This book offers a new interpretation of Rig-Veda that is unconventional and perhaps a little outlandish. Each chapter deals with some basic concepts of physics and cosmology such as; the elementary particles, big bang theory, expansion of the universe, electromagnetism, matter - energy conversion, dark matter, quarks, evolution of elements, and matter and antimatter interactions. The author suggests that such physical phenomenon is predicted by Rgvedic hymns. He emphasize that the Vedic hymns of Purusha, especially Rgveda 10.90.1 is the fundamental hymn in understanding the Purusha as the creator, and Rgvedic God Brahmanaspati represents the expansion of the universe. The force of expansion (Indra) and contraction (Vrtra) operating at the edge of the universe is represented by the battle between God and the demon. Rgvedic God Vishnu is identified as the universe itself; the universe is known to be made of the Prithvi (earth), Antariksa (atmosphere) and Dayu (heaven.) Rgvedic God Vayu represents the field and the act of Yajna is considered as the process of matter - energy inter-conversion. Rgvedic God Savita is suggested to represent this inter-conversion. Satpatha Brahmana 6.21.1-4, Yajurveda 23.17, and Tittiriya Brahmana 1.1.4.5 signifies the equivalence of matter and energy. Rgveda 10.90.8 is taken as the hymn that supports the existence of Bosons and Fermions. Satpatha Brahmana 1.2.3.1-2, Rgveda 1.62.9; 2.10.2; Yajurveda 23.11-12; 23.56; 13.51, and Atharvaveda 9.5.7; 9.5.13; and 4.14.1 are suggested to predict the existence of quarks. Soma and Asvins are identified respectively as electric filed and magnetic fields. Rgvedic God Surya represents light, and Usha represents the cosmic dance of creation and annihilation of matter-antimatter particles. The author quotes extensively from Rgveda but his interpretation lacks substance. Because the physical and metaphysical elements are in Upanishads that was later expounded by the six schools of Hindu philosophy, notably Sankhya and Vedanta schools. Most scholars admit that Rgveda is known for various sacrificial rituals and few are recited at prayers and religious ceremonies. Rgveda praises several gods, mainly Indra, the heroic god of Rgveda, and also Agni, Mitra-Varuna and Ushas. Other non-major gods include; Savitr, Vishnu, Rudra, Pushan, Brihaspati, Brahmanaspati, Dyaus Pita (the sky), Prithivi (the earth), Surya (the sun), Vayu (the wind), Apas (the waters), Parjanya (the rain), and Vac (the word).
Nasadiya sukta, the hymn of creation found in Rgveda 10.129.1-7 is one of the very few hymns that elicit some metaphysical discussion with regards to the origin of the universe. Vedic scholars Ravi Prakash Arya and K. L. Joshi wondered about the controversial nature of this composition since it is directed against the basic concepts of Sankhya philosophy. Author Wendy Doniger describes this hymn is linguistically simple but conceptually very provocative that produced numerous scholarly commentaries. This hymn was probably meant to challenge the Vedic scholars to comment on the basic questions of cosmology, but the author barely comments on its significance.
Hindu God Siva, the Cosmic Dancer, is narrated in Hindu Puranas as Nataraja, is invoked as the perfect personification of the dynamic universe. At the most fundamental level, the existing matter and antimatter particles collide, annihilate and are recreated spontaneously, and the author Fritjof Capra sees this in parallel with the cosmic dance of Siva, in his acclaimed book "The Tao of Physics." At first, it seems outlandish but his views are allegorical. However the author of this book takes his views too far to interpret the Rgvedic hymns as literal description of the basic concepts of physics and the creation of the universe. The author has maintained a certain level of continuity while discussing physics as he moves from chapter to chapter, but it is limited by its antiquity. Recent advances in the understanding of physical reality through the laws of physics were not properly applied.
Reference: Vedic Physics: Scientific Origin of Hinduism by Raja Ram Mohan Roy
Nasadiya sukta, the hymn of creation found in Rgveda 10.129.1-7 is one of the very few hymns that elicit some metaphysical discussion with regards to the origin of the universe. Vedic scholars Ravi Prakash Arya and K. L. Joshi wondered about the controversial nature of this composition since it is directed against the basic concepts of Sankhya philosophy. Author Wendy Doniger describes this hymn is linguistically simple but conceptually very provocative that produced numerous scholarly commentaries. This hymn was probably meant to challenge the Vedic scholars to comment on the basic questions of cosmology, but the author barely comments on its significance.
Hindu God Siva, the Cosmic Dancer, is narrated in Hindu Puranas as Nataraja, is invoked as the perfect personification of the dynamic universe. At the most fundamental level, the existing matter and antimatter particles collide, annihilate and are recreated spontaneously, and the author Fritjof Capra sees this in parallel with the cosmic dance of Siva, in his acclaimed book "The Tao of Physics." At first, it seems outlandish but his views are allegorical. However the author of this book takes his views too far to interpret the Rgvedic hymns as literal description of the basic concepts of physics and the creation of the universe. The author has maintained a certain level of continuity while discussing physics as he moves from chapter to chapter, but it is limited by its antiquity. Recent advances in the understanding of physical reality through the laws of physics were not properly applied.
Reference: Vedic Physics: Scientific Origin of Hinduism by Raja Ram Mohan Roy
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