In a spirit of deep reverence, the sages gathered and turned their hearts to the divine, invoking the most auspicious essence of the sacred powers, yearning that this grace be shared with them as lovingly as a mother nourishes her children. Drawn by this longing, they drew near to the waters, recognizing in them the source of increase and renewal, and prayed, “O waters, generate us anew.” A profound peace was invoked: peace in the heavens above, peace in the sky and upon the earth, peace within the waters, in the plants and the trees. They sought peace among all the gods, in the Vedas, and in all things—may this peace alone abide with us. With firm resolve, the sages wished that all beings might look upon one another with the eye of friendship. “May I look upon all beings with friendship, and may all beings look upon me with that same regard, so that mutual goodwill may flourish among us.” They prayed for steadfastness, for long life in the sight of the divine, repeating their wish to remain in the gaze of the sacred for many years. With humility, they offered homage to the sacred flame, to its blaze and its purifying power, and asked that all which is impure or separate from them be burned away. They honored the lightning and the thunder, hailing the Lord from whom the heavens are sought. “Wherever you move, O divine force, grant us safety from that place. Grant us peace and protection for our children and our cattle.” They asked that the waters and plants be friendly to them, yet unfriendly to those who harbor enmity. They longed to see the divine eye, shining before them, for a hundred autumns—to live, hear, speak, and remain vigorous for a hundred autumns, and even beyond. Turning to the sacred rite, the sages invoked the impulse of Savitṛ, the arms of the Aśvins, and the hands of Pūṣan as they took up the offering-spoon. The wise, they reflected, harness the mind and their thoughts, establishing the ritual with knowledge; this was their great praise to Savitṛ. They called upon Heaven and Earth, the goddesses, to be the head of the sacrifice, bestowers of gifts at the sacred worship. They invoked the divine, wondrous ones, first-born of existence, to preside over the rite. The head of the sacrifice was set in place upon the earth, consecrated again and again for the sacred purpose. With Indra’s strength, the head of the sacrifice was established, and the consecration was repeated—each time affirming the centrality of the act. They prayed for the Lord of the Sacred Word and the goddess Speech to advance, that the gods might lead their offering to the noble and bountiful one. Again and again, they affirmed: “You are the head of the sacrifice. For the sacrifice, for the head of the sacrifice, I consecrate you.” With the strength of the stallion, the anointing was performed, the consecration repeated in devotion. They consecrated for uprightness, for accomplishment, and for good dwelling, always returning to the central act of sacrifice. For Yama, for the heat of the sun, they offered consecration, asking Savitar to anoint with sweetness, to protect the touch of the earth, honoring flame, brilliance, and heat. They invoked protection in every direction: in the east under Agni’s lordship for life, in the south under Indra for progeny, in the west under Savitar for sight, in the north under Dhātar for wealth and nourishment, and above under Bṛhaspati for strength. They prayed for protection from all harm, recognizing the horse as the vehicle of the mind. With the Maruts, they sought splendor and protection from the touch of heaven, invoking sweetness again and again. They beheld the divine: the embryo of the gods, the father of thoughts, the lord of creatures—he who shines with Savitar and the sun. Agni was to unite with Agni, to shine with the divine Savitar and the sun, and to unite with austerity. By austerity, the supporter of heaven shone forth; on earth, the immortal god, born of austerity, upheld the gods. The youthful gods were asked to restrain speech within the assembly. The sages saw the herdsman—never falling, moving on paths both forward and backward, wearing the same garment, traversing straight and crooked ways, turning back within the worlds. They addressed the lord of all beings, of minds, of speech, and of words—renowned among gods, divine heat, protector of the gods—asking him to be manifest for their service, and to bring sweetness among the sweet and the honeyed. They consecrated for the heart, for the mind, for the sky, and for the sun, asking that the sacrifice be raised up among the gods in heaven. They addressed the divine as father, seeking his protection, the power of Tvaṣṭṛ for offspring and cattle, companionship, and safety. They prayed that day and night, each with its sign, might accept the bright light, and offered their salutations. With the impulse of Savitar, the arms of the Aśvins, and the hands of Pūṣan, they fastened the sacred girdle of Aditi. They called forth Iḍā, Aditi, Sarasvatī, and others, inviting them to the rite. They honored Aditi with a girdle, Indrāṇī with a headband, and recognized Pūṣan, offering to Gharma. They sought enrichment from the Aśvins, Sarasvatī, and Indra, invoking Indra’s favor repeatedly. They prayed for the nourishing breast of Sarasvatī, the giver of treasures and all desirable things, to be placed for bestowal. They proclaimed their movement across the wide earth and atmosphere. They invoked the Gāyatrī and Triṣṭubh metres, enclosing the rite with Heaven and Earth, offering with the atmosphere. Indra and the Aśvins were called to drink the essence of honey, and the Vasus were hailed. They saluted the ray of Sūrya, bringer of rain. They offered salutations to Vāta in many forms: as ocean, as the flowing, invincible, unassailable, helpful, and swift one. They hailed Indra with Rudra, with the Ādityas, as smiter of foes; Savitar with the Ṛbhus, with power and vigor; and Bṛhaspati with all the gods. They honored Yama, the Angirases, the ancestors, and Gharma itself, offering their salutations and gratitude to all who had gone before. Thus, the sages, with hearts full of devotion and minds fixed on the divine, wove together their prayers, consecrations, and offerings, seeking peace, protection, sweetness, and the blessings of long life, harmony, and abundance for themselves and all beings.