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 1150

318
SATAPATHA-BRÂHMANA..
16. They perform it (with the formulas pronounced) in a low voice; for if one wishes to prepare anything specially for a relative or friend, one must take care to keep it secret. Now the other sacrifice belongs to all the deities, but this belongs specially to Agni; and what is (kept) secret, that is (spoken of) in a low voice: this is why they perform it in a low voice.
17. The last after-offering he performs aloud; for then he has completed his work, and every one becomes aware of what has been done.
18. Having uttered his call (and having been responded to by the Agnidhra)', he says (to the Hotri), Pronounce the offering-prayer to the Samidhs (kindling-sticks)!'—the latter being one of Agni's mystic forms of manifestation (rūpa); but he may also say, 'Pronounce the offering-prayer to the fires !'—that being Agni's real (exoteric) form.
'gna ágyasya vyantu,'' tanûnapad agnim agna...,'.ido agninâgne ...,' &c. See par. 19; also p. 148, n. 2; 1, 5, 4, 1 seq.; I, 8, 2, I seq. The two butter-portions otherwise offered to Agni or Soma respectively (cf. I, 6, 1, 20 seq.) are in this case offered to Agni; the anuvâkyâs, according to Âsv. II, 8, 7, being Rig-veda VIII, 44, 1, and VI, 16, 16 respectively. See, however, paragraphs 21 seq.
1 Viz. the Adhvaryu calls, Ő srâvaya, 'cause (him or one) to hear l' and the Ågnîdhra responds by Astu sraushat, yea, may he (or one) hear!'
? Here, at the first fore-offering, an option is apparently left between the former, regular summons (see I, 5, 3, 8), and the latter, modified so as to make it apply directly to Agni. Kâty. IV, II, II allows the same option for the first prayaga and anuyaga. For the latter, however, see further on, par. 24. The Kanva recension has as follows:- Now when the Adhvaryu, on stepping over (to the south side) and uttering his call (for the Agnidhra) to bid attention, says, “Pronounce the offering-prayer to the Samidhs l' then that, indeed, is one of Agni's forms of manifestation (âgneyam eva tad rûpam); but here let him say, as it were,
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