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336
MAITRÂVANA-BRAHMANA-UPANISHAD.
with three threads, the infinitely small, the imperishable, blind for good and evil, kindled with light-he who sees him, sees everything.'
A portion (only) of the light which pervades the ether, are the two rays rising in the midst of the sun. That is the knower" (the Sun), the true one. That is the Yagus, that is the heat, that is Agni (fire), that is Vâyu (wind), that is breath, that is water, that is the moon, that is bright, that is immortal, that is the place of Brahman, that is the ocean of light. In that ocean the sacrificers are dissolved? like salt, and that is oneness with Brahman, for all desires are there fulfilled. And here they quote:
‘Like a lamp, moved by a gentle wind, he who dwells within the gods shines forth. He who knows this, he is the knower, he knows the difference (between the high and the highest Brahman); having obtained unity, he becomes identified with it.
They who rise up in endless number, like spray drops (from the sea), like lightnings from the light within the clouds in the highest heaven, they, when they have entered into the light of glory (Brahman), appear like so many flame-crests in the track of fire.'
36. There are two manifestations of the Brahmalight: one is tranquil, the other lively. Of that which is tranquil, the ether is the support; of that which is lively, food. Therefore (to the former) sacrifice must be offered on the house-altar with hymns, herbs, ghee, meat, cakes, sthålipâka, and other things; to the latter, with meat and drinks (belonging to the great sacrifices) thrown into the mouth, for the mouth
sarvah pasyan na pasyati. Here the eight feet are explained as the five elements, manas, buddhi, and ahankâra. 1 Savit for savitri.
. Vlîyante for vilîyante.
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