Not the Non-Existent BBS 2nd Year Visions: A Thematic

 

Poem: Not the Non-Existent

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Main Theme of the Poem

The main theme of the poem "Not the Non-Existent" from the Rigveda is the nature of existence and the origins of the universe. The poem explores philosophical questions about the nature of reality, non-existence, and the creative forces behind the universe's manifestation. It contemplates the idea of a primordial state before the universe's creation, where neither non-existence nor existence existed, and explores the emergence of the universe from this state of potentiality.

One of the central themes of the poem is the concept of creation through desire or longing, as indicated by the portrayal of Desire as the primal seed and germ of Spirit. The poem suggests that the universe's creation is driven by a fundamental force of desire, implying a deeper purpose or intention behind the universe's existence.

Additionally, the poem raises questions about the nature of the divine and the gods' relationship to creation. It suggests that even the gods are a part of creation and may not fully understand its origins, highlighting the limitations of human understanding in grappling with the mysteries of existence.

 

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Original Nasadiya Sukta  (1500? – 800? B.C.E) (Hymn of non-Eternity, origin of universe):

Summary of the Poem

The poem "Not the Non-Existent" from the Rigveda is a contemplative exploration of the origins of the universe, offering a philosophical perspective on the nature of existence and non-existence. It opens with a reflection on a primordial state devoid of both non-existence and existence, where there was no air or sky, and questions arise about what covered it and what provided shelter. This state is described as a void, suggesting a state of potentiality before the universe's manifestation.

From this state of undifferentiated chaos, the poem describes the emergence of a singular, breathless entity that existed by its own nature, giving rise to the universe. This entity, referred to as the "One Thing," is portrayed as the source from which all else emanates. The concept of Desire is introduced as the primal seed and germ of Spirit, indicating a fundamental force driving the creation of the universe. The text further explores the idea of creation, pondering the nature of the gods and their relationship to the universe. It suggests that even the gods are a part of creation and may not fully comprehend its origins. The poem concludes by acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the identity of the creator and the enigmatic nature of creation itself.

Overall, the poem presents a profound inquiry into the nature of reality and the universe's origins, using vivid imagery and metaphor to evoke a sense of awe and wonder. It invites readers to contemplate the mysteries of existence and the limits of human understanding in the face of such profound questions.

Stanza wise Description

Then was not non-existent nor existent:

There was no realm of air, no sky beyond it.

What covered in, and where? And what gave shelter?

Was water there, unfathomed depth of water? /1/

Stanza 1: The first stanza describes a state before the universe's creation, where neither non-existence nor existence existed. There was no realm of air or sky, and questions are raised about what covered this state and what provided shelter. The stanza sets the stage for the poem's contemplation of the universe's origins.

Death was not then, nor was there aught immortal:

No sign was there, the day’s and night’s divider.

That One Thing, breathless, breathed by its own nature:

Apart from it was nothing whatsoever. /2/

Stanza 2: This stanza continues the exploration of the prehistoric state, stating that death did not exist then, nor was there anything immortal. There was no sign to divide the day and night. It introduces the concept of the "One Thing" that breathed by its own nature, suggesting a self-sustaining, creative force.

Darkness there was: at first concealed in darkness:

This All was indiscriminated chaos.

All that existed then was void and formless:

by the great power of Warmth was born that Unit. /3/

Stanza 3: The third stanza describes the initial state of the universe as darkness concealed in darkness, suggesting a state of formless chaos. It portrays the universe as void and formless until the emergence of the "Unit" by the great power of Warmth, suggesting a process of differentiation and creation.

 

Thereafter rose Desire in the beginning,

Desire, the primal seed and germ of Sprit.

Sages who searched with their heart’s thought

discovered the existent’s kinship in the non-existent. /4/

 

Stanza 4: This stanza introduces Desire as a key element in the universe's creation, describing it as the primal seed and germ of Spirit. It suggests that Desire is fundamental to the creative process, driving the emergence of the universe from its prehistoric state.

Transversely was their severing line extended:

what was above it then, and what below it?

There were begetters, there were mighty forces,

free action here and energy up yonder. /5/

Stanza 5: The fifth stanza contemplates the nature of the universe's structure, asking about the severing line that extends transversely and what exists above and below it. It mentions begetters and mighty forces, hinting at the complex and structured nature of the universe.

Who verily knows and who can here declare it,

whence it was born and whence comes this creation?

The Gods are later than this world’s production.

Who knows then whence it first came into being? / 6/

Stanza 6: This stanza raises questions about the origin of creation and the gods' relationship to the universe. It suggests that the gods are later than the world's production, implying that even they are a part of creation and may not fully understand its origins.

He, the first origin of this creation,

whether he formed it all or did not form it.

Whose eye controls this world in highest heaven,

he verily knows it, or perhaps he knows not. /7/

Rigveda 10.129 

Stanza 7: The final stanza acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the origin of creation and the identity of the creator. It suggests that the first origin of creation, whether it formed everything or not, remains a mystery. It ends by stating that the one whose eye controls this world in the highest heaven may or may not know the answers to these questions.

Possible Questions and Answers

1.     Make a list of paradoxical or contradictory statements in the poem. Also suggest the function of such statements. .

The poem contains several paradoxical or contradictory statements, such as:

• "Then was not non-existent nor existent"
• "Apart from it was nothing whatsoever"
• "Darkness there was: at first concealed in darkness"
• "Desire, the primal seed and germ of Spirit"

These statements serve to highlight the deep nature of the universe's origins and the limitations of human understanding. They challenge readers to contemplate concepts that transcend ordinary logic and reasoning, inviting them to consider the mysteries of creation and existence.

2.     Explain ‘free action here and energy up yonder’ (5). Who has free action? How does it attempt to explain the creator and the created?

The phrase "free action here and energy up yonder" suggests a dualistic nature of creation, with different aspects operating in different realms. It implies that there are beings or forces with free action in the earthly realm ("here") and energetic forces in the celestial realm ("up yonder"). This concept attempts to explain the duality of the creator and the created, suggesting that different aspects of creation operate according to different principles or laws.

3.     The hymn deliberately puzzles and challenges by raising unanswerable questions and paradoxes. Discuss.

The hymn deliberately puzzles and challenges by raising unanswerable questions and paradoxes, such as the nature of existence before the universe's creation and the identity of the creator. By presenting these paradoxes, the hymn encourages contemplation and reflection on the nature of reality and the limitations of human understanding. It invites readers to consider the mysteries of existence and the universe's origins, emphasizing the profound questions that lie beyond rational explanation.

4.     How can the universe have sprung into existence, that is , how can something come out of nothing? How can there be a beginning, before which there was nothing?

The poem suggests that the universe's creation is a profound mystery beyond human comprehension. It raises questions about how something can come out of nothing and how there can be a beginning before which there was nothing. These questions challenge conventional notions of causality and existence, suggesting that the universe's origins may be inexplicable and beyond human understanding. The poem invites readers to consider the limits of human knowledge and the possibility of a reality that transcends ordinary logic and reasoning.

 

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