ZOROASTRIANISM : 200 FACTS
200 short questions & answers: Part II by Ervad
Ratanshah R. Motafram
200 short questions & answers: Parts I and II.
200 Questions & Answers: Parts I and II
by Ervad Ratanshah R. Motafram
1)What is Navjote?
2)What is the meaning of the word Navjote?
The word Navjote means ' a new initiate
who offers prayers '.
3)Why has the child to undergo Naahn or
sacred bath before the Navjote ceremony?
The child has to undergo sacred bath
before Navjote ceremony for the sake of external purification.
4)Why is the child given Nirang or
consecrated bull's urine to drink before the navjote ceremony?
The child is given Nirang to drink before
the Navjote ceremony for the sake of internal internal purification.
5)Why is the child given a leaf of
pomegranate tree to chew before the Navjote ceremony?
The child is given a leaf of pomegranate
tree to chew before the navjote ceremony because the evergreen pomegranate tree
reminds one of the immortality of soul.
6)Why does the priest initiating the
child holds his hands while investing him with sacred girdle.
Its significance is that the priest
transfers his own magnetism to the child, who is to be invested with spiritual
strength together with the sacred shirt and the girdle.
7)What is the childs responsibility after
Navjote?
After navjote the child enters a new
phase of life which aims particularly at moral and spiritual uplift.
8)What confession does the child make at
the navjote ceremony?
The child declares his faith openly to
the assembly on the Mazdayasni religion.
9)What is Sudreh?
The word Sudreh means true or
advantegeous path and constantly it reminds every Zoroastrian to tread this
path and not to abandon it even in the midst of the most adverse circumstances.
10)Of what is Sudreh made?
Sudreh is made of white cambric because
white represents purity and it is also the symbol of Mazdayasni religion (Meher
Yast - 126)
11)What do the two parts of Sudreh
signify?
The two parts of the Sudreh signify the
material and the spiritual world.
12)What is the most important part of
Sudreh?
The most important part of Sudreh is
Kisseh i Kerfeh or bag of virtuous deeds and it signifies that man in the
material world should fill this bag with virtuous deeds so that the future life
would be secure.
13)Why should Sudreh be worn next to skin
?
Sudreh should be worn next to the skin
because our body constantly gives off heat with other impurities from within
and Sudreh absorbs them.
14)What is Kusti?
Kusti shows the direction where every
Zoroastrian should aim at and that is the direction of Light and Truth.
15)Of what is Kusti made up of and why?
Kusti is made of lambs wool because lamb
typifies innocence.
16)How is kusti made?
Kusti is first spun into 72 threads which
are then woven into a kusti on a handloom.
17)Why is kusti tied in the middle of the
body?
Tying kusti in the middle of the body
signifies that a Zoroastrian should always put into practice the principle of
moderation or golden mean in all his activities.
18)What does the 4 knots of the kusti
signify?
The four knots of the kusti signify that:
Ahura Mazda is the only one unequalled
The religion of Mazda worship is the word
of Ahura Mazda
Zarathustra is the prophet sent by Ahura
Mazda and
One must think good thoughts, speak good
words and practice good deeds.
19)What does kusti symbolize?
Kusti serves as a permanent symbol of
service to God.
20)Why should we wear sudreh & kusti?
Sudreh & kusti play a vital part in
the development of an overall personality.
21)When did the custom of putting on
kusti start?
It started from the time of king Jamshed
of the Peshdadian dynasty and Zarathustra continued it. (Pahlavi Dadastan i
Denik XXXVIII)
22)Is it proper for a Zoroastrian to move
about without sudreh and kusti?
It is a sin for a Zoroastrian to move
about without sudreh and kusti.
23)What should a Zoroastrian do before
untying and tying kusti?
Before untying or tying kusti a
Zoroastrian should wash thr external parts of the body. This is known as
paadyaab.
24)What is the importance of fire in the
zoroastrian religion?
Fire is the most excellent and the most
useful of Gods creations.
25)What is fire called in the Avesta?
In Avesta fire is called the son of Ahura
Mazda.
26)What should a Zoroastrian do rising up
early in the morning?
A Zoroastrian risiing up early in the
morning should put on clothes, wash hands, search for fuel and enkindle the
household fire. (vendidad 18-19)
27)Where should the fire be installed?
The fire should be installed at a proper
place after performing certain ceremonies.
28)What are the three grades of fire
amoung the Zorastrians?
The three grades of fire amoung the
Zoroastrians are Atash Behram, Atash Adaran and Atash Dadgah.
29)How are the different grades of fire
installed?
To install an Atash Behram sixteen
different kinds of fire are required, for an Atash Adaran four and for Atash
Dadgah only one fire is required. They are installed after performing some
ceremonies which are the most elaborate in the case of an Atash Behram.
30)Who should tend the fire of an Atash
Behram?
Befitting its exalted position fully
qualified priests who have undergone the highest form of purificatory ritual
(Barshnum) and observe Khub, that is, who perform the Yasna ceremony, can tend
the fire of an Atash Behram.
31)Why do the Zoroastrians pray before
fire?
When the Zoroastrians pray before the
fire they offer their worship to Ahura Mazda through fire which is the symbol
of Ahura Mazda.
32)What constitutes a sin against fire?
To burn dead, decomposing matter on fire
is regarded as sin.
33)What are the objects of Zoroastrian
rituals and ceremonies?
The first object of Zoroastrian rituals
and ceremonies is to purify atmosphere with fire burning with incense, the
second is to secure blessings of divine spirits, and the third is to express
gratitude to Ahura Mazda for the seasonal bounties bestowed upon mankind.
34)What are the high ceremonies of the
Zoroastrian religion?
These are mainly Yazashne, Visperad and
Vandidad ceremonies.
35)By whom are these ceremonies
performed?
These ceremonies are performed by those
priests who have undergone Barshnum and are pure in body and soul.
36)Where are these ceremonies performed?
These ceremonies are performed in a
specially reserved place in fire temples, called urves.
37)By what other names are these
ceremonies known?
These ceremonies are also known as paav
Mahal ceremonies. Paav means pure and Mahal means building.
38)What are the requisites for these
ceremonies known?
The requisites for these ceremonies are
derived from minerel, vegetable and animal kingdoms representing different
creations.
39)What is the main object of Yazazne
ceremony?
The main object of Yazashne ceremony is
to show different creations are inter-related and work for mutual benifit and
how man should be in tune with different creations represented by a variety of
requisites in the ceremony.
40)What is the main part of Yazashne
ceremony?
The main part of Yazashne ceremony is the
pounding of Homa twigs and extracting Homa juice.
41)On what occasions is Visperad ceremony
performed?
Visperad ceremony is performed at
seasonal festivals (Gaahambars)
42)When is Vendidad ceremony performed?
Vendidad ceremony is performed at
mid-night after 12 O clock because evil influences predominate especially in
the dark at night.
43)What is Baaj?
Baaj is a religious prayer recited in
honour of the divine spirits (Amesh Spentas and Yazatas) or the guardian
spirits (Fravashis)
44)What is Afringaan?
Afringaan or prayer of blessing is a
ceremony performed by two priests and sometimes even by a single priest with
few requisites as fruits, flowers, water, milk and sandalwood.
45)What is Farokhshi?
Farokhshi is also a simple ceremony with
the same requisites as those in Afringaan ceremony.
46)What is stum?
Stum is a prayer in praise of the guardian
spirits (Fravashis)
47)What is Jashan?
Jashan is a prayer with ceremonial
offerings performed by 2 priests with the attendance of other Zoroastrians who
also pray.
48)Why are ceremonies after death
neccessary?
Ceremonies after death are neccessary as
they guard the soul of the deceased from evil influences because according to
Zoroastrian teachings the soul of a person after death remains within precincts
of this world for three nights (Fragments of Haadokht Nask chs II and III)
49)Why are ceremonies during three days
after death performed in honour of Sraosha?
This is because the soul is clothed in a
more tenous astral body and is under the guidance and protection of Sraosha who
is the protector of men in both the worlds (Larger Srosh Yasht - 25) and the
soul guides till its journey to the next world on the dawn of the fourth day.
50)Why are ceremonies performed for the
souls of the dead after the dawn of the fourth day after death?
These ceremonies offer consolation to the
soul of the dead in the spiritual world and they bless the living.
51)What are the Farvardegan or Muktad
days?
These are the ten days at the end of the
Zoroastrian calender year when the Guardian Spirits (Fravashis) move about
freely in the material world expecting prayer and offerings from the living.
(Farvadin Yasht 49,50)
52)By what name is the supreme god called
in Zoroastrian religion?
The supreme god in the Zoroastrian
religion is known as Ahura Mazda.
53)What does the word Ahura Mazda mean?
The word Ahura Mazda means 'Omniscient
Lord'
54)How is Ahura Mazda potrayed in the
Zoroastrian religion?
Ahura Mazda is potrayed in the
Zoroastrian religion as the highest epitome of virtues (Yasna 1-1)
55)With what is the concept of Ahura
Mazda associated?
The concept of Ahura Mazda is associated
with light.
56)Can we see Ahura Mazda?
No we cannot see Ahura Mazda because He
is the most spiritual or invisible (Yasna 4-7) and pervades the entire
creation.
57)What is the meaning of Amesha Spenta?
Amesha Spenta means Bountiful Immortal.
58)How many Amesha Spentas are there and
what do they signify?
Amesha Spenta are seven in all: Ahura
Mazda, Vohumana, Asha Vahista, Khshathra Vairaya, Spenta Armaiti, Haurvataat
and Ameretaat and they signify the attributes of Ahuara Mazda.
59)Over what creations do the Amesha
Spenta Preside?
The Amesha Spentas preside over mankind,
animals, fire, metals, earth, water and plants.
60)Does the theory of Amesha Spentas lead
to the worship of many gods?
No, Amesha Spentas are by no means
independent gods, but they are of the same thought, word and deed with Ahura Mazda
who is said to be their father and preceptor (Fravardin Yasht -83), and who has
created them all. (Hormuzd Yasht -25)
61)What is the meaning of Yazata.
Yazata means adorable one.
62)How many Yazatas are there and who do
they signify?
The exact number of Yazatas cannot be
specified and they are in rank next to Amesha Spentas.
63)How are Yazatas classified?
The Yazatas are classified as spiritual
and material (Khurshed Nyaish-9) the former personifying some virtues and the
latter presiding over material creations.
64)What is the meaning of Fravashi?.
Fravashi means a guardian spirit.
65)What do Fravashis signify?
Fravashis are a seperate class of divine
entities which permeate all creations.
66)Has every human being has his
Fravashi?
Yes, every human being has his Fravashi.
67)What is the difference between soul
and Fravashi?
According to Zoroastrian Teachings a
man's soul is accountable after death for all the deeds committed in the material
world, while Fravashis function is to guide the soul, like a divine monitor, in
the perilous sea of life.
68)How are Fravashis classified?
Fravashis are classified as those of the
departed, of the living, and those of the unborn.
69)What is the function of the Fravashis
as regards different creations?
Fravashis sustain the sky, the water, the
earth, the cattle, develop physical organs of a child when it is conceived in
the mother's womb (fravardin Yasht -86), energize life and are the prime source
of motion.
70)What is the main occassion for the
invocation of Fravashis?
Fravashis are mainly invoked during the
during the Fravardegaan days, or the last ten days at the end of Zoroastrain
calendar years.
71)What is Daeva and Druj?
Daeva and Druj are evil spirits which
lead mankind astray from the path of rectitude.
72)In what different senses are the words
Daeva and Druj used?
They are used in three different senses
(i) Invisible evil spirits acting against Amesha Spentas and Yazatas, (ii)
Thieves, robbers, tyrants, murderers and sinners referred to as Daeva and Druj,
and (iii) Evil qualities in man like anger, jealously, avarice, lust etc. are
also known as Daevas.
73)What is Druj-i-Nasush?
Germs which give rise to decomposition
and disease are known as Druj-i-Nasush.
74)What is Daevaysni?
Daevayshni means worship of many gods and
their idols.
75)What does Daevayasni consist of?
It consists of false beliefs and
superstitions about true idea of divinity.
76)What are the types of Daevaysnis?
They are:
Worshipping the forces of nature like
thunder, lightening, storm as well as stones, trees and ferocious animals out
of fear,
Worshipping imaginary gods presiding over
creations like sky, sun, moon, air, fire and water, making their idols and
installing them in the temples.
77)What is Mazdayani?
Mazdayasni declares its belief in one
omniscient lord-Ahura Mazda who creates, sustains, protects and administers the
affairs of the universe through eternal laws.
78)Who first listened to the teachings of
Ahura Mazda?
Gayomard, the first sovereign of the
Peshdadian dynasty which ruled in ancient Iran, first listened to Ahura Mazda
and embraced Mazdayasni religion.
79)Who after Gayomard put faith in
Mazdayasni religion?
After him a long line of illustrious
kings of Iran like Hosang, Tehmuras, Jamshed, Faredoon, Minocher, Kay kobad,
Kay Kaus, Kay Lohrasp and a holy sage named Hom put faith in Mazdayashni
religion and propagated its teachings amoung the Iranians resisting the power
and influences of the Daevayashnis.
80)Who finally strengthened Mazdayashni
religion?
Zarathushtra finally strengthened
Mazdayashni religion and secured for it a firm foothold in Iran dealing a
severe blow to Daevayashnis and image-worship.
81)What is Asha?
Asha signifies order and regularity in
nature according to which all its activities like rising and setting of the
sun, waxing and wanning of the moon, rise and fall of tides, the dawn, the day
and night going their daily rounds and non stop seasonal changes take place.
82)What is Ashoi?
To put the principle of Asha observable
in nuture in day-to-day life is called Ashoi.
83)What does Ashoi include?
It includes all the principal virtues,
but specially it refers to purity which can be classified as physical purity
and purity of soul.
84)Why has Zoroastrian religion stressed
on purity?
It is said that purity is the best for
man from birth and purity itself is Mazdayashni religion (Vendidad 5-21)
because all round purity - physical, mental and that of environment leads to
the uplift of the soul.
85)How is physical purity observed?
Physical purity is classified as external
and internal the former consisting in keeping the body pure externally and the
latter in taking proper nourishing food and observing temperance in eating
habits.
86)How is the purity of soul observed?
The purity of soul is observed by keeping
it from evil propensities like lust, anger, avarice, temptation, pride and
jealousy which are most often called the six enemies of the soul.
87)What are the purificatory rituals
enjoined by the zoroastrian religion?
These are mainly these: 1) Paadyaab 2)
Barshnum, the last being the highest form of purification.
88)What is the fundamental teaching of
the Zoroastrian religion?
The fundamental teaching of the
Zoroastrian religion is Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta or good thoughts, good words
and good deeds.
89)What is the most important of the
triad according to Zoroastrian religion?
According to the Zoroastrian religion
good thoughts is the most important of the triad because thoughts when
expressed through mouth become words and when put into practice become actions.
90)How can we please Ahura Mazda?
We can please Ahura Mazda through
virtuous deeds.
91)What does the Zoroastrian religion
enjoin upon man?
To keep in readiness his hands, feet and
intelligence to perform lawful, timely and good deeds.
92)What is the best type of prayer?
The best type of prayer is that which
helps a person to improve his life physically, mentally and spritually and
inspires him to serve the surrounding world to the best of his ability.
93)How should true prayers be offered?
True prayers should be offered with
devotion, sincerity of heart and deep yearning for spiritual joy.
94)What purpose does prayer serve?
Prayer purifies heart, gives inner
strength and self-confidence and leads to enlightenment.
95)What is Maanthra?
Maanthra are the holy spells of the
Avesta which when properly recited produce a soothing effect on mind and body
espicially on the former.
96)What is Tarikat?
Tarikat is an Arabic word which means
religious injunctions to be observed in daily life.
97)How does Tarikat help man in his daily
life?
Tarikat help man gain control over his
mind and body and thus discipline his life rendering the mind receptive to
noble ideas and impressions much in the same way as a blacksmith hammers a
piece of iron to make it malleable.
98)What are some important Tarikats of
the Zoroastrian religion?
They are i) to recite one Ashem Vohu
while rising from bed early in the morning ii) to enkindle the household fire
after arising from bed, iii) to wash the exposed parts of the body after
answering natures call and untie & tie the kusti or the sacred girdle
reciting the kusti prayer iv) to observe silence while eating meals and
excreting waste matter from the body after reciting certain small prayers and
v) to spare time for praying to God.
99)What purpose these Tarikats serve?
These Tarikats act as stepping-stones to
true religious and moral life.
100)Why according to the the Zoroastrian
religion, man is a unique creation of God?
Man is a unique creation of God because
he can think and speak, so God has entrusted to him the Soverignity of time
over creations for their management, by virtue of his skill and power of
speech.
(laDies pleaSe reFrain frOm weaRing
DESIGNER sleveless, strappy SADRAS - becaUse tHey haVe nO siGnificance whatTsoever ! -
adMin.)
101
What is the Zoroastrian ideal of being in tune with future?
:To
be in tune with nature is to explore every possibility to be a source of joy to
all creations following the fundamental principle observable in the workings of
nature viz.it is better to give than to receive.
102
What virtue should a pure Zoroastrian follow in his dealings with nature?
:A
true Zoroastrian should observe temperance or moderation in his dealings with
nature,never to over-exploit the bounties of nature as that would seriously disturb
ecological balance to the detriment of mankind.
103
How should a true Zoroastrian regard this world?
:A
true Zoroastrian should regard this world as a battlefield and himself as a
soldier under the chieftainship of Ahura Mazda to do battle against the forces
of Darkness and Wrong.
104
How should a true Zoroastrian perform actions?
:A
true Zoroastrian should perform actions in accordance with the will of Ahura
Mazda,that is virtuous deeds completely devoid of egoism dedicating them to the
supreme god.
105
What is the true Zoroastrian way of life?
:The
true Zoroastrian way of life consists in spreading happiness all around -
happiness unto him through whom happiness unto
anyone whomsoever.(Yasna 43-1)
106
What is Haoma?
:Avestic
Hoama and Vedic Soma is the name of a plant known to the ancient iranians and
the vedic Aryans from ancient times.
107
Who identified the Haoma plant?
:The
man who identified the Haoma plant was a holy sage named also Haoma who was
well advanced in matters spiritual and who got the Iranians acquainted with the
excellent qualities of the plant.
108
What is the main quality of the Haoma plant?
:The
Hoama plant is advantageous both for the body and the soul,because all other
intoxicating drinks lead to anger,but the drink prepared from Haoma plant is
joy-giving and leads to holiness,and it renders the mind of the poor
exalted.Today in Yazashne ceremony juice is extracted from Haoma twigs.
109
What different kinds of Haoma were known to the ancient iranians?
:They
were 1) Haoma Zaairi or the green Haoma, ii) Haoma fraashmi or the refreshing
Haoma and iii) Haoma duraosha or the death-averter Haoma.
110
What is death according to the Zoroastrian religion?
:In
Zoroastrian terminology the phenomenon of death is spoken of as the
seperation of consciousness from the physical body (Vendidad 9-43)
111
Where does a man's soul remain after death according to Zoroastrian religion?
:According
to the Zoroastrian belief a man's soul after death remains within the precincts
of this world for three nights, under the protection of angel Srosh,the soul's
guide (dastagire ravaan) and the soul of a holy man is happy and joyful because
of his good conduct in the material world,whereas quite opposite is the case of
soul of a wicked man.
112
Where does a man's soul go on the dawn of the fourth day after death?
:On
the dawn of the fourth day after death the soul of the holy man meets face to
face with his own conduct called Daena in the Avesta,in the form of a very
beautiful maiden with a very fragrant wind blowing,and the maiden leading the
soul across the Bridge of Selection; to the best existence,whereas quite
opposite is the case of the soul of a wicked man(Fragmentess of Haadskht
Nask,chs II and III)
113
What is Chinvat bridge?
It
is not a bridge built of any material like iron,wood or stone,but it is the
name of a place where selection for the soul is made, whether it has to proceed
to heaven or to be dragged down to hell.
114
What is Behest(Heaven)
If
a man's good deeds in the material world outnumber his evil deeds his soul is
entitled to Behest which is of four different grades (i) Humata(star station)
(ii)Hukta(moon station) (iii) Hvarshta(sun station) and (iv) Anagra raochaao
(endless light) or garodemaan (house of songs) (fragments of Haadokht Nask chs
II and III)
115
What is Dozakh(hell)
If
a man's evil deeds in the material world outnumber his good deeds his soul is
doomed for Dozakh which is also of four different grades (i)Dushmata
(ii)Duzukhta (iii) Duzvarshta and (iv)Anagra temah (endless darkness)
116
What is Hamistagaan?
When
a man's good and evil deeds are equal his soul is entitled to a place called
Hamistagaan where there is neither happiness nor much sorrow.
117
what is Ristaakhez ?
Rishtaakhez
means rising of the dead.Zoroastrianism predicts a time when all the dead will
rise up with the help of Soshyos,the last great benefactor, and attain
immortality after undergoing the final judgement.
118
What is Frashgird ?
Frashgird
means the act of renovating.Zoroastrianism presages a time when the world will
be completely renovated and it will be never decaying,never rotting ever living
and ever progressing going on in nature with the change of old order yielding
place to new.
119
What is Tan-i-pasen?
At
the time of the final great renovation mankind will lead an existence devoid of
disease,old age and death.This is known as Tan-i-pasen or final most bodily
condition.
120
What is virtue ?
Virtue
means good quality and virtuous deeds are approved by God because they are
performed according to His Will which is that man should practise virtues in
his day-to-day life.
121
What are the kinds of virtue ?
These
are i)active virtues ii) passive virtues iii) private virtues and iv)public
virtues.
122)
What are active virtues?
If
a person exerts himself to make others tread the path of virtues and actively
resists evil, he is said to follow active virtues.This type of virtues is
extolled by Zoroastrian religion.
123)
What are passive virtues?
If
a person is honest,just and truthful and rests satisfied with his virtuous
life, he is said to follow passive virtues.
124)
What are private virtues ?
Private
virtues are those which make a person's private life happy, for example married
life,contentment,simplicity,frugality.
125)
What are public virtues?
Public
virtues are those which benifit a large number of people,for example
courage,bravery,generousity,public spirit to fight for truth and justice.
126)
What is sin ?
To
act against moral principles is considered a sin - All acts of sin slow down
soul's progress towards perfection and they are a heavy burden on mind.
127)
How are sins classified ?
Sins
are classified as i) Sins of commission and ii) Sins of ommission.If a person
performs an evil action knowingly it is a sin of commission, but if a person
knowingly avoids an oppurtunity to perform a good deed it is a sin of
ommission.
128)
What is repentance?
To
repent is to retract from sin and return to the path of virtue.
129)
How does repentance benifit a person ?
Through
repentance a person gives expression to his suppressed thoughts and feelings
and thus lightens the burden off his mind.Sincere repentance before God helps
man cease from sin.
130)
How can one repent ?
One
can repent of one's sins in three ways i) repentance through thoughts (Paititem
mano) ii) repentance through words (Paititem vacho) and iii)repentance through
deeds(paititem shyaothnem)
131)
Why has the Zoroastrian religion stressed purity of elements ?
The
four natural elements fire,air, water and earth enter into the composition of
human body,hence on their purity depends the general health of mankind.Also,
the four natural properties in human body viz. heat,moisture, coldness, and
dryness are derived from those four elements.
132)
How is the purity of these elements observed?
It
is observed by not burning dead and decomposed matter on fire,nor throwing it
into water,nor interring it in earth.
133)
Based on the purity of elements which is the best method of disposing the dead
?
It
is exposing a dead body to birds on the highest places.Also, on high open
spaces sun-light and air act as very powerful purifying agents, and prevent
decomposition from spreading around.
134)
Why is it called the best method?
It
is the most economical.Certain birds like vultures and ravens are meant
specially for the purpose of devouring the corpses and carcasses, and they are
called scavengers of nature.
135)
What important purpose does this method serve?
All
living beings have life-force to sustain them.This life force derives its
strength from the food which is consumed.It is one of the teachings of the
zoroastrian religion that nothing should be wasted.Thus, even a dead body is
put to good use insofar as it is consumed by the carnivorous birds and strengthens
their vitality
136)
Of what, according to Zoroastrian teachings, does man's physical organism
consist ?
Man's
physical organism consists of physical body containing all the external and
internal organs, and it is termed " tanu " in Avesta and there is
also the bony skeleton called 'azda' supporting the fleshy part.To
energize and vitalize the physical body heat and energy necessary, and the
process of respiration called 'ushtaana ' imparts vitality and life to the
body.There is also the form of the body called 'kehrpa ' and strength to move
about and will called 'tevishi '.
137)
What according to Zoroastrian teachings, are invisible principles, which
motivate the physical organism ?
They
are: i) Ahu or life, ii) Daenaa or conscience, iii) Baodha or intellect, iv)
Urvan or soul and v) Fravashi or guardian spirit.
138)
What is Ahu ?
Ahu
is the active principle of life which has its abode in the heart,and vitalizes
all senses of perception.
139)
What is Daena ?
Daena
is the inner voice of conscience which guides one while performing actions
which will ultimately determine one's future state.
140)
What is Baodha ?
Baodha
or intellect reacts to the impulse carried to the brain centre through sensory
nerves, which reaction is carried back to the sense organs through motor nerves
and perception results.
141)
What is Urvan ?
Urvan
or soul is purely spiritual principle in the human constitution. Every human
soul is potentially divine and through the best righteousness one can so
illumine one's soul as to be in the nearest relationship with Ahura Mazda.
142)
What is Fravashi ?
Fravashi
or the guardian spirit is the most spiritual of all the invisible principles in
the human constitution,and its function is to guide the soul in its material
existence.Fravashi is also associated with the function of providing energy to
the body along with ushtaana.
143)
What are the instruments or faculties of soul ?
Instruments
or faculties of soul(ravaan avzaaraan) are mainly three : 1)reasoning (vir)
which penetrates, 2)consciousness (osh) which protects, and 3) wisdom (khrat)
which determines.
144)
Wisdom is classified as innate wisdom (aasn-khrat) and acquired wisdom
(goshosrut khrat).Without the former one is unable to acquire the latter.One
can sharpen inate wisdom through acquired wisdom which can be obtained through
learning and knowledge.
145)
What is one of the fundamental theories of Zoroastrian cosmogony ?
One
of the fundamental theories of Zoroastrian cosmogony is that at first there was
the spiritual existence and Ahura Mazda first produced material creation in a
spiritual form and then again He produced it in material form.Cosmogony means
the birth of the whole creation.
146)
What is another theory of Zoroastrian cosmogony?
Another
theory of Zoroastrian cosmogony is that the material creations have come into
existence at different stages.This is the evolutionary theory of Gaahambaars
according to which the order of creations is the sky,the water, the earth, the
vegetation, the animal.
147)
What is the third theory of zoroastrian cosmonogy ?
The
third theory is that the creations have emerged from light.Ahura Mazda out of
his own light first produced a form of creation in the shape of fire,bright and
white.
148)What
is the fourth theory of Zoroastrian cosmonogy?
The
fourth theory is that before anything came into existence Ahura Mazda uttered
Ahuna Vairya,the holy spell,which may be called Zoroastrian logos.It must have
produced vibrations,and step by step creations must have come into being.
149)What
is behind the act of creations?
Zoroastrian
concept of divine Mind is behind the act of creations.Ahura Mazda first thought
and mingled happiness with luminaries and through wisdom produced the immutable
law of Asha (Yasna 31-7)The workings of the universe also reveal the mental
power of the Architect of universe.
150)How
is the factor of time associated with Zoroastrian cosmonogy?
It
is but natural.Creation cannot be conceived apart from time.It must have come
into existence at some particular time.Ahura Mazda fashioned limited time from
infinite time and the creation took place in the former.
151)
By what name are the priests known amoung the Zoroastrians ?
Amoung
the Zoroastrians the priest are known as Athravans.The word Athravan means one
who tends the fire.In the eastern Iranian provinces in ancient times they acted
as fire priests.
152)
What were the different grades of Athravans in ancient times?
There
were different grades of Atharvans in ancient times depending on their holiness
and spiritual attainments at different levels.Three grades of Athravans are
mentioned in the Avesta.(khurdaad Yasht - 9)
153)
What are the three classes of Athravans today?
The
three grades of Athravans today are Ervad,Mobed and Dastur.
154)Who
is an Ervad?
The
word Ervad is derived from Avesta aethrapaiti which means a teacher or an
instructor.In ancient times one who was most advanced in righteousness,was
deemed fit for priestly profession,and for three years he had to acquire holy
wisdom under an able teacher.
155)Who
is a Mobed?
The
word Mobed is derieved from Pahlavi magupat which means a master Magian.Magians
were the priests in Western Iran in ancient times.A mobed can perform high
ceremonies of the inner circle like Yazashne,Visperad,Vendidad and Baaj.
156)Who
is a Dastur?
The
word Dastur is derieved from Pahlavi Dastabar meaning one who exercises authority.A
Dastur should combine in himself the best qualities of head and heart.He is
expected to be holy, having innate wisdom and spiritual insight which are the
two important qualities expected of a high priest.
157)What
is Naavar?
Before
being initiated as an Ervad the son of the priest today has to undergo Naavar
ordainment which consists of two Barshnums with nine nights of retreat in each
to observe strict rules and gain self-control and four days for performing
ceremonies.
158)What
is Maraatab?
To
become a Mobed an Ervad has to undergo Maraatab ordainment for which one
Barshnum with nine nights of retreats is required and then two days for
performing ceremonies.
159)What
is Aalaat?
Aalaat
is an Arabic word which means implement,apparatus, and these are required
for performing some high ceremonies like Yazashne,Visperad and Vendidad.The
Aalaat are first of all rendered pure before being used in the ceremonies.
160)Who
is an Ashmogh?
The
word Asmogh is Avesta ashemaogha which means one who violates Asha.The main
teachings of the Zoroastrian religion are based on Asha.Therefore one who does
not follow the principles of Asha is heretic,So an Ashmogh or a heretic is in
contradistinction to an Ashavan or a holy person.
161)Who
is a Dravant?
Dravant
is an Avesta word which means 'a wicked person'. He is the one who deviates
from the path of Asha or righteousness.There is a clear-cut distinction between
an Ashavan or a holy man and a dravant or a wicked man.
162)
What is Butparasti?
Butparasti
is a Persian word which means idol worship which is castigated by the
Zoroastrian religion.To offer prayers before any image made of stone or wood or
any other material is against the spirit of Zoroastrianism,which categorically
declares that the supreme god Ahura Mazda is the most invisible and hence
cannot be represented by any material image.
163)
What is Maachi?
Maachi
is derived from Sanskrit manch which means a throne.While feeding the fire of
the first grade fire-temple viz.Atash Behram. six pieces of sandalwood are
placed on fire.The highest grade of fire is regarded as a king.Hence six pieces
of sandalwood should be placed on it to make a kind of throne,pairs of two
pieces one above the other.
164)
Where did the religion of Zarathustra come into existence first ?
The
religion of Zarathustra first came into existence in ancient Iran,because
Zarathustra is spoken of as famous in Iran Vej(Yasna 9-14)
165)
What religion was there in ancient Iran before Zarathustra ?
Before
Zarathustra the religion of ancient Iran was Poryotkeshi Mazdayashni.
166)
What is the meaning of Poryotkeshi Mazdayashni?
The
meaning of Poryotkeshi Mazdayashni is the foremost creed of the worship of
Mazda or the Omniscient.
167)
What is meant by Saoshyant ?
The
word Saoshyant means benefactor of mankind.
168)
Who were the Saoshyants that preceded Zarathushtra?
They
were Gayomard,Hoshang,Tehmurus,Hom,Jamshed,Faredoon,Kay kaus and Kay khusru.All
these Saoshyants followed Mazdayashni religion.
169)
Why did Zarathustra accept Poryotkeshi Mazdayashni religion?
There
were many good elements in the Poryotkeshi Mazdayashni religion,so Zarathustra
accepted it.It was a powerful deterrent against Daevayashni.
170)
Against whom did Zarathustra preach his religion ?
Zarathustra
preached his religion against the Daevas who refused to worship the one
Omniscient Lord and were rooted in evil mind.
171)
Who first supported the religion of Zarathustra?
King
Gustasp of the Kayanian dynasty,who ruled at Balkh in ancient Iran,first supported
the religion of Zarathustra after putting it to test in the assembly of the
wise and the learned from different countries who put to the prophet several
questions.
172)
Who was the first disciple of Zarathusthra ?
The
first disciple of Zarathustra was his own cousin Medyomah
173)
After his acceptance of the Zoroastrian religion whom did King Gustasp send to
propogate it?
After
his acceptance of the Zoroastrian religion King Gustasp sent prince Asfandyar
to propogate it in distant lands.
174)
Who destroyed the literature of the Zoroastrian religion?
Alexander
the great, after conquering Persia in the 4th century B.C. burnt the library of
Zoroastrian writings at Daz-i-Nipisht, at Persipolis, and the writings which
were deposited in another library, named Ganj-i-Shapigaan,fell into the hands
of Greeks,who took them to Greece and translated them into Greek.
175)
Who rejuvenated the Zoroastrian religion and literature ?
King
Ardeshir Baabegaan, the founder of the Sasanian dynasty in the 3rd century A.D.
made commendable efforts to rejuvenate the Zoroastrian religion and literature
with the help of his high priest Tansar.Thereafter other Sasanian Sovereigns
like Shapur I, Shapur II and Noshirvan Adil made efforts in various directions
to reorganise and revitalize the Zoroastrian religion and literature.
176)
In what language is the Zoroastrian scripture written?
Zoroastrian
scripture is written in Avesta.
177)
Originally how many Nasks or books were there of the Zoroastrian religion ?
Originally
there were 21 Nasks or books of the Zoroastrian religion divided into three
classes as per their contents viz. Gaasaanik or religious, Daatik or pertaining
to laws and handhmaansrik or the intermidiate between the two,each group
consisting of seven books.
178)
What is the extant Avesta literature?
The
extant Avesta literature is in a very small quantity.It consists mainly of
Yasna,Visperad,Vendidad,Yasht and Khordeh Avesta
179)
What is Yasna ?
Yasna
has 72 chapters and contains prayers with offerings unto Ahura Mazda and other
divine spirits like Amesha Spentas,Yazatas and other spiritual entities
presiding over divisions of time.
180)
What is Visperad ?
Visperad
has 23 chapters and contains prayers in praise of all the divine entities
presiding over the creation.It is recited on the occasion of Gaahambaars or
seasonal festivals.
181)
What is Vendidad ?
Vendidad
has 22 chapters and covers topics as geography of the ancient Aryans,history of
king Jamshed of the peshdadian dynasty,five kinds of different places producing
joy and sorrow,instructions to keep away from nasaa or decomposing
matter,Barshnum ceremony,different species of dogs and their
care,qualifications of the priests etc.
182)
What is Yasht?
A
yasht is a prayer in praise of a divinity.Some of the Yashts contain valuable
information about the history of ancient Iran.There are 22 Yashts in all
183)
What is Khordeh Avesta?
Khordeh
Avesta means Smaller Avesta.It contains short prayers to be recited daily such
as five Gaahs,Five Nyaaishs,some smaller Yashts,Stum prayer and one or two
Monaajaats. 184) What is Avesta?
The
sacred literature of the Zoroastrians and its language are called Avesta The
word is variously derived by different scholars,but the most probable
derivation seems to be from he stem vid to know so Avesta means 'What is
known'.It is generally acknowledged that Avesta was the language of east Iran.
185)
What is the relationship between Avesta and Sanskrit?
Avesta
and Sanskrit are sister languages,having much in common.Not only is there a
close relationship between the words of the two languages but at times even the
whole sentences are found identical.In particular there is a close affinity
between the Vedic sanskrit and the Gathic Avesta,and by applying some rules of
phonetics entire Gathic stanzas can be changed into sanskrit.
186)What
is Zand?
When
Avesta language ceased to be properly understood,translation and commentary
were made in another language viz Pahlavi, by the learned for the use of the
general public in the Sasanian times,that is, from 3rd century A.D. onwards.
187)
What is Pahlavi?
Pahlavi
language was he language current in Iran in the Sasanian times from 226 A.D.
onwards.It is a polyphonous language as the letters of its alphabets are
variously pronounced.There are some words of Semetic origin in Pahlavi because
ancient Iran was under Semetic influence at different periods in its
history.Pahlavi is also called Middle-Persian because it stands midway between
the old Persian and Modern Persian.
188)
What is Pazand.?
Pahlavi
being a curious admixture of Iranian and Semetic elements was difficult to be
understood.Hence,to simplify the language all the Semetic words were banished
from Pahlavi and substituted by their Iranian equivalents.Hence a new and
simplified language viz.Pazand came into being.It is written in Avestan
characters.
189)In
what age did Zarathustra live?
It
is not certain when exactly Zarathustra lived.Greek and Roman writers place his
age in a very remote past.Aristotle,pliny and Plato place his age at 6000 B.C.
and Hermippus at 7000 B.C. Some have attempted to place him between 2500 to
1000 B.C. and still others after 1000 B.C.
190)
Who were the main opponents of Zarathustra?
They
were Kavis and Karapans or the willfully blind and the willfully deaf who
refused to embrace his teachings which aimed at moral and spiritual uplift.
191)
What is Zarathustra's greatest contribution to spiritual philosophy ?
Zarathustra's
greatest contribution to spiritual philosophy is the Gathas.They are the
prime-utterances of the prophet and forms the quintessenee of his religious
faith.They are five in number Ahunavaiti,Ushtavaiti,Spentamainyu,Vohukhshatra
and Vahishtoisti,composed in archaic metres.Spiritual element preponderates in
the Gathas.
192)
What types of evil plagued society when Zarathustra was born ?
Anger,robbery,rapine
and all kinds of wickedness stalked the face of the earth at the time of
Zarathustra's birth and mankind was plunged into the darkness and gloom of
materialism
193)
What new theory did Zarathustra offer to solve the problem of evil ?
Zarathustra
traced the origin of evil to one of the twin spirits who differ in
thoughts,words and deeds,one being better and the other evil(Yasna 30-3)
Further it is said that the two spirits produced life(gaya) and
non-life.(ajyaaiti)
194)
What is meant by saying life and non-life ?
Any
form of life can be produced but what about non-life? How can it be produced ?
The implication is that life (gaya) refers to positive life-force, and non-life
(ajyaaiti) to negative force of decay and destruction which acts against
life.And it is a fact that all life-force in existence meets with resistance
which seeks to stifle it.
195)
What do the terms Spenta and Angra Signify?
Spenta
and Angra are the two spirits instrumental in the
administration of the
affairs of the universe.Spenta means increasing or benificient,and Angra
means destroying or straitening.
196)
Does this theory lead to the belief in two gods?
No.The
two spirits in the Gathas, are personified.But the gathas are composed in
poetic form and personification is the characteristic feature of poetry.This
personification does not endow the two primeval causes with real
personality,but it is apparent in poetry.
197)
How did Zarathustra fight evil?
Zarathustra
carried on a constant crusade against evil arising out of magic,sorcery and
materialism which in his days were rampant in those days.The propagators of
evil creed in his days were known as Daevas whom Zarathustra has singularly
denounced.
198)
In which categories is mankind,according to the zoroastrian religion divided ?
Mankind
according to the Zoroastrian religion may generally be divided into two
categories i) ashavan or those who are on the path of rectitude and ii) dravant
or those who detract from that path.All kinds of evil in society emanate,for
the most part,from the second category of people and it is the bounden duty of
every Zoroastrian to exert himself to resist and stem the tide of evil.
199)
What type of life is a true Zoroastrian expected to lead to resist evil in
society ?
A
true Zoroastrian is expected to lead a life of active virtues and must always
be on his feet to rise against any injustice or oppression done to the
righteous or the downtrodden.He should under no circumstances, be a party to
injustice tyranny or wickedness.
200)
Is only fight against evil enough?
No.According
to Zoroastrian teachings struggle against evil should proceed hand-in-hand with
the zeal to reform.Not only to strike a blow in the teeth of wrong but also to
improve and rehabilitate the wicked on the path of virtue should be ideal of a
crusader against evil.Druj should be handed over to Asha,that is the wicked
should be reinstated on the path of rectitude.
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