Vyasa, also known as Dvaipayana, was the eternal portion of Vishnu, manifest in human form. For the preservation and propagation of the Vedas, Vyasa accepted four disciples. Among these, Paila was the fourth, and Lomaharshana the fifth. To each disciple, Vyasa entrusted a specific portion of the Vedic tradition: Vaishampayana became the expounder of the Yajur Veda, while the most excellent sage Sumantu was chosen for the Atharva Veda. Vyasa, the blessed Lord and Master, also accepted me as his disciple. From this arrangement, the fourfold priesthood arose, and Vyasa organized the sacrificial rites accordingly. He established the Udgatri, who sang the Samans, and assigned the office of Brahman to those versed in the Atharva Veda. The Hotṛ, who recited the Yajur Veda, was appointed by Vyasa, the Lord of the world. With the Atharva Veda, he ensured that all rites were properly performed. Long ago, the one skilled in the meaning of the Puranas composed the Purana Samhita. Because it is used in sacrifice, this scripture is called the Yajur Veda; thus its designation is determined. Endowed with a hundredfold vigor, Vyasa, together with the priests learned in the Veda, continued his work. Paila, having received the Rig Veda verses, divided them into two collections: one for Indrapramatta and the second for Bashkala. He taught his disciples for a month, those devoted to service and welfare. The third collection was entrusted to Parashara, and another to Yajnavalkya. Paila also instructed the illustrious Manduka, a highly fortunate one. The exalted sage taught his son Satyasrava, who was truthful and devoted to righteousness, and also Satyaśri, the great-souled one, devoted to truth and dharma. The learned followers of Satyaśri remained steadfast in their study of scripture. Bashkala and Bharadvaja became founders of distinct branches of the Vedic tradition. At the great sacrifice of King Janaka, the twice-born gathered, but destruction befell them. During Janaka’s Ashvamedha, a debate arose among the assembled sages. All these events, as they happened, I have told you, as you know. Thousands of sages arrived there in many groups. Seeing the assembly of Brahmanas, curiosity arose. Having resolved in his mind, King Janaka made his decision. The king offered villages, jewels, and maidservants to the sages. Whatever wealth was brought, it would be given to whoever proved to be the best among them. Hearing Janaka’s words, the sages, patient and learned in the Vedas, challenged one another, displaying their formidable knowledge. Each claimed superiority: “This is mine, not yours; so speak otherwise—why do you boast?” Then another, learned and poetic, a son of Brahma, was present there. Born from a portion of Brahma, he spoke in a melodious voice: “Take this home, child; this is mine, there is no doubt about it. If any learned one is not pleased, let him summon me without delay.” Then Yājñavalkya, composed and smiling, addressed them: “Let us speak according to our ability, questioning each other—in a thousand ways, with auspicious meanings arising from subtle insight.