The sages gathered and asked, “How did the Vedas become scattered once more? Please tell us, O greatly wise one.” In response, Brahmā had once instructed Manu, “O greatly wise Manu, you must protect the Veda.” Yet, as ages passed, the Vedas became concealed, each in their own order, due to the failings of the times. In those days, only a ten-thousandth part of the Vedas remained, as was known in the Kṛta age. Brahmā taught that Vedic rites must always be performed; otherwise, the Veda itself would be lost. For when sacrifice is abandoned, the Veda perishes, and with it, all righteousness and order are destroyed. But when Krishna performed his sacrifice, it was tenfold in its power and fulfilled all desires. It was the Lord who divided the single, four-footed Veda into four distinct parts. Thus, for the benefit of the present age, I have arranged the Veda for you all. Understand this, O excellent ones, both directly and indirectly, as I declare it to you. Vyasa, also called Dvaipayana, is the eternal portion of Vishnu. For the sake of preserving the Veda, Vyasa accepted four disciples. Among them, Paila was the fourth, and Lomaharshana the fifth. Vyasa appointed Vaishampayana as the expounder of the Yajur Veda, while the noble sage Sumantu was entrusted with the Atharva Veda. The blessed Lord, the Master, also accepted me among his disciples. Thus arose the fourfold priesthood, and Vyasa arranged the sacrificial duties accordingly. He established the Udgatri priests with the Saman hymns and gave the office of Brahman to the Atharvan priests. The Hotṛ priests were appointed with the Yajur Veda, and all the sacred rites were performed with the Atharva Veda. Long ago, one skilled in the meaning of the Puranas composed the Purana Samhita. Because it was used in sacrifice, it became known as the Yajur Veda—thus is the scripture established. Endowed with immense vigor, Vyasa, together with his Veda-learned disciples, continued the work. Paila, who had received the Rig Veda verses, divided them again into two collections: one he gave to Indrapramatta and the other to Bashkala. Paila taught his devoted disciples for a month, guiding them in service and welfare. The third collection was entrusted to Parashara, and another to Yajnavalkya. He also instructed the illustrious Manduka, the highly fortunate one. The exalted Paila taught his son Satyasrava, who was truthful and devoted to righteousness. He also taught Satyaśri, a great-souled one, steadfast in truth and dharma. The followers of Satyaśri became learned and deeply devoted to the study of scripture. Bashkala and Bharadvaja became founders of their own branches of the Veda. At the great sacrifice of King Janaka, the twice-born Brahmanas assembled, but destruction befell some of them. During Janaka’s Ashvamedha sacrifice, a great debate arose among the sages. All these events happened as I have recounted them to you. Thousands of sages arrived there in many groups. Seeing the vast assembly of Brahmanas, curiosity filled the hearts of all. Resolving in his mind, King Janaka made a decision. He offered villages, jewels, and maidservants to the assembled sages. And whatever wealth was brought forth, it was to be given to whoever among them proved to be the best.