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FReeper Canteen ~ Part IX of War in Ancient India ~ September 7, 2004
A Tribute to Hinduism ^ | September 7, 2004 | LaDivaLoca

Posted on 09/06/2004 8:00:06 PM PDT by LaDivaLoca

 
 

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ANCIENT WARFARE





Part IX: War in Ancient India

 
Aerial Warfare

No question can be more interesting in the present circumstances of the world than India’s contribution to the science of aeronautics. There are numerous illustration in our vast Puranic and epic literature to show how well and wonderfully the ancient Indians conquered the air. To glibly characterize everything found in this literature as imaginary and summarily dismiss it as unreal has been the practice of both Western and Eastern scholars until very recently. The very idea indeed was ridiculed and people went so far to assert that it was physically impossible for man to use flying machines. But today what with balloons, airplanes…..” 

Turning to Vedic literature, in one of the Brahmanas occurs the concept of a ship that sails heavenwards. The ship is the Agnihotra of which the Ahavaniya and Garhapatya fires represent the two sides bound heavenward, and the steersman is the Agnihotrin who offers milk to the three Agnis. Again in the still earlier Rg Veda Samhita we read that the Asvins conveyed the rescued Bhujya safely by means of winged ships. The latter may refer to the aerial navigation in the earliest times.  

In the recently published Samarangana Sutradhara of Bhoja, a whole chapter of about 230 stanzas is devoted to the principles of construction underlying the various flying machines and other engines used for military and other purposes. 

The various advantages of using machines, especially flying ones, are given elaborately. Special mention is made of their use at one’s will and pleasure, of their uninterrupted movements, of their strength and durability, in short of their capability to do in the air all that is done on earth. Three movements are usually ascribed to these machines, - ascending, cruising thousands of miles in different directions in the atmosphere and lastly descending. It is said that in an aerial car one can mount up to Suryamandala, ‘solar region’ and the Naksatra mandala (stellar region) and also travel throughout the regions of air above the sea and the earth. These cars are said to move so fast as to make a noise that could be heard faintly from the ground. The evidence in its favor is overwhelming. 

An aerial car is made of light, wood looking like a great bird with a durable and well-formed body having mercury inside and fire at the bottom. It had two resplendent wings, and is propelled by air. It flies in the atmospheric regions for a great distance and carries several persons along with it. The inside construction resembles heaven created by Brahma himself. Iron, copper, lead and other metals are also used for these machines. All these show how far art and science was developed in ancient India in this direction. Such elaborate description ought to meet the criticism that the vimanas and similar aerial vehicles mentioned in ancient Indian literature should be relegated to the region of myth. 

The ancient writers could certainly make a distinction between the mythical which they designated as daiva and the actual aerial wars designated as manusa. 

After the great victory of Rama over Lanka, Vibhisana presented him with the Puspaka vimana which was furnished with windows, apartments, and excellent seats. It was capable of accommodating all the vanaras besides Rama, Sita and Lakshman. Again in the Vikramaurvaisya, we are told that king Puraravas rode in an aerial car to rescue Urvasi in pursuit of the Danava who was carrying her away. Similarly in the Uttararamacarita in the flight between Lava and Candraketu (Act VI) a number of aerial cars are mentioned as bearing celestial spectators. There is a statement in the Harsacarita of Yavanas being acquainted with aerial machines. The Tamil work Jivakacintamani refers to Jivaka flying through the air.   

Kathasaritsagara refers to highly talented woodworkers called Rajyadhara and Pranadhara. The former was so skilled in mechanical contrivances that he could make ocean crossing chariots. And the latter manufactured a flying chariot to carry a thousand passengers in the air. These chariots were stated to be as fast as thought itself. 

(source: India Through The Ages: History, Art Culture and Religion - By G. Kuppuram p. 532-533).

(for more information on vimanas please refer to chapter on Vimanas

 

Next Tuesday, Part X of War in Ancient India





TOPICS: Free Republic; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Political Humor/Cartoons
KEYWORDS: aerialwarfare; ancientindia; ashoka; canteen; freepercanteen; hindi; hindu; hinduism; india; prozacchewables; tao; taoism; taoist; tinfoilhat; war
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1 posted on 09/06/2004 8:00:07 PM PDT by LaDivaLoca
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub; Kathy in Alaska; MoJo2001; tomkow6; Bethbg79; bentfeather; Radix; ...






Have a wonderful day!



Good evening, Goodnight, Good morning, Good afternoon, everyone!


2 posted on 09/06/2004 8:01:01 PM PDT by LaDivaLoca (There can be no triumph w/o loss, no victory w/o suffering, no freedom w/o sacrifice. THANK U TROOPS)
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To: LaDivaLoca; All


3 posted on 09/06/2004 8:03:08 PM PDT by Soaring Feather
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To: LaDivaLoca

Diva,

Thanks for the ping!


4 posted on 09/06/2004 8:03:38 PM PDT by Jet Jaguar (Who would the terrorists vote for?)
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To: LaDivaLoca; Kathy in Alaska; MoJo2001; Fawnn; Bethbg79; bentfeather; Ragtime Cowgirl; ...
Click on the pic and I'll guide you
to the start of today's thread




FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.
CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREAD.








If you would like to be removed or added to my ping list please click below.

Please Remove Me
 
CLICK HERE to FReep mail to remove from ping list.

Please Add Me
 
CLICK HERE to FReep mail to add to ping list.

5 posted on 09/06/2004 8:03:38 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (MAKE SURE YOUR YOU ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED AND VOTE Nov 2nd!)
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To: LaDivaLoca; All
Good morning Troops, Veterans and Canteeners . . . It's countdown to "Election Day" . . .

and . . .

. . . these guys are counting on all of us to keep this Country Free.


6 posted on 09/06/2004 8:04:02 PM PDT by HopeandGlory (Hey, Liberals . . . PC died on 9/11 . . . GET USED TO IT!!!)
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To: LaDivaLoca

Hi La Diva!!

How are you FRiend?? Long time no see!!!!


7 posted on 09/06/2004 8:04:12 PM PDT by Soaring Feather
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To: LaDivaLoca
Good morning Diva.


8 posted on 09/06/2004 8:06:09 PM PDT by Aeronaut (If John Kerry is going to talk about what he likes in a woman, shouldn't it be in Fortune or Money?)
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To: LaDivaLoca

Thank You for today's thread!

Hope all is well with you and yours.


9 posted on 09/06/2004 8:06:18 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (LaDivaLoca Rocks)
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To: ActiveDutyUSMC; dakine; bkwells; chookter; Hacksaw434; thumperusn; Hostel; The Sailor; kjfine; ...


FYI : Look in upper right corner of "My Comments" page.
Set it for "Brief" instead of Full.
You only will get title of thread and who pinged you.
No graphics will load.

10 posted on 09/06/2004 8:08:27 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (MAKE SURE YOUR YOU ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED AND VOTE Nov 2nd!)
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To: All

September 7, 2004

Mirror Image

Read: 2 Corinthians 3:7-18

We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image. —2 Corinthians 3:18

Bible In One Year: Proverbs 1-2; 1 Corinthians 16


Years ago, an elderly businessman asked me, "What is your biggest problem?"

I pondered this for a while before replying: "When I look in the mirror every morning, I see my biggest problem staring at me."

Today's Scripture reading teaches me that Christians are to be like mirrors. Paul said that our faces are not to be veiled. This is logical. No one installs a mirror and then places a curtain over it. A covered mirror will not fulfill the purpose of reflecting the objects before it.

In 2 Corinthians 3:18, we are described as "beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord." When we behold His glory, we will be "transformed into the same image"—that is, the likeness of Christ.

We may wonder why we are still so far from being like Christ in our thinking and behavior. Perhaps this question will help: "Whose life do we mirror?"

God's people must reflect God's glory. To do that we must make it our habit to behold His glory. We must read and meditate on His Word. We must pray and trust God's Holy Spirit to work in our hearts. Only then can we obey His commands and depend on His promises.

Whose glory are you reflecting today? —Albert Lee

Lord, may our walk and service be
An image bright of things above,
As we reflect the unity
Of Father, Son, and Spirit's love. —Anon.

The face is a mirror of the heart—do people see Jesus in yours?

11 posted on 09/06/2004 8:09:44 PM PDT by The Mayor (Daily work done for God takes on eternal value.)
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To: Kathy in Alaska; MoJo2001; LaDivaLoca; bentfeather; beachn4fun; Fawnn; Ragtime Cowgirl; StarCMC; ...
From the men in the Military and the Canteen


12 posted on 09/06/2004 8:10:21 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (MAKE SURE YOUR YOU ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED AND VOTE Nov 2nd!)
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To: All
To every service man or woman reading this thread.
Thank You for your service to our country.
No matter where you are stationed,
No matter what your job description
Know that we are are proud of each and everyone of you.


To our military readers, we remain steadfast in keeping the Canteen doors open.
The FR Canteen is Free Republics longest running daily thread specifically designed
to provide entertainment and morale support for the military.

The doors have been open since Oct 7 2001,
the day of the start of the war in Afghanistan.

We are indebted to you for your sacrifices for our Freedom.


FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.
CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREAD.


You will stay right where you are on the thread.
Please take a moment and Thank a Service Man or Woman.
Just Click on the graphic to send an e-mail.


13 posted on 09/06/2004 8:11:55 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (MAKE SURE YOUR YOU ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED AND VOTE Nov 2nd!)
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To: All

Key dates for voters overseas

• Sept. 3-11: Armed Forces Voters Week, when military and their dependents
are encouraged to register to vote and to request an absentee ballot.

• Oct. 11-15: Absentee Voting Week, when military members and their families are being advised
to send in their ballot to their home states.
Pentagon officials want to make sure the ballots are counted Nov. 2.

• Learn more: Federal Voting Assistance Program: http://www.fvap.gov


14 posted on 09/06/2004 8:12:57 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (MAKE SURE YOUR YOU ARE CURRENTLY REGISTERED AND VOTE Nov 2nd!)
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
Thank you Mr. Tonkin, Thank you Troops

15 posted on 09/06/2004 8:15:47 PM PDT by laurenmarlowe
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To: blam; SunkenCiv
Hoo-boy!

Hey you guys never mentioned that the ancients could fly!

Why were you holding out on me?

16 posted on 09/06/2004 8:16:25 PM PDT by BenLurkin (We have low inflation and and low unemployment.)
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To: BenLurkin
S enator

We

I nsist

F orthrightness

T ruth

V eracity

E thics

T rustworthiness

S ervice

FReepers are key in getting the word out about the righteousness of the SBVFT by exposing Kerry's FRAUD.

These Swiftee window stickers get the word out to the driving public, display public support for the SBVFT, as well as displaying the website address!

Swiftee window sticker thread - get yours! Freep mail for details.

17 posted on 09/06/2004 8:21:57 PM PDT by Chieftain (Support the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth and expose Hanoi John's FRAUD!)
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To: LaDivaLoca; nw_arizona_granny; StillProud2BeFree

Research ping


18 posted on 09/06/2004 8:31:50 PM PDT by Calpernia ("People never like what they don't understand")
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To: Fawnn
Tennessee Ernie Ford had early cross over success. His network and syndicated radio shows in the late 30's and 40's did well They led to his network TV shows that also did well with non 'Country' audiences.

He was never part of the "Real Country" Opry scene. Despite his use of Tennesee Ernie Ford as his name. Ern recorded with pop music style orchestras. He was not into fiddles and steel guitars.

Merle Travis was the inventor or at least the first person to popularize the finger style of guitar playing guitar that later made Chet Adkins famous.

Merle Travis was also was a good song writer and a good Ole country boy. Merle once stopped for gas at my cousin Joe's gas station just south of Chillicothe Ohio. Joe had been a picker on Tennessee Ernie's radio show years earlier. Joe knew Merle and invited him to come into the gas station an pick. Joe called the rest of the 'tator clan. Among others cousin Larry showed up to play bass and they had a jam session that lasted all night. Merle had to be beat for his next nights performance ...some where in Ky. Instead of a motel room Merle slept in the van as his driver took him down the road to his next paid gig. Merle was a good Ole boy with no pretensions of stardom. He just loved to pick.

But I digress.

Merle wrote a song about what he learned growing up in a coal company town in Kentucky. Coal companies paid workers made in company script that could only be used at the company store. They were not paid in US currency. It was bad times in Hazard Ky when one owed his soul to the company store.

The record label wanted Ernie to cut Merle's "Sixteen Tons." But Ernie resisted. He felt that cutting a song that only poor coal miners could relate to would hurt his cross over appeal to the middle class. The chorus
You load 16 tons and what do you get.
another day older and deeper in dept.
Saint Peter don't you call me
Cause I cain't go
I owe my soul to the company store.

The label finally forced Ernie to cut the song. His contract gave the label final choice of songs to be cut. Ernie told Merle and the label that releasing "Sixteen Tons" song would ruin his career.

Ernie was wrong. The song became a massive cross over hit. Selling millions of copies. It made Ernie a very wealthy man.

A few months later Ernie ran into Merle at Capital Records.. Ernie asked Merle if he could find it in his heart to "Ruin Me" just one more time.

But Ernie never recorded and Merle never wrote another song with the appeal of Sixteen Tons.

The rhymes of 16 tons reflect Merle's accent. For example...

One fist of iron .. the other of steel
If the right one don't git ya the left one will

Only in that section of Kentucky does steel rhyme with will.. Merle pronounced will as weel.

as Merle would say.
Weel talk at you later..

'Tator

19 posted on 09/06/2004 9:17:04 PM PDT by Common Tator
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To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; All

Well AP wire reporting that FSB think that terrorist who did that smackdown on that Russia school have this plan in progress for six months now

Also Tass news wire reporting Russia govt may investigate how terrorist hid those guns in schools before Opening day

Report is off Tass news wire that cousin of terrorist may gave them his key he "call in sick"

YEAHHHH That something think about it folks

HMMMM


20 posted on 09/06/2004 10:09:02 PM PDT by SevenofNine ("Not everybody , in it, for truth, justice, and the American way,"=Det Lennie Briscoe)
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