The Rig Veda and the notion of cosmic cycle: birth and dissolution of the universe

The Rig Veda, humanity’s oldest sacred text, offers a fascinating vision of the cosmic cycles that govern the universe. In the tradition of the Seven Rivers civilization, the cosmos is not seen as a fixed creation, but as a perpetual process of birth, growth, decline and dissolution, before being reborn. This idea of a cosmic cycle is at the heart of Vedic teachings.

The Creation of the Universe: An Unfathomable Mystery

In the Hymn of Creation (Nasadiya Sukta), the Rig Veda describes the emergence of the universe as a profound mystery. It questions the nature of the origin: « Was there something or nothing? Who knows? » This questioning emphasizes that even the gods could be ignorant of the ultimate origin of everything. This passage reflects humility in the face of the vastness of the universe and shows that creation is not explained as a one-off divine act, but as an enigmatic emergence.

The cycle of dissolution: Pralaya

Everything that is born eventually disappears, and the universe is no exception. The notion of « Pralaya », although more developed in later texts such as the Puranas, has its roots in Vedic ideas. The Rig Veda speaks of natural forces that destroy and recreate. These forces are not seen as destructive in a negative sense, but as necessary for the balance of the cosmos.

When the universe reaches a point of imbalance, it dissolves into a state of non-existence before being reborn again. This infinite cycle is comparable to the rhythm of the seasons or the cycle of life and death in nature.

Cosmic forces and cycles

The Vedic deities play a central role in this cyclical process. Indra, for example, symbolizes the energy and force needed to create and maintain cosmic order. Agni, the sacred fire, represents both the light of knowledge and the transformative energy that purifies and renews. These forces work together to maintain the constant flow of the cosmos, between creation and destruction.

The civilization of the 7 rivers and the cyclical vision

For the inhabitants of the Seven Rivers civilization, this cyclical understanding was not just theoretical. It guided their relationship with nature and time. Their respect for natural rhythms, such as those of rivers and seasons, shows that they lived in harmony with this cosmic vision.

The Rig Veda does not propose a definitive beginning or end for the universe, but an eternal dance where everything is intertwined. This perception of cosmic cycles invites us to see the universe as a living process, in constant renewal.

Conclusion

The notion of the cosmic cycle in the Rig Veda is a key to understanding the spiritual and philosophical thinking of the civilization of the 7 rivers. By emphasizing the cycles of creation and dissolution, this ancient text reminds us that everything in the universe is interconnected and subject to the natural laws of change. A wisdom that, even today, finds echoes in our reflections on ecology and the balance of life.