Assimilation is Vital in Understanding

“To hear and understand the Word is not just an act of the will or of the intellect alone. The relationship between the Word and the hearer is a much more intimate one; it is a vital assimilation,” says Panikkar in his comments on Ṛg Veda 10.74. I changed the “word” from lowercase to uppercase as “Word” to signify God. The context in which Panikkar makes these comments is fitting, as he discusses the concept of “Vāc in the Śruti.1”

As a theologian involved in interreligious dialogues, Panikkar’s insights encourage every bhakta to move beyond theology, using it merely as a tool to grasp the Word of God beyond mere intellectual or volitional effort (buddhi). This perspective resonates within both Hinduism and the Muktiveda (the revealed scriptures of the Bible). Thirumoolar expresses a similar sentiment in the following verse:

 Fools who look with eyes upon the face; 

 To see with the inner eye alone brings true joy. 

 How can a mother express to her daughter 

 The pleasure she shares with her husband, even if asked?[Song 1739] 2

Thirumoolar’s words reflect a deep spiritual understanding, akin to the intimacy expressed in the Muktiveda, which states, “Adam knew Eve” and “Abraham knew Sarah.” Here, “knowing” implies an intimate union, going beyond intellectual comprehension. To know God, therefore, is not merely to study or analyze with theology, but to experience a direct, inner connection.

While theology aids in a foundational understanding of the Word, unless it becomes a sadhana rather than just a technical exercise with exegetical and hermeneutical techniques, it remains a dry intellectual pursuit, unable to bring true assimilation of the Word. Using theology only as a tool without integrating it as a spiritual practice can result in “seeing but not seeing; hearing but not hearing”—an echo we also find in the Muktiveda.

This theme is beautifully illustrated in the following verses from Ṛg Veda 10.71, where the Word reveals herself selectively:

RV 10.71.1-4

 1. O Lord of the Holy Word! That was the first beginning of the Word, when the seers fell to naming each object. 

 That which was best and purest, deeply hidden within their hearts, they revealed by the power of their love.

 2. The seers fashioned the word by means of their mind, sifting it as with sieves the corn is sifted. 

 Thus friends may recognize each other’s friendship. Upon their word is set an auspicious seal.

 3. By sacrifice, they followed the path of the word and found her entered among the seers. 

 They led her forth and distributed her among many. In unison, the seven singers chant her.

 4. Yet certain ones, though seeing, may not see her, and others, though hearing, may not hear her. 

 But to some, the Word reveals herself quite freely, like a fair-robed bride surrendering to her husband.

This ancient hymn, similar to passages in the Muktiveda (see Matthew 13:13-15; Isaiah 6:9-10), emphasizes that true understanding requires more than superficial perception. Only those who “see” with their inner eye or listen with their heart attain the joy and wisdom inherent in the Word.

Gurukulam, 12-11-2024

Footnotes:

1. Raymond Panikkar, Vāc in The Śruti, pp. 3-24 in God’s Word Among Men, edited by G. Gispert-Sauch, S.J. Delhi, Vidyajoti, 1973, p. 8. It is worth reading all four verses of Ṛg Veda 10.71-74.

2 முகத்தில் கண்கொண்டு பார்க்கின்ற மூடர்காள்

அகத்திற் கண்கொண்டு பார்ப்பதே ஆனந்தம்

மகட்குத் தாய்தன்  மணாளனோ டாடிய

சுகத்தைச் சொல்லென்றாற் சொல்லுமா றெங்ஙனே–பாடல், 1739, , ப. 2944,

திருமந்திரம், மூலமும் தெளிவுரையும், அ. மாணிக்கம், சென்னை, வர்தமான் பதிப்பகம், 2003, ஆறாம்பதிப்பு, -பாடல், 1739, , ப. 2944 [R. Manikkam, Original and commentary, Thirumandiram, Chennai, Vardaman Publishers, 2003, 6^th impression, p. 2944.