3. There is a self effulgent secret in the universe >

Those preceptors who having studied all the branches of learning, work for the good of all by imparting instruction, about truth are here referred to by the term “Poorva” the first or former : because they occupy the foremost position, but those who are studying now to attain proficiency are referred to by the term Nooten’. By the term `Rishis’ are to be taken those persons who have known the meaning of the Vedic Mantras, have been practising and propagating only the principles of Dharma (righteousness and morality) and true knowledge conferring the benefits of their truthful instruction on all, are free from deceit or duplicity, industrious, solely devoted to the Almighty God for the accomplishment of their righteous goal of salvation or emancipation.. Arguments offered by the ancient as well as modern sages in support of their significations of the essential principles of the Vedic lore, as well as the subliminal vital forces that are the cause of mundane or worldly existence and subsist in their effects in the mundane existents themselves, along with these, with the help of Yoga or spiritual discipline, God the Supreme Being must be adored and the fire in the form of electricity etc. must be searched after and harnessed in our work of daily public utility. If Omniscient God knowing by His knowledge the sages of the past and the sages of the modern age gives instructions to human beings, there can not be any fault or irregularity in Him, for the Vedas are the utterances of the Omniscient. The use of the terms “Poorva” and Nootana is from the point of view of the men, as the Vedas are meant for the people of all times. Hence if Omnipotent and Omniscient God is thus worshipped and if the thermic energy or fire in the form of electricity etc. is harnessed in our daily transactions of life, the most excellent merits and enjoyment of bliss shall fall to our lot. Here the ancient is known in contrast with the modern and vice versa. This is how Shri Yaskacharya—the author of “Nirukta” interprets. The well-known culinary fire, however, that is utilised by the general public for the purpose of preparing food is not meant in this Mantra. But here is meant the all illuminating, self-effulgent and the subliminal etheric force or electricity as the subject of all scientific knowledge and means of all arts, crafts and industry by the term Agni. This Mantra (Verse) has been misinterpreted by Sayanacharya and others