Within the sacred body, seven sages are established, ever-vigilant against negligence, guarding the inner realms. Seven energies move through the world of sleep, where, amidst the slumbering, two gods remain awake—those who preside over sacrifice, untouched by sleep. In this subtle world, the Lord of the Sacred Word is invoked with devotion: “Arise! May the generous Maruts draw near, and Indra, swift and mighty, come to join us.” As this invocation resounds, the Lord of the Sacred Word utters a chant worthy of the gods. In this hymn, Indra, Varuṇa, Mitra, and Aryaman have established their divine abodes. The Lord of the Sacred Word is the guide of this hymn, awakening its offspring and causing them to prosper. All that is auspicious, protected by the gods, is sought; may eloquence flourish in the assembly, and may good sons be granted. The one who encompasses all, the maker and father of all, is invoked as the Lord of food, the giver of sustenance. Let the evil-minded and unfriendly depart far, beyond the favor of the gods, for this world belongs to the one who has performed the sacred rite. By day, night, and twilight, may Yama assign the righteous their proper resting place. Savitṛ is prayed to grant a place on earth, drawing forth the bodies, as the cows are yoked for him. May Vāyu and Savitṛ purify, and by the brilliance of Agni and the radiance of Sūrya, may the cows be released. Beneath the aśvattha tree is the sacred seat; its leaf is the dwelling. There, nourished by cows, renewal of the person is said to occur. May Savitṛ draw the bodies back to the mother’s lap, and may Earth herself be gracious. In Prajāpati, in the divine realm, in the world with water, the offering is placed, and the waters are asked to wash away all sin. Death is addressed: “Go far, O Death, along the path that is yours, separate from the way of the gods. You who see and hear, do not harm our offspring or our heroes.” May the wind, radiance, bricks, and earthly fires bring peace and do no harm. The directions are prepared; the waters and rivers are made favorable; the midspace and all directions are made auspicious. The stone-laden one moves onward, and the people are called to strive together, arise, and cross over, casting away all inauspiciousness and carrying forth their prizes. Sin, guilt, evil, and misfortune are driven away, and the remover of impurities is invoked to banish evil dreams. Waters and plants are asked to be friendly, turning away from those who hate or oppose. The bull, the fragrant one, is grasped for well-being, and Agni is entreated to be a guide across, like Indra among the gods. Emerging from darkness, the seekers behold the higher light, reaching the Sun, the highest god among gods. A boundary is set for the living, not to be crossed by another; may all live a hundred autumns, keeping death as distant as a mountain. Agni is invoked to purify lifespans and bring radiant light, strength, and nourishment, driving away all evil and misfortune. Agni, long-lived and growing with offerings, shining with clarified butter, is asked to protect as a father protects his son. The cow and Agni are led around, establishing fame among the gods—who could now overcome the one so honored? The flesh-eating Agni is sent away to Yama’s realm; another Jātavedas, present and aware, is asked to carry the offering to the gods. The omentum is carried by Jātavedas to the Fathers in the farthest realm, with streams of fat flowing to them, and their true blessings bowing down. The Earth is invoked: “Be gentle, firm, and secure, granting wide protection and driving away burning evil.” From Earth one is born; from him, another may be born again, ascending to the heavenly world. The seeker turns to the Ṛc as speech, the Yajus as mind, the Sāman as breath, seeking sight and hearing, desiring that speech, strength, and vigor be present, together with inhalation and exhalation. Any gap in eye, heart, or mind is to be filled by Bṛhaspati, and the Lord of the world is asked to bring well-being. Earth, atmosphere, and heaven are meditated upon, focusing on the adorable radiance of Savitṛ, that thoughts may be inspired. Wonder is expressed at the favor by which the ever-growing friend, the divine, comes present and aids with great power. The question arises: who among the true ones is most delightful in the exhilaration of Soma, when even the firmest are overcome by the giver of wealth? Protection is sought among friends and singers, with a hundred aids. The question is asked: by what favor does the vigorous one delight in the praisers? Indra’s rule is acknowledged over all, and well-being is wished for bipeds and quadrupeds alike. Grace is sought from Mitra, Varuṇa, Aryaman, Indra, Bṛhaspati, and wide-striding Viṣṇu. May the wind blow kindly, the sun warm gently, and Parjanya, the thundering god, rain for the good of all. May days and nights be peaceful; may Indra and Agni, Indra and Varuṇa, Indra and Pūṣan, and Indra and Soma grant peace, strength, and prosperity. The divine, nourishing waters are invoked to be auspicious for drinking, flowing with blessings. The gentle Earth is prayed to be firm and secure, a steady resting place, granting wide protection. The waters, source of delight, are asked to grant nourishment and strength for great vision. Thus, with reverence and hope, the seekers invoke the gods, the elements, and the sacred energies, striving for purity, well-being, and the highest light.