Aitareyabrahmana 7.3.p3

7.3.p3

The (son) is (a ship), well-found, to ferry over. What is the use of dirt, what of the goat-skin? What of long hair, and what of fervour? Seek a son, O Brahmans, This is the world's advice . Food is breath, clothing a protection, Gold an ornament, cattle lead to marriage, A wife is a comrade, a daughter a misery, And a son a light in the highest heaven. The father entereth the wife, Having become a germ (he entereth) the mother, In her becoming renewed, He is born in the tenth month. A wife hath her name of wife, Since in her he is born again He is productive, she productive, The seed is placed here. The gods and the seers Brought her together as great brilliance; The gods said to men "This is your mother again." "A sonless one cannot attain heaven," All the beasts know this; Therefore a son his mother And his sister mounteth. This is the broad and auspicious path Along which men with sons fare free from sorrow;