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380
SATAPATHA-BRÂHMANA.
extent its creation, so great is Work: thirty-six thousand Arka-fires; and each of these as great as that former (fire-altar) was.
10. That Work created the Fire,-Fire, doubtless, is more manifest than Work, for by work (sacrificial performance) they produce it, and by work they kindle it.
11. This Fire, when created, wished to become manifest,-more defined, more substantial : it sought after a self. It practised austerity': it acquired consistency. It beheld thirty-six thousand Arkafires of its own self, composed of fire, built up of fire: with fire they were established, and with fire built up; with fire the cups were drawn thereat ; with fire they chanted and recited hymns on them ;whatever rite is performed at the sacrifice, whatever sacrificial rite there is, that was performed with fire alone, as a fire-performance, on those (fires) composed of fire, and built up of fire. And whatever fire beings here kindle that was done regarding those (fires) :—they establish them and build them up; they draw the cups for them; they chant on them and recite hymns on them,-of that extent was the development of Fire, of that extent its creation,—so great is Fire: thirty-six thousand Arka-fires ; and each of these as great as that former (fire-altar) was.
12. These fires (altars), in truth, are knowledgebuilt ; and all beings at all times build them for him who knows this, even whilst he is asleep: by knowledge alone these fires (altars) are indeed built for him who knows this.
Or, fervid devotion; though perhaps the physical sense of 'it became heated' would suit better here.
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