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RIDDLE NO. 6 41
state of thing, as in the verse (R. V. x. 95, 14), ‘The beautiful god will disappear and never return,’ etc. Again we have blame and praise, as in the words (R. V. x. 117, 6). “The man who eats alone, sins alone, etc. So, too, in the hymn to dice (R. V. x. 34, 13) there is a censure upon dice, and a commendation of agriculture. Thus the objects for which the hymns were seen by the rishis were very various.”
To quote the words of Yaska again—
“Each particular hymn has for its deity the God to whom the Rishi, seeking to obtain any object of desire which he longs for, addresses his prayer.”
If this is not enough to prove that there is no ethical or spiritual Value in the Vedas further evidence could be added.
As to morality there is hardly any discussion about it in the RigVeda. Nor does the Rig-Veda contain elevating examples of moral life. Three illustrations of cases on the other side may well be given:
First is the conversation between Yama and Yami who were brother and sister.
“(Yami speaks). I invite my friend to friendship, having come over the vast and desert ocean may Vedhas, after reflecting, place in the earth the offspring (of thee) the father, endowed with excellent qualities.”
“(Yama speaks), Thy friend desires not this friendship, for although of one origin, she is of a different form; the hero sons of the great Asura (are) the upholders of heaven, enjoying vast renown.”
“(Yami speaks). The immortals take pleasure in (a union) like this which is forbidden to every mortal; let thy mind then concur with mine, and as the progenitor (of all) was the husband (of his daughter), do thou enjoy my person”
“(Yama speaks). We have not done what was done formerly; for how can we who speak truth, utter now that which is untrue? Gandharva (the sun) was in the watery (firmament), and the water was his bride. She is our common parent, hence our near affinity.”
“(Yami speaks). The divine omniform generator Twashtri, the progenitor, made us two husband and wife, even in the womb; none frustrate his undertaking; earth and heaven are conscious of this our (union).”
“(Yama speaks). Who knows anything of this (his) first day (of existence)? Who has beheld it? Who has here revealed it? The dwelling of Mitra and of Varuna is vast. What sayest thou, who punishest men with hell?”