Outlines of Indian Philosophy

Author(s): Paul Deussen
Publisher: Crest Publishing House

Page 20

PHILOSOPHY OF THE RIGVEDA
nought existed.
3. Darkness was there; by darkness enshrouded in the beginning, an ocean without lights was all this world; but the pregnant germ which was enveloped by the husk was born by the strength of penitence.
4. And forth went as the first-born Kâma (love) which was the primordial seed of mind. Thus wise men meditating have found out the link of Non-Being and Being in the heart.
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5. They threw their plumbline across the universe. What was then below and what above? There were seedbearers; there was mighty striving; independence beneath, exertion above.
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6. But who knows and who can tell from where was born, from where came forth creation? The gods came afterwards into existence. Who then can say from whence creation came?
7. He from whom this creation proceeded, whether he created it or not, He whose eye watches it in the highest heaven, He perhaps knows it haps he knows it not.
I add a metrical translation1 :
1. Non-Being was not; Being was not yet;
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1 I am indebted for this translation to Mr. N. W. Thomas, M. A.
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