The threefold creation of the elements and of man from God's command

6.1.1 Now, there was Svetaketu Aruneya. To him his father said: "Live the life of a student of sacred knowledge. Verily, my dear, from our family there is no one unlearned in the Books, a scholar by name only, as it were."

6.1.2 He then, having become a pupil at the age of twelve, having studied all the Books, returned at the age of twenty-four, conceited, thinking himself learned, proud.

6.1.3 Then his father said to him: "Svetaketu, my dear, since now you are conceited, think yourself learned, and are proud, did you also ask for that teaching whereby what has not been heard of becomes heard of, what has not been thought of becomes thought of, what has not been understood becomes understood?"

6.1.4 "How, pray, Sir, is that teaching?"

"Just as, my dear, by one piece of clay everything made of clay may be known; the modification is merely a verbal distinction, a name; the reality is just clay;

6.1.5 just as, my dear, by one copper ornament everything made of copper may be known; the modification is merely a verbal distinction, a name; the reality is just copper;

6.1.6 just as, my dear, by one nail-scissors everything made of iron may be known; the modification is merely a verbal distinction, a name; the reality is just iron; so, my dear, is that teaching."

6.1.7 "Verily, those honored men did not know this; for, if they had known it, why would they not have told me? But do you, Sir, tell me it."

"So be it, my dear," said he.