Section 5.19 (nineteenth khaṇḍa) (two texts)

Upaniṣad text:

Thus the food that comes first should be an object of libation-offering. So that when he offers the first libation, he should offer it with the words ‘Svāhā’ to ‘Prāṇa’; and thereby Prāṇa becomes satisfied.—(l)

Commentary (Śaṅkara Bhāṣya):

Thus—such being the case,—when at the time of eating, the food that happens to come first—for the purpose of eating,—it should be an object of libation-offering,—i.e. it should be offered as a libation. As it is only the accomplishment of the Agnihotra as a complete whole that is meant to be represented here, the detailed procedure of the Agnihotra finds no place here.—When the eater offers the first libation,—how should he offer it?

Answer—He should offer it with the words ‘Svāhā’ to ‘Prāṇa’.—i.e. with this mantra; and as the term ‘libation’ has been used, only that quantity of food should be put into the mouth as is offered in libations.—By this offering, Prāṇa becomes satisfied.—(1)

Upaniṣad text:

Prāṇa being satisfied, the Eye becomes satisfied;—the Eye being satisfied, the Sun becomes satisfied; the Sun being satisfied, the Heaven becomes satisfied; the Heaven being satisfied, whatever is under the Heaven and under the Sun becomes satisfied; and through the satisfaction thereof, he himself becomes satisfied: also with offspring, cattle, food, brightness (boldness), and Brahmic glory.—(2)

Commentary (Śaṅkara Bhāṣya):

On Prāṇa being satisfied, the Eye becomes satisfied; the Eye, the Sun, and the Heaven,—all this becomes satisfied,—as all whatever else is under the Heaven and the Sun,—as their lord and master,—becomes satisfied; and through the satisfaction thereof, he—the Eater himself also becomes satisfied;—all this is quite perceptible. And further, he becomes satisfied with offspring and the rest also. The term ‘tejas’ stands for brightness, effulgence,— or it may mean boldness;—Brahmic Glory, is glory due to the proper accomplishment:of character and learning.—(2)

End of Section (19) of Discourse V