World of Philosophy

Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan

Page 710

of pain or deprivation on part of the seeker. But significantly, the more numerous and characteristic Vedic prayers express the feelings of joy and fulfillment in the mind of the seeker when he is immersed in the thoughts of the deity. It is not without reason then that the most typical devotional prayers in the Veda are the songs which appear to be flowing forth from a heart filled with sheer ecstasy: Agniṁ mandram purupriyaṁ siram pāwakaśocisam Hrdbhirmandrebhirīmahe. (RV, 8/43/1) i.e., We worship with joyous hearts
the joyous deity dear to all, effulgent, holy, purifying.
From this point of view, the Vedic idea of bhakti is unique in the sense that herein the devotee not only invokes divinity in its various manifestations but also enkindles the latent divinity lying in the heart of his own being: Vayam ghā te tve idvindra viprā api șmasi Nahi tvadanyah puruhūta kaścana maghavannasti marditā. (RV, 8/66/13) i.e., Truly God! We are Thine,
we worshippers depend on thee.
Except Thee, O much-invoked, there is none,
O Mighty one, to show us grace.
It is due to this very aspect of Vedic bhakti that the devotee is inspired to have noble thought and undertake good action so that he not only comes closer to the deity he worships but also feels a strong bond of love and fellowship with all beings of the universe. The genuine celestial love elevates the bhakta and he rises above all selfish desires, his bhakti results in altruistic, aspirations such as the following:
(i)
i.e.,
Yānsca paśyāmi yānsca na tesu mā sumatim krdhi. (AV, 17/1/7) Among those, whom I see and those, whom I do not see, may you cultivate friendship for me.
Saṁ no bhava dvipade saṁ catuspade.
(RV, 7/54/1)
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