Aitareya-Aranyaka: First Aranyaka, Third Adhyâya, Third Khanda

1. He begins with tad, this, (the first word of the first hymn, tad id asa). Verily “this, this” is food, and thus he obtains food.

2. Pragâpati indeed uttered this as the first word, consisting of one or two syllables, viz. tata and tata (or tat) And thus does a child, as soon as he begins to speak, utter the word, consisting of one or two syllables, viz. tata and tata (or tat). With this very word, consisting of tat or tatta, he begins.

3. This has been said by a Rishi (Rv. X, 71, 1):—

4. “0 Brihaspati, the first point of speech;”—for this is the first and highest point of speech.

5. “That which you have uttered, making it a name;”—for names are made by speech.

6. “That (name) which was the best and without a flaw;”—for this is the best and without a flaw.

7. “That which was hidden by their love, is made manifest;”—for this was hidden in the body, viz. those deities (which enter the body, Agni as voice, entering the mouth, &c.); and that was manifest among the gods in heaven. This is what was intended by the verse.