Zend Avesta Part 01

SR No.: 007671
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: James Darmesteter
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1895
Total Pages: 2695
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 49 MB

Page 2208

CHAPTER XXIX, 10.
353
the first among shining bodies"; fire is said to be the first of the elements ; Savitri' of all branches of learning ; Pragapati of deities; the syllable Om of all the Vedas; and the Präna life-wind, of all words; whatever is prescribed in this world, all that is called Savitrio. The Gayatrt is the first among metres; among (sacrificial) animals, the goat' is mentioned (as the first). Cows are the first among quadrupeds, and the twice-born among men?. The Syena is first among birds; among sacrifices, the offering into the fire) is the best; and among all reptiles, O best of the twice-born! the snake is the highest. Of all ages the Krita is the first, there is no doubt of that. Among all precious things, gold (is the first), and among vegetable (products) likewise the barley seed". Among all things to be eaten or swallowed food is the highest; and of
This should be compared with the enumeration at p. 346 supra, and that in the Gfrå there referred to.
. Cl. p. 346 supra. Nilakantha takes fire to mean the gastric fire, and bhūta, rendered by us elements, to mean the species of beings born from eggs and wombs.
• The famous verse 'Tai savitur,' &c. See inter alia Brihadåranyaka, p. 999; Āpastamba I, 1, 1, 9; Manu II, 77 seq., 104-170.
. See pp. 264, 265 supra.
• Here he turns back to the Savitrf, 'looking back in the manner of the lion,' says Nflakantha, and for purposes of upåsana. He does not give up the thread of his discourse catirely, but simply interjects this liule clause. Nilakantha adds, Savitri here includes every mode of worship prescribed for Brahmaras, &c., and even for Mlekkhas. Cf. note 3, and Gautama (Buhler's ed.), p. 174 note.
• Cf. Kaindogya, p. 109, and Sankara's commentary. Arguna Misra compares this text, Tasmadesha eleshim pasupåm sreshlhalamogak. Where it occurs I know not.
' Cf. Sånti Parvan (Ragadharma), chap. 11, st. 11. • 1.c. Vasuki, Nilakantha. More probably it refers to the species. • As it is used in various ceremonies. (8)
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