 previous article in this issue | next article in this issue  |
Preview first page |
Document Details : Title: Creation in the Nasadiyasukta (Rg Veda X:129) Subtitle: A Metaphysical Exploration Author(s): AGERA, Cassian R. Journal: Studies in Interreligious Dialogue Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Date: 2005 Pages: 155-164 DOI: 10.2143/SID.15.2.2004102 Abstract : The Rg Vedic Nasadiyasukta (X:129) is a creation hymn that embodies the seminal ideas of a predominantly monistic theory. Aware of the complexities of interpreting so ancient a text as the Vedas, the author suggests that the hymn may be treated as a cosmogonic myth. The hymn is then likely to reveal several layers of meaning in Vedic metaphysics. Agera employs Hegelian dialectics to unravel the evolution of the One absolute into Spirit and matter, ego and non-ego, self and other, I and non-I (purusa and prakrti). Yet, unlike the Hegelian evolution of the Spirit in absolute logical idealism, the Vedic poet and myth maker incorporates into his metaphysical vision an element of voluntarism as well in the evolution and involution of the absolute. However, as far back as Vedic times, there is a perceptible attempt at abrogating the elemental pluralism, theological polytheism and even monotheism that one encounters in a number of parallel creation hymns in favor of a metaphysical monism. |
|
