In the civilization of the 7 rivers, also called Sapta Sindhu , the word was sacred. The oldest texts of humanity, such as the Rig Veda , were not initially written down. They were transmitted orally, from generation to generation, thanks to the memory and discipline of the Vedic sages, called rishis .
Who were the rishis?
The rishis were sages, poets, and meditators. They lived simply, often in nature, and devoted their lives to listening to, repeating, and transmitting sacred hymns. They are said to have “heard” these hymns in a heightened state of consciousness, as if the songs were being revealed directly to them. They didn’t invent them; they received them.
An extraordinary memory
The Vedic sages had exceptional memories. To transmit a hymn, they learned it by heart, sound by sound, word by word, without ever changing anything. Even the pronunciation had to remain exactly the same. This was called “perfect recitation.” It was a rigorous task, often learned from childhood, in an atmosphere of total respect for the sacred word.
A living oral tradition
This oral transmission was not just a memory of the past. It lasted for thousands of years. It was only much later that the texts were written down. But even after that, the oral tradition continued. Even today, in India, some priests or spiritual masters learn the Vedas orally, as in the time of the rishis.
An unbroken chain
Thanks to the rishis, the Vedic chants have come down to us. They transmitted not only the words, but also the spirit, sounds, rhythms, and intonations. It is thanks to them that the Rig Veda has survived the centuries without losing its power.
A connection with nature and the invisible
The rishis were not cut off from the world. They observed nature, the stars, the seasons. Their songs spoke of fire, water, wind, and dawn. They felt that everything was connected: gods, men, speech, and the forces of nature. Their knowledge was alive, directly linked to the breath and vibration of the world.
Le Rig Veda 
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