In reverent invocation, the sages speak of the wondrous power that dwells within all life. They honor the embryo of plants, the essence nestled in the snowy mountains, and the seed of all existence, calling upon this primal force to become a healing remedy for those in need. Turning to the herbs, queens of Soma, many and far-seeing, born from the wisdom of Bṛhaspati, they beseech these sacred plants to release them from harm. They pray that the herbs free them from curses, from Varuṇa’s binding, from Yama’s fetters, and from every divine offense. Whatever wrongs have been committed—whether by eye, mind, or speech, awake or asleep—they ask that Soma, by his own power, cleanse them completely. With faith in ritual, they proclaim the sacrifice victorious, as are Agni, Soma, and Indra. They seek to overcome all battles as they arise, and resolve to perform the Agnihotra, the sacred offering. They invite Mitra and Varuṇa, wise and fruitful, to grant strength and sweetness, to drive away misfortune, and to release them even if wrongs have been done. With joy, they celebrate mighty Indra, urging all to unite in his strength. Indra conquers in battle, wins cattle, wields the thunderbolt, triumphs in contests, and crushes foes with his power. Indra alone is victorious; none else prevails. He is the supreme king among kings, worthy of praise, honor, approach, and worship. Indra’s greatness is acclaimed: he is the supreme king, renowned and overpowering among people. He rules over the divine clans, his royal power vibrant and undecaying. From the east, Indra is king; from the north, he is the slayer of Vritra and destroyer of enemies. Wherever the streams flow, his victory is found; from the south, he approaches the offering as a mighty bull. The sages call upon Indra from afar, as their ancestors did, invoking the mighty, discerning, and unique one. Against any enemy who seeks to harm them, they place Indra’s arms all around for protection, asking Savitar and Soma to grant them good minds for well-being. They remember the gifts of the gods: the sun, the sky, the earth, and Sarasvati, who, with her mind, removes poison three times. They ask the gods to purify poison with the water poured onto the desert, born from the gods themselves. They honor the daughter of the Asuras, sister to the gods, born of heaven and earth, who created both sap and poison. They pray for growth and vigor, calling for the penis to grow as is fitting, to conquer the woman. With that which makes the lean fat and subdues the sick, they ask Brahmanaspati to stretch forth the penis like a bowstring. They stretch it forth as a bowstring, urging it to advance like a red bull, never failing. Seeking harmony, they wish for minds to come together, as a team of horses moves in unity. They draw another’s mind to themselves, as a royal horse is drawn to the yoke, binding minds together like grass. With ointment, honey, costus, and spikenard, they invoke the favor of Bhaga with both hands. They call on Bṛhaspati, Savitṛ, Mitra, Aryaman, Bhaga, and the Aśvins to bind together those who need unity. May the highest, lowest, and middlemost be united, surrounded by Indra’s might, and joined by Agni. Even those who come to battle with banners raised are encompassed by Indra’s power; Agni is asked to unite them. In times of conflict, by taking and binding, enemies are brought under control; those whose breaths and lives are departing are made unconscious. This act is performed with austerity and Indra’s assent, and Agni is called to subdue the enemies. Indra, Agni, Soma, and the king of the earth are invoked to strike down foes, with Indra and the Maruts taking away their possessions. For ailments, they pray as the mind swiftly flies with its desires, so may the cough fly away, following the mind’s path. As a sharpened arrow flies, so too should the cough depart, following the earth’s way. As the sun’s rays swiftly move, so should the cough follow the ocean’s flow and leave. In hope for prosperity, they wish that at one’s journey and return, the sacred dūrvā grass grows with flowers, and springs or lotus-filled ponds arise. They recognize the descent of waters and the resting place of the ocean, and hope their homes in the lake remain safe, with faces turned away from them. They enclose the rice fields with frost’s membrane, trusting Agni to prepare the remedy for their cold-laked lands. They beseech not to harm the one who conquers and protects, but to guard all their two-footed and four-footed beings, and all that is theirs. In her protection, victory, prosperity, and all-knowing, may all be safeguarded. Finally, they invoke Medhā, asking her to come first with cows and horses, shining with the rays of the sun, and worthy of sacrifice. Medhā is invoked, inspired by the Brāhmaṇas, praised by seers, honored by students, for the help of the gods. Thus, through invocation, prayer, and ritual, the sages weave together healing, protection, unity, and prosperity, honoring the divine forces and seeking their blessings in every aspect of life.