Question
What is the English translation of brihadaranyaka-upanishad Verse 6.4.3-6?
Answer
Here is the translation of Hume;
Her lap is a sacrificial altar; her hairs, the sacrificial grass; her skin, the soma-press. The two labia of the vulva are the fire in the middle. Verily, indeed, as great as is the world of him who sacrifices with the Vâjapeya ('Strength-libation') sacrifice, so great is the world of him who practises sexual intercourse, knowing this; he turns the good deeds of women to himself. But he who practises sexual intercourse without knowing this-women turn his good deeds unto themselves.
This, verily, indeed, it was that Uddâlaka Âruṅi knew when he said:--
This, verily, indeed, it was that Nâka Maudgalya knew when he said:--
This, verily, indeed, it was that Kumârahârita knew when he said: 'Many mortal men, Brahmans by descent, go forth from this world, impotent and devoid of merit, namely those who practise sexual intercourse without knowing this.'
[If] even this much 1 semen is spilled, whether of one asleep or of one awake, 5 then he should touch it, or [without touching] repeat:--
'What semen has of mine to earth been spilt now, Whate'er to herb has flowed, whate'er to water--
This very semen I reclaim! Again to me let vigor come! Again, my strength; again, my glow! Again the altars and the fire Be found in their accustomed place!' Having spoken thus, he should take it with ring-finger and thumb, and rub it on between his breasts or his eye-brows.
- Now, if one should see himself in water, he should recite over it the formula: 'In me be vigor, power, beauty, wealth, merit!'
This, verily, indeed, is loveliness among women: when she has removed the clothes of her impurity. Therefore when she has removed the clothes of her impurity and is beautiful, one should approach and invite her.
The alternate translation is from The Principal of Upanishad by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.
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