Austerity, almsgiving, uprightness, non-violence and truthfulness-these are the gifts (dakshina) for the priests.
Sama Veda, Chandogya Upanishad III, XVII – Man as a Sacrifice (II), 4
Ghora, of the line of Angirasa, communicated this teaching to Krishna, the son of Devaki-and it quenched Krishna’s thirst for any other knowledge-and said: When a man approaches death he should take refuge in these three thoughts: ’Thou art indestructible (akshata),’ ’Thou art unchanging (aprachyuta),’ and ’Thou art the subtle prana.’ On this subject there are two Rik-verses:
Sama Veda, Chandogya Upanishad III, XVII – Man as a Sacrifice (II), 6
They (i.e. the knowers of Brahman) see everywhere the Supreme Light, which shines in Brahman, which is all-pervading like the light of day and which belongs to the primeval Seed. ’Perceiving the higher light in the sun-which is above the darkness of ignorance-as the higher light in the heart, perceiving the Supreme Light which is higher than all lights, we have reached the Highest Light, the Sun, the most luminous among the gods, yea, we have reached the Highest Light, the Sun, the most luminous among the gods.
Sama Veda, Chandogya Upanishad III, XVII – Man as a Sacrifice (II), 7
Your flavors, O Food, are spread throughout space, high like the breezes they are scattered.
Rig Veda I, 187, 4
Those who share your sweetness with others are truly your friends. Those who keep your fine taste to themselves are stiff-necked wretches!
Rig Veda I, 187, 5
