One of the important images of the Rig Veda is Agni (the sacred fire) as the guide leading us to immorality (Amrita) through the sacrifice of Soma or the mystic nectar to the Gods. The light of Agni shows us the way to Amrita as bliss and immortality, if we attract ourselves (Soma sacrifice) to the higher aspects (Gods) of our nature. This can be seen to have notable and wide-ranging implications.
Agni is literally the first word written in the Vedas, and possibly anywhere. It is given this importance because it has an important cosmic function at many levels. Agni can be said to represent the ‘metabolism of the universe’, and in this sense represents and causes all changes and becomes a guiding light. Similarly Soma is also considered to be of prime importance due to the complementary functions that it represents. Soma stands for all that nourishes and sustains, and thus provides comfort and enjoyment in the cosmos at all levels. In fact, Soma sustains the entire cosmos itself in its highest level (known as the cosmic waters), and thus space or Akasha, the first great element of manifestation according to Vedic thought, is said to be born of it. In this way, Soma is the fuel that sustains the light of Agni. The higher Somas, however, are fuels inherent in light and consciousness, not external substances.
Vedic science considers manifestation to occur across seven planes of existence, and we can trace the varying functions of Agni and Soma across these. At the lowest plane which represents the gross physical, Agni can be noted by its negation, i.e. a state of lack of change, inertia or darkness. At the next plane of Prana (forces and energy), Agni becomes fire along with its two associated properties of heat and light. In simple chemistry we can see that heat is necessary to cause change and metabolic activity. This form of Agni obviously also has important implications for the physical plane. The next plane is that of the outer mind and emotions, and here Agni corresponds to our will power in the sense that it gives us the discipline to change. This is known as Tejas in it lower function, and at all of these three planes Agni also correspond to Pitta dosha, the biological fire humor.
At the fourth plane of the inner mind and intelligence, Agni becomes subtle light and heat which brings about change by giving us a corresponding subtle vision. In its simpler form, Agni changes or rearranges information and represent logic or analysis. In its higher form it becomes illumination or revelation and relates to our higher perceptions. Here Agni is known as Tejas (or Jyoti) in its higher function. At the even higher planes which correspond to our eternal nature, Agni becomes pure consciousness or Chit itself, which has a causative power to create the entire universe.
Soma at the lowest plane becomes the total absence of any nourishment or sustenance, which is associated with the quality of dryness. At the next plane, Soma becomes water which holds Prana and is necessary for sustaining the physical. At the plane of emotions it becomes that which provides sustenance to the field of emotions, or the sea of the emotions.
