The Zarathushti Faith- Summarized.
The Zarathushti faith, is traditionally called Mazda-Yasni Za-rath-ush-tr-ish. It means that form of worship (Yas-ni) of that supreme immortal being (Ahura), who rules solely and exclusively through Wisdom (Mazda) and whose strength is based exclusively on Love.
As the Zarathushti philosophy was propounded by our saviour Za-rath-ush-tra[1]; this term “Zarthush-trish” , added after “Mazda Yasni”, identifies him as the author of this divine revelation; which reformed the discrepancies that had crept into the ancient faith.
[1] ZA-RATH-USH-TRA: Za/Zar/Har= glorious/hallowed; Rath= chariot; Ush= light (knowledge); tra= concentration of.
[1] Pai = Pure/Divine; Gam = that challis that crucible that holds the hallowed essence/concentrate. Ber/Bar = Carrier/transporter.
Addressed as AHURA MAZDA, this immortal (always existing and self-sustaining) creator oversees the universe, in general and mankind in particular, exclusively through Wisdom.
Ahu means that divinity that has always been in existence; that Life Force which has neither beginning nor ending and Ra means glorious, radiant divinity. MAZ-DA derived from Maz and Da means the Great (Maz) Wise Dispenser/Ruler (Da).
Ahura Mazda is thus conceived of, not as having a mortal body structure
but rather as an “self propelled energy” that encompasses unimaginable distances-like an ocean. This characteristic of the Creator being an ocean of love, who rules exclusively through wisdom (Truth, Justice and Logic) stands in sharp contrast to some ideologies that require devotees to obsessively seek "mercy" from a tyrannical God whose wrath can be manifested by the smallest transgression.
Zoroastrianism thus identifies its philosophy as “DAY-NA”, (देना) meaning the “Pathway to Excellence” or the pathway of Continuous improvement through self-introspection or self-correction and practice of deeds which are productive and do not negatively affect others.
FOREWORD.
History has always
been written by Victors and no other community has had its origins and
philosophical concepts shrouded in so much confusion as that of the
Zarathushtis.
The faith, originating in Greater
Ariana is very ancient. So
ancient in fact, that scientific opinion is still divided over the times of
Zarathustra, our Saviour whose religious philosophy is known in the west as
Zoroastrianism. The scriptures, being phonetic in nature, were memorized by the
priesthood for millenniums and codified in writing only during relatively modern
historical times.
Following a
philosophical split, as documented in the Vedas, and the Vandidad, the Iranian
tribes are pushed northward and north-westward from their homelands shown above and consolidate themselves in
the regions currently identified as BMAC (Balkh-Margiana Archaeological complex). As the Saka (or
Saoka) tribe is repeatedly praised in the scriptures, one can safely assume
that, although cosmopolitan in nature, the Saka/Saoka empire represented the first
Zarathushti empire.
Over centuries, the
political and religious center of gravity shifted under the Achaemenian Empire
to Persepolis in todays' south eastern Iran.
Codification of history and
rituals took place during the glorious age of its emperor Kur-ush (known to the western world, by his Greek name:
Cyrus) the Great; author of the first charter of human rights and identified in the Bible as the anointed one for freeing
the Jews from captivity.
The Achaemenian Empire and
its libraries were destroyed by the marauding armies of Alexander a few centuries later. Whereas the fragments of the philosophy were
recovered through the following centuries by the Sassanian Empire, this
signified a further westward movement to what is now eastern Iraq and its
capital Baghdad.
Lack of unity and apathy of
the multi-racial, multi-religious populace saw ignominious defeat of
the vibrant and culturally sophisticated Persian Empire at the hands of Arab hordes.
Radical Islamization of the holy lands ushered in the appropriation of the places of worship, destruction of the scriptures, and outright genocide, first of the priests, the heritage bearers and then of the devotees.
This holocaust, stretching over 1500 years reduced the teeming millions of Zarathushtis to about 5000 souls as counted by Maneckji Hataria in the 1800s.
This bigotry continues even today.
As published by CNN by Dr Jamsheed K. Choksy,
"When the Islamic revolution occurred in 1979, fundamentalist Shiites stormed the fire temple at Tehran. There, Zoroastrians worship in front of a blazing fire, as a symbol of God's grace, just like Christians face a cross and Muslims turn to a qibla pointing toward Mecca. The portrait of Zoroaster was tossed down, a photograph of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was put up in its place, and the congregation was warned not to remove the image of Iran's new leader".
And
Radical Islamization of the holy lands ushered in the appropriation of the places of worship, destruction of the scriptures, and outright genocide, first of the priests, the heritage bearers and then of the devotees.
This holocaust, stretching over 1500 years reduced the teeming millions of Zarathushtis to about 5000 souls as counted by Maneckji Hataria in the 1800s.
This bigotry continues even today.
As published by CNN by Dr Jamsheed K. Choksy,
"When the Islamic revolution occurred in 1979, fundamentalist Shiites stormed the fire temple at Tehran. There, Zoroastrians worship in front of a blazing fire, as a symbol of God's grace, just like Christians face a cross and Muslims turn to a qibla pointing toward Mecca. The portrait of Zoroaster was tossed down, a photograph of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was put up in its place, and the congregation was warned not to remove the image of Iran's new leader".
And
" In November 2005, Ayatollah Ahmed Jannati, chairman of the Council of Guardians of the Constitution, disparaged Zoroastrians and other religious minorities as "sinful animals who roam the earth and engage in corruption." When the Zoroastrians' solitary parliamentary representative protested, he was hauled before a revolutionary tribunal. There, mullahs threatened execution before sparing his life with a warning never to challenge their declarations again. A frightened community subsequently declined to re-elect him."
Ancient Iran, the bastion
of democracy and religious freedom in the ancient world became a mere footnote
in history. Its massive victories over the Greeks and later the Romans were all
but forgotten. Military victory, allowed the invaders and local traitorous turncoats
to claim Persian scientific and spiritual advances as their own; not much
unlike the scientific fillip received by the West with the augmentation of the
ranks of their scientists from those of Germany after the Second World War and
those of USSR after the end of the cold war. The ancient Iran, extending from
Afghanistan to Turkey and incorporating most of the present CIS countries, south
to Sindh on the Indian ocean is today just a footnote in history and its
history and philosophy would have been lost had not some of our ancestors, identified in India, as Parsis decided
to lift anchor and emigrate to India, the land which afforded them freedom to
live and work in peace, free from religious genocide and bigotry.
Scholarship of the last
century, using the meager resources salvaged by Parsis and Iranian
Zarathushtis, had attempted to translate the ancient scriptures, only to be
caught in a web of European bias [1] and Christian preconceptions [2].
[1] Max Müller. A paid employee, who translated the Rigved in a demeaning style. The hidden secrets of his life.Copyright © 1999 - 2001 H.D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati
[2] The Bible dating the earth
at 4500BC is a big mental block for
Christian scholars faced with older chronologies.
Historical baggage in the form of the
Christian Church arbitrarily choosing the contents of 4 gospels (which even
between themselves, differ in content) while discarding the other 26; caused a predisposition towards a flawed theory that the message of Zarathushtra was
similarly usurped and contaminated with foreign ideas by his followers.
Confusion
about the scriptures’ message has thus crept in often due to meagre available resources salvaged after the jihadist holocaust, and translations that have not been updated to meet the latest advances in language studies.
Avesta, the language of the original scriptures after all
is a phonetically based language that has come down to us as a verbal heritage
and has ceased to be a spoken language since a few thousand years.
Conjectural meanings based
on these preconceptions were arbitrarily built into Gathic verses and Avesta
scriptures, resulting in historical traditions of the Avesta being
disparagingly referred to as barbaric sacrificial liturgy. Facts ended up as
poor relations to fantasies; whether in dating of the times and geographic
location of Zarathushtra, and the archeological sites in Balkh, or the
translations of the scriptures; through efforts that can only be defined in
statistical terminology of “forcing data to fit a predetermined curve”.
Since the times of Kanga,
Jeevanji Modi, Macdonell, Mary Boyce and Taraporewalla, limited effort has gone into
original translation and Philology; with scant regard for the giant strides
made in the language studies of the Avesta as well as its sister Aryan dialect
known as Rig Vedic Sanskrit.
To correct this situation I have chosen to reference the scriptures
themselves using the Avesta language itself as a guide and let readers draw their own conclusions.
This concise compilation,
inspired by the tireless and selfless work done by Dasturjee Minochehr Homjee, therefore represents an effort at truthfully and
without preconceptions, drawing conclusions from collated facts regarding the
Indo_Iranian roots of this, our Great civilization; shed some light on its
philosophy and show how its basic original glorious concepts have influenced
humanity from time immemorial.
THE FAITH-Day-NA:
The Zarathushti faith, is traditionally called Mazda-Yasni Za-rath-ush-tr-ish. It means that form of worship (Yas-ni) of that supreme immortal being (Ahura), who rules solely and exclusively through Wisdom (Mazda) and whose strength is based exclusively on Love.
As the Zarathushti philosophy was propounded by our saviour Za-rath-ush-tra[1]; this term “Zarthush-trish” , added after “Mazda Yasni”, identifies him as the author of this divine revelation; which reformed the discrepancies that had crept into the ancient faith.
[1] ZA-RATH-USH-TRA: Za/Zar/Har= glorious/hallowed; Rath= chariot; Ush= light (knowledge); tra= concentration of.
Zarathushtra is addressed as Pai-gam-ber पैगम्बर [1], or the messenger from Divinity and given the designation of Khordad-the only man/mortal who achieved perfection within his lifetime.
Addressed as AHURA MAZDA, this immortal (always existing and self-sustaining) creator oversees the universe, in general and mankind in particular, exclusively through Wisdom.
Ahu means that divinity that has always been in existence; that Life Force which has neither beginning nor ending and Ra means glorious, radiant divinity. MAZ-DA derived from Maz and Da means the Great (Maz) Wise Dispenser/Ruler (Da).
Ahura Mazda’s rule is exclusively through Wisdom and his strength derived from Love. He is a gentle, patient educator (not instructor), a teacher and guide.
Also addressed as Vohu Manah, (वोहूमनाह) the beloved (Vohu/Vohoo), mind (Man/Mun-मन ) that knows no limits or boundaries, the Creator has been referred to as "Ocean of Love".
Yasna
28.2:
Yey Vaao Mazda
Ahu-ra
I
fully comprehend Thee, O Almighty Creator, who rules exclusively through Wisdom,
Pairi
Jasai Vohu Man-angha
Who encompasses (covers) limitless (infinite) expanses with Love
Mai-byo Daa-voi: Ah-vaa-o
May this blessed desire of mine, be granted in both my existences
As-tva-tas-cha
Hyat-chaa Manangho
Steady improvement-Evolution of my defect ridden, imperfect physical (material) self, to the
higher, purer spiritual self.
Ayaptaa
Ashaat Hacha
Achieving
that prosperity, that realization of Truth, that removes all doubt, in the inherent unity of all entities (life forms) that populate the Universe
Yaish Ra-pan-to Dai-deesh
Khu-aa-threy
That knowledge that
removes all ignorance and baser tendencies, empowering this devotee to be
ushered into thy lustrous abode of light.
Philology:
Yey:
For
Vaao:
enlightenment/doubtless comprehension
Mazda:
Maaz: Great + Da/Dha: who dispenses through intellect
Ahu-ra:
Creator of Life, the self created the Life force.
Pairi:
surrounding, all encompassing
Jasai:
reach, merge, achieve (cognate with the proper nouns “Jasi”)
Vohu: Beloved.
Man-an-ghaa = mentality-mindset. (the crucible that holds the reasoning power)
Mai-byo:
to me
Daa-voi:
be granted
Ah-vaa-o:
of both selves (material and spiritual, higher and lower)
As-tva-tas-cha:
of Corporeal (material)
Hyat-chaa:
and that of
Man-an-gho: Enlightened discerning
mind (intellect) higher mentality/ethical nature
Ayap-taa:
prosperity- that frees the mind from concerns
Ash-aat: Path of asha/rta uprightness, integrity,
through knowledge. In harmonious symphony with nature
Hacha:
that
Yaish:
whereby
Ra-pan-to:
the faithful (devotees)
Dai-deesh:
would lead to
Khu-aa-threy:
the lustrous abode of light (knowledge)
The uniqueness of this faith is thus its emphasis on free individual choice through reason and responsibility, not compulsion or submission. Education, a process of learning through practice, of recognizing earlier mistakes and making corrections is the guiding principle to wisdom. Instruction,compulsion or indoctrination that requires blind submission to dogma is considered unintelligent or foolish.
It’s the positive action plan of transforming what we view as failed experiences, into valuable fodder for or stepping stones to future success.
Psychologists agree that we can benefit
tremendously if we apply lessons learned from experience.
“We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”-Albert Einstein.
This introspection is called Pat-et,
(पतेत) or
continuous improvement of the self through recognizing and analyzing the results of
previous actions. Pat-et is that
methodology that protects from spiritual bankruptcy. Here the root word (Pat [1]) means protector.
[1] Pronounced as in “putt” पत, and cognate
with Petra, Petru, Patrick, the westernized Peter and Patel; all of which mean "protector".
From: "Asha Vahishta" by Dastur N.D. Minochehr Homji (Union Press, Mumbai)
Ahura Mazda Khodaai, Az Hamaa gunah, patet pashemaanum; Az harvaspin, dush-mata, duz-ukhta, duz-varshta; mem paa geti manid; oem goft, oem kard, oem just, oem boon bood ested; Az aan gunak, Manashni, Gavashni, Kunashni, tani ravani, geti mino-aani; Okhe awaaksh, pasheman, pase gavashni, pa patet Hom.
Ahura Mazda, From all bad thoughts, unkind words and misdeeds; that during this present time, I have thought, uttered or done; that have sporadically come from me, that have become rooted in my being;
From all these lapses, pertaining to this body in the physical world; pertaining to the soul, in the sphere of mind and spirit; Do I repent, with a penitent heart, and with the triple pledge of having Good-Pure intentions ( Thought), having Pure, malice-free expression (Speech-Word) and carrying out Deeds that are ethical; while resolving not to commit the same mistake again.
The goal is to consciously take the pathway of Light-Knowledge and reach a higher spiritual state called Ha-urva-tat, meaning Perfection (Self Realization).
From: "Asha Vahishta" by Dastur N.D. Minochehr Homji (Union Press, Mumbai)
Ahura Mazda Khodaai, Az Hamaa gunah, patet pashemaanum; Az harvaspin, dush-mata, duz-ukhta, duz-varshta; mem paa geti manid; oem goft, oem kard, oem just, oem boon bood ested; Az aan gunak, Manashni, Gavashni, Kunashni, tani ravani, geti mino-aani; Okhe awaaksh, pasheman, pase gavashni, pa patet Hom.
Ahura Mazda, From all bad thoughts, unkind words and misdeeds; that during this present time, I have thought, uttered or done; that have sporadically come from me, that have become rooted in my being;
From all these lapses, pertaining to this body in the physical world; pertaining to the soul, in the sphere of mind and spirit; Do I repent, with a penitent heart, and with the triple pledge of having Good-Pure intentions ( Thought), having Pure, malice-free expression (Speech-Word) and carrying out Deeds that are ethical; while resolving not to commit the same mistake again.
The goal is to consciously take the pathway of Light-Knowledge and reach a higher spiritual state called Ha-urva-tat, meaning Perfection (Self Realization).
Life is a do-it-yourself project. Your life tomorrow, that is your destiny will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.
The Day-na's main scriptures, consists of Man-tr-as (inspiration catalyzers) composed, by our
Savior Zarathushtra; in times ,
referred to in the West, as Prehistory.
See:
When Zarathustra Spoke: The Reformation Of Neolithic Culture And Religion (Bibliotheca Iranica: by Dr Mary Settegast
According to James Newton Powell (University of California, Santa Barbara, USA)
See:
 |
This collection of Mantras composed in the Avesta language (a sister language of Vedic Sanskrit), is called the Gathas. These are hymns, made up of syllables (sound-packets) composed in a very specific meter. Each verse constitutes a unit of meter and a unit of condensed, concentrated thought. It combines a philosophical idea with scientific, analytic logic, and encloses it into a sound packet. These set of sounds when put together, vibrate harmoniously. Just like sympathetic resonance or sympathetic vibration affects inanimate objects or structures, these vibrations affect the mind and inspire mankind to higher spiritual levels.
This religious philosophy is uniquely in consonance with science. The String Theory or the universal theory postulates that the shape of that infinitesimal, fundamental building block of life (and the universe), is that of a `string'. These strings, which can be open, closed, or looped, (like DNA) “vibrate” with a unique identity, a fingerprint of sound and color depending on the nature of the particle. One mode of vibration, or musical note', makes the string appear as an electron, another as a photon.
According to James Newton Powell (University of California, Santa Barbara, USA)
“Modern metaphysicians are rediscovering the fantastic powers
released through spoken words. By certain arrangements of words, such as in
Mantras, a tremendous vibratory force could be set upon in the invisible mode,
which profoundly affects physical and metaphysical substance in the body of
man.”
These Mantras form the foundation of this knowledge based and science aligned philosophy. The Dayna or the pathway to excellence is postulated through a
Continuous improvement cycle. A Self Improvement Pathway that
involves actively and purposefully forging ones’ own destiny through
a lessons learned (learning from past mistakes) methodology; a
process of innovation, of self-correction as opposed to enforcement.
Business process optimization recognises this process as PDCA or Plan-Do-Check-Act. That is a plan is formulated and actions carried out. A check is then initiated to document the results. Based on these results the next course of action is decided.
Business process optimization recognises this process as PDCA or Plan-Do-Check-Act. That is a plan is formulated and actions carried out. A check is then initiated to document the results. Based on these results the next course of action is decided.
The emphasis is on Ethics. Actions to be planned and
carried out, correcting previous errors and putting into place a
preventive action plan that ensures previous mistakes are not repeated.
Zoroastrianism proposes, therefore, that a Man has to proceed
intelligently and logically in the light of his own conscience, through choices which are reasoned, independent, informed, responsible and enlightened.
Yasna 31.11: Ya-thraa Ver-neng
Vaa-saa-o daa-yey-tey
With Responsible Choice and Free will, at our command.
This advisory to make intelligent,
ethical choices, in one’s life, is meant to promote individual responsibility. It puts the
individual man in control of his/her own destiny, through actions which are
logical, pure (ethical) and selfless.
This ability to make an informed and free choice is based on mankind’s
unique ability to Reason, to analyze and innovate. This mental ability, the logic mechanism or MUN-YU (मन्यु ) of mankind to logically and intelligently choose and plan a future
course of action, is what separates or distinguishes mankind from animals.
Yasna
28.1: Man-ye-ush Maz-da pouru-veem
That Primal, innate ability, endowed in us, to reason, to analyze, to deliberate.
That Primal, innate ability, endowed in us, to reason, to analyze, to deliberate.
Whereas a Man is capable of acting analytically, devising and
innovating on an action plan; an animal, with its limited mental ability
can only re-act to say hunger, happiness or danger. An animal can at best
imitate, but can never logically plan out a course of action.
The theological advisory (as opposed to enforced instruction) is for the “mun-yu”, or power of reason to be used responsibly, independently and ethically. That is consciously making choices which are aligned to Truth or Fact and Justice, without reliance on fate or succumbing to fear of retribution from a wrathful or egotistical man or God.
The theological advisory (as opposed to enforced instruction) is for the “mun-yu”, or power of reason to be used responsibly, independently and ethically. That is consciously making choices which are aligned to Truth or Fact and Justice, without reliance on fate or succumbing to fear of retribution from a wrathful or egotistical man or God.
This concept of “VAI-RYO[1]( वैर्यो) is that intelligent choice, based on the Truth, facts (knowledge) and a positive intention. Opposition to and discounting of blind belief, or without reference to facts (reality) is thus one of the main philosophical components that distinguishes the Zarathushti faith from other
religions and ideologies.
[1]
Derived from the root Vr = to choose;
with Vai = Light and Ryo = radiance(glory); meaning enlightened
choices made that are aligned to Light -Truth, Knowledge, positive intention
Yasna 27.13.: Ya-thaa A-hoo Vai-ryo:
I
pledge alliance to Thee consciously, O Almighty Creator of all Life, through
reasoned, intelligent Choice.
A Zarathushti thus “chooses” of his own volition to worship our Creator, Ahura Mazda .
There is no compulsion or submission through coercion to anyone’s’
dictates, under threats, duress or promises of future rewards.
For a man to surrender himself to the dictates of another, by fascination or compulsion is considered annihilation (total destruction) of all morality and negation of all virtue.
For a man to surrender himself to the dictates of another, by fascination or compulsion is considered annihilation (total destruction) of all morality and negation of all virtue.
“Whoever undertakes to set himself up
as a judge of Truth and Knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods.”-Albert Einstein.
The whole idea of the freedom to choose (Vai-ryo),
with responsibility, flows from our Saviour Zarathustra’s unique concept of a
Loving, caring God, who is addressed as a true and loving friend and patient
teacher (not instructor) and educator (See-sha )
Yasna 28.11: Tu-vem Mazda Ahura; Fro-maa See-sha thwa-mat Vao-chang-hay
Educate me O master of Wisdom, remove my doubts and misconceptions.
Ahura Mazda's formula for defeating evil, is not by codified instructions, incitement to violence, threats of damnation to hell or prescription of horrific punishments, but by educating (channeling minds constructively), through lessons learned from our own (earlier mistakes) life experiences.
Mankind is thus advised, to deliberate intellectually with due diligence and choose his/her line of action which is ethical and positive. There is no dire threat of fire and brimstone to discipline him. Genuine disciple (and corrective action) must come from the self.
In effect the right choice is not cheapened by dangling a future reward, but considered the enlightened preference to do the right thing. After all Ahura Mazda rules through Wisdom; based on a foundation of Love; not brute force.
Access to Paradise [1] or heaven is the consequence of one’s’ own actions, not on a set of beliefs or superstitions, or magical rites. Superstitions are in fact referred to as mental infirmities.
[1] The word ‘Paradise’
derived from the Greek ‘Paradeisoi’, is in turn derived from the Avestan word ‘Pairi-day-za’. Here Pairi=all
encompassing/enveloping. “Day”= the glorious (Light) path to excellence. Za=blessed (vedic Ha). In later Achaemenian times,
Pairi-dayza came to mean an enclosed garden, orchard or park surrounded by walls; referencing an ancient land of perfection, a Shangrila, called Era (Avestic) or Ela (Vedic).
Destructive actions, such as malice, fomenting hate and violence, are
considered intrinsically Evil and belonging to the realm of the Druj.
The Avestic word Druj (द्रुज), or the Vedic
Druh/Drugh/Dhroga-(ध्रोगा) occurs throughout the Gathas and Rig-Veda as that common
demonic enemy that revels in death and destruction. The Druj is personified as outright evil, who is deceptive,
violent, strikes surreptitiously like a snake, hiding its/their intentions till
the last moment and who lack conscience, pity or remorse.
Zarathushti philosophy, postulates that Ahura Mazda designed the Universe
to operate on the reality of Truth and Justice. This algorithm or mechanism
controlling both the physical movement and Reality of the universe,
as well as the teaching mechanism to reach spirituality is called Ash-a (अशा ). Here Ash means that which exists, that which is True and always Just.
This natural mechanism of life, called A-sha, becomes the Law of logical Consequences in mankinds life.
In line with Newton’s 3rd law; "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction"; a Zarathushti therefore lives by the dictum:
"My destiny is merely the consequence of my present actions, or my acquiesce to the actions of others".
"My destiny is merely the consequence of my present actions, or my acquiesce to the actions of others".
Our lives are thus not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens. Not by what life brings to us, but by the Choices (Vai-ryo) we make and the mental attitude (Mun-yu) we bring to life.
The universe and Life or Mortality is said to be formed by the combination of opposites (much like the proton and electron) or opposing forces or energies.
These opposite forces are identified as Spenta Man-yu and Angra Man-yu.
See the Creation Hymn.
At the physical-material level, the combination of opposing forces, such as the centrifugal and centripetal forces regulate the movement of the planets and the stars.
At the spiritual level, Spenta Man-yu becomes the ethical, pure, constructive mentality. while Angra Man-yu. becomes the un-ethical deviant, egotistical, destructive mentality.
It is this mentality or mental attitude of positivity and negativity, that like opposites such as pleasure and pain, fame and ignominy; combine together to form life’s experiences, as no living person can be purely one or the other.
At the individual level these 2 forces or attitudes are said to reside in the mind as nature/temperament. Depending upon ones inclination to “feed” either; (through positive or negative actions) stronger becomes that particular force within oneself.
Strengthening the Spenta Manyu in oneself, by conscious, considered, acts of goodness, and starving Angra Manyu (selfishness, jealousy, prejudice, hatred, anger and ego), through knowledge and intelligence, results in cessation of mental disturbances (doubts) created by these pair of opposites
A good, positive (Spen-ta) attitude causes
a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a
catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary productive results. The root word
“Sp”(Vedic “Sv”) means pure, positive,
constructive. “En” or “An”
= breath; the combination meaning that entity whose sustenance (breath) is
pure, pristine, positive, constructive.
The Ideal Existence: Yasna 47.1
Spenta munyoo Vahishta-chaa mananghaa
That Pure mentality/attitude that brings out the Best in Man
Hacha Ashaat Shyoth-naa-chaa Vachangha-chaa
Through Words telescoping into deeds/actions dedicated to expanding the cause of Righteousness
Ahmai daan ha-urva-taa amerey-ta-ta
Being granted that prosperity of perfection; Self Realization and Immortality
Maaz-daao Kshth-raa Aa-raa-maiti Ahuro
By Thee, O Great Intellect, that Strength, that Energy, who we address as The Creator
Spenta: Pure, Positive, Divine, shining bright
Man-yoo: mentality, attitude
Vah-ishta-chaa : of the Best
Man-an-ghaa: Man (discerning/intelligent judgment) + an (breath) +ghaa (treasure trove)
Ha-cha: through
Ash-aat: The Expanding /increasing Path of A-sha. Uprightness, integrity, through knowledge, in harmonious symphony with the rhythm of the ever expanding Universe.
Shy-oth-naa-chaa: Of Deeds/actions
Vach-angha-chaa: of Words/Speech
Ahmai : Unto Us, Upon us
Daan: give/gift/grant
ha-urva-taa: perfection/self realization; Vedic Saraswat.
amerey-tata: Immortality
Maaz-daao: Great Intellect
Ksh-thraa: Power/will/strength of purpose/kingdom
Araa-maiti: Energy (Shakti) steadfast devotion to purpose
Ahu-ro: Creator
Spenta: Pure, Positive, Divine, shining bright
Man-yoo: mentality, attitude
Vah-ishta-chaa : of the Best
Man-an-ghaa: Man (discerning/intelligent judgment) + an (breath) +ghaa (treasure trove)
Ha-cha: through
Ash-aat: The Expanding /increasing Path of A-sha. Uprightness, integrity, through knowledge, in harmonious symphony with the rhythm of the ever expanding Universe.
Shy-oth-naa-chaa: Of Deeds/actions
Vach-angha-chaa: of Words/Speech
Ahmai : Unto Us, Upon us
Daan: give/gift/grant
ha-urva-taa: perfection/self realization; Vedic Saraswat.
amerey-tata: Immortality
Maaz-daao: Great Intellect
Ksh-thraa: Power/will/strength of purpose/kingdom
Araa-maiti: Energy (Shakti) steadfast devotion to purpose
Ahu-ro: Creator
The ideal purpose of human existence therefore is the attainment of perfection /self realization of the higher self through concrete actions. (As opposed to material fixation)
The ideal becomes more and more explicit as man rises higher in the scale of being.
The desires of a man being different from that of a beast, so too that of a wise man are different from that of a fool. The highest desire belongs to the highest self.
Duty for duty's sake is the advisory of Zarathushti philosophy. If one takes to righteousness for the sake of a future reward, we are paying homage not to righteousness, but to the future reward. For then the God of Righteousness has been substituted by the mirage of the reward; and religion has degenerated into realm of unrealistic expectations and a skewed world-view.
The end or ideal in morals is not to be conceived of as some far off divine event, but to be realized daily and hourly in the good act itself.
To do the right thing, because it is right, and not for any other cause, or expected reward.
Yasna 43.1: Ushta ahmai ya ahmai ushtai kamhai cheet
The ideal actions (deeds) are for that outcome, which is good for everyone concerned.
Ideologies that promote mind control (suppression of individual reasoning) , indoctrination, focus on inciting and institutionalizing violence, spreading mayhem to enforce their world view are thus said to corrode the moral fiber of mankind and just like cancer, eat away at the soul; till that internal spark of light (Rtu रतु ) of conscience, that ability to experience remorse; flickers and is then extinguished.
This sentiment is a critical distinguisher of the Zarathushti philosophy
from others. Ones actions should bear good results (bring joy) for others.
Violence to enforce a point of view, that which leads to suffering and
destruction of fellow mankind or their possessions, or mute
animals is considered degenerate (Druj-ic) behaviour attributed to a
deformed, degenerate mind (attitude), and lack of conscience.
Ideologies that promote mind control (suppression of individual reasoning) , indoctrination, focus on inciting and institutionalizing violence, spreading mayhem to enforce their world view are thus said to corrode the moral fiber of mankind and just like cancer, eat away at the soul; till that internal spark of light (Rtu रतु ) of conscience, that ability to experience remorse; flickers and is then extinguished.
Overall the actions must be Good (Progressive, Productive) for all of
Mazda’s creation. It places a responsibility on mankind to act as an honest
trustee protecting animals and the rest of nature. Mistreatment of animals and
Animal sacrifices are therefore rejected outright, as a genuine sacrifice comes
from the self, not in taking the life of another.
All Life (not just human) is considered
important and mankind is exhorted to: Eat to live, not live to Eat. Moderation is the key. Gluttony is to avoided.
From the Farvardin Yasht: "We revere the Fravashi (soul) of the man who withdraws his hand, before his stomach is full".
From the Farvardin Yasht: "We revere the Fravashi (soul) of the man who withdraws his hand, before his stomach is full".
According to Moulton (Teachings of Zarathushtra, P7) : "No asceticism, no morbid depreciation of the creators’ work enters into the optimism of Zarathushtra. The devotee is not commanded to forswear the innocent enjoyment of life, as something that is inherently evil. He is to enjoy it, but with unflagging self control".
Like the spiral shape of the Milky Way and our own genetic structure, the
Zarathushti philosophy prescribes a pathway to utopia via a continuous
improvement cycle of man through a steady, progressive elimination of
imperfections of the self.
Ys. 27.13:
Yim dre-gub-yo, da-daat Vaa-staa-rem
That path, which guides me away from the dregs of ignorant, violent, egotistical, un-ethical, malicious behavior and towards successful acquisition of thy postulated (spiritual) riches.
This is possible only through an optimistic mindset, fueling corrective actions based on previous experiences (mistakes). Note the emphasis on deeds (actions) as opposed to an expression of regret without a corrective follow up action.
Yim dre-gub-yo, da-daat Vaa-staa-rem
That path, which guides me away from the dregs of ignorant, violent, egotistical, un-ethical, malicious behavior and towards successful acquisition of thy postulated (spiritual) riches.
This is possible only through an optimistic mindset, fueling corrective actions based on previous experiences (mistakes). Note the emphasis on deeds (actions) as opposed to an expression of regret without a corrective follow up action.
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."- Albert Schweitzer
The moral benchmark is therefore the perfect person (Khor-dad or Nara-yana-the only mortal-our Spita-man Zarathushtra- who achieved perfection and immortality in one life time).
One needs to aggressively seek it , because failure is due to ones own imperfections.
In summary, the Zarathushti faith postulates that the ascent of man (to a higher spiritual state) is possible only through self generated, steady, continuous removal of material (physical, emotional, mental) limitations and imperfections.
Ahuna Vairya
(the
First and Foremost, the Greatest protection affording Mantra: The Mantra Maz-ish-tem[1]- the Mantra that summarizes the faith principles.
Ya-thaa A-hoo Vai-ri-yo:
I pledge alliance to Thee consciously,
O Almighty Creator of all Life,
Through reasoned, responsible, fact based,
intelligent Choice.
A-thaa Rt-ush A-shaat-chit ha-chaa
Likewise I consciously seek guidance from that
divine flame[2], that
master of my sub-conscience (Rt-ush), aligned to Truth and Reality; for
solutions to the challenges I face in life.
==================================================
Van-gay-ush daz-daa Ma-nang-ho
Treading that victorious
path, of Love, Compassion and Patience,
Shyaa-o-thaa-naa-naam an-geush Maz-daai
Through conscious, enlightened actions of
selflessness ===============================================
Ksha-threm-chaa
A-hoo-raai aa
As
it is only through the strength of conviction to follow this path (Actions
based on knowledge and faith), O Creator of all life
Yim dre-gub-yo da-daat Vaa-staa-rem[4]
That
guides me away from the dregs of ignorant, egotistical un-ethical Behaviour and
towards acquisition of thy postulated riches[5].
[2] Atarsh- the holy flame is called Pu-thraa—the purifying communicator with Divinity.
[4] Yasna 31.9
Vaas-tri-yaat vaa aa-i-tey
Spiritual wealth accumulation is what matters. It is the only wealth that extends beyond mortality
Yey vaa noit ang-haat vas-tri-yo
Blindly Coveting material wealth risks ending up spiritually unclothed.
[5] Spiritual wealth is accumulated by the soul, as opposed to the material wealth left behind by the mortal .
Word Break-up and Explanatory Notes:
Yatha: Just as
Ahu: Vedic
Asu, Life force, The self created Creator
Vai-ryo: from
root Vr: to choose with intelligence
Atha: First and foremost.
Ratush[6] :Ratush (Rt + Ush) is the Divinity within ones-self; the seed of the Almighty Creator within ones-self, ones inner soul. Rt = ruler who regulates the functioning of the Universe through knowledge and wisdom. Ush= to burn (invigorate), to shine bright, to enlighten. Rt-ush is therefore that infinitesimal portion of the Creator----Ahu-ra, in each one of us, guiding us to acts of righteousness aligned to the rhythm of the Universe (Asha).
Ash-aat: The
Expanding /increasing Path of asha/rta uprightness, integrity, through
knowledge. In harmonious symphony with the rhythm of the ever expanding Universe.
Chit: pure (like
in blazing fire) mind; where
knowledge dispels all doubt; that which separates the corn from
the chaff. Doubt Dispelment.
Ha-cha:
of
Van-gay-ush: Winning
Soul; “winning hearts through Love”...binding Love (Van : Win/Victorious + Gay-ush: Cow,
representing mother earth; whose selflessness, binds devotees to her with Love
Daz-da: prescribed/postulated (path)
Man-an-gho: (Man:
discerning + An = breath) Enlightened, aware discerning mind (intellect)
Shyoth-ana-naam: Deeds/actions
An-ge-ush: An +
Geush, where An = breath and Geush = Universe: The Living World
Mazdai: Maz =
great, vedic Maah; and dai=dh = intelligent discernment: enlightened judgment
Ksha-threm-cha[7]: 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.
Yim: Vedic
Yam: which Guides
dre-gub-yo : driving
the druj/droha/drogha or demonic deceivers away.
These terms occur throughout the Gathas and Rigveda in the sense of “demonic deceiver”; the ones who are devoid of conscience; who revel in death and 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[8].
Da-daat: Grant
(spiritual riches/ enlightenment)
Vaasta-rem: Vaastr-em: Derived from the root word
“Vas-tra”; meaning “Vas” –riches that can be stored/accumulated, where they
would be concentrated-“Tra”).These riches (spiritual currency) are the only
riches that remain beyond mortality)
