'
"Syumarasmi said, 'One should perform sacrifice from desire of
heaven,--this Sruti is constantly heard by us. Thinking first of the
fruit (that is to be attained), one makes preparations for sacrifice.
Goat, horse, cow, all species of birds, domestic or wild, and herbs and
plants, are food of (other) living creatures. This is heard by us.[1229]
Food again has been directed to be taken day after day morning and
evening. Then again the Sruti declares that animals and grain are the
limbs of Sacrifice.[1230] The Lord of the universe created them along
with Sacrifice. The puissant Lord of all creatures caused the deities to
perform sacrifices with their aid. Altogether seven (domestic) and seven
(wild) animals are indicated as fit for sacrifice. Instead of all being
equally fit, each succeeding one is inferior to each preceding one. The
Vedas again declare that the whole universe is appointed for sacrifice.
Him also that is called Purusha the Vedas have appointed for the same
purpose.[1231] This again hath been sanctioned by men of remote and
remoter times. What man of learning is there that does not select,
according to his own ability, individuals from among living creatures for
sacrifice?[1232] The inferior animals, human beings, trees, and herbs,
all wish for the attainment of heaven. There is no means, however, except
sacrifice, by which they can obtain the fruition of that desire. The
deciduous herbs, animals, trees, creepers, clarified butter, milk, curds,
meat and other approved things (that are poured on the sacrificial fire),
land, the points of the compass, faith, and time which brings up the tale
of twelve, the Richs, the Yajuses, the Samans, and the sacrificer himself
bringing up the tale to sixteen, and Fire which should be known as the
householder,--these seventeen are said to be the limbs of sacrifice.
Pages:
2134
2135
2136
2137
2138
2139
2140
2141
2142
2143
2144
2145
2146
2147
2148
2149
2150
2151
2152
2153
2154
2155
2156
2157
2158