Thus, O twice-born sages, the Carakas are described as the expounders of the Saṃhitā. You may wonder what actions led them to assume the state of Carakas, and for what reason. Having reached the lofty summit of Mount Meru, these sages deliberated together. They recalled their solemn pact: “He would commit the killing of a Brahmin—this is the agreement declared by us.” Within seven nights, they journeyed to the very place where this agreement had been made. There, the revered sage Vaiśampāyana gathered his disciples and addressed them: “All of you, assemble and speak whatever words are beneficial, as you wish. Empowered by my own austerity, I shall raise him up by force.” He then commanded, “Whatever you have learned, return it all to me.” Obediently, the disciples, whose learning had become tainted by the sin of Brahmin-killing, vomited forth all that had been stained with blood, O best knowers of Brahman. What was thus expelled, that which was produced as Brahman in the Sun, went forth and abides there. Pleased by this act, the Sun bestowed those sacred teachings upon Brahmarāta. From that time, the Brāhmaṇas recite those Yajus verses, each according to his own method. Those by whom the act of Brahmin-killing had been performed are remembered as Carakas, named so because of their conduct. Thus have the Carakas been described. Now, listen as I recount the Vājins. Among them, the Madhyandina is the legitimate son, along with the Vaidhya and the Adhabuddhaka. There are also the lineages of Āvaṭī, Puṇḍra, Vaiṇoya, and Saparāśara. Know that those who made various branches of the Yajur Veda numbered one hundred and one. Sumantu, too, instructed his own son once again. The son quickly mastered a thousand Saṃhitās and became skilled in virtuous deeds. Śatakratu—Indra—struck down those who studied during forbidden times. But when he saw Sumantu’s anger, Śakra (Indra) granted him another boon: “Let both the highly wise ones study a thousand Saṃhitās.” Having spoken thus, the illustrious Vāsava addressed the renowned Sukarmā. Sukarmā’s intelligent disciple was Pauṣyañji, best among the twice-born. Pauṣyañji himself taught a thousand and a half Saṃhitās, while Kauśilya mastered five collections. Pauṣyañji had four disciples; listen to their divisions: Sakotiputra, Susahā, Sunāma, and Vittalaugākṣiṇa—these are their respective branches. Three were disciples of Kuśuma, and Parāśara was his own son. Among them, Śauriṣu and Śṛṅgiputra were steadfast in their vows. Śṛṅgiputra, the great soul, taught three Saṃhitās, while Kauthuma, son of Parāśara, taught six. There were also Prācīnayogaputra and the wise Patañjali, as well as Lāṅgala, Śālihotra, Ṣaḍuvāca, and the Saṃhitās. Along with Kaṇḍu and Kohala, these six are known as the Lāṅgalas. One Saṃhitā was composed by Hiraṇyanābha, whose disciple was a prince. Hiraṇyanābha taught it to his own disciples, and now listen to who they were: Talaka, Māṇḍuka, Kālikā, and Rājika, as well as Puṣṭi, Parikṛṣṭa, and Ulūkhalaka. Thus, the lineages, disciples, and branches of the sacred Vedic traditions are recounted.