1. Some say: “Let the swing be one ell (aratni) above the ground, for
by that measure verily the Svarga worlds are measured.” That is not to
be regarded.
2. Others say: “Let it be one span (pradesa), for by that measure
verily the vital airs were measured.” That is not to be regarded.
3. Let it be one fist (mushti), for by that measure verily all
eatable food is made, and by that measure all eatable food is taken;
therefore let it be one fist above the ground.
4. They say: “Let him mount the swing from east to west, like he who
shines; for the sun mounts these worlds from east to west.” That is not
to be regarded.
5. Others say: “Let him mount the swing sideways, for people mount a
horse sideways, thinking that thus they will obtain all desires.” That
is not to be regarded.
6. They say: “Let him mount the swing from behind, for people mount
a ship from behind, and this swing is a ship in which to go to heaven.”
Therefore let him mount it from behind.
7. Let him touch the swing with his chin (khubuka). The parrot
(suka) thus mounts a tree, and he is of all birds the one who eats most
food. Therefore let him touch it with his chin.
8. Let him mount the swing with his arms. The hawk swoops thus on
birds and on trees, and he is of all birds the strongest. Therefore
let him mount with his arms.
9. Let him not withdraw one foot (the right or left) from the earth,
for fear that he may lose his hold.
10. The Hotri mounts the swing, the Udgatri the seat made of
Udumbara wood. The swing is masculine, the seat feminine, and they
form a union. Thus he makes a union at the beginning of the uktha in
order to get offspring.
11. He who knows this, gets offspring and cattle.
12. Next the swing is food, the seat fortune. Thus he mounts and
obtains food and fortune.
13. The Hotrakas (the Prasastri, Brahmanakkhamsin, Potri, Neshtri,
Agnidhra, and Akkhavaka) together with the Brahman sit down on cushions
made of grass, reeds, leaves, &c.
14. Plants and trees, after they have grown up, bear fruit. Thus if
the priests mount on that day altogether (on their seats), they mount
on solid and fluid as their proper food. Therefore this serves for the
attainment of solid as proper food.
15. Some say: “Let him descend after saying vashai.” That is not to
be regarded. For, verily, that respect is not shown which is shown to
one who does not see it.
16. Others say: “Let him descend after he has taken the food in his
hand.” That is not to be regarded. For, verily, that respect is not
shown which is shown to one after he has approached quite close.
17. Let him descend after he has seen the food. For, verily, that
is real respect which is shown to one when he sees it. Only after
having actually seen the food (that is brought to the sacrifice), let
him descend from the swing.
18. Let him descend turning towards the east, for in the east the
seed of the gods springs up. Therefore let him rise turning towards
the east, yea, turning towards the east.