Listen

Dhammapada · narration sample

A one-minute narration sample. Every book in the library is narrated end to end — hear the rest in the app.

Rig Veda · 991 of 1027

Mandala 10: HYMN CLIV. New Life.

1.FOR some is Soma purified, some sit by sacrificial oil: To those for whom the meath flows forth, even to those let him depart.

2.Invincible through Fervour, those whom Fervour hath advanced to heaven, Who showed great Fervour in their lives, -even to those let him depart.

3.The heroes who contend in war and boldly cast their lives away, Or who give guerdon thousandfold, -even to those let him depart.

4.Yea, the first followers of Law, Law’s pure and holy strengtheners, The Fathers, Yama! Fervour-moved,even to those let him depart.

5.Skilled in a thousand ways and means, the sages who protect the Sun, The Ṛṣis, Yama! Fervour-moved,—even to those let him depart.

Asked of Guide

Why does the hymn repeat “even to those let him depart” after each type of person?

The phrase “even to those let him depart” functions as a ritual refrain that grants passage—each stanza names a class (those purified by Soma, the fervent, warriors, Law’s followers, the Ṛṣis) and then issues the same benediction so the offering is directed to them. The repetition insists the sacrificial act reaches multiple worthy recipients rather than a single ideal, making the rite distributive and inclusive within the hymn’s moral economy.

This pattern resembles other Rig Veda hymns that use recurring refrain to bind diverse beneficiaries to one sacrificial formula; compare Mandala 10 hymns where repeated departure-language secures passage to heaven or to Yama. The effect is practical and theological: the ritual both lists who merits the gift and then authoritatively sends it to them.

Guide is the guide inside the Gnosis app, where every book on these shelves is free to read. Guide is the part you pay for — your guide has read all of them, and answers about the passage you’re actually on. Ask your guide your own question.