Some say that food is Brahman, but this is not so, for food decays without life (prana). Others say that life (prana) is Brahman, but this is not so, for life dries up without food. Then these two deities (food and life), when they have become one, reach that highest state (i. e. are Brahman). Thereupon Pratrida said to his father: 'Shall I be able to do any good to one who knows this, or shall I be able to do him any harm?' The father said to him, beckoning with his hand: 'Not so, O Pratrida; for who could reach the highest state, if he has only got to the oneness of these two?' He then said to him: 'Vi; verily, food is Vi, for all these beings rest (vishtani) on food.' He then said: 'Ram; verily, life is Ram, for all these beings delight (ramante) in life. All beings rest on him, all beings delight in him who knows this.'

In plain words: Some say food is Brahman, the ultimate reality, and others say life-breath is, but each fails without the other, so some say they are highest when joined. Pratrida asks his father whether he could do any good or harm to someone who knows this. His father waves his hand and says no, because knowing only that these two are one does not reach the highest state. Then he teaches that food is 'Vi' because all beings rest on it, and life is 'Ram' because all beings delight in it. All beings rest on and delight in the one who knows this.