Mazda Ahura, the Absolute Ruler, has specified that good fortune is for him who makes others happy. O, my Lord, to remain steadfast in truth, I want from Thee the strength of body and soul. O, Armaiti, the symbol of faith and love, do grant me that power which is the reward for a life lived with good thought.
In truth, such a person (1) shall enjoy the best gifts of God. The person who desires inner light and tries to achieve it, O, Mazda, do bestow upon him the same, through Thy holy and bright wisdom. Through Asha, the Eternal Law of Truth and Purity, O my Lord, grant us wisdom and knowledge which are the gifts of Vohuman, so that we may enjoy happiness through our lengthy lives.
In truth, the person who shows us the path of truth and happiness in the corporeal world and saves are soul in the spiritual one shall attain the highest good. (2) The said path is that which leads us to the real and true world, where the is Ahura. The lovers of truth and those in love with Thee, O, Mazda, shall ultimately become one with Thee through wisdom and holiness.
I shall recognize, Thee, O Mazda, us powerful and divine, when our wishes are fulfilled through Thy strength; and when the followers of truth and the followers of falsehood have both received the specified compensation and punishment. When Thy light shines in my heart and gives me warmth, then my soul shall feel the strength of truth, and when pure thought or Vohuman shall come to me with full power.
As divine and sacred I recognize Thee, O Mazda Ahura, when I realized Thee as the First and eternal when life began; and when Thou ordained rewards for good thoughts, words and deeds; and when Thou specified through Thy wisdom that evil shall be the lot of wicked persons and that good persons shall reap the fruit of their goodness. Thus it will continue up to the end of creation.
O, Mazda, when Thy pure wisdom together with Khashathra and Vohuman come towards us, then the material world shall progress towards truth and righteousness and the angel Armaiti shall brighten the hearts of liberal men and women with the light of love and faith, guiding them towards truth. Than no one shall have the power of deceiving the Almighty God, the symbol of Wisdom and Knowledge.
I recognize Thee, O Mazda Ahura, as pure and holy when good thought entered my mind and asked me, who art Thou; to which family do Thou belong? Which path would you choose when you are in doubt? The path which leads to the benefit of your brothers and relatives, or the one which is to your own benefit.
I replied thus: I am Zoroaster, the staunch enemy of liars and falsehood. I shall fight against liars as long as I have strength and shall uphold truth and righteous people whole heartedly. May I enjoy Thy spiritual and endless strength, O my Lord, and may I be Thy worshipper and devotee for ever, O Mazda.
I recognized Thee, O Mazda Ahura (Lord of Wisdom and Life) as pure and holy, when Vohuman came to me and the light of truth and knowledge entered my heart. Of Him (3), I asked whom do you wish to be worshipped the most? And thus I replied: "As long as I am able and have power, I shall esteem and praise Thy spiritual flame (4), O Mazda, and shall abide by Thy Law of Truth (Asha).
Guide me towards truth and purity for which I have ever yearned, O, my Lord. By following Armaiti, symbol of faith and love, I hope to achieve perfection. Do thou test us, O my Lord, so that we may prove our faith. Thy testing shall give spiritual strength to human, particularly, the leaders, who are inspired by Thee, O Mazda, shall guide the people with power and heroism and shall fulfilled Thy plan.
As Divine and Sacred have I recognized Thee, O Lord of Life and Wisdom, when Vohuman entered within me and through Thy inspiring words I grew wise and far-sighted. Although I have realized that creating of faith in the hearts of people is very hard, nevertheless I shall accomplish, my Lord, whatever is realized by Thee as the best action, with self-sacrifice and great attempt.
When Thou ordered me to follow the Truth with full wisdom, Thou spoke words which were mine own wish. I shall try to bestir Sraosha, or the voice of conscience, within myself and suffuse my heart with the light divine and realize this truth that righteous and wicked ones shall receive rewards or punishments which are due to them.
As Divine and Sacred have I recognized Thee, O Ahura Mazda, when Vohuman entered within me and light of Truth and knowledge brightened my heart. Do grant me a long life, O my Lord, so that I may achieve my best wishes and desires, the gift which no one else, except Thee, can grant. A life full of service to humanity and activity for the progress of the world which depends upon Thy Khashathra (5).
Just as a brave and strong man loves his friend and brings solace to him, so also do grant excessive happiness to my followers. Do Thou grant that joy and happiness which are achieved only by truth and is in your power alone to grant. I shall protect, O my Lord, the religion of truth and all who sing the song sagn by Thy Heavenly Messenger.
As divine and sacred have I recognized Thee, O Lord of Life and Wisdom, when Vohuman entered within me and light of Truth and knowledge brightened my heart. Then I realized that silent and deep meditation is the best means of acquiring knowledge and spiritual insight; and that it is not fit for any leader to make peace with the followers of untruth, because they regard righteous and truthful persons as their enemies.
O Ahura Mazda, Zarathushtra has selected for himself pure wisdom as his guide. May truth and righteousness strengthen our material lives. May spiritual power along with faith and love lighten our hearts as shining rays of sun. Do grant reward, O my Lord, to the persons who perform their actions through pure mind and wisdom.
Notes
(1) Refers to the person making others happy (see verse 1st).
(2) Highest good means the best gifts of the Lord, Mazda.
(3) Questioning of Zoroaster from Vohuman means referring to pure mind and realizing the truth with deep and clear thought and a good insight.
(4) Spiritual flame refers to a clear and bright conscience.
(5) Khashathra here means bodily strength, will power and spiritually helping the people; serving humanity by working for the progress and uplift of the world. Khashathra also means to have control on our passions.
This do I ask Thee humbly, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly. How should we worship Thee? My heart is full of love for Thee, O Mazda! Let one who knows Thee well show me the right path. May we enjoy Thy help through truth and righteousness, O my Lord, and may our hearts be enlightened with pure and deep meditation.
This do I ask Thee, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly. What is the best and the highest goal of spiritual life? What is the reward of the person who strives to reach that goal? He is our leader, O Mazda, who is holy because of his truth and righteousness. He is, indeed, the flower of humanity, the guardian of our race, the soul healing and a true friend.
This do I ask Thee, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly. Who has been the Creator and First Father of the Truth? Who laid down the path of sun and stars? Who made the moon to wax and wane betimes. All these and many other things besides I wish to know O, Mazda.
This do I ask Thee, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly. What power doth hold the earth and the heavens apart and prevents the later from falling down? Who is the creator of water and plants? Who imparts swiftness to the wind and wafts from far the dark clouds charged with rain? Who is the Creator inspiring Vohuman, O Mazda?
This do I ask Thee, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly. Who is the Creator of light and darkness? What architect has fashioned sleep and awakening, rest and activity? Who has created the dawn, the day and the night, teaching the wise man to fulfill his daily duties properly.
This do I ask Thee, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly. Are the problems which I explain true indeed. . Does love and faith towards God increase by good work, truth and righteousness? Does Khashathra increase through pure mind? For whom hast thou created this fruitful and joy bringing Mother Earth?
This do I ask Thee, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly. Who created in us the faith in God and the power to serve our brothers? Who made the son dutiful to his father, and placed the love and respect of farther in the hearts of children. I shall try, O Mazda, to recognize Thee as Lord Supreme through the holy spirit (Wisdom).
This do I ask Thee, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly, enabling me to think over what has been inspired by Thee, O Mazda. I wish, my Lord, to realize Thy teachings through Vohuman and to enjoy perfection in life through truth and purity. How and by performing what sorts of goodness would my soul attain peace and joy?
This do I ask Thee, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly. In what manner should I dedicate my whole self to Thee for performing the holy service with full power? I would realize this truth through religious knowledge. Thy devotee, O Mazda, shall at last dwell in Thine abode, i.e. the paradise, through truth, pure mind and serving humanity.
This do I ask Thee, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly. Do thou advise me about thy inspiring faith which is the best blessing for all the living beings. The faith which is in accord with truth and helps the progress of the world. Do enlighten, O my Lord, in our hearts the light of faith or Armaiti, so that through its light our actions may turn towards truth and righteousness. Do guide us, O Mazda, so that our yearning may be to reach Thee.
This do I ask Thee, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly. How shall Armaiti (faith towards God) and kindness dwell in the hearts of those to whom Thy inspiring faith have been proclaimed. I am well aware, my Lord, that you have chosen me as the first teacher for fulfilling this hard task. I shall, therefore, regard those who obey Thy rules as Thy friends and others us Thy enemies.
This do I ask Thee, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly. On which side should I stand, the true or false? Should I confer with false ones who commit evil actions, or with those who suffer from wicked persons? Has not the minds and hearts of the False Ones been covered with black covers of untruth that they spurn Thy precious gifts?
This do I ask Thee, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly. How should we drive away the demon of untruth from ourselves? We shall keep afar from irreligious persons and those who lack faith. O my Lord, we shall keep away also from those who have ceased their relation with truth and wisdom, and show no interest for Vohuman, and make no attempt to follow the said special qualifications.
This do I ask Thee, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly. How should I deliver the liar unto the hands of a truthful person, so that by learning Thy holy words, his soul may be cleanse. By complete defeat of the followers of untruth and frustration of their hopes, we shall drive away their deceit and hatred and make them ineffective.
This do I ask Thee, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly. Since Thou art able through Asha to ward me off from the harms of deceivers and hate of liars, when both hosts stand opposite each other and invoke Thy help. Then O Mazda, to which side shall Thou grant the crown of victory and where, according to Thine own laws, to the worshippers of Mazda, or to the followers of untruth.
This do I ask Thee, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly. Who is that brave and victorious person who would give us the necessary protection through Lord's teachings? Show me the wise and the soul-healing leader through inspirations, and grant him clear insight and full obedience of Thy laws through Sraosha. Do grant, my Lord, the said two gifts to any one whom you love.
This do I ask Thee, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly. How shall I attain my ecstatic goal, guided by Thee, which is reaching Mazda and becoming one with Him? When shall I be able, my Lord, to lead the people to perfection and eternity through Asha and Thy heavenly message which is the best guide.
This do I ask Thee, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly. How can I earn through Asha, truth and purity, that desired reward which is the control of ten mares (1) of senses led by the horse of thought and reach the real and eternal illumination? When shall I enjoy, O Mazda, perfection and eternity, so that I may grant the said two great gifts to the people of the world for their salvation.
This do I ask Thee, O Ahura and wish you to tell me truly. When the speaker of truth and needy gets cold repulse from rich people instead of help and reward, what punishment has been assigned by Thee for such negligence? I am well aware of the punishment which awaits them, according to Thy Law, after death and the day of resurrection.
I ask Thee ,O Mazda, How it is possible for the Daevas to become kind severance, the persons who fight for their selfish ends and for satisfying their wishes. The have flung all earth to hatred and anger with the help of Kavis, Karapans and Usikhsh (2). Would they ever strive to cause the advance and security of the world through Asha and bring about peace and love for all.
Notes
(1) In this verse, we come across words like mares, horses and camel which are used by Zoroaster as rewards which he entreats from God. Although the words mean various animals apparently, but actually they have some spiritual ideas. As a matter of fact, the ten sense, like hearing, seeing, tasting, smelling, touching, walking, ability, understanding, etc. are taken as mares which lead mankind towards bad fortune and wretchedness. It is only the strong stallion of mind that can control the said mares and reach the camel, or the true and eternal light, and receive the real illumination as recompense.
(2) Kavis, Karapans and Usikhsh are opponents and enemies of Zoroaster. They where head priests of the worshippers of untruth.
All Ye, who have come from near and far, to learn, I shall now speak to you, give ears to me and listen to these clear truths which I teach. Remember well and bear in mind lest the evil teacher destroy the people's life once again and the followers of untruth lead them astray with wrong teachings.
I shall now speak about the twin spirits which have existed since the creation's dawn. Of the two spirits thus did the Holy one spoke to his twin, the evil one; between us two, neither thoughts, nor teachings, neither will, nor beliefs, neither words, nor inner selves accord, and they are quite separate from each other.
And now I will disclose the highest truth of the life, as I have learnt from the All Wise Ahura. Those who do not follow the holy words of Mazda as taught by me, for them the end of life shall be woe.
I shall now explain the supreme goal of life, the truth which I have realized through Asha. The laws of life have been ordained by Mazda, the wise and unique, the Lord which is the source of good and active mind, and whose kind daughters are faith and love. The Lord of Life, the Omnipotent who is aware of everything cannot be deceived.
And now I shall speak of the words which have been revealed to me by His Lord, the words which are the best to be heard and obeyed by the mortals. Those who obey these teachings truly in their hearts, shall enjoy the gifts of perfection and immortality. Good mind shall lead them on to proper and loving deeds, and they shall ultimately see Ahura Mazda and reach the real light.
I shall now speak of the one who is the greatest of all. I shall praise the wise Lord and His Rays through truth and purity, and hope that Ahura may, through his Holy Spirit hear our prayers. May we reach Him through pure mind, love and faith. May the Lord through His Wisdom guide me onwards to the highest, or the Real Light.
All are seeking redemption from Him, whether those who are alive, or those who are dead, and those who shall be born in future. The righteous soul shall triumph and shall gain life everlasting, but the follower of untruth and the sinner shall suffer pain ever renewed. This law has been laid down by Mazda Ahura through His own power.
As I have seen Ahura Mazda with my inner sight, I shall strives to draw His attention towards myself with songs of praise; and since I have realized through good thought, word and deed; and through honesty and integrity as well, that Ahura Mazda is Lord of Life and Wisdom, and sole Creator of the World, I shall, therefore, offer Him my sincere praise with full devotion.
I seek favor of my Lord and Vohuman, the good mind, since by His Plan and Will both weal and woe are created for us. May the Wise Lord of Life grant us through His Might the strength to serve, enabling us to advance the people towards truth through the deep wisdom of a loving mind.
Through devotion and pure faith we should exalted him, the one who through His graciousness is known as Lord of Wisdom and Life and Creator of both the worlds. The Creator who, through His Eternal Law, Perfect Mind and Sovereignty, has promised perfection and eternity to the people of the world and has made them hopeful of enjoying strength of body and continuity of soul.
Those who oppose the Daevas and their followers; and also those who use the name of His Lord respectfully and pay reverence to wise Saoshyants, the true helpers of the religion, Mazda Ahura shall treat with them as sincere friends and kind brothers and fathers. Their path is quite separate from those who despise the Almighty Ahura and call him with disgust.
To what land shall I turn? Wither shall I turn for protection? My relatives have left me alone and my friends keep themselves apart from me. My co-workers bring no satisfaction for me. The rulers of the country are all inclined to untruth. How can I please Thee, O Ahura, by fulfilling my mission.
I am well aware, O Mazda, of my inability and insignificant possessions. My wealth is small and my friends and well wishers few in number. To Thee I appeal, O Ahura, like a beloved who expects love, kindness and perfect bliss from his lover. Let me enjoy the might of love and good thought, O my Lord, through Asha, the eternal law of truth and purity.
When shall, O Mazda, dawn the days of good luck, and people of the world will go towards Asha? When shall the saviors of mankind guide the people with their knowledge, wisdom and effective teachings? To whom shall Vohuman, good thought, show inclination? I have chosen Thee, O Ahura, as my teacher and loving gospel.
The followers of untruth try to prevent those who support Asha from advancing towards their sacred goal, i.e.truthfulness, righteousness and flourishing of the province and country. They are well-known for their unfriendly actions. The persons who oppose the followers of untruth, O Mazda, with heart and soul, he shall lead the world to real and true wisdom.
The strong and wise man who welcomes with consideration a suppliant whether the followers of truth or untruth according to Law Divine, and/or out of love and humanity he is the follower of Asha and his life is full of rectitude and righteousness. He is a wise man, O Mazda Ahura, who saves the nine from going astray and soul destroying path, leading him to self-reliance and self knowledge.
If a strong man does not guide a wicked person towards righteousness, he shall get ensnare by the followers of untruth. One who wishes victory for the followers of untruth and supports them shall himself become the follower of untruth; and one who represents the truthful man and loves them shall be regarded as righteous. This is the eternal law made down by Thee, O Ahura, since the day Thou didst create the human being.
Whom, O Mazda, hast Thou appointed as my protector except Thine own Fire and Thy Vohuman, when the follower of untruth sets himself against me with violence? To the working of these two together, O Ahura, the Eternal Law of Truth shall be fulfilled. Do Thou declare clearly this sacred lore to me. O my Lord, so that my soul and conscience may realize this sacred truth.
One who thinks of injuring Life, his wicked deeds shall not injure me but the result of this hatred shall recoil to himself. His deeds of hatred and wickedness shall prevent his self from knowing Perfect Life and performing good works. Anger and hatred shall nowise guard him, O Mazda, from an Evil Life which shall be his lot.
Who is that Great One, the foremost teacher, who taught us that Thou art alone the most worthy to be invoked, and Thou art the holy Judge of all acts as Lord of Truth. We shall strive, O my Lord, to unveil the mysteries of life and the Eternal Law of Asha through Vohuman, and to get aware of the Law of Truth as declared by the Creator.
The man or woman who performs the work which has been declared as the best by Thee, O Ahura Mazda, in this world, such a person shall enjoy Asha and Khashathra' s reward (1) which is spiritual strength and serving of humanity. The said spiritual strength can only be achieved through Vohuman. I shall teach them, O my Lord, to worship Thee alone, and shall guide them when they march across the Chinvat (Judgement) Bridge (2).
Kavians and Karapans, the devil worshipping priests and princes are united and try to destroy the spiritual or true lives of the people by their evil deeds; and when they approach the judgment bridge, they are ashamed of their souls and inner-selves which shall chide them as they fall down in the abode of untruth, where they are obliged to dwell forever.
When relatives and strong progeny of the Turanian Fariyana show inclination towards Asha and strive for the advancement of life and prosperity of the world, then Fariyana shall weld them together through Vohuman and shall reveal to them Mazda Ahura's Law that leads to bliss and salvation.
One who satisfies the holy Spitama Zarathushtra and helps him to fulfill is mission, verily that man shall be renowned as upright. To him Mazda Ahura shall grant the best life, and in wider circles shall his love and Vohuman extend. Him shall we regard, O my Lord, close knit with Asha (3) and in tune with Ahura's Law.
Who is your righteous friend, O Zarathushtra, the follower of truth? Who is the person that would strive for the spreading of fame of the Magas Brotherhood? This person is certainly of Kava Vishtaspa, the brave king. I shall deliver, O Ahura, Thy heavenly message to the people, enabling them to live in such a way as to deserve Thy Abode i.e. the paradise.
O, scions of Haechat Aspa (4) and Spitama, I shall now teach you something which is best for Ye to hear. It will enable you to know the wise from the unwise. Besides through good deeds, you shall reach Asha as specified by Ahura's Eternal Law.
O, Frashaoshtra of the family of Hvogva (5), do guide the faithful devotees to perfection and light eternal, as we both do wish same; where truth, love and devotion are united; and good mind along with spiritual strength reign supreme; where Mazda Ahura dwells in His glory.
O, Wise Jamaspa of Hvogva family learn this point that movement and activity are better than laziness and inactivity. Therefore, worship Him with full conscience and good deeds. Worship Ahura Mazda, who discerns the wise from the unwise and is Guardian of This World.
The best I promise truly to the man who helps me whole heartedly in fulfilling my mission. I would offer my best love and gifts to such a person through Vohuman. However, I shall oppose him, who places himself in opposition to me. O, Ahura Mazda, I shall fulfill Thy wish since this is the choice of my mind and heart.
Who so fulfills Zoroaster's best wish, he shall enjoy an Eternal Life as reward. His wishes and heart's desires shall be accomplished in this world. All this, O Mazda, Thou most wise, have revealed to me.
(1) A life full of truth, righteousness and purity.
(2) Chinvat or Sarat Bridge is the bridge of Judgement where good and bad are judged.
(3) Lovers of truth and purity, and followers of law and discipline.
(4) Great grandfather of Zoroaster.
(5) The name of father and also family name of Frashaoshtra and Jamaspa.
This is Hobub in Pahlavi.
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