Chapter XXIX

Brahman said:

I will state truly all about that which has a beginning, middle, and end^[1], and about the means for its comprehension, together with names and characteristics^[2]. It is stated that day was first and then night; that months have the bright^[3] first, the Nakṣatras Śravana^[4] as the first (among them), and the seasons the winter as the first (among them). The earth is the source^[5] of smells, water of tastes, the light (of) the sun is the source of colours, the wind is stated to be the source of (the feelings of) touch; likewise space is the source of sound. These are the qualities of the elements. Now I shall proceed to state the highest and first of all entities. The sun is the first among shining bodies^[6]; fire is said to be the first of the elements^[7]; Sāvitrī^[8] of all branches of learning; Prajāpati of deities; the syllable Om of all the Vedas; and the Prāṇa life-wind, of all words^[9]; whatever is prescribed in this world, all that is called Sāvitrī^[10]. The Gāyatrī is the first among metres; among (sacrificial) animals, the goat^[11] is mentioned (as the first). Cows are the first among quadrupeds, and the twice-born among men^[12]. The Śyena is first among birds; among sacrifices, the offering (into the fire) is the best; and among all reptiles, O best of the twice-born! the snake^[13] is the highest. Of all ages the Kṛta is the first, there is no doubt of that., Among all precious things, gold (is the first),and among vegetable (products) likewise the barley seed^[14]. Among all things to. be eaten or swallowed food is the highest; and of all liquid substances which are to be drunk, water is the best. And among all immovable entities, without distinction, the Plakṣa, the ever holy field of Brahman^[15], is stated to be the first. I, too, (am the first) among all the patriarchs^[16], there is no doubt of that. And the unthinkable, self-existent Viṣṇu is stated to be my own self. Of all mountains, the great Meru is stated to be the first-born. And among all quarters and sub-quarters, likewise, the eastern quarter^[17] is the first. Likewise the Gaṅgā going in three paths is stated to be the first-born among rivers. And likewise of all wells and reservoirs of water, the ocean is the first-born. And of all gods, Dānavas, Bhūtas, Piśācas, snakes, and Rakṣases, and of men, Kinnaras, and Yakṣas, Īśvara^[18] is the lord. The great Viṣṇu, who is full of the Brahman, and than whom there is no higher being in these three worlds, is the source of all the universe. Of all orders^[19], that of householders (is the first), there is no doubt of that. The unperceived is the source of the worlds; and the same is also the end of everything. Days end with (the sun's) setting^[20]; the night ends with (the sun's) rising; the end of pleasure is ever grief; the end of grief ever pleasure. All accumulations end in exhaustion; all ascents end in falls; all associations end in dissociations; and life ends in death. All action ends in destruction; death is certain for whatever is born^[21]; (everything) movable or immovable in this world is ever transient. Sacrifice, gift, penance, study, observances, and regulations, all this ends in destruction^[22]. There is no end for knowledge. Therefore one whose self is tranquil, whose senses are subjugated, who is devoid of (the idea that this or that is) mine, who is devoid of egoism, is released from all sins by pure knowledge.