Rişhi: Kata Vaishvāmitra (RV 3.18.2)
tapoşhv-agne antarām amitrān tapā shamsam-araruşhaĥ parasya,
tapo
vaso chikitāno achittān....
O Agni, wholly consume our inner foes, consume
the self-expression of the enemy who would war against us.
O lord of the riches, conscious in knowledge, consume the powers
of ignorance,
The enemy is not only outside, but also and
more – within ourselves. All that moves us away from Truth, from
Right, from Beauty—all such desires, thoughts, passions,
inclinations are the inner foes. They have lodged themselves at
all levels of our being, some articulate, some still not active,
mute, but yet potent. They shall not be allowed to express
themselves, find speech. But mere suppression is not enough. They
bide their hour when we are not vigilant enough, not conscious
enough. They should be burnt out at their roots. Agni, the Flame
of aspiration, force of Divine Will effects this for the seeker
who kindles him ablaze in himself. In the growing extension of his
light of knowledge, the lower forces of ignorance and falsehood
are consumed.
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