Historical sources

In this subpage is going to be a list of historical sources. Various historical written sources (in different languages with English translation) from first written sources to 19th century (narrative texts, reports, various files and documents, epigraphic texts, literature and many others) are in the database.

Author surnameAuthor nameOriginal author name and surnameTitleEnglish titleTypeLanguageWeb locationReferenceOriginal textEnglish text
BibleBiblebookJames 1: 23For if anyone hears the word but is not obedient to it, he is like a man who looks at himself in a mirror
BibleBiblebook1 Corinthians 13:12Now we see only an indistinct image in a mirror, but then we will be face to face. Now what I know is incomplete, but then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.
BibleBiblebookExodus 38:8He made the bronze basin and its bronze base from mirrors contributed by the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.
BibleBiblebookJob 37: 18Can you spread out the skies like he does; can you cast them as one might a mirror?
BibleBiblebookIsaiah 3: 23At that time, the Lord will take away the finery of the ankle bracelets, headbands, crescents, 19 pendants, bracelets, veils, 20 headdresses, armlets, sashes, perfume boxes, charms, 21 signet rings, nose rings, 22 fine robes, capes,[y]purses, 23 mirrors, linen garments, tiaras, and veils.
Chāndogya-UpaniṣadbookChU 8,7,4Prajāpati then told them: “This person that one sees here in the eye—that is the self (ātman); that is the immortal; that is the one free from fear; that is brahman.” “But then, sir, who is the one that’s seen here in the water and here in the mirror?” “It is the same one who is seen in all these surfaces,” replied Prajāpati.
Kaṭha-UpaniṣadbookKU 6,5As in a mirror, so (Brahman may be seen clearly) here in this body;
as in a dream, in the world of the Fathers; as in the water, he is seen about in the world of the Gandharvas; as in light and shade, in the world of Brahmā.
As in a mirror, so in the body (ātman); As in a dream, so in the fathers’ world; As in water a thing becomes somewhat visible, so in the Gandharva world; Somewhat as in shadows and light, so in brahman’s world.
Śāṅkhāyana-ĀraṇyakabookŚĀ 8,6–7This incorporeal self here and yonder sun are one,” we have said. When these two are seen apart, (6.) the sun appears like the moon, its rays do not shine forth, the sky is leaden like madder, the anus is gaping, “the self is on the point of death, it will not live long,” so one should know. Again, if he sees himself in a mirror or water with a crooked head or without a head, or cannot see himself, he should know that it is so. Again, if his shadow is pierced, or he throws no shadow, he should know that it is so. Again, if the sun appears pierced like the nave of a chariot wheel, he should know that it is so. ...
Aitareya-ĀraṇyakabookAiĀ 3,2,4We have said that this incorporeal conscious self and that sun are one and the same. Where these two are separated, the sun is seen like the moon, its rays do not manifest themselves, the sky is red like madder, the wind is not retained, his head smells like a raven’s nest, and a man should know that his self is gone and that he will not have long to live. Let him do then whatever he considers must be done, and recite seven verses beginning, “What is near, what is far” (RV., IX,67,21–27), the single verse, “Of the ancient seed” (RV., VIII,6,30), six verses beginning, ‘Where purifying Brahman’ (RV., IX,113,6–11), and the single verse, “We from the darkness” (RV., I,50,10). Next when the sun is seen pierced, and looks like the nave of a cart-wheel, or he sees his shadow pierced, let him know that this is so. Next when he sees himself in a mirror or in the water with a crooked head or without a head, or when his pupils are seen inverted or crooked, let him know that this is so. ...