Jaiminīya (Talavakāra) Brāhmaṇa 2-4.158

2-4.158

They saw this Virāj as a sacrifice. They brought it; they consecrated themselves for it. For one day they did not eat. They perceived its trace. They said, ‘Let us practice yet further austerity.’ For a second day they did not eat. They heard its sound. They said, ‘Let us practice yet further austerity.’ For a third day they did not eat. They saw it afar off, like a great mountain looked up to, or like a great cloud. They stalked it, stepping forward and stepping back. For whoever stalks game only rushing straight ahead does not seize it, but whoever stalks it stepping forward and stepping back, he alone seizes it. They secured it on the tenth day itself. The Virāj has ten syllables. Food is the Virāj; [it is] for the securing of food from the Virāj.