48-49, where it is said that there are three heavens, in the highest of which reside the Manes; while a distinction is made at the same time between 'fathers' and 'grandfathers,' the fathers' fathers, 'who have entered air, who inhabit earth and heaven.' Here appears nascent the doctrine of 'elevating the Fathers,' which is expressly taught in the next era.

The performance of rites in honor of the Manes causes them to ascend from a low state to a higher one.

In fact, if the offerings are not given at all, the spirits do not go to heaven.

In general the older generations of Manes go up highest and are happiest.

The personal offering is only to the immediate fathers.
If, as was shown in the introductory chapter, the Atharvan represents a geographical advance on the part of the Vedic Aryans, this fact cannot be ignored in estimating the primitiveness of the collection.
Geographical advance, acquaintance with other flora and fauna than those of the Rig Veda, means--although the argument of silence must not be exaggerated--a temporal advance also.