HYMNS OF RIG VEDA

In a source book in Indian philosophy Dr. S Radhakrishnan said ," The three strata of development are  found in the thought of the hymns of the Rig veda".The Rig Veda has many moving passages celebrating nature's beauty. Here is Macdonell's translation of a hymn on the dawn:

This light has come, of all the lights the fairest: The brilliant brightness has been born effulgent, Urged onward for god Savitar's (sun's) uprising, Night now has yielded up her place to morning.

Bringing a radiant calf she comes resplendent: To her the Black One has given up her mansions. Akin, immortal, following each other, Morning and Night fare on, exchanging colours.

The sisters' pathway is the same, unending: Taughy by the gods alternately they tread it. Fair-shaped, of form diverse, yet single-minded, Morning and Night clash not, nor do they larry.

Bright leader of glad sounds she shines effulgent: Widely she has unclosed for us her portals. Pervading all the world she shows us riches: Dawn has awakened every living creature.

Men lying on the ground she wakes to action: Some rise to seek enjoyment of great riches. Some, seeing little, to behold the distant: Dawn has awakened every living creature.

Daughter of Heaven, she has appeared before A maiden shining in resplendent raiment. Thou sovereign lady of all earthly treasure, Auspicious Dawn, shine here today upon us.