he
same effect in the Mantras of the Srutis. Thou, O Agni, art the Hotri in
sacrifices, and the benefactor of the universe. Thou art the benefactor
of the deities, of men, and of all the worlds. There is (other) authority
also for this. Thou art, O Agni, the Hotri of the universe and of
sacrifices. Thou art the source through which the deities and men do good
to the universe. Agni is truly the Hotri and the performer of sacrifices.
Agni is again the Brahma of the sacrifice. No libations can be poured
into sacrificial fire without uttering mantras; there can be no penances
without a person to perform them; the worship of the deities and men and
the Rishis is accomplished by the libations poured with mantras. Hence, O
Agni, thou hast been regarded as the Hotri in sacrifices.[1855] Thou art,
again, all the other mantras that have been declared in respect of the
Homa rites of men. For the Brahmanas the duty is ordained of officiating
for others in the sacrifices they perform. The two other orders, viz.,
Kshatriyas and Vaisyas, that are included within the regenerate or
twice-born class, have not the same duty prescribed for them. Hence,
Brahmanas are like Agni, who uphold sacrifices. The sacrifices (which the
Brahmanas perform) strengthen the deities. Strengthened in this way, the
deities fructify the Earth (and thereby support all living creatures).
But the result that may be achieved by the foremost of sacrifices may as
well be accomplished through the mouth of the Brahmanas. That learned
person who offers food into the mouth of a Brahmana is said to pour
libations into the sacred fire for gratifying the deities. In this way
the Brahmanas have come to be regarded as Agni. They that are possessed
of learning adore Agni. Agni, is again, Vishnu. Entering all creatures,
he upholds their life-breaths. In this connection there is a verse sung
by Sanatkumara. Brahman, in creating the universe, first created the
Brahmanas. The Brahmanas become immortal by studying the Vedas, and
repair to heaven through the aid of such study. The intelligence, speech,
acts and observances, faith, and the penances of the Brahmanas uphold
both the Earth and the heaven like slings of strings upholding bovine
nectar.[1856] There is no duty higher than Truth. There is no superior
more worthy of reverence than the mother. There is none more efficient
than the Brahmana for conferring felicity both here and hereafter. The
inhabitants of those realms where