Author Description

This Charvakan version of the oldest scriptures on earth is a complete ten volume edition of Rig Veda. The Rgveda, as it is often spelled, is of vital importance to all of us. It conveys ancient, but living, wisdom to a people in need of guidance. Its hymns celebrate Reality, both internal and external, in all its ramifications. In some of the older English translations, notably Griffith’s, the language can obscure the powerful message of this book. Our grasp of ancient Sanskrit remains imperfect, though we’ve made great strides. And our cultural appreciation of the system of thought that formed the matrix in which the Rig Veda was born is steadily improving. But. We still have far to go. The Rig Veda in Charvaka Lokayata sets forth a modern attempt to convey these hymns in a more naturalistic fashion. The rishi, or original poets, were celebrating our experiences of life, framing them mythologically, poetically, to convey their truth.The names of the important Internal-Realities (usually translated “gods”) are rendered literally. So Agni is here “Burning-Fire.” Indra is “Mind.” And Vayu is “Vital-Breath.” Etc. The goal is to allow the Rig to be as open to us 21st century readers as possible. May each reader soak in the grace and truth of this most ancient collection of scripture and celebration. Life truly is this good.