In this YouTube video, Richard Hartz discusses the deep connection between Sri Aurobindo's "Savitri" and the Vedas. He explains that "Savitri" is a record of Sri Aurobindo's spiritual development and experiences, and he discovered that his own practice was aligning with the ancient path found in the Vedas. Hartz also touches on the importance of understanding the Vedas in the context of the time they were written and Sri Aurobindo's attitude towards that ancient Vedic age. Throughout the video, he highlights various examples and passages from both "Savitri" and the Vedas to show their connections, including the use of Vedic symbols and illusions in Savitri, and the connection between spiritual knowledge and the dawn in the Vedas. Overall, the video provides insights into the deep relationship between these two texts and how Sri Aurobindo used them to further his own spiritual development.
00:00:00 In this section, Richard Hartz discusses the deep connection between Sri Aurobindo's "Savitri" and the Vedas. He explains that "Savitri" is a record of Sri Aurobindo's spiritual development and experiences, and he discovered that his own practice was aligning with the ancient path found in the Vedas. Hartz also touches on the importance of understanding the Vedas in the context of the time they were written and Sri Aurobindo's attitude towards that ancient Vedic age.
00:05:00 In this section, the speaker discusses how Sri Aurobindo believed that the Vedas held the key to future realizations and the evolution of humanity. He explains how Sri Aurobindo reinterpreted the legend from the Mahabharata as a symbolic myth of the Vedic cycle, finding new significance in the names of the characters and events. The speaker also mentions the use of Vedic symbols and illusions in Savitri, connecting the epic to the Vedas. Additionally, he hints at the idea of mantra in the Vedic context, which he will delve into further in a separate talk. Ultimately, the speaker aims to highlight the connections between Savitri and the Vedas through selected lines from the epic and the Vedic texts.
00:10:00 In this section, the speaker introduces a passage from Sri Aurobindo's "Savitri" and highlights its connection to the Vedic traditions. He explains how each line in the poetry of "Savitri" can be seen as a mantra, capable of facilitating one's realization of their desired aspect. The passage describes the process of inspiration and the arrival of the mantra, emphasizing the powerful and transformative nature of these experiences. The speaker then goes on to read mantras from the Vedas in Sanskrit, providing Sribando's English translation and comparing them to lines from "Savitri." This exploration aims to uncover the similarities and deeper meanings found within these texts.
00:15:00 In this section, the speaker discusses excerpts from the epic poem "Savitri" and its connection to the Vedas. The first excerpt describes the protagonist, Usha, as the first in a succession of dawns, awakening someone who was once dead. The second excerpt speaks of the ancient mornings that Usha desires and fulfills, projecting forward for illumination and communion with future dawns. The third excerpt mentions the creation of the fourth world by a master of wisdom and the uncovering of the herds of light. The speaker then goes on to read a verse from the Vedas that further emphasizes the theme of dawns and the goal of those passing on beyond. Overall, these excerpts show the deep connection between "Savitri" and the Vedas, with references to the eternal cycle of dawns and the pursuit of enlightenment.
00:20:00 In this section, Richard Hartz discusses the connection between Sri Aurobindo's writings and the Vedas. He explains that Sri Aurobindo stands in a similar relation to the Vedic dawn as the ancient Rishis stood to their forefathers. Sri Aurobindo is recovering an ancient knowledge from the Vedas, but he does not consider himself to be the end of evolution. Hartz also mentions that Sri Aurobindo's writings on the Veda emphasize the myth of the Angiras Rishis and their rescue of the lost herds of the sun. These references in Sri Aurobindo's work are symbolic and require familiarity with the Vedic texts. Hartz concludes by clarifying that the Vedic Rishis were not primitive superstitious individuals, but rather celebrated the victory of the fathers as described throughout the Vedic texts.
00:25:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the deep symbolic meaning that Sri Aurobindo and others found in the Vedic hymns, particularly in relation to the concept of yoga. The Vedic hymns spoke of the dawn, the sun, and the light as symbols of enlightenment and knowledge. Sri Aurobindo believed that these ancient hymns reflected humanity's constant aspiration for higher knowledge. He saw a parallel between the pursuit of this highest knowledge and his own yoga practice, which he described in his writings, including "Savitri." The speaker also highlights a verse from the Vedic hymns that mentions the word "yoga" and emphasizes the connection between yoking the mind to the divine source of illumination. Furthermore, the speaker mentions the significance of Savitri, the daughter of the sun, in this context.
00:30:00 In this section, Richard Hartz discusses the importance of the Vedic deity Savitri, also known as the Sun God, in Vedic yoga. Savitri represents the supermind and is seen as the deity of the supermental plane, according to Vedic tradition. The yoking or union of human thoughts and the consciousness of the divine Sun within is the goal of Vedic yoga, also known as karma yoga. The tradition of yoga emphasizes this aspect, which was previously overlooked due to the emphasis on asceticism. Sri Aurobindo, the author of The Secret of the Veda, also supported the importance of this aspect of yoga in his writings.
00:35:00 In this section, the speaker discusses how Sri Aurobindo's "Secret of the Veda" provides valuable insights into his own spiritual journey and the significance of Vedic thought. Sri Aurobindo diverges from traditional interpretations of the Vedas, which primarily viewed them as a source of rituals rather than spiritual knowledge. Sri Aurobindo's exploration of the Vedic texts came about spontaneously as he pursued his own path of self-development through yoga. He explains that during this time, he experienced psychological experiences with symbolic names, including three female energies representing intuitive reason and revelation. Sri Aurobindo's reinterpretation of the Vedas and his personal experiences shed light on the transformative power of Vedic knowledge beyond mere rituals.
00:40:00 In this section, Richard Hartz discusses the figure of Sarama in the Vedic scriptures and her significance in the search for truth. Sarama is described as a traveler and seeker who leads the gods and rishis to the hidden truth imprisoned in the cave of the mountain. Hartz explains that Sarama represents intuition, the faculty that allows us to discover hidden truths within ourselves. He distinguishes Sarama from Saraswati, who represents inspiration and knowledge, highlighting the role of intuition in uncovering truths that are lost or hidden. The mention of a divine hound in later developments of Vedic imagery adds to the aptness of Sarama's character as a seeker. Ultimately, Hartz suggests that Sarama's journey between summit and abyss represents a search for truth beyond our normal consciousness.
00:45:00 In this section, Richard Hartz discusses the connection between Sri Aurobindo's poem "Savitri" and the Vedas. He explains that Sri Aurobindo freely uses Vedic symbolism to convey deeper meanings in the poem. For example, the figure of Vritra, who is traditionally associated with releasing the waters, is here associated with the Panis, the ones who steal the illuminations of higher knowledge. Hartz highlights the Vedic belief that the subconscious holds hidden divine powers that must be conquered and possessed by destroying the powers of ignorance. This process of recovering the secret riches within the subconscious is seen as the work set for humanity, a task that the ancestors have already accomplished. He also notes that the theme of gods battling serpents is a common motif across various mythologies, but it is in the Vedas that we find the key to understanding its significance.
00:50:00 In this section, the speaker discusses how Sri Aurobindo turned to the Vedas and discovered various experiences and wisdom that aligned with his own self-developmental journey. As he delved deeper into the Veda, he found even more knowledge that supported his writings. Sri Aurobindo referred to the cryptic verses of the Veda as containing the concealed gospel of the divine supermind. He highlights that the Vedas describe the vast truth, luminous truth, and harmony of being, emphasizing the importance of a vast consciousness to encompass these truths. Sri Aurobindo also references specific phrases from the Veda, such as "the truth, the right, the vast," which becomes significant in his teachings. Overall, the Vedic descriptions of the supermental consciousness serve as a foundational concept in Sri Aurobindo's work.
00:55:00 In this section, Richard Hartz discusses the concept of truth consciousness as a term used to describe the supermental consciousness in Sri Aurobindo's teachings. He explains that the term "super mind" doesn't provide a positive description of the supermental consciousness, whereas "truth consciousness" encompasses its vast comprehensiveness. Hartz also references the Vedic gods and their knowledge of truth consciousness. He then briefly touches on the misinterpretation of the Vedas and highlights Sri Aurobindo's different interpretation, which challenges traditional understanding and European scholarly work on the subject.
In this YouTube video, Richard Hartz discusses Sri Aurobindo's interpretation of the Rig Veda and his hypothesis that the document contains both an exoteric and esoteric meaning. Aurobindo believed that there has been a progressive loss of the esoteric sense of the Veda over time, which aligns with the law of the human cycle. He also discusses his philosophy of evolution connecting consciousness to the human cycle. The video also explores the concept of spiritual evolution in relation to the Vedas and how it has not resulted in generalized progress for humanity. Upon examining the epic poem "Savitri" by Sri Aurobindo, Hartz notes how the characters take human form but are actually living and conscious forces. He also discusses the significance of the names Satyavan, Savitri, Ashwapati, and Dumat, particularly in Vedic symbolism. The Vedic origin of the characters and respective Vedic symbols is emphasized, including the sexagesimal system used in the epic poem. Additionally, the theme of conquering death in Vedic mythology is explored. The former Vedic king Satyayan embeds himself in the body of Aditya, the Sun God's son, and Savitri influences his victory through her love and determination. The video highlights the unique depiction of immortality in Hindu mythology, which involves the physical being, consciousness, and both upward-tending and downward-tending forces.
01:00:00 In this section, Richard Hartz discusses Sri Aurobindo's hypothesis about the Rig Veda and its connection to the ancient mysteries of the Mediterranean. According to Aurobindo, the Rig Veda is a significant document from an early period of human thought, and it contains both an exoteric and esoteric meaning. The esoteric meaning was revealed only to the initiates, while the exoteric meaning has been preserved. Aurobindo argues that there has been a progressive loss of the esoteric sense of the Veda over time, which is in line with the law of the human cycle. He presents this as his general view on interpreting the Veda.
01:05:00 In this section, Richard Hartz discusses Sri Aurobindo's work, specifically "SAVITRI" and his theory of the Vedas. Hartz explains that "SAVITRI" is often associated with the book that Aurobindo began writing immediately after he discontinued "The Secret of the Veda". He describes the book as almost a sequel to "The Secret of the Veda" in that it starts from the symbolic age, drawing upon Aurobindo's interpretation of the Veda. Hartz also explains how Aurobindo reconcilies the paradox of a high point of human spiritual development being reached at a very early stage of collective development, with the notion that much of human history since ancient times has been a kind of decline.
01:10:00 In this section, Richard Hartz discusses Sri Aurobindo's philosophy of evolution and its relationship to the human cycle. Sri Aurobindo views consciousness as emerging from the inconscient and eventually returning to its full re-emergence. According to Hartz, Sri Aurobindo sees the human cycle as a spiral, rather than a cycle that goes around in circles. He also believes that the human cycle is divided into different stages, including the infrarational stage, which is characterized by spiritual mystics and mysticism. Sri Aurobindo's philosophy is focused on the recovery of what has been lost and the continuation of the ascent to greater heights of consciousness.
01:15:00 In this section of the video, Richard Hartz discusses the concept of spiritual evolution in relation to the Vedas. He explains that spiritual realization, while achieved in ancient times, could not be generalized in humanity. According to him, the danger lies in the downward arrow of spiritual evolution, which tends towards status quo. The upward elevator arrow of spiritual realization, on the other hand, raises the general level of humanity. To develop the intuitive mind, one can silence it, but to transcend it, one needs to reach the highest levels of intellectual development. As he explains, only through developing the mind can we achieve this.
01:20:00 In this section, Richard Hartz discusses the concept of genius and access to knowledge in Indian philosophy. He shares Sherbindo's view that the "secret of the Veda" has had limited impact on human history and concludes that recovering ancient knowledge is a challenge. However, he also takes a more optimistic view of humanity's ability to achieve this goal, especially given the philosophical importance of the Veda. Hartz then focuses on the legend of Satyavana and Savatri, a symbolic myth of the Vedic cycle that represents the convergent nature of love and death.
01:25:00 In this section, Richard Hartz explains that the characters in the epic poem "Savitri" are not mere allegorical representations of qualities, but living and conscious forces that take human form to guide and help humanity. Sri Aurobindo distinguishes the poem as a symbol rather than an allegory, as symbols express a living truth or inward vision, requiring a deeper understanding beyond intellectual interpretation. Hartz emphasizes the importance of recognizing the mystical and symbolic nature of "Savitri" and the need for a deeper, intuitive insight to fully grasp its meaning. He also discusses the contrast between conceptual symbols, where the mind is more active, and mystic symbols, where the mind is submerged in the vividness of the reality conveyed. Ultimately, Hartz suggests that while one may not fully comprehend the entirety of "Savitri" with the mind, it is possible to approach a closer understanding of its deeper meaning.
01:30:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the difference between the conveyance of ethical ideals through legends in the Mahabharata and symbolic myths in the Vedic cycle. The character of Savitri in the Mahabharata is seen as conveying certain ethical ideals in an impressive way. However, Sri Aurobindo transforms the character and sees her as originating from a Vedic myth, giving it an entirely different turn. While Sri Aurobindo closely follows the narrative parts of the Mahabharata in some instances, he believes that the spirit and essence of the story would have been different if it were told in the Vedic style. The speaker also points out that the names of the main characters in Savitri are highly Vedic, hinting at the symbolism Sri Aurobindo sees in the story. Overall, Sri Aurobindo's interpretation of Savitri as a symbolic myth aligns with his belief in the inner spiritual advancement of individuals in the Rig Veda.
01:35:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the significance of the names Satyavan, Savitri, Ashwapati, and Dumat in the context of the Vedas. Satyavan represents the soul carrying the divine truth of being within itself, while Savitri is the daughter of Surya, the divine word representing supreme truth. Ashwapati, meaning "lord of the horse," and Dumat, meaning "lord of the shining hosts," both have Vedic origins. The speaker then juxtaposes Sri Aurobindo's writings on Satyavan's release from death with a passage from The Life Divine, suggesting that it symbolizes the opening of the being on the physical plane to the freedom and infinity of the super-conscient divine. This highlights the central concept in Sri Aurobindo's philosophy that there is a possibility for redemption on the physical plane, which was not widely acknowledged in post-Vedic Indian spirituality. Another aspect discussed is the force of necessity or ananki, which is present in Savitri and The Life Divine.
01:40:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the symbolism in the epic poem "Savitri" by Sri Aurobindo, particularly the theme of conquering death. They explain how the character of Savitri represents the supermental force that can overcome the limitations of the unconscious, portrayed as the blind imperative necessity represented by death. The speaker also connects this theme to the broader symbolism found in Vedic myths, where something imprisoned in darkness is released through the intervention of a higher power. Ultimately, the meeting of Savitri and Satyavan brings about the possibility of a supermental transformation.
01:45:00 In this section of the YouTube video, Richard Hartz examines the story of Savitri and Satyan in Hindu mythology, specifically the myth of Satyanarayana Puja. He argues that the story's central theme is the struggle between spiritual forces from above and below, with the ultimate victory belonging to the gods, particularly Aditi, mother of the gods. Sheridananda, one of the foremost figures in deposit tradition, described this cosmic conflict in his work, "Sri Satyanarayana Puja." Hartz believes that this conception of immortality in Hindu mythology, involving the physical being and consciousness, is unique and not easily found later in Indian tradition. Therefore, he places great importance on the Vedas and their teachings about immune, which he views as a powerful upward-tending force. This claim highlights the deeper meaning behind Hindu mythology and the significance of the Vedas in Shinto tradition.
01:50:00 In this section, the speaker explains how the epic of Sri Binders portrays the descent of sovereignty to bring about transformation in the material world. The supermind descends from above while the involved supermind rises from below, with Agni representing the upward force and Indra representing the downward force. Ashwapati, the lord of life, embodies the upward-tending force from below. The speaker also highlights the connection between Ashwapati and Agni, as they are both referred to as "son of force" in Vedic verses. This section concludes by mentioning the incorporation of symbols and allusions in passages of Savitri, including the reference to the "questing hound," which alludes to the hound of heaven.
01:55:00 In this section, Richard Hartz discusses the references to the Vedas in Sri Aurobindo's epic poem, Savitri. He explains that while some of these references involve symbolic language, there are also instances where the Vedic verses are mentioned directly. Hartz emphasizes the importance of understanding the Vedic symbolism in order to fully grasp the meaning behind Savitri. He also references a letter written by Sri Aurobindo, where he explains different types of symbols. Hartz mentions the Vedic symbol of the cow, which represents light, and how Aurobindo incorporated this symbol into Savitri. It is suggested that this Vedic symbol was vitalized by the Rishis and continues to be a living symbol today.
In this discussion, Richard Hartz explores the use of symbols in Vedic poetry, particularly in the work of Rajasva Vedanta (Savitri) author, Sohum Nath Sherlimandji. Sherlimandji uses natural symbols to make ideas more vivid and convey spiritual concepts, derived from daily life and surroundings. He references these symbols as 'life symbols,' which are not artificially chosen or mentally interpreted but naturally derived from our environment. Symbols are used to convey complex ideas and experiences in Vedic poetry. The speaker then discusses the symbol of sacrifice in relation to the journey and battle, emphasizing its importance in becoming enriched with the blessings of the gods, making it a progression towards the divine path with obstacles along the way. The video discusses the Veda, its process of spiritual ascent, and emphasizes the theme of much still needing to be done to complete the embodied life of the spirit, using the phrase 'much that still needs to be done to complete the embodied life of the spirit.' The concept of the "highest light" is introduced, exploring different levels of light and understanding in relation to the Vedic texts and Sri Aurobindo's poem "Savitri," and the relationship between the Bhagavad Gita and the Vedas, emphasizing their interconnectedness and relevance in contemporary society.
02:00:00 In the section discussed in this transcript excerpt, Richard Hartz talks about the use of symbols in Vedic poetry, particularly in the work of Rajasva Vedanta (Savitri) author, Sohum Nath Sherlimandji. Sherlimandji uses various natural symbols that are derived from daily life and surroundings, such as mountains and rivers, to make ideas more vivid and convey spiritual concepts. He refers to these symbols as 'life symbols,' which are not artificially chosen or mentally interpreted but naturally derived from our environment. Sherlimandji uses symbols such as mountains and rivers as representations of the journey or the ascent in both life and spirituality. He also talks about how natural symbols such as the herds of the sun (in Helios' Odyssey) and red wolves waiting by fordless streams convey the idea of obstacles and enemies encountered on a spiritual journey (Red Wolf waiting by the fordless stream in the Bagavad Gita). In this way, Sherlimandji uses symbols to convey complex ideas and experiences in Vedic poetry.
02:05:00 In this section of the video, Richard Hartz discusses the symbol of sacrifice in relation to the journey and battle. He explains that the sacrifice is often combined with the journey and battle in the Vedas, and that it represents the process of becoming enriched with the blessings of the gods. According to Hartz, the sacrifice itself is a journey or progression, where the individual travels towards the divine path and faces challenges along the way. He also notes that the image of sacrifice is closely connected to the idea of the journey and battle, as the individual must overcome obstacles and rise above them in order to reach their goal.
02:10:00 In this section of the YouTube video titled "'SAVITRI' AND THE VEDAS by Richard Hartz", Reuben produly speaks about the Veda, emphasizing its process of spiritual ascent, which can be seen throughout the first book of the Vedas, as well as the recurring theme of much still needing to be done to complete the embodied life of the spirit. The Vedas give the principle of the supermind, which is the subject of much of the Rig Veda, but which is not sufficiently developed for Reuben, who finds it in the Veda to be the clue to completing his purpose. Reuben speaks of the much that still needs to be accomplished, which is clear to him when he refers to this phrase. He uses the word symbol to describe natural symbols, which have an inherent oppositeness and power of their own, and gives two examples: akasha or etheric space, symbol of the infinite and all-pervading eternal brahman, and the recurring theme of much still needing to be done to complete the embodied life of the spirit.
02:15:00 In this section, Richard Hartz discusses the symbolism of the sun in Hinduism and how it relates to the Vedas. He explains that the sun is often associated with the supermental light or divine gnosis, and that this concept is embodied by the figure of Varuna in the Vedas. Varuna represents the infinite and eternal brahman, and is symbolized by the ethereal and limitless nature of ether. According to Hartz, the million rays returning to the sun in the verse from Book Three of the Vedas can be seen as a literal inversion of the process of nature, and may have inspired Schrodinger's scientific theories.
02:20:00 In this section, Richard Hartz discusses the concept of the "highest light" as understood in the Vedas and how it relates to the higher mind and the supermind. He explains that there is a difference between a higher light and the highest light, which can only be understood in a symbolic context. He uses the example of Surya as the divinest being, a gold supernal sun of timeless truth, which pours down the mystery of the eternal ray through an endless ocean of discovery. The image of the son of truth and higher light is introduced in Srividya, an Indian spiritual tradition that emphasizes the connection between the physical and the spiritual realms. Hartz also explains how the source of the light on all lower planes is the gold supernal sun, which is the highest form of the sun and ultimately leads to the supermind.
02:25:00 In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of different levels of light and understanding in relation to the Vedic texts and Sri Aurobindo's poem "Savitri." He explains that there are higher levels of light beyond our ordinary intellect, such as intuition and the cosmic mind. The overmind, which is like a creative oversoul, acts as a link between these higher planes and our lower hemisphere of knowledge and ignorance. The golden lid mentioned refers to the Hiran Maya, and it symbolizes the truth hidden by a truth. The speaker also mentions other symbols in "Savitri," such as the ocean and rivers as well as the power of the word, which connects the poem to the Vedic concept of the mantra.
02:30:00 In this section, a video titled "SAVITRI' AND THE VEDAS by Richard Hartz" explores the relationship between the epic Indian Hindu poem "The Bhagavad Gita" and the Vedas. The speaker, Richard Hartz, explains how the characters and themes in the Bhagavad Gita can be seen as reflections of the Vedic concepts. He also provides insights into the history and cultural significance of the Bhagavad Gita as a key text of Hindu philosophy. The video presents an interesting perspective on the interconnectedness of these two ancient texts and their relevance in contemporary society.