What is the SOMA rasa mentioned in the Rig Veda?

 

The general impression the Western writers got about SOMA is that it is based on the juice extracted from the stalks or stems of a specific plant.

Many scholars, including Harry Falk, identify it as a species of Ephedra (specifically Cynanchum acidum or Ephedra gerardiana), which is a succulent-like bush with no leaves, fruits, or flowers.

Interestingly, many Indian people followed this concept, which is one of the most mis-understood concepts Rig Veda.

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If we consider the concept of SOMA in spiritual terms, then we can get a different idea.

According to Rig Vedic concepts, narrated in esoteric sense, the SOMA indicates the DIVINE ECSTASY, attained at the culmination of spiritual practice.

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Consider Rig Veda Rig Veda 3.43.5, which states that after consuming SOMA, one becomes a ṛṣi and possessor of DIVINE IMPERISHABLE WEALTH - vasvo amṛtasya.

कुविन्मा गोपां करसे जनस्य कुविद्राजानं मघवन्नृजीषिन् । कुविन्म ऋषिं पपिवांसं सुतस्य कुविन्मे वस्वो अमृतस्य शिक्षाः ॥
kuvin mā gopāṃ karase janasya kuvid rājānam maghavann ṛjīṣin | kuvin ma ṛṣim papivāṃsaṃ sutasya kuvin me vasvo amṛtasya śikṣāḥ ||

English translation:

Will you indeed make me your herdsman of the people; will you indeed (make me) king, you bounteous possessor of the silvery drink? Will you indeed (make) me a ṛṣi (seer), (for) I have drunk of the pressed drink (SOMA); will you indeed do your best for IMPERISHABLE WEALTH for me?

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IF one ponders over as to how a drink made from a plant can make one a ṛṣi (seer), then one will understand the concept of SOMA clearly.

Only a DIVINE BLISS will make one a ṛṣi (seer).