Aitareyabrahmana 1.2.p2

1.2.p2

i. 7 (ii. 1). In that there is the introductory (sacrifice), thereby they advance to the world of heaven; that is why the introductory (sacrifice: Prāyaṇīya) has its name (advancing). The introductory (sacrifice) is expiration, the concluding (sacrifice) is out-breathing, the Hotṛ is common, for expiration and out-breathing are common, for the arrangement of the breaths, for the discrimination of the breaths. The sacrifice went away from the gods; the gods could do nothing, they could not discern it. They said to Aditi, 'Through thee let us discern the sacrifice.' She said, 'So be it, but let me choose a boon from you.' 'Choose' (they replied). This boon she choose, 'Let the sacrifices begin from me and end with me.' 'So be it' (they replied). Therefore there is a pap to Aditi as introductory (offering), (a pap) to Aditi as concluding (offering), for as a boon by her was this chosen. Moreover she chose this boon, 'Through me shall ye know the eastern quarter, through Agni the southern, through Soma the western, through Savitṛ the northern.' He says the offering verse for Pathyā; in that he says the offering verse for Pathyā, therefore does yonder (sun) arise in the east and set in the west, for it follows Pathyā. He says the offering verse for Agni; in that he says the offering verse for Agni, therefore from the south the plants come first ripe, for the plants are connected with Agni. He says the offering verse for Soma; in that he says the