Let us contemplate the wondrous workings of the universe, and the profound mysteries by which all things are sustained. Who is it that supports the earth, and who encompasses the vast sky above? By whose greatness do the mountains stand tall, and by whom are the deeds of humankind accomplished? It is by this same power that the rain-clouds move across the heavens, that the discerning Soma is known, that sacrifice and faith arise, and that the mind finds its dwelling. By what means does one attain sacred knowledge, and reach the highest state? By what does the person obtain the holy fire, and by what does he measure the passing of the year? The answer is revealed: it is through Brahman that sacred knowledge is gained, that the highest state is attained. Through Brahman, the person obtains fire, and through Brahman he measures the year. By what does the divine man dwell, and by what do the divine peoples exist? By what is the other constellation set, and by what is true kṣatra—true power—declared? Again, it is Brahman by whom the divine man dwells, by whom the divine peoples exist; by Brahman is the constellation established, and by Brahman is true kṣatra declared. By what was the earth established, the upper sky set, and the vast atmosphere arranged both above and across? It is by Brahman that the earth was established, by Brahman that the upper sky was set; by Brahman that the atmosphere, both above and across, was arranged. In ancient times, Atharvan sewed together his head and heart; from above the brain, the purifying one sent forth his essence over the head. That head of Atharvan is the divine vessel, well-formed, protected by breath, as food and mind protect life. The person was created upright, across, and in all directions, emerging everywhere. Whoever knows the city of Brahman is called the person of Brahman. He who knows that city, covered with immortality, receives sight, breath, and offspring from Brahman and the Brāhmaṇas. Such a one is never abandoned by eye nor breath before old age, for he knows the city of Brahman, and his person is so called. This city of the gods is eight-wheeled, with nine gates—a dwelling place. Within it lies a golden treasury, heaven wrapped in light. Within that golden treasury, threefold and with three supports, resides the self; this, indeed, the knowers of Brahman understand. Radiant, tawny, surrounded by glory, Brahman entered this unconquered golden city. Turning to the realm of protection, a powerful amulet is invoked—a jewel for the destruction of rivals. With it, enemies are seized and struck down. “Cut them off, strike, seize!”—let the jewel lead in front. With such protection, the gods warded off the Asuras day by day. This jewel of protection is a universal remedy, thousand-eyed, green and golden; it causes enemies to fall below and subdues those who hate from before. It wards off spells stretched against you, dispels fear, and guards from all evil. Let protection, the god and lord of plants, ward off all disease that has entered; the gods have driven it away. If, after sleep, one sees an evil dream, or a beast goes on an ill-omened path, or hears the evil cry of a bird, this jewel of protection will ward it off. May the Varana amulet protect from enmity, destruction, sorcery, and fear, and shield from the deadly blow of death, who is most powerful. Whatever wrongs have been done by mother, father, brothers, or self—may the divine Lord of plants protect from all that. May those hostile, together with their kin, troubled by the Varana, sink into unsound dust and go to the lowest darkness. Protected and unharmed, guided by the unharmed, long-lived and whole among all people, may the Varana jewel protect on every side. This Varana, king and divine Lord of plants, rests upon the chest; may he drive away enemies as Indra drove away the Dasyus and Asuras. Wearing Varana for a hundred autumns, may it grant dominion and power, cattle, and strength. As the wind shatters trees and forest-lords, so may Varana break rivals born before and after; as wind and fire burn down trees, so may Varana burn rivals; as trees are felled by wind, so may Varana lay low and subdue rivals. Cut off, O Varana, those who seek harm among cattle or desire the kingdom. As the sun shines forth, as radiance is set within, so may the Varana jewel grant fame and prosperity, never depriving of brilliance, uniting with glory. As there is fame in the moon, sun, and among men, so may Varana grant fame and prosperity, preserving brilliance and glory. As there is fame on earth and in the kindled fire, so may Varana bestow fame and prosperity. As there is fame in a maiden and in a well-equipped chariot, so may Varana grant fame and prosperity. As there is fame at the Soma-pressing and honey-offering, so may Varana grant fame and prosperity. As there is fame in the Agnihotra and the Vaṣaṭ-call, so may Varana grant fame and prosperity. As there is fame in the sacrificer and in the sacrifice set up, so may Varana grant fame and prosperity. As there is fame in Prajapati and the supreme lord, so may Varana grant fame and prosperity, never depriving of brilliance, always uniting with glory. Thus, through the workings of Brahman and the protective grace of Varana, the universe is sustained, the self is preserved, and glory is bestowed upon those who seek it with reverence and knowledge.