In the assembly of the living, those who have stepped over the realm of death gather together, seeking to establish a longer life for themselves. Sitting side by side, they join their voices to drive away death from their midst, praying that, blessed with continued life, they may speak and commune freely in the gathering. The women, steadfast and good wives, untouched by widowhood, anoint themselves with fragrant ointments and clarified butter. They are without tears, free from illness, and rich in treasures. With hope and joy, they ascend first to the womb of birth, preparing to bring forth new life. With offerings, two are set apart, and with sacred words, they are arranged in their proper place. The ancestral portion is kept undiminished for the fathers, and those present are released together into long life. There is a fire, placed by the fathers within their hearts—immortal among mortals. The prayer rises: may I receive that divine fire within myself; may it cause no harm to us, nor we to it. Those who have departed are invoked to remove the flesh-eaters from the household fire, to the right side, away from the living. Let them make what is dear to the fathers, to the self, and to the priests, truly dear and pure. If the fire of the eldest son is not separated from flesh-eating, he consumes only what is left, taking a twofold share of wealth. Whatever is ploughed, won, or gained by wealth does not truly belong to the mortal if the flesh-eater is not removed. Such a one becomes unfit for sacrifice; his splendor is destroyed, and he cannot partake of the offering. He severs the produce of the field and the milk of the cow—such is the fate of those who follow the flesh-eater. Again and again, mortals speak of distress, driven by greedy desires, but the wise, knowing the flesh-eaters, keep them away from the sacred fire. When a woman's husband dies, the houses are to be seized and rebuilt; the one who knows the sacred word should approach to remove the flesh-eater, restoring purity. Whatever impurity or evil deed has been committed, may the waters cleanse us of that, and of anything near the fire. These waters, rising from below, flow northward, carrying creatures along divine paths; upon the back of the bull-like mountain, the ancient rivers move anew. Agni, the sacred fire, is called upon to drive away the flesh-eater, the devourer of flesh, and to bring the offering to the gods. If the flesh-eater has entered in and followed, they are made as two tigers—one is removed, the auspicious one is left. Within lies the enclosure of the gods; outside is the boundary of men. Agni, the householder’s fire, stands between both, guarding the threshold. Agni is invoked: carry away the life of the living, let the dead go to the world of the ancestors. O well-established household fire, drive away the enemy and grant the better path. May Agni, enduring all rivals, place their strength and wealth among us. Take hold of this Indra-fire; let it carry you away from harm and blame. With it, strike down the arrow that falls, and may Rudra’s protection guard us. Take hold of this bull, this raft; let it carry you away from harm and blame. Ascend this boat of Savitar—may we cross safely by six broad paths. The fire seeks day and night, bearing the home, standing firm as a bridge, heroic and steadfast. Bearing the healthy, cheerful bed, may it bring us fragrance and strength, like the yoke that binds together. Those separated from the gods live always in sin; Agni, like a swift horse, pursues the flesh-eaters from near, just as one drives away reeds. The faithless, greedy for wealth, who gather as flesh-eaters, always fill the vessel of others, taking what is not theirs. The mind may seem to fall, but again and again it returns; the wise, knowing the flesh-eaters, keep them away from the fire. Each has their share: the black ewe is for the animals, lead for the flesh-eater, and the moon is theirs, they say. Ground beans are your share—offer that as the oblation, and join with the forest. Indra once worshipped with a bundle of reeds, sesame husks, a stick, and a reed; these were made the kindling, and Agni of Yama was kindled with them. When the sun returns facing west, the wise one enters the path, assigning the breaths elsewhere. With long life, those present are released and blessed. In the realm of Yama, man stands over man with skins, summoning his beloved who strives for him. As many as first met in the beginning, may that same span of life be theirs together in Yama’s realm. May your sight, strength, radiance, and vigor be as before. When Agni is kindled, he joins with the body, and then, as a pair, you are united when the food is cooked. Together in this world, together on the path of the gods, may you meet in the realms of Yama. Purified by purifiers, may you call upon that blessing, if the seed has arisen between you. O sons of the Waters, come together, surround this living one, you who give life. Assemble and share the immortal food which your mother, they say, cooks for you. That food, cooked by your father and mother for your release from enemies and stains of speech, is heavenly, with a hundred streams, spanning the great spaces of the sky. Both heavens and both worlds, the heavenly realms conquered by sacrificers, are radiant and honeyed. In that place, may you take refuge with your children in old age. Seize the eastern direction, always advancing; those who are faithful attain this world. Whatever is cooked and served for you in the fire, as a couple, take refuge there for its protection. Turning to the southern direction, move around and approach this vessel. There, Yama and the Fathers grant abundant shelter for the cooked food. Go toward the western direction, the best, where Soma is lord and brings favor. There, take refuge and join with the virtuous; as a pair, be united when the food is cooked. The northern realm is supreme in offspring; let the northern direction mark our beginning. The Pankti meter became a man, together with all beings; may we unite with all the limbs of all. May Virāj be steadfast and honored, auspicious for children and for me. O divine Aditi, all-choosing, protect the cooked food as a herdsman guards his cattle. Like a father embracing his sons, unite with us; may gentle winds blow for us here on earth. O goddess, as you cook the food of Yama, let that heat and truth be ours here. Whatever black bird has come here, moving about, and found something stuck in a hole, or whatever slave woman with moist hands has touched or cleaned the mortar and pestle— Let this stone, with its broad base and life-giving power, purified by filters, drive away the demon. Mount the skin and grant great protection; let not the couple suffer the misfortune of losing their grandchildren. Thus, through purification, offerings, and the right ordering of fire and food, the assembly is blessed with life, unity, and abundance, sheltered by the gods and the ancestors, journeying together in the cycle of life.