The Philosophy of the Upanishads c12.s3.t3.6.2

c12.s3.t3.6.2

19–24),¹ accompanied by a mouse to Prajâpati (perhaps as ransom from the duty of begetting), and a cake of three layers to Vishnu.² In Jâb. 4, on the contrary, the sacrifice to Prajâpati is disapproved of, and only that to Agni as Prâna is demanded (probably therefore the vais'vânara, sacrifice), but subsequently direction is given for a Traidhâtavîya offering to the three elements, sattvam, rajas and tamas. Thus too in Jâb. 4, in harmony with the separation of all four stages here carried out, he who enters upon the Sannyâsa is thought of as a vânaprastha; and this is the ground of the immediately following prescription, that the priests shall cause the fire to be brought from the village; if no fire is to be had, the offering shall be made in water, “for water is all the deities.”³ This offering is made with the words, “Om! I offer to all the deities, svâhâ,” where the word om implies all three Vedas;⁴ and thereupon the sacrificer shall taste the fat and savoury meats of the sacrifice. According to Kanth. 1 he is to stretch his limbs symbolically over the sacrificial utensils, thereby signifying his renunciation of them. Kanth. 4 commands him to throw his wooden vessels into the fire, the earthen into water, and to give the metal ones to his teacher;