Section 2.6 (sixth khaṇḍa) (two texts)

Upaniṣad text:

One should meditate upon the fivefold Sāma in reference to Animals; Goats are the syllable ‘Hiṃ’: Sheep are the Prastāva: Cows are the Udgītha: Horses are the Pratihāra; Man is the Nidhana.—(1)

Commentary (Śaṅkara Bhāṣya):

One should meditate upon the five-fold Sāma, in reference to Animals:—The sequence of Animals to the Seasons is due to the fact that it is only when the seasons function in the proper manner that the time is favourable to Animals.—Goats are the Syllable ‘Hiṃ’: because both are equally important, or because both occupy the first position; in view of the Śruti-text to the effect that ‘goats are the first among animals.’—Sheep are the Prastāva;—because goats and sheep are always found together (just as the syllable ‘Hiṃ’ and the Prastāva are always found together).—Cows are the Udgītha; because of the great importance of both. Horses are the Pratihāra; because they carry over.—Man is the Nidhana;—because animals are dependent upon Man.—(1)

Upaniṣad text:

If one knowing this thus, meditates upon the five-fold Sāma, with reference to animals, animals come to him and he becomes rich in cattle.—(2)

Commentary (Śaṅkara Bhāṣya):

Animals come to him and he becomes rich in cattle; that is, he becomes endowed with the reward of possessing cattle,—in the shape of using them himself and giving them away to others.—(2)

End of Section (6) of Discourse II