The Rig Veda: An Anthology of One Hundred Eight Hymns

by Anonymous

Other authorsWendy Doniger O'Flaherty (Translator)

Paperback, 1981

Status

Available

Call number

294.59212

Genres

Religion & Spirituality

All Topics

Nonfiction

Collection

Your library

Publication

Penguin Classics (1981), Paperback, 352 pages

Description

The earliest of the four Hindu religious scriptures known as the Vedas, and the first extensive composition to survive in any Indo-European language, the Rig Veda (c. 1200-900 BC) is a collection of over 1,000 individual Sanskrit hymns. A work of intricate beauty, it provides a unique insight into early Indian mythology, religion and culture. This selection of 108 of the hymns, chosen for their eloquence and wisdom, focuses on the enduring themes of creation, sacrifice, death, women, the sacred plant soma and the gods. Inspirational and profound, it provides a fascinating introduction to one of the founding texts of Hindu scripture - an awesome and venerable ancient work of Vedic ritual, prayer, philosophy, legend and faith. -- Back cover.

User reviews

LibraryThing member AliceAnna

Couldn't read it. Too much like Psalms, like 652 pages of hymns from which I was getting nothing.

1 more

LibraryThing member CurrerBell

Wasn't quite sure how to rate this but finally decided on 4****.

I'd like to read the entire Rig Veda – in fact, the Vedas in their entirety – in translation, but I have other Hindu scriptures that are currently a higher priority. Considering Doniger's arrangement of these selections

thematically, I suspect this abridged translation probably gives the contents a greater thematic ordering than will be found in the full texts. That's a good idea, though, considering that this is a Vedas 101 type of edition.

Not the ideal way to read the Rig Veda or any other scripture, of course, but it's practical as a starter. Also, Doniger's introductions and annotations are helpful for a beginner like myself.

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