Section 2.12 (twelfth khaṇḍa) (two texts)

Upaniṣad text:

The Rubbing is the syllable ‘Hiṃ’; the rising of the Smoke is the Prastāva; the glowing is the Udgītha; the appearing of embers is the Pratihāra; the calming down is the Nidhana, complete extinguishment is the Nidhana. This is the Rathantara interwoven in Fire.—(1)

Commentary (Śaṅkara Bhāṣya):

The Rubbing is the syllable ‘Hiṃ’, because of its being the first (step in the process);—the rising of the smoke—from the fire,—is the Prastāva.— because of its coming next (to the Rubbing);—the glowing is the Udgītha; the glowing is of the greatest importance, on account of its direct connection with the material offered; the appearing of embers is the Pratihāra; because the embers are drawn together; the calming down—the fire still continuing to burn,—is the Nidhana;—the complete extinguishment—the complete going out of the Fire,—is the Nidhana; because both form the end of their respective processes.—This is the Rathantara (Sāma) interwoven in fire; as it is chanted at the churning of the Fire.—(1)

Upaniṣad text:

He who thus knows the Rathantara interwoven in Fire becomes radiant with Brahmic glory

 

and an eater of food; he attains his full life, lives gloriously and becomes great with offspring and cattle, and great in fame. His observance is that he should not sip nor spit behind the Fire.—(2)

Commentary (Śaṅkara Bhāṣya):

He who etc.,—as before.—Radiant with Brahmic glory;—‘Brahmic glory is the radiance one acquires by completing the study of the Vedas; simple effulgence is mere brightness.—Eater of food—having keen appetite—He should not sip—eat, anything—nor spit— throw out phlegm—behind—i.e., while facing—the Fire.—This should be his observance.—(2)

End of Section (12) of Discourse II