6. Look back how it was with those who came before, look forward how it will be with those who come hereafter. A mortal ripens like corn, like corn he springs up again[1]."
(Nakiketas enters into the abode of Yama Vaivasvata, and there is no one to receive him. Thereupon one of the attendants of Yama is supposed to say:)
7. "Fire enters into the houses, when a Brâhmana enters as a guest[2]. That fire is quenched by this peace-offering; — bring water, O Vaivasvata[3]!
8. A Brâhmana that dwells in the house of a foolish man without receiving food to eat, destroys his hopes and expectations, his possessions, his righteousness, his sacred and his good deeds, and all his sons and cattle[4]."
(Yama, returning to his house after an absence of three nights, during which time Nakiketas had received no hospitality from him, says:)
9. "O Brâhmana, as thou, a venerable guest, hast dwelt in my house three nights without eating,
- ↑ Sasya, corn rather than grass; -, -, Benfey; Welsh haidd, according to Rhys; different from sash-pa, ces-pes, Benfey.
- ↑ Cf. Vasishtha XI, 13; Sacred Books of the East, vol. xiv, p. 51.
- ↑ Vaivasvata, a name of Yama, the ruler of the departed. Water is the first gift to be offered to a stranger who claims hospitality.
- ↑ Here again some words are translated differently from Sankara. He explains âsâ as asking for a wished-for object, pratikshâ as looking forward with a view to obtaining an unknown object. Sangata he takes as reward for intercourse with good people; sûnritâ, as usual, as good and kind speech; ishta as rewards for sacrifices; pûrta as rewards for public benefits.
