From Hinduism’s Holy Vedas: Hymns of the Samaveda, First Part, Book I, Chapter I

Hinduism is believed to be one of the oldest living religions on Earth. The earliest Hindu spiritual text, the Rig Veda, was complied in approximately 900 B.C. Other sacred Hindu scriptures include the Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Ramayana, among others. One of the most cherished values of Hinduism is “ahimsa,” or non-violence born of respect for all life. We now invite you to listen to an excerpt from Hinduism’s sacred text, the Samaveda, First Part, Book 1, Chapter I. “O Agni, bring us radiant light to be our mighty sustenance, for thou art our visible deity!” To thee, illuminer of night, O Agni, day by day with prayer, bringing thee reverence, we come. Agni is head and height of heaven, the master of the earth is he; he quickens the waters’ seed. Agni, the Sage, the Lord of Strength, hath moved around the sacred gifts, giving the offeror precious things. His heralds bear him up aloft, the God who knows all that lives, the Sun, that all may look on him. Praise Agni in the sacrifice, the Sage whose holy laws are true, the God who drives grief away.”