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The teachers wanted to spread the knowledge among all persons,
irrespective of caste as declared in
AV (6.69).
The hymn on harvest gathering (3.24) states that the
“Deity also dwells in the houses of those (ayajvanaĥ) who
do not perform yajňa-rituals”. This phrase could refer to
the unskilled labour class; but the Veda does not downgrade them,
i.e., the deity dwells in their homes just as in the homes of the
higher caste persons. AV (6.19.1) explicitly prays for the
psychological purification of all persons.
We have the following verse regarding Agricultural workers:
The proficient bind
the plough-ropes
and lay the yokes
on each side,
those wise men
seeking divine bliss. AV (3.17.1).
This verse can be interpreted symbolically with plowing referring
to the systematic spiritual practice as in Rigveda. Alternatively,
the verse points to a condition where the agricultural worker was
also regarded as creative. A similar situation is in
Mahābhārata, vana parva where the spiritual wisdom is
explained by the butcher (vyādha) to a brahmin.
ATHARVA VEDA (6.69.2)
PREACHING THE GLORIOUS WORD
Rishi: Atharvan
Ashvins, Lords of
light, fill me with
the sweetness of
the bee-honey,
so may I speak the
glorious Word
to the masses of
the people.
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