I have had to go through my own trials of trying to shake off the negative energy that follows me from my past. In Hinduism we are taught that these kinds of sensations can be eliminated through prayer and ritual, however for a new comer who has little faith, these often feel hollow and ineffective or foreign. But there is one form of cleansing devotion which is common to both White pagan traditions and Hinduism, and that is the listening of lore.
I am partially of Scandinavian heritage, and our Eddas (Scandinavian holy book) and sagas are very similar to Hinduism, though they tend to be a bit darker. I remember once listening to a tale of witch who learned how to transform herself into a wolf by listening to troll lore. While I am sure there are positive references to lore in European paganism, I have found that Hinduism is replete with the notion that to here lore can transform ones life.
It is likely that nearly every single Purana and tale in Hinduism is preceded by a statement as to how the hearing of this lore will benefit one’s life, what kind of boon they will get, whether it is the negation of negative karma, the attraction of wealth, or the thwarting of diseases. Here are some of the positive effects of hearing lore according to the Vedas.
Agni teaches lore even to the simpleThou, Agni gainest for the loudly-praising priest the highest wealth, the object of a man’s desire. Thou art called Father, caring even for the weak, and wisest, to the simple one thou teachest lore. – Rig Veda 1.31.14
Agni teaches the lore of works to mortals, which convey laws and truthHe is a wild thing of the flood and forest: he hath been laid upon the highest surface. He hath declared the lore of works to mortals, Agni the Wise, for he knows Law, the Truthful. – Rig Veda 1.141.5
To listen to lore makes one strongEager to gain, we crave from him the friendly God strength confident, choiceworthy meet to be extolled: The Bhrgus’ bounty, willing, strong with sages’ lore, even Agni shining forth with light that comes from heaven. – Rig Veda 3.2.4
Lore is associated with wisdom and poetic skillTo you hath been assigned the fairest ornament, the hymn of praise: Vajas and Rbhus, joy therein; For ye have lore and wisdom and poetic skill: as such, with this our prayer we call on you to come. – Rig Veda 4.36.7
Sacrificial lore helps the gods make one gloriousWell-skilled in lore of sacrifice, ye Daughters of Heaven, refulgent Dawns, I thus address you. May we be glorious among the people. May Heaven vouchsafe us this, and Earth the Goddess, – Rig Veda 4.51.11
Lore gives heroes strengthO’er all the region with their uniform advance these have spread out the lore that giveth heroes strength. – Rig Veda 5.48.2
Soldier pray to obtain the lore of the gods to be come manly and gain boons of prosperityWho, O ye Maruts, may attain the mighty lore of you the mighty, who may reach your manly deeds? Ye, verily, make earth tremble like a ray of light what time ye bring your boons to give prosperity, – Rig Veda 5.59.4
Out of lore beautiful songs are madeAfter the lore of ancient time I make, like Kanva, beauteous songs, And Indra’s selfgains strength thereby. – Rig Veda 8.6.11
Speaking lore purifiesO Soma, Indu, thou while thou art purified urgest onward speech. Thousandfold, with the lore of hymns. – Rig Veda 9.64.25
Proclaiming holy lore brings on the birth of priests to the godsThe Rsis could not see Indra face to face; Vasistha saw him face to face; he said, ‘Holy lore shall I proclaim to you so that people will be propagated with thee as Purohita; therefore do thou proclaim me to the other Rsis.’ – Yajur Veda 3.5.2
Lore makes one bright and beautifulSage: who know the lore of speech deck thee, the strong sustainer, well: Men make thee bright and beautiful. – Soma Veda 2.4.1.11.2