Deriving from the Indian Atharvaveda, one of the oldest books of mankind, Hymn to the Earth forms part of the extensive Vedic scriptures of Hinduism. With its great veneration of divinity and the natural world, the richness and beauty of its pictures and the profundity of its thoughts, it continues to speak to us all these years later through its lively poetic movement. As Hermann Beckh says in the introduction: ‘No doubt we are dealing here with a most precious piece of a most ancient poetic work of humanity… Quite possibly, we could call this Hymn to the Earth the oldest modern poetical work, or the most modern piece of ancient poetry.’

In his extensive editorial commentary, Beckh – who translated the ancient text into German in 1934 – explains how this document of primordial human civilization, originating well before the Christian age, contains much that is of significance to present times. Indeed, it pre-echoes, in veiled form, ‘the Christ-Mysteries’.

This inspiring rendering in English by Alan and Maren Stott, which includes the whole of the enchanting Hymn, captures something of the spirit of Hermann Beckh’s acclaimed translation.

HERMANN BECKH (1875-1937) studied Law and later Sanskrit, becoming Professor of Oriental Studies at the University of Berlin. A master of ancient and modern languages, he wrote extensively on religious and philosophical subjects, including Buddhism, Indology, Christianity, Alchemy and Music. In 1911, he heard a lecture by Rudolf Steiner and was inspired to join the Anthroposophical Society, where he soon became a valued co-worker. In 1922, he helped found The Christian Community, a movement for religious renewal. His many books are in the process of being translated from the original German and published in English.