Disclaimer: This translation does not guarantee complete accuracy, please confirm with the original page text.
## Chapter Seventeen
**257**
This tradition was not revealed to us for only one guru. We are three worthy disciples: Vasu, Narada, and Parvata. ||12||
There are many words in the world that sound alike. But their usage differs based on the context. ||121||
For example, the word "go" is used for animal, ray, deer, sense organ, direction, speech, horse, and earth, but its usage is distinct in each context. ||122||
In the word "chitraguru," "go" does not refer to a ray, and in the word "ashitagu," "go" does not refer to a cow. ||123||
The usage of words is based on either convention or action. But those who do not retain the teachings of their guru in their hearts forget the meaning explained by the guru. ||124||
Therefore, in the Vedic verse "ajair yashtavya," the meaning of the word "aj" is not derived from its conventional meaning, but from the action-based meaning, "those who are not born are aj." ||125||
Learned people understand the dominance of conventional words in both the world and scriptures. Therefore, the use of the word "aj" in the phrase "ajagandho ayam purusha" is not prohibited. ||126||
Therefore, the previous objection raised by Parvata, that if the inherent meaning of words is not considered, then there will be a loss of practical usage, does not apply to us. Because words are used to achieve practical usage in their respective contexts. ||127||
In the presence of earth and other materials, the three-year-old grain that does not sprout is called "aj." This is the meaning of the word "aj," and such grain should be used for sacrifice. This is the meaning of the verse "ajair yashtavya." ||128||
The meaning of the verb "yaj" is to worship the gods. Therefore, the aforementioned grain should be used by the twice-born to worship the gods. Because the sacrifice performed with offerings and other rituals is the one that yields the fruit of heaven. ||129||
**Notes:**
1. Chitragavo yasya sa chitraguruh = one who has cows with beautiful colors.
2. Ashita ushna gavo kirana yasya so ashitagu = the sun, who has cows that are cold and hot, meaning rays.
3. Kriyashabd samamnaato = meaning derived from the action of the word.
4. Yaj = worship, offering, giving.
5. Nivedyaadi = offerings, rituals.