VĀC: Reality, Speech, and Speaking in the early Indian Religious Tradition

Abstract

<p>This work examines the nature and significance of vāc in the Ṛg Veda. It is concerned to explicate the nature of the relationship of the rṣi to Vāc and to demonstrate that this relationship is such that the rṣi-figure is paradigmatic of the salvational ideal of orthodox Indian spirituality to the extent that the Ṛg Veda must be considered foundational to any notion of the Indian Religious Tradition. Brief consideration is given to the relationship and status of speech and speaking in Pūrva Mīmāṁsā and Śaṅkara's Advaita Vedanta to demonstrate how these positions represent a principle of continuity from the Ṛg Veda.</p>