अस्य पीत्वा शतक्रतो घनो वृत्राणामभवः ।
प्रावो वाजेषु वाजिनम् ॥ ८ ॥

Asya Pitva Shatakrato Ghano Vritranam Abhavah |
Pravo Vajeshu Vajinam || 8 ||

Meaning

अस्य (Asya) – Of this, of this Soma. Here, अस्य refers to the divine power of Soma. Soma is not merely a drink; it symbolizes purity of mind, spiritual life-force, and divine bliss. The pure remembrance of God that arises within the human heart and the awakening of spiritual power are what “Soma” truly signifies.

पीत्वा (Pitva) – Having drunk, having accepted. This signifies receiving the divine power of Soma into one’s inner being. When a person fills the mind with remembrance of God, repetition of the Divine Name, and sattvic thoughts, spiritual strength awakens within. It is this inner power that enables one to conquer the tendencies and impurities of the mind.

शतक्रतो (Shatakrato) – O Lord possessing countless powers and infinite wisdom! The word “Shata” signifies that which is innumerable, while “Kratu” denotes wisdom, power of action, and the strength of determination. Therefore, “Shatakrato” refers to the Supreme Being who possesses all knowledge and all power. The teaching here is that only the Lord possesses the power to protect human beings in their inner spiritual struggles.

घनः (Ghanah) – The destroyer, the annihilator. The Lord destroys the dark forces dwelling within the human mind, such as lust, anger, greed, jealousy, and similar negative tendencies. When the divine Soma awakens within, these impurities gradually diminish, and the mind becomes purified.

वृत्राणाम् (Vritranam) – Of the Vritras, of the obstructing hostile forces. Here, “Vritra” does not merely refer to an external demon. It symbolizes the inner enemies that conceal spiritual wisdom. Lust, anger, delusion, ego, and similar tendencies that obstruct spiritual progress are the true “Vritras.”

अभवः (Abhavah) – You became; You manifested Yourself. The Lord manifests Himself within the human heart, functioning as the protecting power that safeguards and guides the seeker. When divine remembrance becomes firmly established in the mind, that divine power rescues the individual from inner darkness.

प्रावः (Pravah) – You protect; You preserve. The Lord protects those who surrender themselves to Him. When the mind becomes purified and established in the sattvic state, Divine Grace protects that individual. This signifies both spiritual protection and inner steadfastness.

वाजेषु (Vajeshu) – In the battles, in the struggles of life. Human life is an inner battlefield. There is a constant struggle between noble thoughts and impure tendencies. Thus, “Vaja” does not refer merely to an external battle but to the spiritual struggle continually taking place against the tendencies of the mind.

वाजिनम् (Vajinam) – The strong one, the one nourished by sattvic food. Through pure food, pure thoughts, and constant remembrance of God, both the mind and the intellect become purified. Such a person alone is called a “Vajin.” He conquers the tendencies of the mind and attains spiritual victory. “Vajin” signifies not merely physical strength but also mental strength and spiritual strength.

Explanation

This Vedic mantra profoundly expounds the inner spiritual struggle of the human being and the divine power that enables one to overcome it. On the surface, it speaks of the drinking of Soma, the destruction of Vritra, and the protection bestowed by the Lord. However, its deeper philosophical significance points to the purification of the human mind and spiritual elevation. The central teaching of this mantra is that when a person receives the divine consciousness within, the inner enemies such as ignorance, lust, anger, and greed are destroyed, and he advances towards a higher way of life.

The very first word of the mantra, अस्य (Asya), points to the divine power of Soma. This Soma is not an external drink; rather, it is the symbol of the spiritual life-force, purity of mind, and divine bliss that arise within the human heart. The next word, पीत्वा (Pitva), signifies accepting that divine power into one’s inner being. Through remembrance of God, repetition of the Divine Name, meditation, and sattvic thinking, a person awakens the hidden spiritual energy within himself. It is this inner power that fills him with the strength to wage war against the tendencies of the mind.

The word शतक्रतो (Shatakrato) refers to the Supreme Being who possesses infinite wisdom and boundless power. A human being cannot overcome his inner enemies solely by his own efforts; divine grace and divine wisdom are indispensable. Therefore, the Lord works within the heart of the individual and manifests Himself as the spiritual power that protects and guides him. The expression घनः वृत्राणाम् (Ghanah Vritranam) refers to the One who destroys the hostile forces that conceal true knowledge. Here, the Vritras are not external demons but the darkness of the mind in the form of lust, anger, delusion, ego, jealousy, and similar impurities. When the divine power of Soma awakens within, these dark tendencies are gradually destroyed, and the mind becomes pure.

The word प्रावः (Pravah) teaches that the Lord is the Divine Protector. Divine Grace safeguards the person who lives in constant remembrance of God. As the mind becomes established in the sattvic state, inner peace, firmness, and unwavering strength naturally arise within him. The expression वाजेषु (Vajeshu) refers to the struggles of life. Human life is not merely a struggle against the external world; it is an inner battle between worldly desires and noble thoughts. If one is to attain victory in this spiritual battle, one must cultivate inner purity, firmness, and self-discipline.

The final word of the mantra, वाजिनम् (Vajinam), expresses a profoundly subtle spiritual truth. A Vajin is one who is strong, nourished by sattvic food and pure thinking. Pure food, a pure way of life, righteous conduct, and constant remembrance of God purify both the mind and the intellect. Such a person alone is the true Vajin. He conquers the tendencies of the mind and attains spiritual victory. This victory is far greater than any external achievement; it is the victory of the mind, the victory of the soul, and the state of becoming united with Divine Grace.

In conclusion, this mantra presents human life as a sacred spiritual journey. When a person receives the divine power of Soma within himself and remains steadfast in the remembrance of God, his inner enemies are gradually destroyed. Divine Grace protects him throughout the struggles of life and leads him forward with mental strength and spiritual illumination. Through sattvic food, pure thoughts, and unwavering faith in God, a human being attains the exalted state of a Vajin, ultimately experiencing supreme bliss, inner peace, and oneness with the Supreme Reality. Thus, this mantra stands as a profound spiritual teaching of the Veda that directs humanity not toward external victories, but toward the far greater victory over one’s own inner self.

Conclusion

This Vedic mantra profoundly reveals the true spiritual purpose of human life. Through the expression अस्य पीत्वा (Asya Pitva), it teaches that a human being should receive the divine power of Soma within oneself. This Soma is not merely a drink; it is the symbol of purity of mind, remembrance of God, spiritual life-force, and inner divine bliss. When a person lives with faith in God and cultivates sattvic thoughts, the divine power hidden within begins to awaken. It is this awakened spiritual power that rescues the individual from inner darkness and leads him towards a higher way of life.

The expression वृत्राणाम् घनः (Vritranam Ghanah) teaches that the true enemies of a human being are not outside but within one’s own heart. Lust, anger, greed, ego, and similar mental tendencies are the real Vritras that conceal spiritual wisdom. When Divine Grace and the power of the divine Soma arise within, these dark forces are gradually destroyed, and the mind becomes purified. As a result, a person attains inner peace, clarity, and steadfastness. The mantra emphasizes that life itself is a spiritual battle and that victory in this battle can be attained only through remembrance of God, righteous discipline, and a life of purity.

Finally, through the word वाजिनम् (Vajinam), this mantra explains the path by which a human being becomes spiritually strong. Pure food, pure thoughts, righteous actions, and constant remembrance of God transform a person into one who possesses both mental strength and spiritual strength. Such a person is protected by Divine Grace and is enabled to attain victory in the struggles of life. Therefore, this mantra stands as an exalted Vedic teaching that directs humanity away from the pursuit of external achievements and leads it instead towards inner purity, spiritual elevation, and ultimate union with the Supreme Reality.

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