From food, verily, all creatures that dwell on earth are born. They live by food alone, and in the end they pass into food. For food is the eldest among all beings; therefore it is called the medicine of all. Those who venerate food as Brahman attain all things. Food is the eldest of beings — thus it is called universal medicine. Creatures are born from food, they grow by food, food is eaten and in turn eats creatures — for this reason it is called food. Within and beyond this sheath composed of food-essence dwells another inner self made of vital breath; by that, this outer self is permeated.