Satapatha Brahmana

SR No.: 011120
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Max Muller, Julius Eggeling
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1987
Total Pages: 433
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 36 MB

Page 164

138
SATAPATHA-BRAHMANA.
may consist) of (bricks) marked with an indefinite number of lines, for these two layers are the flavour, and the flavour is indefinite; but all (the layers) should rather have (bricks) marked with three lines, for threefold are all these worlds.
18. Now, then, of the location of (special) bricks. Any (special) brick he knows, provided with a formula, let him place in the middle (third) layer ; for the middle layer is the air, and the air, doubtless, is the location of all beings. Moreover, bricks with (special) formulas are food, and the middle layer is the belly: he thus puts food into the belly.
19. Here, now, they say, 'Let him not lay down (such special bricks) lest he should do what is excessive. But he may, nevertheless, lay them down; for such bricks are laid down for the fulfilment of special) wishes, and in wishes there is nothing excessive. But let him rather not lay them down, for just that much the gods then did.
THIRD BRÂHMANA. 1. He now throws loose soil (on the layer); for the loose soil means flesh: he thus covers him (Agni) with flesh. [He does so] after having laid down the bricks ;-the bricks are the bone : he thus covers the bone with flesh.
2. He also strews it on (the place where lies) the naturally-perforated (brick), for the naturally-perforated one means vital air, and the loose soil
Âvapana has also the meaning of 'throwing in, insertion, which is likewise understood here, whilst further on in this paragraph the air is the âvapanam of all beings') it can scarcely have this meaning something injected). Cf. IX, 4, 2, 27.