The sacred offering of ghee, joined with the gods, is increased and sustained throughout the year by the act of sacrifice. Those who partake in this holy rite pray that their hearing, sight, and breath remain whole and unbroken, and that their lives and inner radiance are never severed. Breath is invoked to come and abide within them, and in return, they call upon breath itself for continued vitality. They recognize the brilliance that has filled the earth and the atmosphere, a gift bestowed by Soma and Brihaspati, who shine their light upon the world. Heaven and earth, vast and embracing, have become gatherers of this brilliance, and with that light, the faithful seek to walk the earth. Like cows seeking fame as they approach the lord of cattle, so do the worshipers seek to move with honor upon the earth, carrying the fame they have gathered. Preparations are made with care and purpose: cattle-pens are built for the leaders, who are strong and wise men; armor is sewn, broad and thick, and sturdy iron fortresses are raised ahead for protection. Drinking vessels, well-formed and precious, are guarded so they do not break. With speech as their mouth, hearing as their ears, and mind as their guide, the worshipers offer their eyes and the very source of sacrifice itself. They invite the gods, hoping they come well-disposed to the sacrifice spread before them by the All-Creator. They call to all the priests of the gods, those worthy of offerings and shares, inviting them and their consorts to rejoice in the strength of the ritual. Agni, the guardian of vows among gods and mortals, is honored as the one most worthy of praise in sacrifice. If any vows have been broken, knowingly or unknowingly, the worshipers seek forgiveness from Agni, who knows all, and from Soma, who dwells within the sacred knowledge of the Brahman. They affirm their commitment to walk the path of the gods, striving to follow as best they can. Agni, the knower, is their priest, the kindler of the sacred fire, arranging the seasons for the ritual’s perfection. They pray for speech in their mouths, breath in their nostrils, sight in their eyes, and hearing in their ears. They ask that their hair remain ungreyed, their teeth unbroken, and their arms strong. Vigor is sought for the thighs, swiftness for the shanks, and firmness for the feet, so that all limbs remain unharmed and whole. May their bodies be united and complete, and may they obtain the full span of life. They invite the purifier to sit happily with them and fill them abundantly in the heavenly world. They pray to be made dear among the gods and among kings, and to all who see them, whether Shudra or Arya. With reverence, they call upon Brahmanaspati to arise and awaken the gods with sacrifice, asking for the increase of life, breath, offspring, cattle, fame, and devotion. Agni is worshiped with the offering of kindling for the great Jatavedas, with a prayer for faith and intelligence. As they feed Agni with fuel, they ask that he in turn increase them with offspring and wealth. All offerings of wood are placed upon Agni, with a prayer that they all be auspicious and accepted by the youngest of the gods. These offerings are dedicated to Agni, who is asked to grant long life and immortality to the teacher. The tawny, splendid one—Agni—ascends the sky with his flame, and those who threaten him as he soars are cast down by his might. The fierce, blazing one rises to the heavens, like the Sun itself. Demons and cunning magicians, who move about with iron snares, are bound by Jatavedas’ force. The thousand-rayed, the Vajra, is invoked to destroy rivals and offer protection. They pray for a long life, wishing to see, live, awaken, thrive, be nourished, prosper, and flourish for a hundred autumns—and even beyond a hundred autumns. With the unbound and the bound, they open the way by means of sacred power, drawing out knowledge and performing the rites. The prayer for life is repeated with devotion: “Live, be alive; may I live the full span of life. Live on, may I live on; may I live the full span of life. Live together, may we live together; may I live the full span of life. Live long, be alive; may I live the full span of life.” This blessing is extended to Indra, to the Sun, to the gods, and to themselves, that all may live the full span of life. The Giver of boons, the Mother of the Veda, is praised and invoked to inspire the purified among the twice-born, granting life, breath, offspring, cattle, fame, wealth, and the brilliance of sacred knowledge, and to proceed to the world of Brahman after bestowing these gifts. The sacred Veda, once drawn forth from the vessel, is respectfully returned, and the worshipers pray that the gods take no offense at the austerity performed. Indra, the Bull, is called upon at the pressing of the Soma, asked to protect the worshipers with the sweetness of the Soma drink. In his dwelling, where the Maruts reside—the mighty ones of the vast sky—abides the person most well-guarded. Praises are offered to Agni for all, including those who eat ox-flesh or cow-flesh, and for the wise marked by Soma. The Maruts are invited to drink the Soma from the cup, in the Suktubh meter, with radiance and according to the proper season, as the sacred rites continue in their luminous order.