Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c9.71.3

c9.71.3

In i, 22, 20 this Supreme Being is called *Vishṇu* who pervades the universe, Whose omnipresence is constantly perceived by the *Sūris* or Yogīs, as the unobstructed expanse of the sky is seen by the eyes opened in all directions (divīva chakshurātatam). I, 24, 1 introduces Him as *Aditi* in the sense of universal Nature or the whole Earth (*sakala-jagat* or *akhaṇḍa-nīyā pṛithivī*, as explained by Sāyaṇa). In i, 89, 10 this *Aditi* is described as manifesting Himself in all that is created (*jātaḥ*), in heaven and sky, father, mother, offspring, all the gods, all varieties of being, as the supreme creative principle (janitvam).¹ In i, 90, 6-8 He is conceived of as the Supreme Good, *Madhu*, who brings bliss through the blowing wind, the flowing rivers, the medicinal plants, night and day, the earth and its habitations, sky, forests, sun, and cattle. In ii, 26, 3 Brahmanaspati is described as the parent of the gods. In iii, 55, 11 the different gods are described as springing from a common source (*Hiraṇyagarbha*). III, 62, 10, conveys the famous Gāyatrī Mantram which states: "We meditate (*dhīmahi*) on the Supreme (*Vareṇya*) Essence (*Bharga*) of the One who self-illumined (*deva*), illumines all, who recreates all, from Whom all proceed, to Whom all return (*Savitā*); Who inspires all our thoughts and deeds (*dhīyo yo naḥ prachodayāt*)." III, 54, 8 contains the significant expression *Viśvam ekam*, pointing to the noble conception of the "integral multiplicity".