AHUNA-VAR, the Mantra that encapsulates the Zarathushti faith

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

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[1] Atarsh- the holy flame is called Pu-thraa—the communicator with Divinity. 
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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) and Pure 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.

Yenghe-hatam:

^{Yen-ghe haataam aat yasne paiti van-gho
Maz-da Ahu-ro vae-tha,}

^{ash-at ha-cha, yaon-gham-cha
tan-s-cha, tao-s-cha yaza-maide.}

Those, who intelligently make their every act (endeavor), An act of worship,

Promoting the cause of Truth (knowledge) and Justice in unison, with the cosmic Rhythm[2] of the Universe;

Are recognized and protected by thee, as victorious souls, 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

Word Break-up:

Yenghe: whose/those

haa-taam: Vedic Satam: society, living souls

aat: indeed

yas-ne: worship

paiti: vedic pati:  protective guide, worthy of  devotion, affording protection

van-gho: victorious realm (life)
Maz-da: Great Dispensor (vedic “Dha”)

Ahuro: Omniscent Creator

vae-tha: recognized (by),

ash-at: promoting Asha (Truth, Knowledge, Justice)

hach-aa: by virtue of, on the basis of

yaon-gham-cha: of such honest endevouring
tans-cha: of the body (tan), --- of those men & women

taos-cha: (honored family elders) of those ancestors

yaza-maide[3]: we esteem, revere, invoke

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 and to 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.

“Ahura Mazda Khodai, awazuni -e mardum, mardum sardagan, hamaa sardagan, hum baayaasta, ve-haan aum behedeen mazda-yasnan, aagaahee, astavani, neekee, rasanad aedoon baad”

“ 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. 

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[1]   (Yasna 31.9)

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)