-Denig' (39, 18-19). ,similarly states that Yima Xshaeta (Jamshid) introduced the sacred girdle, in times immemorial, preceding Zarathushtra
These vestments of the Vasisthas (Avestic Vahishtas) tribe are twice referred to as wearing what Griffith translates as “white robes” (Rig VII.33.1; 83.8); the Garments of Parsi Mobeds to this day.
This ancient heritage is confirmed by the artifacts excavated in Dashli (Balkh-Margiana Archaeological complex). A vase in Dashli shows a scene with men wearing a kind of shirt leaving one shoulder uncovered; indicating possibly the original sadra design, made out of a one piece uncut cloth.
Ys 51.22: (From Gathas by Dr Taraporewala)
That Person indeed, who makes his every act
An act of worship, led by Asha’s (TRUTH) law,
Is deemed as best by Ahura Mazda;
Each one of these, who have been and who are,
With reverence will I recall by name ,
And strive to emulate their holy deeds.
2nd Verse (Yasna 31.7) :
The rhythm of this Ever Expanding Universe (recently confirmed by the discovery of an ever accelerating Universe) was instituted, through a universal cosmic law (Asha) that ensures a natural order regulating the matrix patterns and processes of all manifest things (the orbit of planets, seasons, day and night etc). . Everything is attuned (connected) to everything. Each part is uniquely aligned to the the whole and the Whole moves as a sum of all the parts.
All are connected in a subtle way. All are a part of a whole……none are apart.
Just like the different systems in the human body (Circulatory, nervous, muscular etc) function independently, yet are inseparable from and critical to the functioning of all other body systems, this law, Asha symbolizes the inherent rhythmic unity of the universe. Asha also bears an ethical aspect: It governs human behaviour by treating virtue as a part of the natural order. It is thus addressed also as Truth and Reality, or the Pure Existence (Sat’)
From the creation hymn in the Rig Veda: “In the artifice of eternity, nobody can differentiate the dancer from the dance.
For all are governed by Rta ………..the Rhythm of Order of the Universe.”
Here "Rta" represents the forces that uphold Asha in a coordinated way.
Asha is therefore the Universal Law, which governs the functioning of the universe; the path of Integrity, Duty (responsibility) and Justice, which can only be achieved through ethical intellectual probity; Knowledge (of the functioning of the Universe….understanding the mechanics of life and the purpose of existence). This is identified as the path of Knowledge or Gyana Marga.
Knowledge, like Asha, needs continuous updating, in effect a continuous improving spiral.
Yasna 28.3:
Ye Vaao asha uf-yaa-nee,
I offer these Enlightened melodies, aligned with Truth and Integrity,
In Symphony with thy rhythmic conduct of the Universe, O Asha
Manas-chaa Vohoo A-pouru-veem
The conscious Man’s only path to enlightenment
The Gathic instruction of Yasna 43.1: is seen mirrored in a post Vedic scripture of the Prisni:
“ Ushta Aahmaai Yaa aahmai Ushtai Kahmai Chit”
Only those actions based on intelligent inquiry, and analysis of options, that would best serve the interests of ALL, can be the harbinger of happiness.”
Thus exemplifies what we call the * That Law of consequences:
My destiny is merely the consequences of my present actions.
Prisni 10-5 of Sri Ram: .
“Enlighten us about The Truth, that which is The conqueror of all, The sustainer of all, The architect of all, and One who deals Justly.”
The complimentary meanings of Asha, evident in terms such as Truth, Reality, Pure existence (Sat’) can be understood through the example of one of nature’s primal force: Gravity.
Any projectile shot upwards has to perforce return.
Thus our deeds, good or bad, return to us as rewards or consequences.
This concept also explains the paradox felt by many who cannot equate catastrophes with the actions of a Loving God.
Just like an arrow fired upwards will come down, though not necessarily at the same spot; the misguided actions of some can have consequences for others. This is evident in the nature of acid rain and other pollution related consequences, which are felt far from the source of the pollution.
3rd Verse:
Ahu-ra, the Almighty Creator is described, now, as a “Vahishtem Mano”, the Greatest, most Loving and Compassionate Mind. He is Love personified and the epitome of high mindedness. He conducts the functioning of the Cosmos (Asha), much like a charioteer, with Cords (Bandhan) of Love and Compassion which extend from the highest heavens.
He is also addressed as “Mazda (Maz + Daa): Maaz/Maah-=Great +, Da/Dha* = Dispenser of Wisdom, protector of mankind, source of the splendorous Light (Noo-rem) of knowledge and Perception/Insight (Chisti) for mankind, removing the darkness of ignorance.
• Dha, after all is the root word from which other words such as Dharma are derived.
• The natural meaning of dhi which corresponds to the later word Buddhi; means thought, understanding, intelligence
Vahishtem Mano, also called Vohu Manah; finds an echo as the Vedic Vyo-man: the highest heaven. However, whereas its mention in the Vedas is very brief, its theological attributes are found deeply detailed in later scriptures such as the Bhagwad Geeta, clearly indicating the Gathic source of its inspiration.
From: Vedic Reader by A Macdonell:
Rig X.129.7: Whence this Creation has arisen, whether he founded it or not, he who in the highest heaven (Vyo-man) is its surveyor, he only knows, else he does not.
Scientific Validity: The String Theory; which identifies the fundamental building blocks of matter and explains the laws of the Universe……..the theory of interconnection between everything…………The Unified Theory.
The String Theory (and its variants) postulates that the shape of that infinitesimal, fundamental building block of life (and the universe), is that of a `string'. These strings, which can be open, closed, or looped, (like DNA) “vibrate” with a sound and color (“fingerprint”) unique to the particle type. One mode of vibration, or `note', makes the string appear as an electron, another as a photon
According to the string theory , the strings (cords) that make up particles and other forces of nature are attached to our universe . Gravity is communicated to our Universe from an external cosmic source (the brane) separated from us by a fifth dimension (time being the fourth).
From: Vedic Reader by A Macdonell:
Rig X.129.5: The bond between the existent and the non existent, like cords extended across the universe; were impregnaters, reservoirs of power, of energy and impulse.
Yasna 31.7:
Yas taa manta Pou-ru-yo
Who, first and foremost began stirring that ocean of nothingness
Rao-chey-beesh roi-thu-ven khw-aa-thraa
Thoughts, streaming out in radiant glory, Reverberating at the dawn of Life
Hvo khra-thwaa daan-mish ash-em
Instituting, that splendorous, knowledge based, ever expanding, regenerating cosmic law (Asha ) whose warmth governs the rhythm of the just created Universe.
Yaa daa-ra yat vahishtem mano
That warmth of Love and Compassion flowing from cords (reins) that Support and Control the universe
Taa Mazdaa mai-nyoo u-kshyo
Stimulating and strengthening our intellects, O Great Dispenser
Yee Noo-rem-chit Ahura haa-mo
through that shower of Thy perpetual Light
This mantra defines the nature of our Creator, the basis of his power and the way in which the universe was created. Each of these has an expansive and complementary echo in the Rig Veda as elucidated below.
Creation Thesis:
1st Verse:
In the Void of nothingness, One being, the self created (Ahu-ra); arose, by its own power. With his “churning stick” (Manta), A reverberating sound Mantra was generated at the dawn of life, creating matter (Universe) , with a burst of energy (heat and Light)
Scientific Validation : E=mC2
Blasting liquid acetone with ultrasound, scientists Rusi Taleyarkhan and Richard T. Lahey Jr. forced acetone bubbles to absorb this sound energy, expand & then burst, creating high temperatures (like those on the Sun’s surface), fusion of atoms (creation of matter) & emission of light.
Complementary sentiments in the Rig Veda:
X.129.1:
In the beginning, when there was no before;
There was neither the Existent (Sat’) nor the Non-Existent (A-sat’);
Neither air, the sky beyond, nor the heaven (Vyo-maa)
No protection by anyone, only shadowy unfathomable waters, concealed by shadows.
X.129.2
There was neither death nor immortality (A-mrutam),
No beacon of light to distinction between night and day.
In this nothingness, One arose, the Asu-ra, enwrapped in the void; Breathed, windless, by its own power. Other than that there was nothing beyond.
X.129.3
In this Ocean of indistinguishable watery nothingness, covered in Void,
That One being (tan) arose through the power of heat (tapa-sas) ; by its own propulsion.
Nature of the Creator:
The Creator is addressed as “Khwatr” (ख्वत्र =Vedic Savitr): The stimulator of Intellect
(The Vedic root word “saa” or “swa”, becomes “Khw ” in Avesta, meaning “radiant, glorious”. The ending “Tr” in both avestan and vedic, stands for concentrated light like in a star)
Thus the vedic “Savitur/Savitr”, the Stimulator of life and motion on this earth , and of human intellect ; the power controlling the bright Sun and the Universe; is none other than “Khwtr” (later called Khursheed Yazad) of the Avesta. Similarly the famous Vedic Sage Kavi Sush-ravah is none other than our Kavi Kai Khosrau.
Devoted invocations to that supreme intellect, who powers the Sun and the cosmos, follow an almost verbatim similarity in both scriptures, as can be seen below.
Khursheed (Khwatr) Neyash:,
“We revere the Glorious Sun, the visible, shining symbol of thy immortal Power & Glory; to withstand the forces of darkness, for deriving strength of spirit & alertness of mind. Through it, we, on this Earth & all thy creations get purified (sins are absolved, through genuine remorse & corrective actions). May we be inspired & illuminated by the immortal light of thy Sun, whose rays travel at wonder speed (like powerful horses ).”
Gayatri Mantra:
We meditate on that Creators’ Symbol, the Sun , the glory who has created the universe, who is fit to be worshiped; who is the embodiment of Knowledge and Light, who is the remover of all sins and ignorance. May he illuminate our entire universe's intellects.
This mantra, believed to have been composed by Sage Vishvamitra, is said to be so ancient that the four Vedas were said to have been derived from it.
The Gayatri Mantra must be recited by all 'twice-born' (navjyot initiated) Hindus, especially the Brahmins , (Priests) who are expected to recite it every morning and evening. It is said that the recitation of the Gayatri five times a day (as in the 5 Gehs, or time divisions of the Zarathushtri Daena) is as effective as performing the pancha-maha-yagya. (the 5 great sacrifices)
One may note that Nav (new) Jyot (flame/birth) implies that the child has acquired “knowledge “ & is therefore responsible for all future actions; in effect having been “reborn” as an adult with due rights and responsibilities. The clear implication here is the use of intelligent judgment, as opposed to blind following of the dictates of another, verbatim of the sentiment echoed in the Tir Yasht ,13-14 and Vandidad 18.54.
In ancient times this initiation occurred at the age of fifteen.
Our Sadra and kusti, the garments which define & broadcast our religious & ethical affiliation have been defined in the Vedas.
In RigVII.33.9, 12, Sage Vasistha is referred to as wearing white vestments spun by Yama (Avesta Yima) and brought to him by Apsaras (angels). Vashishta was also known as Maitri-Varuni (son of Varuna and Mitra)
The 'Dadestan-i-Denig' (39, 18-19). ,similarly states that Yima Xshaeta (Jamshid) introduced the sacred girdle, in times immemorial, preceding Zarathushtra
These vestments of the Vasisthas (Avestic Vahishtas) tribe are twice referred to as wearing what Griffith translates as “white robes” (Rig VII.33.1; 83.8); the Garments of Parsi Mobeds to this day.
This ancient heritage is confirmed by the artifacts excavated in Dashli (Balkh-Margiana Archaeological complex). A vase in Dashli shows a scene with men wearing a kind of shirt leaving one shoulder uncovered; indicating possibly the original sadra design, made out of a one piece uncut cloth.
Ys 51.22: (From Gathas by Dr Taraporewala)
That Person indeed, who makes his every act
An act of worship, led by Asha’s (TRUTH) law,
Is deemed as best by Ahura Mazda;
Each one of these, who have been and who are,
With reverence will I recall by name ,
And strive to emulate their holy deeds.
2nd Verse (Yasna 31.7) :
The rhythm of this Ever Expanding Universe (recently confirmed by the discovery of an ever accelerating Universe) was instituted, through a universal cosmic law (Asha) that ensures a natural order regulating the matrix patterns and processes of all manifest things (the orbit of planets, seasons, day and night etc). . Everything is attuned (connected) to everything. Each part is uniquely aligned to the the whole and the Whole moves as a sum of all the parts.
All are connected in a subtle way. All are a part of a whole……none are apart.
Just like the different systems in the human body (Circulatory, nervous, muscular etc) function independently, yet are inseparable from and critical to the functioning of all other body systems, this law, Asha symbolizes the inherent rhythmic unity of the universe. Asha also bears an ethical aspect: It governs human behaviour by treating virtue as a part of the natural order. It is thus addressed also as Truth and Reality, or the Pure Existence (Sat’)
From the creation hymn in the Rig Veda: “In the artifice of eternity, nobody can differentiate the dancer from the dance.
For all are governed by Rta ………..the Rhythm of Order of the Universe.”
Here "Rta" represents the forces that uphold Asha in a coordinated way.
Yasna1.10 identifies 33 Ratushs’. 32
Powers/Rulers that operate the universe + Zarathushtra (the 33rd and only
mortal to ever be elevated to the designation of Rt-ush- a force of
nature).
- In the
Vedas the Rtu is identified as one dwelling
in the heart, who destroys with the shining, radiant lamp of knowledge the
darkness born of ignorance.
Asha is therefore the Universal Law, which governs the functioning of the universe; the path of Integrity, Duty (responsibility) and Justice, which can only be achieved through ethical intellectual probity; Knowledge (of the functioning of the Universe….understanding the mechanics of life and the purpose of existence). This is identified as the path of Knowledge or Gyana Marga.
Knowledge, like Asha, needs continuous updating, in effect a continuous improving spiral.
Yasna 28.3:
Ye Vaao asha uf-yaa-nee,
I offer these Enlightened melodies, aligned with Truth and Integrity,
In Symphony with thy rhythmic conduct of the Universe, O Asha
Manas-chaa Vohoo A-pouru-veem
The conscious Man’s only path to enlightenment
The Gathic instruction of Yasna 43.1: is seen mirrored in a post Vedic scripture of the Prisni:
“ Ushta Aahmaai Yaa aahmai Ushtai Kahmai Chit”
Only those actions based on intelligent inquiry, and analysis of options, that would best serve the interests of ALL, can be the harbinger of happiness.”
Thus exemplifies what we call the * That Law of consequences:
My destiny is merely the consequences of my present actions.
Prisni 10-5 of Sri Ram: .
“Enlighten us about The Truth, that which is The conqueror of all, The sustainer of all, The architect of all, and One who deals Justly.”
The complimentary meanings of Asha, evident in terms such as Truth, Reality, Pure existence (Sat’) can be understood through the example of one of nature’s primal force: Gravity.
Any projectile shot upwards has to perforce return.
Thus our deeds, good or bad, return to us as rewards or consequences.
This concept also explains the paradox felt by many who cannot equate catastrophes with the actions of a Loving God.
Just like an arrow fired upwards will come down, though not necessarily at the same spot; the misguided actions of some can have consequences for others. This is evident in the nature of acid rain and other pollution related consequences, which are felt far from the source of the pollution.
3rd Verse:
Ahu-ra, the Almighty Creator is described, now, as a “Vahishtem Mano”, the Greatest, most Loving and Compassionate Mind. He is Love personified and the epitome of high mindedness. He conducts the functioning of the Cosmos (Asha), much like a charioteer, with Cords (Bandhan) of Love and Compassion which extend from the highest heavens.
He is also addressed as “Mazda (Maz + Daa): Maaz/Maah-=Great +, Da/Dha* = Dispenser of Wisdom, protector of mankind, source of the splendorous Light (Noo-rem) of knowledge and Perception/Insight (Chisti) for mankind, removing the darkness of ignorance.
• Dha, after all is the root word from which other words such as Dharma are derived.
• The natural meaning of dhi which corresponds to the later word Buddhi; means thought, understanding, intelligence
Vahishtem Mano, also called Vohu Manah; finds an echo as the Vedic Vyo-man: the highest heaven. However, whereas its mention in the Vedas is very brief, its theological attributes are found deeply detailed in later scriptures such as the Bhagwad Geeta, clearly indicating the Gathic source of its inspiration.
From: Vedic Reader by A Macdonell:
Rig X.129.7: Whence this Creation has arisen, whether he founded it or not, he who in the highest heaven (Vyo-man) is its surveyor, he only knows, else he does not.
Scientific Validity: The String Theory; which identifies the fundamental building blocks of matter and explains the laws of the Universe……..the theory of interconnection between everything…………The Unified Theory.
The String Theory (and its variants) postulates that the shape of that infinitesimal, fundamental building block of life (and the universe), is that of a `string'. These strings, which can be open, closed, or looped, (like DNA) “vibrate” with a sound and color (“fingerprint”) unique to the particle type. One mode of vibration, or `note', makes the string appear as an electron, another as a photon
According to the string theory , the strings (cords) that make up particles and other forces of nature are attached to our universe . Gravity is communicated to our Universe from an external cosmic source (the brane) separated from us by a fifth dimension (time being the fourth).
From: Vedic Reader by A Macdonell:
Rig X.129.5: The bond between the existent and the non existent, like cords extended across the universe; were impregnaters, reservoirs of power, of energy and impulse.
