Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa ("of a hundred paths") 6.8.2.1

6.8.2.1

athāto bhasmana evābhyavaharaṇasya | devā vā etadagre bhasmodavapaṃste 'bruvanyadi vā idamitthameva sadātmānamabhisaṃskariṣyāmahe maryāḥ kuṇapā anapahatapāpmāno bhaviṣyāmo yadyu parāvapsyāmo yadatrāgneyam bahirdhā tadagneḥ kariṣyāma upa tajjānīta yathedaṃ karavāmeti te 'bruvaṃścetayadhvamiti citimicateti vāva tadabruvaṃstadicata yathedaṃ karavāmeti

Now, then, as to the taking down of the ashes (to the water). Now, the gods at that time threw out the ashes (from the pan). They said, 'If we make this, such as it is, part of our own self, we shall become mortal carcases, not freed from sin; and if we cast it away, we shall put outside of Agni what therein is of Agni's nature: find ye out in what manner we shall do this!'--They said, 'Meditate ye (kit)!' whereby, indeed, they said, 'Seek ye a layer (or altar, kiti). Seek ye in what manner we shall do this!'