In accordance with the unfolding ages and guided by righteousness, beings were increased by the divine, who ensured their growth and sustenance. Brahmā, absorbed in deep meditation, created a multitude of offspring from his own mind. In a previous kalpa, the first beings to arise were the progeny beginning with the gods. As the succession of Manvantaras commenced, these beings were initially the youngest, joined together by actions—both virtuous and unvirtuous—that remained undiminished. Among them were the gods, asuras, ancestors, yakshas, gandharvas, and humans. For the nourishment and welfare of all beings, the knower of the self, Brahmā, brought them forth. From his body, with its causes and effects, arose the fourfold groups: gods, asuras, ancestors, and humans. Then, from him, whose self was united, a portion consisting of darkness emerged. From his lower part, the asuras were born as his sons. Brahmā cast off the body by which the gods had been created, and because it was full of darkness, it became known as the night of threefold duration. Having created the asuras, he assumed another body, uniting with the mind-born form, which was dear to him. As he shone, beings were born from him, and thus they are called gods. From that divine body, the deities came into existence. When Brahmā cast off this body, it became the day. Having created the gods, he took on yet another form, reflecting upon them as his sons, like a loving father. Therefore, the ancestors of the gods are remembered as the gods themselves, their status as ancestors cherished among them. From that, her body was struck down, and immediately twilight was born. Of the two forms, the ancestral form that existed between them is indeed the greater, and it is worshipped in the interval between dawn and dusk. Then, in another form, Brahmā manifested himself once again from his own body. By his mind, his sons were born; from his creation, new beings emerged. After creating these beings anew, Brahmā cast off his own form. Thus, beings find delight at the appearance of moonlight. Night, day, twilight, and moonlight came into being immediately. Night, whose essence is darkness, governs over these periods. Because the gods were born during the day, they are powerful by day. Those born at night from the vital breaths are unconquerable at night, and thus their strength is known. Among ancestors and humans, those who have passed away and departed are associated with moonlight, night, day, and twilight—these four are their domains. Having created these waters, Brahmā then created the gods, asuras, and humans. When he abandoned the form of moonlight, the Lord attained another form. Then, in darkness, he created other beings afflicted by hunger. Among these beings, some declared, "Let us protect these waters," while others said, "We will dry up the waters," and thus they opposed each other. The root 'rakṣ' is understood in the sense of protection and preservation, signifying the guardianship and care for the waters and all creation.