14.023
The Brāhmaṇa said.
Here too, they relate this ancient story, O fortunate one, about the arrangement of the five hotṛ priests as it is here. (14-23-1)
The wise know prāṇa, apāna, udāna, samāna, and vyāna as the five sacrificers; these indeed they recognize as embodying the supreme state. (14-23-2)
The Brāhmaṇa said.
It is from their own nature that there are said to be seven invokers; this is the earlier conception. Just as there are five invokers, likewise let the other state be stated thus. (14-23-3)
The Brāhmaṇa said;
The air gathered by prāṇa becomes apāna; from that, in apāna, the gathered air, from there vyāna moves (is set in motion). (14-23-4)
Through vyāna, the gathered air generates udāna; in udāna, the collected air gives rise to samāna. (14-23-5)
They once went to Prajāpati, who was born before, and asked: "Who among us is the eldest? Tell us; for us, the eldest will be considered the best." (14-23-6)
Brahmā said.
He, in whom, upon dissolution, all the vital forces of living beings in their bodies merge, and in whom, having been scattered again, they operate anew—he indeed is the highest, to whom desire goes where. (14-23-7)
Prāṇa said.
When all life-energies of living beings, within their bodies, dissolve in me, they enter into dissolution; when I am again diffused, they move forth once more. Indeed, I am the best—behold me as the absorbed one. (14-23-8)
The Brāhmaṇa said.
The life-breath dissolved, but then again he moved about indeed; then the samāna and udāna vital airs and speech spoke, O auspicious one. (14-23-9)
You do not abide here pervading all this as we do. You are not superior to us, prāṇa; for apāna is under your authority. Again, prāṇa moved about and apāna addressed him thus. (14-23-10)
When dissolved in me, all the vital airs of all living beings in their bodies enter dissolution; when I have spread forth, they move again. Truly, I am the supreme—see me merged thus. (14-23-11)
Vyāna and Udāna, as he was speaking, then both said: 'Apāna, you are not the best; for Prāṇa is truly under your control.' (14-23-12)
Then apāna moved about; to him, vyāna spoke again: "I am the superior among all; let the reason for this be heard." (14-23-13)
When all beings in whom the vital breaths reside, at the time of dissolution merge into me, and when I become diffused, again they move forth; I am indeed the best. See me absorbed. (14-23-14)
Then vyāna was withdrawn; but again, he functioned indeed. Prāṇa, apāna, udāna, and samāna said to him: "You are not the best among us, O vyāna; samāna is indeed under your control." (14-23-15)
Vyāna, having moved about again, and samāna again spoke: "I am the best of all; let it be heard for what reason." (14-23-16)
When I am dissolved, all the life-breaths of living beings in their bodies pass into dissolution. When I am spread out again, they move again; I am indeed the best—see me absorbed. (14-23-17)
Then Samāna merged and again moved. Prāṇa, Apāna, Udāna, and Vyāna, indeed, said to him: "Samāna, you are not superior; indeed, Vyāna is under your control." (14-23-18)
Then, as samāna moved about, udāna said to him: "I am the best of all; let it be heard for what reason." (14-23-19)
When all is dissolved in me, all vital airs of embodied beings go to dissolution in me. When I am spread forth again, they move again; I am indeed supreme—behold me absorbed. (14-23-20)
Then udāna became dissolved; yet again, it moved about. Prāṇa, apāna, samāna, and vyāna spoke to him: "O udāna, you are not the most excellent; vyāna is in fact under your command." (14-23-21)
Then Brahmā, the Lord of creatures, said to those assembled: All are excellent, and none is superior to others; all possess mutual qualities. Each is excellent in their own domain; all protect each other. (14-23-22)
The one vāyu (vital air), being both stable and unstable, becomes fivefold by distinction. Indeed, my own self is multiplied in many forms. (14-23-23)
Cherish each other as friends. May there be welfare; go in goodness. Hold to one another. (14-23-24)
