128                        ALBERUNPS INDIA.

On the Rig- Each of the four parts has a peculiar kind of recita¬
tion. The first is Rigveda, consisting of metrical com¬
positions called ric, which are of different lengths. It
is called Rigveda  as  being  the  totality  of  the ric.

Page 62. It treats of the sacrifices to the fire, and is recited in
three different ways. First, in a uniform manner of
reading, just as every other book is read. Secondly, in
such a way that a pause is made after every single
word. Thirdly, in a method which is the most meri¬
torious, and for which plenty of reward in heaven is
promised. First you read a short passage, each word
of which is distinctly pronounced; then you repeat it
together with a part of that which has not yet been
recited. Next you recite the added portion alone, and
then you repeat it together with the next part of that
which has not yet been recited, &c., &c. Continuing to
do so till the end, you will have read the whole text twice.

Onthe            The Yajurveda is composed of kdndin.    The word

Yajurveda.     .           -,      .       .                         ,                    77.

is a derivative noun, and means the totality of the
kdridin. The difference between this and the Rigveda
is that it may be read as a text connected by the rules
of Saihdhi, which is not allowed in the case of Rigveda.
The one as well as the other treats of works connected
with the fire and the sacrifices.

I have heard the following story about the reason
why the Rigveda cannot be recited as a text connected
by the rules of Saihdhi:—
The story of Yajuavalkya stayed with his master, and his master
vaikya. had a Brahmin friend who wanted to make a journey.
Therefore he asked the master to send somebody to his
house to perform there during his absence the rites to
Homa, i.e. to his fire, and to prevent it from being
extinguished. Now the master sent his pupils to the
house of his friend one after the other. So it came to
be the turn of Yajuavalkya, who was beautiful to look
at and handsomely dressed. When he began the work
which he was sent for, in a place where the wife of the