Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c9.71.1

c9.71.1

Indeed, in one particular hymn, the Deity it invokes is "directly described as *Parabrahma-Jnāna*, the knowledge of the Absolute [x, 71, 1, already cited]. Sūkta 164 of Maṇḍala I contains many hymns giving striking expressions to the conception of the Absolute. Hymn 46 clearly states that the Vipras (sages) call the One that is by many names such as Indra, Mitra, Varuṇa, Agni, Yama, or Mātariśvāna (Ekaṁ Sat Viprāḥ bahudhā vadanti). Hymn 4 refers to *Ātmā*, the Absolute, as *anasthā*, formless, manifesting Itself in creation (*jāyamānam*) by taking form (*asthi*) and to the unfathomable mystery of creation (Kaḥ dadarśa prathamaṁ jāyamānam) by which Spirit (*Ātmā*) transforms Itself into Matter (*bhūmi*), Life (*asuḥ* = *prāṇaḥ*) and Blood (*asṛik* = *śoṇitam*). Where is the teacher to explain this mystery or the pupil to receive his teaching (Kaḥ vidvāṁsaṁ upagāt prashṭuṁ etat) ? This mystery is not known even to the gods (devānāṁ enā nihitā padāni) [ib. 5]. The next verse states : "I, who am ignorant, shall ask the wise (*Kavi*) to explain the mystery of the One (*Ekaṁ*) who always is, without birth (*Aja* = *gamanaśīla-janma-rahita*)." Another verse refers to the eternally revolving wheel of Time (chakraṁ ajaraṁ vi vāvṛita) [ib. 14]. Another asks : "Whence has sprung the illumined mysterious Mind (*devaṁ manaḥ kutaḥ adhi prajātam*) [18] ?