This passage is from the Mahabharata, an epic Sanskrit poem that is a central text of Hinduism. It describes the aftermath of the fall of Shakuni, a key figure in the story, and the flight of Duryodhana and his followers towards the east. The passage also mentions the protectors of the ladies and their flight towards the city, and the speaker’s own journey to Hastinapura to protect the fleeing people.
Yes, it seems that way.
The text does not provide a clear explanation of how the people were able to fly away. It may be that they were able to use some form of aerial vehicles or other advanced technology, but this is not explicitly stated in the text. It is also possible that the phrase “flying away” is meant to be metaphorical rather than literal.
I understand that the language and culture of the Vedas may not be familiar to everyone, and there may be differences in interpretation between individuals. It is always valuable to have a diverse range of perspectives and expertise when studying any topic.
There gleamed the car with wealth untold
Of precious gems and burnished gold;
Nor could the Wind-God’s son withdraw
His rapt gaze from the sight he saw,
By Vis’vakarmá’s 1b self proclaimed
The noblest work his hand had framed.
Uplifted in the air it glowed
Bright as the sun’s diurnal road.
The eye might scan the wondrous frame
And vainly seek one spot to blame,
So fine was every part and fair
With gems inlaid with lavish care.
No precious stones so rich adorn
The cars wherein the Gods are borne,
Prize of the all-resistless might
That sprang from pain and penance rite, 2b
Obedient to the master’s will
It moved o’er wood and towering hill,
A glorious marvel well designed
By Vis’vakarmá’s artist mind,
Adorned with every fair device
That decks the cars of Paradise.
Swift moving as the master chose
It flew through air or sank or rose, 3b
And in its fleetness left behind
The fury of the rushing wind:
Meet mansion for the good and great,
The holy, wise, and fortunate.
Throughout the chariot’s vast extent
Were chambers wide and excellent,
All pure and lovely to the eyes
As moonlight shed from cloudless skies.
Fierce goblins, rovers of the night
Who cleft the clouds with swiftest flight
In countless hosts that chariot drew,
With earrings clashing as they flew.
This passage from the Vedas describes a wondrous and magnificent car, adorned with precious gems and gold, crafted by the divine architect Vis’vakarmá. The car is said to be finer than any other, even those used by the gods, and it can move through the air at great speeds, following the commands of its master. The car is also described as having wide and pure chambers, fit for the great and wise. It is drawn by fierce goblins, known as rovers of the night, who move with incredible swiftness, with their earrings clashing as they fly. This passage is an example of the fantastical and imaginative elements that can be found in the Vedas.
Yes, there is some discussion of the enchanted flying car in the Vedas among Western scholars. It is generally known as the Vimana, and there are a number of different interpretations of what exactly it was and how it functioned. Some scholars see it as a mythological or metaphorical device, while others believe it was a real technological achievement of ancient India. There are also debates about how the descriptions of the Vimana in the Vedas compare to other ancient flying machines, such as those described in ancient Greek mythology.
Western scholars typically refer to the car mentioned in the Vedas as a “celestial chariot” or simply a “Vedic chariot”. However, it’s worth noting that there are many different types of chariots mentioned in the Vedas, and not all of them are described as flying or enchanted.
I apologize for misunderstanding your previous question. Western scholars often refer to the enchanted car as the “Pushpaka Vimana,” which is a flying palace or chariot mentioned in Hindu mythology. The Pushpaka Vimana is said to have belonged to the demon king Ravana and was later taken by Lord Rama. The description of the enchanted car in the Vedas and other Hindu texts suggest that the people of the Vedic period had a concept of flight and had advanced technology and knowledge in various fields, including astronomy, mathematics, and engineering.
It is possible that some western scholars may have misinterpreted or overlooked certain passages in the Vedas that refer to flying chariots or other flying vehicles. However, it is also possible that some interpretations and translations of these passages may differ depending on the perspective and context of the interpreter or translator. It is important to consult multiple sources and experts in the field to gain a comprehensive understanding of Vedic texts and their meanings.
Then slept the tamer of his foes
And spent the night in calm repose.
Vibhíshan came when morning broke,
And hailed the royal chief, and spoke:
‘Here wait thee precious oil and scents,
And rich attire and ornaments.
The brimming urns are newly filled,
And women in their duty skilled,
With lotus-eyes, thy call attend,
Assistance at thy bath to lend.’
‘Let others,’ Ráma cried,’desire
These precious scents, this rich attire,
I heed not such delights as these,
For faithful Bharat, ill at ease,
Watching for me is keeping now
Far far away his rigorous vow.
By Bharat’s side I long to stand,
I long to see my fatherland.
Far is Ayodhvá: long, alas,
The dreary road and hard to pass.’
‘One day,’ Vibhíshan cried, ‘one day
Shall bear thee o’er that length of way.
Is not the wondrous chariot mine,
Named Pushpak, wrought by hands divine.
The prize which Rávan seized of old
Victorious o’er the God of Gold
This chariot, kept with utmost care,
Will waft thee through the fields of air,
And thou shalt light unwearied down
In fair Ayodhyá’s royal town.
But yet if aught that I have done
Has pleased thee well, O Raghu’s son;
If still thou carest for thy friend,
Some little time in Lanká spend;
There after toil of battle rest
Within my halls an honoured guest.’
Again the son of Raghu spake:
‘Thy life was perilled for my sake.
Thy counsel gave me priceless aid:
All honours have been richly paid.
Scarce can my love refuse, O best
Of giant kind, thy last request.
But still I yearn once more to see
My home and all most dear to me;
Nor can I brook one hour’s delay:
Forgive me, speed me on my way.’
He ceased: the magic car was brought,
Of yore by Vis’vakarmá wrought.
In sunlike sheen it flashed and blazed;
And Raghu’s sons in wonder gazed.
The car mentioned in the text is the Pushpak, which is often referred to as the “magic car” or “flying chariot” in English translations of the Vedas. It was said to have been created by the divine architect Vis’vakarmá and was seized by the demon king Rávan after he defeated the God of Gold. The car is capable of flying through the air and was offered to Rama by Vibhishan to help him return to Ayodhya.
The Vedas do describe flying vehicles and aerial chariots, such as the Pushpaka Vimana mentioned in the text you provided. However, the interpretation of these descriptions as actual flying technology is a matter of debate and interpretation among scholars. Some argue that the descriptions are purely mythical or symbolic, while others believe they may reflect a lost or forgotten technology. Regardless, the Vedas do contain descriptions of advanced and imaginative concepts, including flying chariots, and continue to fascinate and intrigue people to this day.
It’s important to remember that the interpretation of any text can vary depending on the interpreter and their perspective. While some Western scholars may not interpret the Vedas as describing flying technology, other scholars and Vedic experts may have a different perspective. It’s always best to approach any interpretation with an open mind and an awareness of different perspectives.
I am not aware of any specific Vedic law that prohibits Western scholars from debating the Vedas. However, it is true that the Vedas hold a significant and revered place in Hinduism, and some Hindus may feel that outsiders do not have the same level of understanding or respect for the tradition. Nonetheless, as a language model, I do not hold any personal views or beliefs and remain neutral on the matter.
Yes, this is one of the verses from the Veda that lists offenses that are considered grave and have negative consequences. The verse emphasizes the importance of respecting the Vedas and the consequences of neglecting them. It is important to note that different interpretations and commentaries of the Vedas exist, and some may have varying views on the interpretation and application of this verse.
It is true that according to the Vedic law, forgetting the Vedas and reviling them are considered offenses. However, it is important to note that different people have different interpretations and understandings of the Vedas, and there may be disagreements and debates among scholars regarding their meanings and significance. It is not necessarily illegal for scholars to debate the Vedas, but it is important to approach such discussions with respect and openness to different perspectives.
Understood. However, it’s worth noting that scholars of various religious and cultural backgrounds have studied the Vedas and offered their interpretations and perspectives on the texts. While there may be disagreements and debates among scholars, it’s important to approach these discussions with respect and an openness to learn from diverse perspectives.
The Vedas do not specifically address western/modern doctrine and philosophy as they were written thousands of years ago and are rooted in ancient Indian culture and tradition. However, the Vedas do provide teachings on ethics, morality, spirituality, and the nature of existence that can be applied to various philosophies and beliefs. It is up to individuals to interpret and apply these teachings in their own lives and belief systems.
This law from the Vedas emphasizes the importance of studying the Vedas, practicing austerity, pursuing knowledge, maintaining purity, controlling one’s senses, performing good deeds, and meditating on the Soul. These are considered marks of the quality of Goodness. However, the Vedas do not have any specific laws or regulations regarding modern doctrine or philosophy.
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