Dhammapada

SR No.: 007674
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Max Muller
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1881
Total Pages: 2540
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 45 MB

Page 1124

292
SATAPATHA-BRAHMANA.
since the observance of the vow is not necessary for him who has not performed Agnyâdheya. For so long as he has not set up a (sacrificial) fire of his own, he is merely a man, and may therefore, if he choose, take food at night.
3. Here now some tie up a he-goat', arguing that the goat is sacred to Agni and that (this is done) for the completeness of the fire. But he need not do this. Should he possess a he-goat, let him present it to the Âgnidhra on the next morning; for it is thereby that he obtains the object he desires. He need, therefore, take no notice of that (practice).
4. They then cook a rice-pap sufficient for (the) four (priests) to eat. 'Hereby we gratify the metres,' so they say, arguing that this is done in the same way as if one were to order a team, which he is going to use for driving, to be well fed. He need not, however, do this: for indeed that same wish (which he entertains in so doing) he obtains by the very fact that Brâhmans, be they sacrificial priests or not, are residing in his family (kula)s : he need, therefore, take no notice of that (practice).
5. Having then made a hollow in it (the pap) for
* This practice is perhaps the remnant of a former animal offering. See I, 2, 3, 6, where the goat is mentioned as the last of the animals meet for sacrifice.
. That is, as would seem, those ritualists who maintain that a goat should be tied up for that night. The Kânva text reads, 'Here some cook that night that kâtuhprâsya rice-pap, saying (vadantah), “Hereby we gratify the metres."' According to the Paddhati on Kâty. IV, 8, the quotation Hereby we gratify the metres' seems to form the last of the formulas pronounced by the sacrificer, while washing the feet of the priests and offering them food.
8 The fulfilment of that wish he obtains through Brahmans, whether officiating priests or not, staying in his house (kula) and taking food there.' Kanva text.
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