The Religion of the Veda: The Ancient Religion of India (from Rig-Veda to Upanishads) c8.60

c8.60

We are accustomed to make much allowance for general similarities in the conceptions of the gods of different peoples, but it is scarcely possible that they should reach so far. The connection that exists between Ahura Mazda and Varuna is expressed, however, not only through their general similarity as supreme arbiters of the world and its moral law. That very particular conception, which dignifies alike Veda and Avesta, namely, Vedic *ṛta*, Avestan *asha* (*areta*), and Cuneiform Persian *arta*, is, of course, not entirely put in the keep of those two gods. But it is theirs in an especial degree. One of the most interesting parallels between Veda and Avesta is that both gods are described as the “spring of the *ṛta*, or righteousness.” Varuna is *khā ṛtasya* (Rig-Veda 2. 28. 5); Ahura Mazda *ashahe khāo*, (Yasna 10. 4). The words are sound for sound the same. The high thought of the *ṛta* is in many ways similar to the Confucian idea of order, harmony, and absence of disturbance. It is unquestionably the best conception that has been elaborated by the Aryans.