DOCSLIB.ORG

Khorda Avesta

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Khorda Avesta KHORDA AVESTA Zoroastrian daily prayers avesta.org, AY 1380, AD 2011 First published in 2011 by Twilit Grotto Kasson, MN USA Copyright © 2011 Joseph H. Peterson. All rights reserved. ISBN-13: 978-1456553357 ISBN-10: 1456553356 First edition prepared January 28, 2011 PREFACE This edition of Khorda Avesta has been prepared using a transcription font, to more accurately represent the correct traditional pronunciation than many Roman script editions. Although it is intended primarily for my own use, I thought I would make it available to others who might find it easier to learn this method of transcription than the more traditional Avestan, Gujarati, or Nagari scripts. -JHP, Kasson, Jan 28, 2011 iii iv Contents PREFACE...............................................................................................iii The Avestan Alphabet with pronunciation.......................................viii Ahunwar................................................................................................1 Ashem Vohu..........................................................................................1 Kem Na Mazda......................................................................................1 Nirang-i Kusti Bastan (Nirang for tying the Kusti)..............................2 Gah dedications....................................................................................2 Srosh Baj................................................................................................3 Hoshbam (prayer at dawn)..................................................................4 GAHS (Watches)...................................................................................5 1. Hawan Gah - (sunrise to midday)....................................................5 2. Rapithwin Gah - (midday to mid-afternoon).................................6 3. Uzerin Gah - (mid-afternoon to sunset)..........................................8 4. Aiwisruthrem Gah - (sunset to midnight).......................................9 5. Ushahin Gah - (midnight to dawn)...............................................11 Grace before meals..............................................................................12 Longer Grace before meals.................................................................12 Baj when answering the call of Nature..............................................13 Baj before and after sleeping..............................................................13 Nirang-i Abezar...................................................................................14 Doa Tan-Dorosti (prayer for health)..................................................14 Din-No Kalmo.....................................................................................14 Nirang for disposing of hair...............................................................14 Nirang for disposing of nail clippings...............................................15 Patet Pashemani (prayer of repentance)............................................16 NIYAYESHES (Litanies).......................................................................20 1. Khwarshed Niyayesh (Litany to the Sun)......................................20 2. Mihr Niyayesh (Litany to Mithra)..................................................23 3. Mah Niyayesh (Litany to the Moon).............................................25 v 4. Aban Niyayesh (Litany to the Waters)...........................................27 5. Atash Niyayesh (Litany to the Fire)................................................31 Vispa Humata......................................................................................35 Nam Stayishn (Praise of the Name)..................................................35 Namaz-i chahar nemag (prayer to the four quarters).......................36 Dibache (Nirang Ashoan)..................................................................36 AFRINAGANS......................................................................................39 1. Afrinagan-i Dahman.......................................................................39 2. Afrinagan-i Gatha............................................................................40 3. Afrinagan-i Gahambar....................................................................42 4. Afrinagan-i Rapithwin....................................................................45 Afrin-i Dahman...................................................................................46 Afrin of the seven Amesha Spentas....................................................49 Afrin of the Gahambars.......................................................................51 Payman i Pahlawi (Solemn oath of marriage)..................................55 Du'a Paymani......................................................................................56 YASHTS (Hymns)................................................................................56 1. Ohrmazd Yasht...............................................................................56 Nirang-i Ohrmazd Yasht.....................................................................62 2. Haft Amahraspand Yasht................................................................62 3. Ardwahisht Yasht............................................................................64 Nirang-i Ardwahisht Yasht..................................................................67 4. Hordad Yasht...................................................................................67 5. Ardui Sur Bano Yasht (Hymn to the Waters).................................69 6. Khwarshed Yasht (Hymn to the Sun)............................................88 7. Mah Yasht (Hymn to the Moon)...................................................89 8. Tishtar Yasht (Hymn to the Star Sirius).........................................90 9. Drvasp Yasht..................................................................................101 10. Mihr Yasht (Hymn to Mithra)....................................................106 11. Srosh Yasht Hadokht...................................................................134 Nirang-i Srosh Yasht Hadokht..........................................................137 vi 11a. Srosh Yasht Vadi........................................................................137 Nirang-i Srosh Yasht.........................................................................143 12. Rashn Yasht.................................................................................143 13. Frawardin Yasht..........................................................................147 14. Warharan Yasht...........................................................................172 15. Ram Yasht....................................................................................182 16. Den Yasht....................................................................................189 17. Ard Yasht.....................................................................................192 18. Ashtad Yasht................................................................................202 19. Zam Yasht (Hymn to the Earth)................................................203 20. Hom Yasht...................................................................................221 Nirang-i Hom Yasht..........................................................................222 21. Vanant Yasht (Hymn to the Star Vega).......................................222 Nirang-i Vanant Yasht.......................................................................222 Siroza 1..............................................................................................223 Siroza 2..............................................................................................225 Namaz i Cherag (homage recited before a lighted lamp)..............228 Namaz i Aw (homage recited before water)....................................228 Namaz i Parvart (homage recited before mountains)....................228 Namaz i Urwar (Homage recited before plants).............................229 Namaz i Frawardigan (Homage recited during Frawardigan days)229 Namaz i Dakhma (Homage recited before a Dahkma)..................229 One Hundred and One Names of God...........................................229 NOTES...............................................................................................232 REFERENCES....................................................................................234 Table 1: Pazand Kshnumans recited with each Afrinagan:.............235 Table 1 (continued) — Pazand Kshnumans recited with each Afrinagan for the day of the month:................................................236 Table 1 (continued) Other Afrinagans.............................................237 vii The Avestan Alphabet with pronunciation a a as a in 'father' M M nh (gutteral nasal) A A as a in 'father' only lengthened N N as n L L a nasalized 'a' ? ? as nh l l as aw in 'saw' o o as o in 'rope' b b as in English O O as o in 'rope' only lengthened c c as ch in 'church' p p as in English d d as in English r r as in English D D as th in 'that', a voiced th s s as in English v v as u in 'but' S S as sh in 'show' (palatal) as sh in 'show' only more V as u in 'but', only lengthened C V C retroflex e e as e in 'bed' K K as sh in 'show' (used before y) as in French 'tout' (dental, i.e. E E as a in 'made' t t with tongue at same position as for English th in 'thin') f f as in English T T as t in 'try' g g as in English q q as th in 'thing' G G voiced x u u as u
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Denkard Book 9
    DENKARD, Book 9 Details of Nasks 1-3, 21 (The Original Gathic Texts) Translated by Edward William West From Sacred Books of the East, Oxford University Press, 1897. Digitized and converted to HTML 1997 Joseph H. Peterson, avesta.org. Last updated Mar 2, 2021. 1 Foreword The Denkard is a ninth century encyclopedia of the Zoroastrian religion, but with extensive quotes from materials thousands of years older, including (otherwise) lost Avestan texts. It is the single most valuable source of information on this religion aside from the Avesta. This volume contains detailed contents of the Gathic Nasks of the Ancient Canon, much of which is now lost in the original Avesta. Note however, that (as Dr. West says) “it is abundantly clear to the practised translator that Avesta phrases often underlie the Pahlavi passages which seem to be quoted at length from the original Nasks, especially in Dk. 9; but, for some of the details mentioned, there may be no older authority than a Pahlavi commentary, and this should be ever borne in mind by the sceptical critic in search of anachronisms.” I have added some comments in {} and [[]], mainly to facilitate searches. Spelling of technical terms have also been normalized to conform with other texts in this series. Wherever possible I have used the spellings of F.M. Kotwal and J. Boyd, A Guide to the Zoroastrian Religion, Scholars Press, 1982. The original S.B.E. volumes used a system of transliteration which was misleading to the casual reader, and no longer adopted. As an example “chinwad” (bridge) (Kotwal and Boyd) was transliterated in S.B.E.
    [Show full text]
  • Zoroastrianism the Zend-Avesta the Vendidad
    ZOROASTRIANISM THE ZEND-AVESTA THE VENDIDAD TRANSLATED BY JAMES DARMESTETER Formatting by William B. Brown Table Of Contents Table Of Contents..................................................... i THE ZEND-AVESTA PART I................................................ 1 THE VENDIDAD ....................................................... 1 INTRODUCTION.......................................................... 1 CHAPTER I. THE DISCOVERY OF THE ZEND-AVESTA. ....................... 1 CHAPTER II. THE INTERPRETATION OF THE ZEND-AVESTA. ................. 9 CHAPTER III. THE FORMATION OF THE ZEND-AVESTA. .................... 11 CHAPTER IV. THE ORIGIN OF THE AVESTA RELIGION. .................... 24 CHAPTER V. THE VENDÎDÂD. .......................................... 37 VENDIDAD. FARGARD I. .............................................. 47 Introduction ...................................................... 47 VENDIDAD. FARGARD I. .............................................. 49 FARGARD II. Yima (Gamshêd). ....................................... 51 Chapter 1........................................................ 51 Chapter II....................................................... 53 FARGARD III. The Earth. ........................................... 55 Chapter I........................................................ 55 Chapter II....................................................... 56 Chapter III...................................................... 56 Chapter IV....................................................... 58 FARGARD IV. Contracts
    [Show full text]
  • Summer/June 2014
    AMORDAD – SHEHREVER- MEHER 1383 AY (SHENSHAI) FEZANA JOURNAL FEZANA TABESTAN 1383 AY 3752 Z VOL. 28, No 2 SUMMER/JUNE 2014 ● SUMMER/JUNE 2014 Tir–Amordad–ShehreverJOUR 1383 AY (Fasli) • Behman–Spendarmad 1383 AY Fravardin 1384 (Shenshai) •N Spendarmad 1383 AY Fravardin–ArdibeheshtAL 1384 AY (Kadimi) Zoroastrians of Central Asia PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF ZOROASTRIAN ASSOCIATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA Copyright ©2014 Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America • • With 'Best Compfiments from rrhe Incorporated fJTustees of the Zoroastrian Charity :Funds of :J{ongl(pnffi Canton & Macao • • PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF ZOROASTRIAN ASSOCIATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA Vol 28 No 2 June / Summer 2014, Tabestan 1383 AY 3752 Z 92 Zoroastrianism and 90 The Death of Iranian Religions in Yazdegerd III at Merv Ancient Armenia 15 Was Central Asia the Ancient Home of 74 Letters from Sogdian the Aryan Nation & Zoroastrians at the Zoroastrian Religion ? Eastern Crosssroads 02 Editorials 42 Some Reflections on Furniture Of Sogdians And Zoroastrianism in Sogdiana Other Central Asians In 11 FEZANA AGM 2014 - Seattle and Bactria China 13 Zoroastrians of Central 49 Understanding Central 78 Kazakhstan Interfaith Asia Genesis of This Issue Asian Zoroastrianism Activities: Zoroastrian Through Sogdian Art Forms 22 Evidence from Archeology Participation and Art 55 Iranian Themes in the 80 Balkh: The Holy Land Afrasyab Paintings in the 31 Parthian Zoroastrians at Hall of Ambassadors 87 Is There A Zoroastrian Nisa Revival In Present Day 61 The Zoroastrain Bone Tajikistan? 34 "Zoroastrian Traces" In Boxes of Chorasmia and Two Ancient Sites In Sogdiana 98 Treasures of the Silk Road Bactria And Sogdiana: Takhti Sangin And Sarazm 66 Zoroastrian Funerary 102 Personal Profile Beliefs And Practices As Shown On The Tomb 104 Books and Arts Editor in Chief: Dolly Dastoor, editor(@)fezana.org AMORDAD SHEHREVER MEHER 1383 AY (SHENSHAI) FEZANA JOURNAL FEZANA Technical Assistant: Coomi Gazdar TABESTAN 1383 AY 3752 Z VOL.
    [Show full text]
  • Ashem Vohu, the Prayer of Good Heart (7) Nine Pearls in the Divine Necklace of Ushta
    PRAYERS FOR THE GOOD HEART. MEANING AND MESSAGE OF "KHSHNAOTHRA AHURAHEY MAZDAAO." A SILENT PRAYER OF LOVE, DEVOTION AND ACTION, AND NOT A YELL OF HATRED, EGO AND SHOW OFF. The subject of Manthra Prayers has been often treated in this humble Parsi Pukar. September 1996 was a special issue on Manthra. The subject is too wide to be adequately covered even through half a dozen special issues. Yet it is this magazine's pet subject. Because, Khordeh Avesta Prayer is perhaps the only minoi institution of our Religion we have preserved better than any other. A lot of questions are being asked on the mode and mechanics of different Prayers. One question that is repeatedly asked is: do our Avesta Prayers have any meaning in them? What are their contents? What is the message, if any, in them? What are the thoughts embedded in them? Can we have some idea about what thoughts we should have or pass through our mind while chanting them? To answer these questions, we propose to present to our readers, from time to time, the meanings and message of some of our daily Khordeh Avesta Prayers or the passages therefrom, which occur repeatedly, up to a level. As is often pointed out here, Manthra have levels of meanings. The translations from the western studies are based on a manmade conjectural grammar of Avesta and the guess-work of a psuedo science called linguistics or etymology or 'science' of languages. There is no doubt that great exertions were put in by the western scholars in arriving at their translations.
    [Show full text]
  • NAVZOTE - MUBARAK to Dear, ______With Congratulations, Choicest Greetings & Zoroaster’S Blessings! From
    1 2 Date__________ NAVZOTE - MUBARAK To Dear, __________________ With Congratulations, Choicest Greetings & Zoroaster’s Blessings! From: __________________________ ___________________________ 3 4 NAVZOTE (Revised Edition 2019) With KUSHTI PRAYERS Authored By: Late NOSHIR KHURSHED DABOO AHMEDABAD RE-PUBLISHED BY FAMILY MEMBERS ~ FOR FREE CIRCULATION ONLY~ 5 DEDICATED IN SACRED MEMORY OF ALL DEAR DEPARTED SOULS OF OUR FAMILY WITH HOMAGE TO THEIR HOLY FRAVASHIS ~ FAMILY MEMBERS 6 FOREWORD This small booklet has come out, because I have received requests from my well-wishers & others, to publish a GUIDE on NAVZOTE, that gives the significance of the Sacred Ceremony in Simple English Language; especially for the young children, who have to undergo the Investiture Ceremony. NAVZOTE Can only be done of a Child whose Both parents are Parsi Zoroastrians. It is advisable that the Navzote ceremony be done in the Morning, in Havan Geh Or at the Most early Evening at 4/4.30 p.m. In the presence of KHURSHED YAZAD (The sun) All the other celebrations could be had at night. Keeping in mind the importance of the Navzote religious ceremony. Thus aspirant NAVJOTEE can perform his religious duties with the right Zoroastrian 7 spirit with better understanding. It is in 2 parts. 2nd part contains the Essential KUSHTI Prayers for a NAVJOTEE, with their substance to enhance the moral value. The Basic Prayers are: ~ 1. Ashem Vohu 2. Yatha Ahu Vairyo 3. Yenghe Hatam 4. Kemna Mazda 5. Hormazd Khodai 6. Jasme Avanghahe Mazda 6. Din No Kalmo 7. Sarosh Baj (Jamvani Baaj & Patet Pashemani also were said Traditionally.) A NAVJOTEE should learn by heart, these prayers before the INITIATION Ceremony.
    [Show full text]
  • Zoroastrians Their Religious Beliefs and Practices
    Library of Religious Beliefs and Practices General Editor: John R. Hinnells The University, Manchester In the series: The Sikhs W. Owen Cole and Piara Singh Sambhi Zoroastrians Their Religious Beliefs and Practices MaryBoyce ROUTLEDGE & KEGAN PAUL London, Boston and Henley HARVARD UNIVERSITY, UBRARY.: DEe 1 81979 First published in 1979 by Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd 39 Store Street, London WC1E 7DD, Broadway House, Newtown Road, Henley-on-Thames, Oxon RG9 1EN and 9 Park Street, Boston, Mass. 02108, USA Set in 10 on 12pt Garamond and printed in Great Britain by Lowe & BrydonePrinters Ltd Thetford, Norfolk © Mary Boyce 1979 No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except for the quotation of brief passages in criticism British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data Boyce, Mary Zoroastrians. - (Libraryof religious beliefs and practices). I. Zoroastrianism - History I. Title II. Series ISBN 0 7100 0121 5 Dedicated in gratitude to the memory of HECTOR MUNRO CHADWICK Elrington and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon in the University of Cambridge 1912-4 1 Contents Preface XJ1l Glossary xv Signs and abbreviations XIX \/ I The background I Introduction I The Indo-Iranians 2 The old religion 3 cult The J The gods 6 the 12 Death and hereafter Conclusion 16 2 Zoroaster and his teaching 17 Introduction 17 Zoroaster and his mission 18 Ahura Mazda and his Adversary 19 The heptad and the seven creations 21 .. vu Contents Creation and the Three Times 25 Death and the hereafter 27 3 The establishing of Mazda
    [Show full text]
  • Ashem Vohu (Invochation of Asha) (Invocation of Asha) Avestan
    Ashem Vohu Ashem Vohu (invochation of Asha) (invocation of Asha) Avestan ashem1 vohū2 vahishtem3 astī,4 Righteousness1 is4 the best3 (of all) virtue.2 (Righteousness alone) is6 happiness;5 ushtā5 astī;6 ushtā7 ahmāi,8 the best11 happiness7 (is) to him,8 who9 (is) righteous10 (for the sake of) h at 9 ashāi10 vahishtāi11 ashem.12 righteousness.12 Ushtā ahmāi, ahmāi ushtā kahmāichit. Happiness is to him, who makes others happy. From Ūshtavati Gāthā Hā 43 From Ūshtavati Gāthā Hā 43 Ahuna Vairya Ahuna Vairya (most sachred manthra of Zoroastrianism) (most sacred manthra of Zoroastrianism) Avestan Just as1 Ahurmazd2* the Temporal Ruler2* acts ýathā1 ahū2 vair ō3 athā4 according to His will,3 ratush5 ashāt6 chīt7 hachā,8 so4 does the Ratu5† (rules) by means8 of ashat6 etc;7‡ 10 9 11 9 10 11 (The) gift (of) Vohu-manah the good mind vanghēush dazdā mananghō 12 13 (are for those) working (in) this world; (for) shyaothananãm12 anghēush13 mazdāi,14 Hormazd.14 (blessed are) those17 kshathremchā15 ahurāi16 ā17 ýim18 who18 strives themselves20 to be the protector21 of dregub ō19 dadat20 vāstārem!!21 the poor19 and (accepts) the sovereign rule15 (of) Hormazd.16 2* King 5†Dasturān Dastur /Clan cief /Holy persons 7‡ of righteousness/of holiness /pious The stanza is made up of three lines. “Just as the AHU (Ahuramazda) rules according the 1st line to His will, “Righteousness exalteth a man” brings true so does RATU (Zarathushtra) by means of His spiritual understanding and wisdom. righteousness, the 2nd line By following Asha, God’s Law, I become like “to perform all work in His name” implies You, love of God devotion Oh God, For Vohu Mana, (good mind) guides me the 3rd line and helps me to become perfect.
    [Show full text]
  • TABLE 9A 3 POWERFUL PRAYERS N Percentage ALL PRAYERS 62
    TABLE 9a 3 POWERFUL PRAYERS N Percentage ALL PRAYERS 62 10.3 YATHA AHU VHERGO, ASHEM VAHOO 38 6.3 KUSTI PRAYERS 35 5.8 BEHRAM YAST, ATASH NIYAESH 1 .2 YATHNA AHU VAIRYO, ASHEM VOHU, TAN- 9 1.5 DOROSTI KUSTI, BHAKTI, ZARATHUSTRI (MIRACULOUS) 1 .2 INSPIRATION INCLUDING ASHEM VOHU AND YA 1 .2 ASHEM VOTHU 12 2.0 ASHEM, HATU VARIO 1 .2 ASHEM VOHU, YATHA AHU VARIO, BATHAVNA 1 .2 BAKASHNA BEHRAM YAST 11 1.8 DAILY FARAZIYATS (OBLIGATORY) 2 .3 ASHGU VOHU 1 .2 SPECIAL MONDAY PRAYERS IN GUJERATI I 1 .2 UNDERSTAND GATHAS/GATHAS RATHER THAN PRAYERS 3 .5 ZOROASTRIAN AND CHRISTIAN 1 .2 YATHA VARIC ASHAMVOV 1 .2 ASHEM VOHU, YATHA AHU VEIRY, KEN NA 3 .5 MAZDA AND MORE ASHEM, YATHA, HAVAAN, GEH, 1 .2 GATHAS,SAROSH BAAJ KUSTI, MUSKAL ASAM 1 .2 ASHEM VAHO,YATHA AHU VARIO, CONVERSE 1 .2 GOD KHURDEH AVESTA 6 1.0 TANDOROSTI 8 1.3 SAROSH, BEHRAM YASHTS 3 .5 NIRANG OF HARMUZD, ANDIBEST YASH 1 .2 YATHA AHU VARIO 23 3.8 ASHAM BHAV 1 .2 SAROJ BAJ 1 .2 YATHA AHU VAIRIYO, ASHEM VOHU, KUSTI 3 .5 PRAYERS AND MORE ARDIBEST YASHT, ATASH NI NIYAS AND MORE 1 .2 KUSTI AND MUSHLAIL AHSAM BEHAM YAZAD 1 .2 YASHT ARDIBEHST OR ARDIBEHST YASHT 2 .3 ASHEM VOHU, ATHA VARIYO,101 NAMES 1 .2 KEMMA MAZDA, HORMAZD KHODAI, JAME 1 .2 AVANGHE MAZDA AND MANY MORE NIAYESH 1 .2 101 NAMES OF GOD 3 .5 KUSTI,101 NAMES OF GOD, BEHRAM YAST 2 .3 TABLE 9a 3 POWERFUL PRAYERS N Percentage KUSTI PRAYERS, PRAYERS FOR DEAD 1 .2 KUSTI, SAROSH BAJ, NIRIGDIN ETC 2 .3 CATHOLIC PRAYERS 3 .5 ASHEM VOHU, YATHA AHU VAIRTO, KEM NA 1 .2 MAZDA KUSTI, YATHA AHU VERIGO, ASHEM VOHU 2 .3 MANY PRAYERS 2 .3 5 DAILY CAHOD,
    [Show full text]
  • Dr. Irach JS Taraporewala's Explanation for Ashem Vohu Prayer
    WZSE – Weekly Zoroastrian Scripture Extract # 26. Hello all Tele Class friends: Today, we will present an interesting explanation for our two basic pillars of our Zoroastrian Religion – Ashem Vohu and Yathaa Ahu Vairyo. Ashem Vohu Prayer: Ashem Vohu Vahishtem asti, Ushtaa asti; Ushtaa ahmaai, Hyat ashaai Vahishtaai ashem. English Translation: Righteousness is the best good and it is happiness. Happiness is to him/her who is righteous for the sake of the best righteousness. Dr. Irach J. S. Taraporewala’s Explanation for Ashem Vohu Prayer: Our prominent Parsi scholar of both Sanskrit and Avesta, Dr. Irach J. S. Taraporewala, and the second Principal of our beloved MF Cama Athornan Institute, in his major opus: The Divine Songs of Zarathushtra has given a quite thought provoking discussion on Ashem and Yathaa prayers. From the English translation of Ashem Vohu, as presented above, we usually think of it as representing the main theme of Asha, Righteousness. Dr. Taraporewala proposes that its main theme is actually the Ushtaa = Happiness as mentioned in it – Ushtaa Asti – it is Happiness! In fact, many scholars attribute our second Ushtavaiti Gatha songs to Ushtaa, Happiness based on Ashem. Actually, it starts with: “Ushtaa Ahmaai, yehmaai Ushtaa kahmaaichit” – Happiness to him who gives happiness to others. An interesting interpretation of Ashem Vohu prayer and something to remember when we recite Ashem Vohu. (Dr. Irach J. S. Taraporewala – Divine Songs of Zarathushtra, Pages 23 - 25) Yathaa Ahu Vairyo Prayer: Yathaa Ahu Vairyo Athaa ratush ashaat chit hachaa; Vangheush dazdaa manangho, Shyaothananaam, Angheush Mazdaai; Khshathremchaa Ahuraai aa, Yim dregubyo dadat vaastaarem.
    [Show full text]
  • OUR SHORTEST PRAYER: ASHEM VOHU. Its Meaning, Message And
    OUR SHORTEST PRAYER: ASHEM VOHU. Its Meaning, Message and the Thoughts to be Passed in Our Mind While Chanting It. On page 2 of this Issue, we have tried to understand what Manthra or Mantra is. In that light, let us now attempt to delve into our common prayer Ashem Vohu. First: EXPLANATION AND MEANING Ashem 1 Vohu2 Vahishteym 3 Asti 4 Ushta 5 Asti 6 Ushta 7 Ahmai 8 Hyat 9 Ashaai 10 Vahishtaai 11 Ashem 12 . The word Asha is the foundation of this Manthra-Prayer of 12 words. It is pronounced three times in the words nos. 1, 10 and 12. It occurs numerous times and in various connotations throughout the Avesta Prayers. It has seven meaning or facets. They are: Law, Order, Beauty, Truth, Righteousness, Purity, Freedom. The whole creation of Ahura Mazda emanates from the Divine Word, Ahunavar and operates on the Divine Law and Order, Asha. All the beauty of Nature moulded by Ahurmazda expresses itself through Asha. The mountains and oceans and rivers and jungles and gardens and flowers and trees and fruits on earth, and the beautiful sky above are all the expressions of Asha. The divine Law, Order and Beauty constitute Ahura's TRUTH which is elaborated and explained by the Prophets of all Religions in different words and languages, and through different picturisations. Therefore TRUTH means divine Knowledge-Gnyaan, which comes to us in various levels according to our spiritual capacity and position. The fifth facet of the word Asha is RIGHTEOUSNESS. Here we have come down to our own self.
    [Show full text]
  • Parsi) Hill - Jimmy Suratia 28 Finding ‘Saosha, Tying Kusti’ in Sogdiana
    Become a member online with a simple click or through the following individuals: UK residents and other countries please send completed application form and cheque payable in Sterling to WZO, London to: Mrs Khurshid Kapadia, 217 Pickhurst Rise, West Wickham, Kent BR4 0AQ, UK. USA residents - application form and cheque payable in US Dollars as “The World Zoroastrian Organisation (US Region)” to: Mr Kayomarsh Mehta, 6943 Fieldstone Drive, Burr Ridge, Illinois IL60527-5295, USA. Canadian residents - application form and cheque payable in Canadian Dollars as “ZSO” and marked WZO fees to: The Treasurer, ZSO, 3590 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M2M 356, Canada. Ph: (416) 733 4586. New Zealand residents - application form with your cheque payable in NZ Dollars as “World Zoroastrian Organisation, to: Mr Darius Mistry, 134A Paritai Drive, Orakei, Auckland, New Zealand HAMAZOR - ISSUE 1 2014 COVER The four images used are on pages 71 & 72 where full credit is given. PHOTOGRAPHS Courtesy of individuals whose articles appear in C o n t e n t s the magazine or as mentioned. 04 Abtin Sassanfar WZO WEBSITE 05 Report from the Chairman, WZO 07 European Interfaith Youth Network - benafsha engineer www.w-z-o.org 10 “Marriage nu spot Fixing” - pauruchisty kadodwala 11 Be Good - Sing Ashem Vohu - khosro mehrfar 13 Structural Limits on Gatha Studies - dinyar mistry 16 A Gathic View of Zoroastrianism & Ethical Life - review, soli dastur 19 Farohar/Fravahar Motif. Parts I & II - k.e.eduljee 25 Commemoration of the Zoroastrian (Parsi) Hill - jimmy suratia 28 Finding ‘Saosha, tying Kusti’ in Sogdiana. Part I - kersi shroff 32 The Cyrus Cylinder at the MET - behroze clubwalla 36 The Cyrus Cylinder’s visit to SF - nazneen spliedt 38 Four Funerals & a Concert for ‘Peace’ - dilnaz boga 40 Dr Murad Lala scales Mt Everest - beyniaz edulji 44 Outstanding Young Houstonian - magdalena rustomji 46 The Jam e Janbakhtegan Games - taj gohar kuchaki 48 G.K.
    [Show full text]
  • UNDERSTANDING and PRACTICE of JASHAN CEREMONY for the Benefit of the Budding Priests Who Wish to Be Enlightened in the Pros of the Zoroastrian Rituals
    UNDERSTANDING AND PRACTICE OF JASHAN CEREMONY ERVAD JEHAN BAGLI and ERVAD ADI UNWALA CONTENTS Foreword by Dastur Firoze Kotwal i Preface ii Abbreviations, Conventions and Nomenclature v 1. Significance and Explanation of Jashan Ceremony 1-19 2. Preparation of Nāmgaran (Names) 20-23 3. Ātash Niyāesh 24-30 4. Jashan for Festive Occasion 31-66 5. Jashan for House warming 67-75 6. Jashan for New Business venture 76-84 7. Jashan for Gāhambār 85-125 8. Jashan for Memory of Departed 126-164 9. Jashan for Gāthā 165-182 DO NOT MAKE COPIES WITHOUT CONSENT FROM THE AUTHOR Dādār FOREWORD It augurs well for the future Zoroastrians living abroad that their leading senior priests strive hard to preserve their age-old rituals in their pristine purity and originality. The two respected and knowledgeable members of the priestly class, Ervad Jehan Bagli and Ervad Adi Unwalla, have prepared a compendium of outer rituals titled UNDERSTANDING AND PRACTICE OF JASHAN CEREMONY for the benefit of the budding priests who wish to be enlightened in the pros of the Zoroastrian rituals. Zoroastrian ceremonies have been transmitted to us from generation to generation and the Kardās of Āfringāns as contained in this short but complete account have their origin in the ancient Avestan-Pahlavi text of Nerangestān or the code of Ritual Directions. The handbook prepared by the Ervad Sahebs goes superbly well with the directions given in the old manuscripts, and it is our great pleasure to support well- meaning endeavors in bringing out this useful piece of priestly work. March 21, 1999 Firoze M.
    [Show full text]