Note 79 — Chapter I
Reading edition
It is customary among Hindus to cleanse their teeth every morning with a wooden stick, known as dātan79 and then to offer salutations to the sun in the form of a verse which means: “Oh God, the dātans are torn asunder and the sins disappear. Oh the penetrator of the innermost parts, forgive us our sins. Do good unto the benevolent and unto our neighbours.” This prayer is common in the mouths of the vulgar laity.80