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SATAPATHA-BRAHMANA.
covering the first layer with a filling of soil he covers this (terrestrial) world with cattle.
13. The second layer is the air, and the filling of soil means birds : thus, in covering the second layer with a filling of soil, he covers (fills) the air with birds.
14. The third layer is the sky, and the filling of soil means stars; thus, in covering the third layer with a filling of soil, he covers the sky with stars.
15. The fourth layer is the sacrifice, and the filling of soil means sacrificial gifts: thus, in covering the fourth layer with a filling of soil, he covers the sacrifice with sacrificial gifts (to the priests).
16. The fifth layer is the Sacrificer, and the filling of soil means progeny (or subjects): thus, in covering the fifth layer with a filling of soil, he covers (abundantly supplies) the Sacrificer with progeny (or subjects).
'17. The sixth layer is the heavenly world, and the filling of soil means the gods : thus in covering the sixth layer with a filling of soil, he fills the heavenly world with gods.
18. The seventh layer is immortality, that is the last (layer) he lays down, and thus bestows immortality as the highest thing of all this (universe): therefore immortality is the highest thing of all this (universe); therefore the gods are not separated therefrom; and therefore they are immortal. Thus much as to the deity.
19. Now, as to the Self (body). The first layer is the legs, and the downward flowing vital air; and
1 That is, so much as to the objects to which the different parts of the altar are sacred or dedicated.
