1. The Veda is not merely a book, but the knowledge of the cosmic truth-order (Rta) that creates, sustains, and transforms existence. This truth exists everywhere in creation, and the central subject of the Veda appears to be this Rta and the perfect descent and ascent of physical reality toward it.
Yes. The word Ved implies secret knowledge. The Vedas reveal the secret truths and principles of existence.
2. When a Rsi undertakes sincere tapasya, this truth is first revealed in a nondual state where the knower, knowledge, and known are one.
Yes. But this oneness is not a flattening of distinctions but the fundamental Truth underlying all the variations and the differentiations.
3. As the knowledge descends through different gradations of consciousness, the distance between the knower and the knowledge increases. Once the mind enters into the act of knowing, some medium becomes necessary for expression.
Broadly, yes.
4. At a certain stage, the knowledge assumes a word-body with relatively minimal distortion. The mantra-drasta Rsi does not invent this but sees or hears it; hence, the Veda is apauruseya and sruti.
Yes. Perfect. The Word embodies the perfect rhythm.
5. The revealed knowledge may consciously assume symbolic forms according to the subjectivity of the ṛṣi and the conditions of the age. Thus, ancient symbols like horses, chariots, fire, or cows may carry deeper meanings, whereas today similar meanings may naturally appear through modern technological symbols.
Yes. Absolutely so.
6. Mantra appears to act as a bridge between higher consciousness and the physical world. When pronounced precisely, it carries consciousness-force with relatively less distortion.
Yes. Perfectly true.
7. By meditating upon the mantra, consciousness may reopen the same pathway experienced by the original mantra-drasta Rsi; thus, the mantra becomes a gateway to higher truth.
Absolutely true.
Please correct me wherever my understanding is incomplete or mistaken. I also have a few confusions:
A. Is the mantra itself revealed in its complete form?
If the consciousness of the Rsi is in a right receptive state, if he is a mantradrsta, so to say.
B. or are symbolic visions primarily revealed, after which the Rsi formulates the mantra through language?
No. Mantra is the revealed Word, not human language representing symbolic truths, even though the symbols are used by the power using the language. It is like the poet expressing profound truths in rhythmic language, using symbols sometimes. However, the Sanskrit language, due to its plasticity, is most effective for this double usage.
C. or are both the symbol and the mantra simultaneously revealed together?
Yes.
For example:
The two birds sitting on a branch,
the fire,
the finding and recovery of the cows,
and similar Vedic images.
D. Are these symbolic visions themselves the revealed mantra-body, or are they linguistic expressions of a deeper revealed experience?
The mantra arises spontaneously as a powerful rhythm of truth. The meaning generally follows later in all its depths and intensities and shades, the word Maa or Om, for example.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
