Atharva Veda · 213 of 724

HYMN XLV

A prayer for preservation from mental sin and evil promptings 1. Sin of the Mind, avaunt! begone! Why sayest thou what none    should say?   Go hence away, I love thee not. Go to the forests and the trees.   My heart is in our homes and cows. 2. Whatever wrong we have committed, sleeping or waking, by    ill-wish, dislike, or slander,   All these offences, which deserve displeasure, may Agni take    from us and keep them distant. 3. Indra and Brāhmanaspati! whatever foolish deed we plan,   May provident Angirasa preserve us from the sin and woe.