XI, 1, 7. Seventh Brâhmana

SEVENTH BRÂHMANA.

11:1:7:11. Now there, on the occasion of the entering on the fast, it is said 2, 'If he does not eat, he becomes

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consecrated to the Fathers 1; and if he does eat he eats whilst passing over the gods;' and, in this respect, they lay down the rule, 'Let him therefore eat what grows in the forest.'

11:1:7:22. If he eats cultivated plants he eats the sacrificial essence of the offering-cake; and if he eats forest plants he eats the essence of the barhis 2; and if he eats aught of trees he eats the essence of the fuel (for the sacrificial fire); and if he drinks milk he consumes the essence of the Sânnâyya 3; and if he drinks water he consumes the essence of the lustral waters 4; and if he eats nothing he becomes consecrated to the Fathers.

11:1:7:33. As to this they say, 'What course of procedure is there?' Well, let him, on those two nights (of full and new moon), himself offer the Agnihotra: inasmuch as, after offering, he takes food he does not become consecrated to the Fathers, for that (libation) is an offering; and inasmuch as he performs that offering in his own self he does not eat of those sacrificial essences.

11:1:7:44. Now all the nights concentrate themselves in these two nights: all the nights of the waxing moon concentrate in the night of full moon, and all the nights of the waning moon concentrate in the night of new moon; and, verily, for him who, knowing this, offers (the Agnihotra) himself on the day of

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the entrance on the fast, offering is always made by himself 1.

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