The Doniger Nasadiya, also known as the “Hymn of Creation,” is one of the most profound and enigmatic hymns in the Rigveda, an ancient Indian collection of sacred texts. This hymn, found in the 10th mandala (Rigveda 10.129), grapples with the origin of the universe, expressing a sense of philosophical inquiry and uncertainty that feels remarkably modern.
Scholar Wendy Doniger, a renowned Indologist and expert in comparative mythology and religion, has engaged deeply with ancient Indian texts, including the Nasadiya Sukta. Her interpretations of the hymn illuminate the nuanced questions it raises about creation, divinity, and the limits of human understanding. In this article, we will explore the Nasadiya Sukta and how Doniger’s insights contribute to our understanding of this timeless piece of Vedic philosophy.
The Nasadiya Sukta: A Hymn of Uncertainty
The Nasadiya Sukta is unique in Vedic literature because it does not present definitive answers about creation or the nature of existence. Instead, it reflects skepticism and ambiguity—qualities that distinguish it from the more ritualistic and devotional hymns in the Rigveda.
The hymn begins with a poetic portrayal of a time “before creation”, a formless state in which neither existence nor non-existence could be said to exist:
“Then there was neither existence nor non-existence,
Nor the realm of space, nor the sky beyond.”
This paradoxical description evokes the idea that language and thought are inadequate to grasp the moment before creation. The hymn continues by exploring the emergence of “That One”—a vague, undefined principle that may or may not be responsible for creation. Interestingly, the text concludes with an open-ended question:
“Who knows for certain? Who here can declare it?
Whence was it born, whence this creation?
The gods themselves are later than this world’s formation,
So who knows where it came from?”
The final lines suggest that even the gods may be ignorant of the origins of existence. This agnosticism is rare in religious literature, making the Nasadiya Sukta a philosophical masterpiece that encourages contemplation rather than providing dogmatic answers.
Wendy Doniger’s Perspective on the Nasadiya Sukta
Wendy Doniger, with her deep understanding of comparative mythology, has explored the ambiguity and intellectual daring of the Nasadiya Sukta in her work. According to Doniger, the hymn exemplifies the self-reflective nature of Vedic thought, challenging the very concepts of creation and divine knowledge. Her interpretations highlight several key themes in the hymn:
1. Philosophical Ambivalence
Doniger emphasizes that the Nasadiya Sukta is not just a theological inquiry but also a reflection on the limitations of human knowledge. Unlike other creation myths that describe a clear cosmological narrative, the Nasadiya Sukta resists definitive conclusions. For Doniger, this ambivalence makes the hymn a unique form of speculative theology, one that encourages readers to embrace uncertainty.
She points out that the hymn does not insist on a single narrative of creation but suggests multiple possibilities, including the idea that the world might have emerged spontaneously without any divine intervention. In Doniger’s view, the hymn offers an existential openness that resonates with both ancient and modern philosophical thought.
2. Skepticism Towards Divine Authority
A striking feature of the Nasadiya Sukta, which Doniger explores in her analysis, is its skepticism towards divine authority. By stating that the gods came after the creation of the universe, the hymn questions the traditional hierarchy that places gods as creators or omniscient beings. Doniger suggests that this inversion of roles reflects an early form of intellectual freedom, where even sacred concepts were subjected to doubt and inquiry.
The hymn implies that no one, not even the gods, possesses absolute knowledge about the origins of the cosmos. Doniger argues that this aspect of the hymn is both radical and refreshing, as it invites human beings to think independently rather than relying on divine revelation.
3. The Play Between Existence and Non-Existence
Doniger draws attention to the fluidity between existence and non-existence in the hymn. The opening lines blur the boundary between these two states, suggesting that creation might not have been a clear-cut event but rather an evolving process. According to Doniger, this perspective aligns with Eastern philosophical traditions like Advaita Vedanta, which later explored the concept of non-duality—where being and non-being are seen as interdependent.
She compares this with other creation myths from around the world, noting that the Nasadiya Sukta’s indeterminacy is unusual. Most myths provide clear narratives about the beginning of the universe, while the Nasadiya Sukta leaves the question unresolved. Doniger interprets this as a reflection of the Vedic mind’s openness to paradox and the idea that truth might lie beyond human comprehension.
4. Parallels with Modern Philosophy
One of Doniger’s contributions to the study of the Nasadiya Sukta is her exploration of its relevance to modern philosophical ideas. The hymn’s acknowledgment of uncertainty resonates with contemporary fields like existentialism, agnosticism, and cosmology. Doniger draws parallels between the hymn and the works of philosophers like Nietzsche and Sartre, who questioned the existence of absolute truth and emphasized the human struggle with meaning and knowledge.
The Nasadiya Sukta’s closing lines—“perhaps even the one who looks down from the highest heaven does not know”—are reminiscent of postmodern skepticism, which questions the possibility of objective knowledge. For Doniger, the hymn stands as a timeless reflection on the nature of inquiry, reminding us that some questions may never have clear answers.
The Influence of the Nasadiya Sukta on Indian Thought
The Nasadiya Sukta has had a lasting impact on Indian philosophical and spiritual traditions. Its exploration of existence, non-existence, and uncertainty laid the groundwork for later schools of thought, including:
- Samkhya Philosophy: Which examines the duality between matter (Prakriti) and consciousness (Purusha).
- Advaita Vedanta: Which emphasizes non-duality and the oneness of all existence.
- Buddhist Philosophy: Which explores concepts like emptiness (śūnyatā) and the limitations of conceptual thinking.
These traditions, like the Nasadiya Sukta, encourage contemplation and inquiry rather than blind acceptance of dogma. The hymn’s legacy can also be seen in contemporary Indian spirituality, where questions about the nature of the self, the universe, and ultimate reality continue to inspire seekers.
Conclusion: Embracing Mystery and Inquiry
The Nasadiya Sukta remains one of the most intriguing texts in the Rigveda, offering a poetic exploration of creation that transcends time and culture. Through her work, Wendy Doniger has helped us appreciate the hymn’s philosophical depth and relevance. Her analysis highlights the hymn’s skepticism, openness to ambiguity, and intellectual daring, qualities that make it a timeless reflection on the human quest for knowledge.
In a world that often demands certainty, the Nasadiya Sukta teaches us the value of embracing uncertainty and continuing to ask questions, even when answers may remain elusive. As Doniger’s insights show, the hymn’s message is as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago: Some mysteries cannot be solved—only contemplated.
