Vishvedevas (Rig Veda 1.3) - Madhuchanda Vaishvamitra:

ओमासश्चर्षणीधृतो विश्वे देवास आ गत ।
दाश्वांसो दाशुषः सुतम् ॥१.३.७॥
Omaasash-Carssannii-Dhrto Vishve Devaasa Aa Gata |
Daashvaamso Daashussah Sutam ||1.3.7||

• चर्षणीधृत (Carssannii-Dhrta): Who holds the cultivators.
• दाश्वांसः (Daashvaamsah): Who are generous givers.

Comments:

- In this mantra, the qualities of Vishvedevas are being mentioned. They support the cultivators and are generous givers.

- Vishvedevas are probably the combined powers of many Devas who are not individually referred to in the Vedas. When we invoke the Vishvedevas, we are not focusing on the role of any individual Deva, but the combined effect of a collection of divine forces in Nature.

- The Vishvedevas support the cultivators. Cultivation is an example of the combination of self-effort and divine grace in the scheme of Cosmic Order. By self-effort we are cultivating the fields and Vishvedevas are extending the divine grace supporting our efforts, endowing it with all the powers of Nature.

- When we knowingly participate in the above process of cultivation with reverence for Nature, it becomes an Yagna, where we are upholding the Rita or Cosmic Order along with the Devas. The scheme of Rita is such that they leave a placeholder for human beings to add-in their efforts and complete the Yagna Cycle. This brings natural abundance externally and fulfillment internally.

- According to the Vedic Vision of Nature, work needs to be planned and performed as a Yagna Cycle, done in collaboration with the Devas to uphold the Rita with them. The aim of work is not only external output but inner fulfillment. Such works need to build the Economy. Then economic activities become Yagna and we become the upholders of Rita.

- When we work in collaboration with the divine forces in Nature, our relations are many. The Sun, the Rain and the Soil are all our relations. The Vedas point to the divine forces behind them and they are no longer mere components of the ecosystem. They are living and are generous givers.

विश्वे देवासो अप्तुरः सुतमा गन्त तूर्णयः ।
उस्रा इव स्वसराणि ॥१.३.८॥
Vishve Devaaso Apturah Sutamaa Ganta Tuurnnayah |
Usraa Iva Svasaraanni ||1.3.8||

• अप्तुर (Aptura): Who are the giver of waters (rain).

Comments:

- In this mantra, a quality of Vishvedevas is being mentioned. They are the givers of waters (in the form of rain).

- In the previous mantra it was stated that the Vishvedevas support the cultivators. In this mantra a particular means of support is mentioned, which is the rains. In agriculture, rain plays a very important part without which agriculture cannot be sustained. Even artificial irrigation will not work if there are no rains for a prolonged period.

- Human beings have no control over the rains. It is in the domain of Rita or Cosmic Order. According to the Vedic Vision of Nature, Rita or Cosmic Order is based on truth and justice. If human beings become truthful and oriented towards Dharma, Nature will respond to it. This connection of Nature inside us to the Nature outside is a unique concept of the Vedic Vision of Nature. Here Education is connected to Environment.

विश्वे देवासो अस्रिध एहिमायासो अद्रुहः ।
मेधं जुषन्त वह्नयः ॥१.३.९॥
Vishve Devaaso Asridha Ehimaayaaso Adruhah |
Medham Jussanta Vahnayah ||1.3.9||

• अस्रिध (Asridha): Who does not fail or err.
• एहिमायास (Ehimaayaasa): Who are of all-pervading intelligence.
• अद्रुह (Adruha): Who are free from malice.

Comments:

- In this mantra, the qualities of Vishvedevas are being mentioned. They do not fail. They are of all-pervading intelligence. And they are free from malice.

- These are the qualities of Rita or Cosmic Order. Cosmic Order do not fail. Taking the example of rain, where rain is due, it will not fail. Cosmic Order has an all-pervading intelligence through which it knows every part of creation. And Cosmic Order is free from malice, so does not favour one over another.

- According to the Vedic Vision of Nature, the Yagna Cycle circumambulates around Rita or the Cosmic Order (see figure above). This is like circumambulating around the deity in a temple. The more we circumambulate and contemplate on the deity, the more our devotion grows inwardly. This is reflected as divine grace in our lives. Similarly, the more we circumambulate around the Cosmic Order, the more the Cosmic Order will shower its grace on us (both inwardly and outwardly).

- Circumambulating around the Cosmic Order means to open ourselves to the Cosmic Order (breaking our shell of individuality) and design our lives and economy around the Cosmic Order.