Reference: Subject: The Vedas
What is the meaning of gods in Vedas?
(Perplexity AI response)
The meaning of god in the Vedas is deeply nuanced and centers on the idea of a supreme, all-pervading reality expressed through various forms and forces of nature. The Vedic texts generally use the term “deva,” which means “the shining one,” symbolizing beings or principles of excellence and brilliance that animate the cosmos and govern natural phenomena. Interpreted on different levels—literal, symbolic, and esoteric—the devas represent both concrete deities and abstract principles such as faith, knowledge, and speech, as well as the elements of creation like fire, water, and air.
Vedic Concept of Divinity
The Vedas describe god as both with attributes (saguna) and without attributes (nirguna), emphasizing a reality that cannot be fully captured by form or name. The primordial God of the Vedas is formless and infinite, manifesting as countless deities who function as the basic principles of cosmic and human existence. God is characterized as the source of light, life, and truth—present within and around every being, not separate from creation but immanent and transcendent. Vedic hymns state, “God is one, but sages call him by different names,” affirming the unity behind the multiplicity of divine forms.
The Term Deva
Deva in Vedic literature is derived etymologically from roots meaning “to shine,” “to give,” and “to be radiant.” Devas are not just supernatural beings; they embody virtues, powers, and cosmic functions. The Vedas recognize 33 main devas, grouped equally in the heavens, atmosphere, and earth, symbolizing the infinite number of forces active in creation. Abstract qualities such as charity, knowledge, and speech can also be worshipped as devas, indicating the evolving and inclusive view of divinity in the Vedas.
Unity and Diversity
While multiple gods are worshipped, the underlying Vedic philosophy points to one ultimate reality (Brahman or Parabrahman), out of which all manifestations arise. The Rig Veda affirms: “Truth is one; the wise call it by various names,” encapsulating the Vedic perspective on divinity—unity expressed through infinite diversity.
In essence, the Vedas conceive god not merely as a personal being but as the ground of all existence, manifesting through myriad forms, names, and principles, and accessible to human experience both within and without.
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What is the root meaning of the word GOD?
(Perplexity AI response)
The root meaning of the word “God” in English traces back to Old English “god,” itself derived from the Proto-Germanic *gudą (or *guthan). Linguists propose two primary Indo-European roots: one is *ǵhu-tó-m, based on the verb *ǵheu(ə)-, which means “to call” or “to invoke,” and another links to the act of pouring libations or offerings. Thus, the earliest meaning of “god” implies “the one who is invoked,” “the one called upon,” or “the one sacrificed to,” which aligns with the ancient conception of divinity as a being called upon in prayer or ritual.
Etymological Lineage
• Old English: god
• Proto-Germanic: *gudą or *guthan
• Proto-Indo-European: *ǵhu-tó-m from *ǵheu(ə)- (“to call, invoke”), or related to the act of pouring libations
• Cognates: Found in Gothic (guþ), Old Norse (guð), German (Gott), Dutch (god), and Persian (khoda)
The word “god” was not present in the earliest Hebrew, Latin, or Greek scriptural manuscripts and emerged in European languages as a generic term for a deity after the spread of Christianity.
In summary, etymological evidence points to “God” originally meaning “one who is invoked or called upon,” reflecting early ritual practices of addressing the divine in prayer and sacrifice.
Comment on “invoke”
“Invoke” means to call for, petition, or bring about something, such as calling on a spirit, a law, or a tool. It can also refer to causing something to happen, implementing a rule, or using a specific function on a computer or in a program. The term has a variety of uses, from formal legal contexts to informal computer commands.
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GODS
In deep meditation, the Vedic rishis felt wonderful powers come over them. It gave them new insights never before seen or imagined. They postulated those powers and insights to be gods and deities. Later they invoked these powers in meditation.
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