the same highest Self as the mere witness (sakshin; i.e. as the pure Self, non-related to the limiting conditions).—­The consideration of the context having thus shown that the highest Self has to be resorted to for the interpretation of the passage, the term ‘Vai/s/vanara’ must denote the highest Self in some way or other.  The word ‘Vi/s/vanara’ is to be explained either as ’he who is all and man (i.e. the individual soul),’ or ’he to whom souls belong’ (in so far as he is their maker or ruler), and thus denotes the highest Self which is the Self of all.  And the form ‘Vai/s/vanara’ has the same meaning as ‘Vi/s/vanara,’ the taddhita-suffix, by which the former word is derived from the latter, not changing the meaning; just as in the case of rakshasa (derived from rakshas), and vayasa (derived from vayas).—­The word ‘Agni’ also may denote the highest Self if we adopt the etymology agni=agra/n/i, i.e. he who leads in front.—­As the Garhapatya-fire finally, and as the abode of the oblation to breath the highest Self may be represented because it is the Self of all.

But, if it is assumed that Vai/s/vanara denotes the highest Self, how can Scripture declare that he is measured by a span?—­On the explanation of this difficulty we now enter.

29.  On account of the manifestation, so A/s/marathya opines.

The circumstance of the highest Lord who transcends all measure being spoken of as measured by a span has for its reason ‘manifestation.’  The highest Lord manifests himself as measured by a span, i.e. he specially manifests himself for the benefit of his worshippers in some special places, such as the heart and the like, where he may be perceived.  Hence, according to the opinion of the teacher A/s/marathya, the scriptural passage which speaks of him who is measured by a span may refer to the highest Lord.

30.  On account of remembrance; so Badari opines.

Or else the highest Lord may be called ‘measured by a span’ because he is remembered by means of the mind which is seated in the heart which is measured by a span.  Similarly, barley-corns which are measured by means of prasthas are themselves called prasthas.  It must be admitted that barley-grains themselves have a certain size which is merely rendered manifest through their being connected with a prastha measure; while the highest Lord himself does not possess a size to be rendered manifest by his connexion with the heart.  Still the remembrance (of the Lord by means of the mind) may be accepted as offering a certain foundation for the Sruti passage concerning him who is measured by a span.—­Or else[161] the Sutra may be interpreted to mean that the Lord, although not really measured by a span, is to be remembered (meditated upon) as being of the measure of a span; whereby the passage is furnished with an appropriate sense.—­Thus the passage about him who is measured by a span may, according to the opinion of the teacher Badari, be referred to the highest Lord, on account of remembrance.