The Mysterious Spirit
This story comes from the Sāma Veda’s Kena Upaniṣad, chapters three and four:
Once upon a time, the Universal Soul vanquished the forces of duality in battle. The Vedic characters celebrated the restoration of unity consciousness, but in their excitement, their thoughts became infected with conceit. Haughtiness grew as they thought to themselves, “We did this, we deserve all the credit.”
Noticing the mistake in their thinking, the Universal Soul appeared before them as a mysterious spirit.
First, the Vedic characters said to Agni, “Jātaveda, find out what that mysterious spirit is.”
Agni said, “No problem, I’m on it!”
So, Agni ran towards the apparition, and the Universal Soul asked, “Who are you?”
Agni replied, “The famous Agni; Knower of Births and Issuer of Knowledge. That’s who I am.”
“What power makes you famous?” asked the Universal Soul.
“I can burn whatever exists on Earth,” Agni replied.
The Universal Soul placed a piece of straw before Agni and said, “Burn this.” Agni approached the straw and touched it. Nothing happened. He caused his flame to flare up with an intense white-hot blaze, but the straw remained unsinged. Dejected, he went back to the Vedic characters and told them, “I don’t know who or what that mysterious spirit is.”
Next, the Vedic characters chose Vāyu, saying, “Vāyu, you go find out who this mysterious spirit is.”
Vāyu replied, “Aye Aye!”
He tumbled in a gust toward the apparition and the Universal Soul asked, “Who are you?”
Vāyu replied, “The famous Vāyu; Who grows within the Mother. That’s who I am.”
“What power makes you famous?” asked the Universal Soul. “I can move whatever exists on Earth,” Vāyu replied.
The Universal Soul placed a piece of straw before Vāyu and said, “Move this.” Vāyu stepped to the straw and tried to move it, unsuccessfully. He twirled himself into a tornado, but still, the straw didn’t even flutter. He too went back to the Vedic characters in dejection and said, “I don’t know who or what that mysterious spirit is.”
Then, the Vedic characters called on Indra, “Oh Bounteous one, go find out who this mysterious spirit is.”
Indra agreed but proceeded with caution. As he approached the apparition, it vanished.
In its place appeared a beautiful woman shining with golden ornaments; it was Umā, Mother Nature. He asked her, “What is this mysterious spirit?”
She replied, “It is the Universal Soul. By the Universal Soul’s grace, you have achieved your victory and greatness.” From that instruction alone, he came to know the Universal Soul.
Since Agni, Vāyu and Indra came closest to touch and know the Universal Soul, they are foremost among the Vedic characters.
And Indra became the most excellent of all the Vedic characters, for he was closest to touch it, and he was first to come to know the Universal Soul.