From the cosmic being, the Vrātya, the seventh sole of his is known as the gifts, the source of all offerings and boons. His very breaths are the foundation of existence: the first breath becomes this earth, solid and sustaining; the second breath forms the vast midspace, the realm between earth and sky; the third breath rises to become the sky itself, arching overhead. From his fourth breath, the stars are born, glittering across the heavens. The fifth breath manifests as the seasons, cycling through time. The sixth breath brings forth the periods, the measured divisions of time. And with his seventh breath, the year itself is set into motion, encircling all creation. The gods themselves revolve around a single purpose, united in their movement; just as the seasons follow the course of the year, so do they follow the Vrātya. At the sacred moments—when they enter the sun, at the new moon, and at the full moon—they partake in the eternal, for their true immortality is found in the offering, the act of sacrifice. The Vrātya is the very embodiment of the cosmos. His right eye shines as the sun, his left as the moon. His right ear is Agni, the fire, and his left is Pavamāna, the purifying one. Day and night are his nostrils, breathing the cycle of time. Diti and Aditi, the primal mothers, form the plates of his skull, while the year itself crowns his head. By day, the Vrātya faces west; by night, he turns to the east. To this mysterious and sacred being, homage is offered. In the vastness of creation, the bull of the waters is released, and with it, the divine fires are set free. These forces break, surround, crush, and utterly destroy all obstacles. They are the destroyers, the mind-stealers, the diggers, the burners, those who corrupt themselves and the body. Darkness is sent forth, but a prayer rises: may this darkness not envelop me. Instead, let it be directed against those who hate us, whom we ourselves oppose. Standing at the edge of the waters, a plea is made to send forth this power to the ocean. Against whoever harbors fire in the waters, the destroyer, the digger, and the body-corruptor are dispatched. For the fire that dwells in the waters is this very force; whatever is most dreadful among these elements, that is he. Let Indra’s power sprinkle and purify. The waters are invoked to drive away enemies, to carry away guilt and evil dreams. With a benevolent gaze, may the waters look upon us; with a gentle touch, may they cleanse our skin. The fires that reside within the waters are called upon for strength and brilliance, and the goddesses are asked to bestow their blessings. Speech is invoked—may it be free from harm, filled with vigor and sweetness. May all words spoken be sweet, and may sweet speech flow from the tongue. Guardians and protectors are summoned to stand watch. May the ears be blessed with the ability to hear auspicious words and verses, never abandoning good and attentive hearing. May the eagle’s ever-shining eye remain, keen and bright. The altar of the sages is honored, and homage is paid to the divine altar. A wish is made to be at the head of riches, and among those who are equal. Let no injury or harm befall; let neither the head nor the law be damaged. May the wide one and the ladle, the supporter and the support, never be lost. Let release, the moist stone, the moist giver, and Mātariśvan remain ever present. Bṛhaspati is invoked as the soul, renowned among men and delightful to the heart, ensuring wisdom, strength, and prosperity in all things.