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Breath and the Brahmacārin: A Case of Obscure Inspiration in the Atharvaveda.
- Source :
- Indo-Iranian Journal; 2022, Vol. 65 Issue 3, p189-226, 38p
- Publication Year :
- 2022
-
Abstract
- In this paper I offer a solution to the meaning of the word triṣaptā́ḥ found at the beginning of the Atharvaveda (Śaunaka-Saṁhitā 1.1.1 ~ Paippalāda-Saṁhitā 1.6.1). After a discussion of the many previous attempts to understand the meaning of this term in this particular verse, I propose that triṣaptā́ḥ refers here to 'three times seven' breaths, that the speaker of the verse in question is a Brahmacārin, and that the sūkta as a whole is intended to be recited by this figure at his initiation. With these pieces of the puzzle in place, I argue, the remainder of the sūkta, including for instance the role of Vācaspati, is also much better understood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Subjects :
- SEMANTICS
INSPIRATION
BREATH holding
LEXICAL access
PUZZLES
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00197246
- Volume :
- 65
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Indo-Iranian Journal
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 158369934
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1163/15728536-06503003