A simple, straightforward description of the ancient, path breaking philosophy of Zoroastrianism. The Faith that propounds free and intelligent choice, euliges wisdom, emphasizes positive and constructive actions and is in perfect harmony with Science.
Yasna 44.18: The Mantra defining the Spiritual Quest :
Tat; thwaa Pereasa Eresh Moee Vao-chaa, Ahura
This do I inquire of Thee, for absolute, doubtless comprehension, O all pervading Creator,
Kathaa Asha tat Mizdem hananee
How does one earn that prize, (a successful, prosperous life), through consist, unwavering alignment with the Truth, *Dasa Aspao arshna-vaitish Ushtram-chaa Of achieving an expert command/control, over the 10 senses with strength & intelligence[1]
Hyaat Moee Mazda Api-vaiti Ha-urva-ta
Elevating me, through reasoned, wise choices, to that enlightened, perfect state of self realization,
Amere-tata yathaa hee Mazda tai-byo daao-ghaa
& finally to that Immortality & merger with Thee; that exalted goal/destination that I may hold up as an inspiration for mankind, O Great Wise Ruler (Mazda),
This mantra brings, into focus that path one must take to reach that Ultimate Prosperity: Ha-urva-tat :the Perfection of Self Realization & Amer-e-tat, Oneness with Ahura Mazda. Its spiritual representation is that of the Aat-man (self) which can be referred to as the lord of the Chariot.
In this rich imagery correlating the physical (material) to the spiritual, the material body, being the Chariot & the intellect (Ush-trem) , the charioteer. It is this Ush-trem which holds the reins of the Mind (the Stallion- Aspa) which in turn leads the 10 swift footed mares:
These 10 mares represent: 5 sense Organs (sight, smell, hearing, speech, & touch),& the 5 organs of action (Circulatory, Glandular, Skeletal, Nervous, & Muscular)
Theologically, the reins (cords) represented by Vohu Man-ah (high mindedness-Love & Compassion), are used to control the horses (senses & organs ) along the path of Truth (A-sha), with Knowledge; Strength of purpose-will power (Ksh-athraa), Steadfastness & Perseverance (Ara-maiti) , & Divine Inspiration (Sra-osh-em)
Through feedback from these senses, (just like the brain signals the body based on the feedback from the nervous system) & in coordination with his organs, man has to judiciously, through experience, rise intelligently above material cravings (Kah-maas), with High mindedness, treading the 10 fold path of courtesy, humility, courage, gentleness, purity, compassion, protection of the weak, liberality, selflessness, & receptiveness to knowledge (The Aryan code of ethics, from Arya, meaning “Noble”).
• Kahmaa, meaning “obsessive desire” is critical to understanding human mentality; as it is obsessions & frustrated desires that are the root cause of negative emotions (Aesh-maa : envy, greed, malice, anger, sloth, & ego). • One may note that the number 11, (10 mares & 1 stallion) signifies power & energy. • Pithavala suggests that according to numerology, the relevant numbers: 10(mares) + 1(stallion) +1(camel) = 12, is a number signifying "evolution" or renovation.
We can now understand how Ha-urva-tat (self realization), the evolution to a higher self, is achieved through renovation of the lower, physical, baser self.
Reigning in A-ESH-MA, (the negative emotions/mentalities of: envy, greed, anger, sloth, & ego), the Ushtrem, through intelligent analysis, makes ethical choices (Vai-ryo) , to attain harmony & merger between the body (Keherpaa) & the Mind (Mano), progressing to that perfect happiness; that Prosperity of Self Realization…………….Perfection (Ha-urva-tat) & unity with the Divinity (Ameretat-Immortality)
The intelligence (Ush-trem) therefore, ideally enlightens the mind (stallion), To distinguish between fact & fiction, through Knowlede (Asha). To take the path of High Mindedness (Vohu Manah: Love, Compassion, Humility, Patience, & Devotion). Take feedback from & co-ordinate the senses & organs, to perform considered acts (Kshaatraa) of selflessness.
As such therefore just as the Sun is on perpetual duty to ensure the orbits of the planets around it, so too, we are enjoined to actively & energetically participate (Aramaiti- energetic, focused, perseverance) in Life & forward the cause of ethical righteousness aggressively.
The line “Dasa Aspao arshan-vaitish Ushtrem-chaa”:; therefore encapsulates the human bench marking requirement of Intelligent (Ush-trem) handling of the Ten mares (Senses & Organs), led by the stallion (strength, persistence-will power) controlled with reins (cords) of love & compassion. . Namely, intelligent Regulation of one’s Senses; based on Love & Compassion, to successfully go through Life.
The entomology of the name of our saviour can now be understood: Za-rath-ushtra: Za(bright divine light, vedic Hari) + Rath (chariot) + Ush-tra (blaze of enlightenment, from Ush = to burn & tra = star/intersection/convergence)
“Ushtra” means both the intellect that controls the mind (at the spiritual level) & has also been referred to as “Camel” (at the physical level). The Camel being the prime mode of transportation in the Balkh-Afghanistan (now called the Balkh-Margiana Archeological Complex) area in those times, this imageryname refers to: The vehicle (bringer) of the blazing light of enlightening knowledge.
A natural corrolary of this concept is that just like a poorly fired clay pot will not hold water efficiently (or a poorly refined & cast metal container is an inefficient cooking medium);
In order for the Ushtrem (intelligence) to master control of the Mind, encased in the body (the chariot), one needs to proficiently master control of the body & its senses (the container housing the mind): the very foundation of Yoga.
Yoga, derived from the root word Yuj, (in turn derived from “Yu” meaning unite & separate: co-ordinate) refers to a method to harness, set to work, & coordinate the mind & the body. Yoga teaching is said to have come from Ish-wara, the Cosmic Guru. The word Ishwara is derived from Ishu[1], (Yasna 34.14) that attribute of Ahura Mazda, given to wish fulfilment & overcoming difficulty.
Ishu, one of the 72 names (attributes) of Ahura Mazda is refered to twice in the the Hormazd Yasht as:
Isho-khshathroo & Isho-khshathro-tema = the desired, obstacle overcoming strength.
Composed/Formulated by Kava Ushana (Shukra-acharya) & codified by Sage Patanjali, it is distinct from the Vedanta philosophy.
[1] The word ISHU is not of Vedic origin & appears only in later scriptures such as Bhagwad Geeta, which acknowledges its source of inspiration as Sage Nara-yana who preached a message of Truth in the Persian lands.
The mantra that encapsulates the teachings of the Zarathushti faith
Ahu-na Vai-rya
(The First and Foremost, the Greatest protection affording Mantra: The Mantra Maz-ish-tem.). The meter is 9 + 7.
Ya-thaa A-hoo Vai-ri-yo: I pledge alliance to Thee consciously, O Almighty Creator of all Life, through reasoned, fact based, intelligent Choice .
A-thaa Rt-ush A-shaat-chit ha-chaa Likewise I consciously seek guidance from that master of my sub-consciounce (Rt-ush), that divine flame[1], aligned to Truth, Reality; for solutions to the challenges I face in life
[1] Atarsh- the holy flame is called Pu-thraa—the communicator with Divinity. ================================================== Van-geush daz-daa Man-ang-ho Treading that victorious, knowledge based path, of Love, Compassion and Patience, Shyaa-o-thaa-naa-naam an-geush Maz-daai Through conscious, enlightened acts of selflessness ========================================= Ksha-threm-chaa A-hoo-raai aa As it is only through the strength of conviction, the determination, to follow this path (knowledge + faith telescoping into actions), O Creator of all life Yim dre-gub-yo da-daat Vaa-staa-rem[2]
That guides me away from the dregs of ignorant, egotistical un-ethical Behaviour andtowards acquisition of thy postulated riches[3].
Word Break-up and Explanatory Notes: Yatha: Just as Ahu: Vedic Asu, Life force, The self sustaining (does not need food or air) Creator Vai-ryo: from root Vr: to choose with intelligence (cognate word: Varun, one of the 101 names of Ahura Mazda) Atha: First (seed) & foremost. Rt-ush : The master of the subconscious mind; the divine purifying flame of TRUTH- Reality, aligned to the Law of the Universe-the algorithm which regulates the functioning of the Universe Ash-aat: The Expanding /evolving/continuously improving Universe. The path of Truth, of Reality. Chit: purifying flame, that refines the mind; educates, dispels all doubt. Ha-cha: of. Van-geush: Winning Soul; “winning hearts through Love”.. (Van : Win/Victorious + Ge-ush: Cow, representing mother earth; whose selflessness, binds devotees to her with Love Daz-da: prescribed or postulated (path) based on Wisdom. Man-an-gho: (Man: discerning + An = breath). Enlightened, aware discerning mind. Shyoth-ana-naam: Deeds/actions that are pure, without any ulterior motive. (From Shyo= pure) An-ge-ush: An + Geush, where An = breath + Geush = Universe: The Living World Mazdai: Maz = great, vedic Maah; and dai=dh = rule and judgment based on wisdom (through education, not instruction or indoctrination) Ksha-threm-cha: of (will) Power (strength of conviction, not compulsion). The Kshthraa of Ahura Mazda, is both his Kingdom and Power/Strength; Kingdom in material sense and will power in the spiritual sense. Ahu-rai: The glorious radiance (Rai) of the Creator (Ahu) I-Yim: which Guides Dre-gub-yo : driving the druj/droha/dregs (demonic deceivers) away. Derived from “Drigu”, Deceptive, devious, pathologically evil minded ; those who thrive on death & destruction. Drigu (in this case) refers to the poverty of the un-enlightened soul, representative of the baser faculties of man; to be removed. Enlightenment removes this. Da-daat: Divine Grant (spiritual riches/ enlightenment) Vaasta-rem: Vaas-tr-em: riches gained/collected/acquired (from root Vastra)
The religious doctrine developed-Mazda Yasna (Devotionals dedicated to the Lord of intelligence) and encapsulated in this magnificent (Maz-ish-tem) Mantra, is therefore a synthesis of: A-sha (integrity-knowledge-intellect) + Vohu Manah (faith-love-compassion-patience-devotion) + Shyaothna (actions based on the above). This synthesis can also be seen in the terminology: Manshni, Gavashni, Kunashni. Man-ash-ni: Well considered thoughts, or Reasoned, Good (Pure) Intentions. Gav-ash-ni: Well Spoken words or Discussions (brain storming) based on lofty (wealth) andPure goals. Kun-ash-ni: Well done Deeds or Carrying out the plan aligned to Truth and Justice. This is where we can begin to appreciate the Greatness of the Yatha Ahu Vairyo prayer, and the logic behind the praises heaped on it in Yasna 19; as the most powerful mantra of the Zarathoshti Day-na. It encapsulates the Postulates of the faith (Dae-na), detailing the Laws of Life and the logical consequences of one’s actions. Reciting it with devotion & understanding therefore, Protects Body and Soul. The Yatha prayer can thus, now be appreciated: Just as Ahu, the self created, Almighty Creator (life force) is adored and invoked, so also should we introspect inwards and seek guidance from his first (atha) seed (rt-ush) in each one of us (the pure unblemished master of subconscious), on account of its ability to guide us along the path of ethics through knowledge and truth aligned reasoned judgment. This inner flame is to be fed continuously to stay alight; the fuel being ones own good, selfless actions. The Yatha, thus projects in a concentrated, condensed form, the 3 co-incidental paths (the path of Knowledge; the path of Love -Devotion and the path of Action based on the first two); to the higher state of Perfection-Self Realization (Ha-urva-tat ) and Immortality (Amere-tat) and merger in divinity. The first verse is about the Truth aligned Intellect, the second is devoted application-faith (love for the Almighty and love for his creations). The third is the logical follow through of actions carried out on basis of Wisdom and Compassion (Love). One may notice that the concept of compassion and devotion are anchored in knowledge; ruling out blind faith and indoctrination from the value system. Knowledge based Truth, thus becomes an unending search for continuous improvement of the self. This mantra thus indicates the manner in which these 3 concepts are interrelated and that all three are required in order to attain self realization, that prosperity of perfection (Ha-urva-tat, Vedic Saraswat) and oneness (immortality-Ameretat) with the wise Creator (Ahu-ra Maz-da). We are therefore enjoined to follow Ahura Mazda through intelligent reasoned choice based on knowledge and the consequent doubt-free faith; not blind obedience, indoctrination or fear of punishments. It is this knowledge based on a foundation of Love and Compassion (Unalloyed binding Love of Mazda), which forms the Cord (bond/bandhan) between us and all other Divine/beloved (Vohu) creations. Ahura Mazda is therefore our loving friend, who guides mankind by the dawning of wisdom through life experience, not by torment or tyranny. Based on these, now there is the call to action, to put into practice our devotion to Mazda.
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Work is worship (Actions speak louder than words) therefore becomes the epitaph of the Daena, underlining the real reason for preference of worship, facing a living, breathing fire (Atash) as opposed to an idol or image worship. An image although a good (and practical) focal point of devotion, obscures the true aim of worship, namely the requirement of continuous Intelligent,Wise, compassionate acts of Selflessness.
Acts of selflessness[1], therefore becomes the true nature of worship of Mazda, work and worship becoming synonymous.
This formula of “Worship through Righteous actions”is brought out in focus in the Gathas.
Ys 51.22: (Dr Irach Taraporewala)
That Person indeed, who makes his every act, An act of worship,
Aligns himself with that reality (Truth) that forms the foundation of the Rhythmic-harmonic operation of the Universe,
& is deemed best, by Thee, O Ahura Mazda;
Each one of these, who have been and who are,
With reverence will I recall by name,
And strive to emulate their holy deeds.
Ys51.22, in turn, has been paraphrased by the Yenghe Hatam prayer.
This is the purpose behind recital of the Names of Ahura Mazda.
Ahura Mazda is the ONE, the Many, the ALL, and beyond all form.
Each attribute of Ahura Mazda, is, therefore, our divinely beloved (Vohu) Goal (Arthaa) to emulate andto try to achieve.
72 Names-Attributes of Ahura Mazda, (as invoked in the Hormazd Yasht)
Ones that distinguish the concept of God, the Creator of mankind from
other religious streams.
1. Frakhshtya =
Who has always Existed
2. Vaan-thvyoo =
Who Victoriously protects all Life.
3. Avi-tanyoo =Whose body,
like an ocean, extends through space and time
4. Asha Vahishta = Who epitomizes
Truth and Justice
5. Vispa vohu Mazda-dhaata asha-chitra:
Who is the beloved Creator (of life) 6. Khr-tush = Whose glorious aura
radiates warmth. (Who does not scare) 7. Khr-tumaao = Whose glorious
aura radiates warmth over time and space. 8. Chist-ish = Who
processes Insight/Perception 9. Chisti-vaao = Whose Perception
harbors no doubt. 10. Spaa-noo = Who increases
Prosperity
11. Spa-nan-guhaao = Who is the
fountain of prosperity 12. Ahuro = Who is Self Created,
has no beginning or ending.
13. Sev-ishto = Who is the most
Beneficent 14. Vidva-esh-tvo = Who is without
equal in knowledge 15. Ava-nemna = Who is Invincible
16. Haata marenish = Who is the
final Accountant (of deeds) 17. Vispa hishas = Who is
All-Seeing (who sees everything) 18. Baeeshazya = Who is the
Healer, Purifier 19. Daa-to = Who is the
Bestower
20. Maz-daao = Who rules
exclusively through Wisdom 21. Paayush-cha = Who is the
Protector 22. Daata-cha thraataa-cha = Who
is the Nourisher 23. Znata-cha man-yushcha spento-temo =
Whose Intents are the purest. 24. Baeshazaya = Who is the Healer 25. Baeshazayo-tema = Who is the
greatest Healer 26. Athrava = Who tenders the eternal flame
27. Athrava-tema = Who is the greatest Tenderer of
the eternal flame
28. Ahu-ra = Who is the Creator of all Life 29. Maz-daao = Who rules (acts) through Wisdom 30. Ash-ava = Who Expands andpromotes the
Truth 31. Asha-vas-tema = Who is the Greatest promoter of
Truth. 32. Khvare-nangha = Who is Radiant. 33. khvare-nanguhas-tema = Who is the Most Radiant 34. Pouru-darshta = Who is the foremost Seer 35. Pouru-darsh-tema = Whose Sight misses nothing
36. Duraee-darsh-ta = Whose Sight covers immense
distances 37. Duraee-darsh-tema = Who can see the furthest
(over the horizon) 38. Spash-ta = Who presides over conscience (of
every soul) 39. Vita namaa = Who is All-Loving 40. Daata = Who Bestows (Truth and justice) 41. Pata = Who is the Protector 42. Thraata = Who is the Nourisher 43. Znaata = Who is Cognizant (Omniscient) 44. Znoo-ishta = Omniscience without equal 45. Fshumaao = Who promotes Productivity and prosperity
46. Fshushoo-maanthra = Who is the mantra of
Prosperity
47. Isho-khshathro namaa = Who is the Love that
overcomes obstacles
48. Isho-khshathro-tema = Whose Love and Strength
has no equal 49. Namoo-khshathroo = Who is the Benevolent
Power 50. Namoo-khshathryoo-temo = Who is the most
benevolent
51. Adhavish = Who never deceives 52. Vidhavish = Who cannot be
deceived 53. Paiti-paayush = Who affords protection even
handedly
54. Tbaeeshoo-taurvaao = Who destroys Malice and Hatred 55. Hathra-vana =Who is victorious over and removes
Malice 56. Vispa-vana = Who is victorious through Love. 57. Vispa-tash = Who is the Architect of the
Universe 58. Vispa-khvaathra = Who spreads Light throughout
the Universe. 59. Pouru-khvaathra = Whose Light is foremost, all
Encompassing. 60. Khvaathra-vaao = Whose Light removes all doubt 61. Verezi-saoka = Whose work and achievement is
Brilliant. 62. Verezi-sav-aao = Whose Brilliance is
celebrated. 63. Say-vee = Whose Beneficence is
uninterrupted. 64. Surao = Who is Pure radiance 65. Sav-ishta = Who consistently fulfills wishes 66. Asha = Who has designed the functioning
of the universe
67. Bereza = Who is Exalted 68. Khsha-thra-ya = Who is the Sovereign power 69. Khsha-thra-yoo-temo = Who is the Greatest
Sovereign 70. Hud-hanush = Who has given birth to
Wisdom. 71. Hud-hanush-temo = Whose Wisdom knows no bounds. 72. Durae-suka = Who sees through everything.
Along similar lines, the Yasna liturgy is made up
of 72 chapters in conformity to the 72 attributes of Ahura Mazda (Hormazd
Yasht) andthe 72 threads that make up the holy cord (Kusti).
Significantly, the Vesperad andthe Van-didad, too were said to have 72 chapters
originally.
(The Avesta is composed of Yasna (Sk. Yagna), Yasht, Visperad andthe Vedidad. The Yasna is the oldest and more aligned to the language of Rig Vedic
Sanskrit. Being the compilation of Zarathushtra and his immediate followers, it
is the most authoritative)
This idea of worship through actions (work) is also highlighted in a Daily Pazend Prayer; which forms part of all Yashts.
“ O Ahura Mazda, Benefactor of humanity, of all races of man, and of the species of life, Thou Glorious Ship (protector and guide, over-comer of obstacles) of us Mazda-yasni faithful, May I endeavor to achieve the highest Devotion….faith in Thee (aagahi) through intelligent reasoning (astavani) and carry out actions (nekee) in accordance”.[4]
For Zarathushtra, devotion to the almighty was through non ending positive (constructive) deeds of selflessness arrived at, intelligently, with careful and responsible deliberation & guided by the cords (reins) of love & compassion.
According to Dr Irach Taraporewalla; this is the transformation of the worship & adoration of an abstract God head into Love of humanity. Devotion to Ahura Mazda, through acts of Righteousness, therefore becomes a lifestyle, and not restricted to liturgy and rituals.
Along similar lines, the prayers composed in Pazand are therefore till date recited silently, to offer silent, devoted communion with the infinite and to stand it apart from the remaining prayer which is recited in prose form.
The practice of mute prayers (called zimzimeh) by Zarathushtis of CIS countries is precisely such a concept. Interestingly,this “zim-zimeh” or silent recitation is not only practiced by the Zarathoshti faithfull throughout the CIS nations, but also by Kashmiri Pandits (Hindus) and surprisingly Muslims in Kashmir (exemplified by the apt Kashmiri axiom: “dil ba yar dast ba kar” meaning heart glued to God and hands glued to work ) clearly indicating the ancient Zarathoshti root source.
Vaas-tri-yaat vaa aa-i-tey Yey vaa noit ang-haat vas-tri-yo Spiritual wealth accumulation is what matters. That is the only wealth that a soul can accumulate; Blindly Coveting material wealth during ones' lifetime risks ending up unclothed. Mazda’s holy dictate (Ys29.7): Maz-daao ga-voi Kshwi-dem chaa; Ru-sha aibyo spento saas-na-yaa Mix selflessness, to taste sweetness; in your daily fare (Dasturjee Minocher Homjee)
[2]The Universe operates on the principle of a continuous improvement spiral
[3]The word "YAZA-MAIDE" and its derivative "Yaz-ata" (meaning worthy of worship), are both derived fom Yaj = Yaz = to worship. These derivatives occur in the Airyamnem Ishyo mantra (in the same meter as the Ahuna-vaiti Gatha) & the Yasna Haptanghaiti, (the prose text in the Gathic dialect now scientifically accepted as the composition of the prophet Za-rath-ushtra himself) as well as in every mantric paragraph of Avestan Yashts.
[4] (as translated by Dastuji Minocher Homji-in the audio tapes of his discourses in USA)
