ni also to their sustention and protection. There is thus a significant note struck in this earliest literature that the Cause in fact is also the goal and means of all liberation, and only the Ultimate Cause can be the granter of liberation. Or rather the truth that liberares is the truth about the original cause of all creation. Pippalada then proceeds to explain the ways or methods of attainment of Brahman. Brahman is not only the Origin but in a significant sense Brahman as Prajāpati is also present in the process as the unity of the two, prakrti and puruşa, Rayi and Prāņa. The process is taken in its fullest sense as temporal, and the equation of matter and souls is made with the time or duration of the form of Samvatsara, or year. Prajāpati is said to be the Samvatsara. In this respect the Upanisad continues the view enunciated by the Brähmaņas. The Year which is Prajapati is composed of two major divisions, ayanas, corresponding to the already mentioned 'originally created or produced Rayi and Prana These two ayanas are stated to be Pitryāna and Devayāna. Those who go by the Deva- yāna attain Brahman from which there is no return, whereas those who go by the Pitryāna return again and again to this world, The two words Devayana' and 'Pitryana' are normally rendered as the northern and southern paths, Pippalāda again states that Prajāpati could be represented as a Month having two pakşas or parts, the Krsna and the Sukla, dark and bright fort-nights, which correspond to the already mentioned Rayi and Prana. All auspicious works and sacrifices are to be performed during the bright fortnight. The third correspondence is thereafter stated. Prajāpati is the entire day, comprising day and night. The night is Rayi and the day is Prāņa. Brahmacarya is abstention from sexual congress during the day, prāna, for prāņa is to be preserved. Finally it is stated that Prajapati is Food from which all creatures are born. These creatures in their turn create pairs even like Prajāpali. The significance of this answer lies in the fact that Brahman, here called Prajāpati, is not only the original cause
