May 1967

I ¦/ ' 4K , ... VOL. Ill No. 7 I L I 4 ¦ MAY 1967; co Price ftew medium for old wisdom ZOHAK H 75 PaiM :'/{ electronic ENGINEBI A.T.E. R.E- A. 1. E. E.E.(O. S. A?) A. LB. R.B.(U.K.> A. 1. E- Fifth Kins of Peshdadian Dynasty A.LM«r.Tec ‘‘.(i«Ht% OffiCK. I .1 il- iA J 1‘ f 'fM' At >¦ D.' € V IS- p 'Ij ''L •',« i»eaB i >1 8 ’5k\«'iw n«- 9 4^ '"1 OL 111 No. 7 MAY 1967 » P iz. Contents : ’i € I 9 I EDITORIAL Page 3 f-*®' kt l^e. Events tliat led 0 Parsee Era^e —.by Rasbid ^ahmardan ... ANTIPODES—The Opposing Twin Spirits of Creation —by Mahyar Byramjee Patel Parsi-Zoroastrian &icred Rite of Navzote —by Dasturfl Khurshed S. Drf)u Svetlana —by P. B. Warden Zohak Fifth King of Peshdadian Dynasty —by P. B. Warden :«/ - V • - 15 20 23 25 * : 5 if I r r fe ., ¦ , 2 Managin g Editor: P. B. WARDEN, M.S. (Bora. ), D.P.M,, (^ra,) Dasturji Navroz Minochei^HomJI, M.A^ B.Ed. AdraM lM«l iKkCo D.O.M.S. (Lon<)j O.«. <6xon) Mrs. GoeA K. SffvatsriMh Mrs. iiliera N. Yazfer, M.Com . Dr. R. C. Cooper, M,Com.. Ph.D. (Ecmi.), F.C.A. Mr. ^rplF Prof. Nadir Ardes^ Mody, M.A* i-L.B. Dr. Sohrab H. Batiiwala, Ph.^ Mr; Bojon N. Oeiai, HA., Bld. I I Siti gie Cnpy 75 paise* . Y«u1y subecdplioQ for 12 issues Rs. 6. Inland. |0 for U.K. JHMi 2 dollars few U.&A Office Address: C/b Warden ’s (Mysore) Pvt Ltd., 378, Grant Road, 1 BOMBAY 7. >> and edited by E(KtOT-ProprietOT P. B. Wantei from Boiubay 1 ^<-••..-1^ by him at Godrej Manorial Prbdbig Garaadia Tardso, Borabay 1. 5? k! 5- - '13 rS ” :0?' EblTQRIAl Daaurii Khurshid Dabu explained the Aryameohcejt^tf marriage a^ I^haitwadath (sel^sacrifice). On request from Mr. Naoroji Popat, Hon. 'Treasurer of Belgaum Parsi Anjuman to Da^^frji to explain the implication of Navzot ceremony he herein ej^iaini the essence, the purport and the significance of it. from ;A^dhfaE0rc^ Bopat, Hon. 'Beasurer of Belgaum Parsi Anjuman Rashid Shahmardan is the ablest exponent of all things Iranian in India. He is not in politics but except for that his vast knowledge of Iranian History, Art, Culture, etc., is drawn upon by Parsis and Iranis for the settlement of all issues perplexing them, including the implications of Iranian Law in relation to the law of the land. Court accepts him as the most authoritative witness and is definitely influenced by his opinion. He is a resident and permanent • resident of Bombay keeping in touch with all details about Zoroastri- ans of Iran and India. He forms a reliable link. His article on Fall of Parseo Empire treats pithily but compreliensively the sequence of . events in most lucid, ii^rmative and thorough manner. I consider it the most important^ artfele ever printed uptil now about the last days of SaSsahiaii Dynasty — leaving nothing important and tracing final collapse to aiLii^capaWe corollarj^ Readers of Parsiana should make re-read it to grasp the fact that it is internal tl. dissenfipn^ institutions, governments bring about their disrujption and bollapse. and empires that All dissentions begin gn comparatively minor issues which only later assume big proportions. Bigger issues have to be and are slow smouldering of the aggre­ gate of minor issues which burst into a conflagration. Marriage Guid­ ance Clinics record similap^5i|tifnces. Of the broken marriages and broken homes except for a small number most of them are hot dis- rupted on any major issue but on a number of minor issues allowed L^t^ this article be a reminder on domestic hygiene. & .3 LiIS Rashid Shahmardan is now going to Iran for some rematch work. Parsiana wishes him all success and speedy return. Svetlana is a sorry tale of a life devoid of religion, __ ___ _ PJgp initiated her into the noble — —* to pass off as fashionable discipline of religion. All Parsi families who t, _____ ~ and modern fail to perform this sacred duty to their children will leave a progeny of frustrated souls - Beware of ingratitude and insolence now seen everywhere in the country where its cluldren growing under Government training scheme i religious vacuity. Who shall beware first ? are - in an atmosphere of The State or the Family ? Ml'’ ? ? ? I ? ? (MYSORE RaLro. I STSSRANTRa .HORMAZO* TIA MNMAN »________»8M RDlBEHESflr I SHEHREVAR » _ _ WHIA ASFANQARNAO S SROSH Ikhordad I 4 RASHN& ^MARDAD Is MUWMOIH TIA MMAMlH DAE-PAOAR S NMAM* ADAR y_______ RAM ava t COVAO KHORSHED • DAS'P'OIN MOHOR > CIN TiR I ASMISVANfiH 60SH ! ASHTAO 10 » CIN Mnaa. DAEP-HBiER A»AM NEHER lAHVW SROSH IS MAmSMNO RA8HNA AMCRMt FRAVARDiN MORHAXD BEHR^ * aANMAN RAM AMMUMSHT ts 17 IS It -AVA KHMito GOVAD ) AMtMNCyAJ* OAE-P-OlN ts - SMMWWS^ I a ASFAIIPMMAO gg . WCWW DIN NHOAOAO AmNGH tt AMCROAO ASHTAO CAI-rjVADAR A^jW AOAR ZAMYAfi H' It tA IS MM y-7 Td. 371464 and Brandies. DEALERS IN HIGH CLASS SANDALWOOD 4 /.J- 1 I I I- I The Events that led to the fall of the Parsee Empire. tory was purely due to a series of circum- >>y RASHID SHAHMARDAN ( INDIA-IRAN CUJLTURAL SOCIETY LECTURE) As far back as the 6th Century B.C the Iranians were referred to as “PAR- stances, mostly brought about by the Ira- SAN.” It became “Parsik” in the Pahalvi nians themselves, long before the last literature aud “Parsi” in the Sassanian King of Iran ascended the throne. I will times. After the Arab invasion Iranians first enumerate the gloomy and unfortu- who had become Muslims were referred nate incidents, which to a great extent led to as Muslims, and those who had remain- to the final fall of this great culture and ed Zoroastrians were referred to as “Par- civilisation. sis”. I shall, therefore, all along refer to Empire. 1. The senseless massacre by Hor- mazd, son of Anoshirwan, of the many The fall of the j Parsi Empire at the ministers, administrative officers, nobles hands of the Arabs in the last days of the and generals, who, he felt, were favourites §assanian Dynasty whs the most inglori- of his late father and assumed to be hot OUS chapter in the otherwise renowned well-disposed towards him. history of ancient Iran — as this down- 2. Dissatisfaction in the ranks of the fgll was at the hands of the hungry and armed forces, and dissatisfaction and dis- uncivilised people of the desert. agreement amongst the nobles, chieftains Almost a thousand years before the and the other influential sections — reign of Yezdgard III the Iranians had mainly due to the weakness of the rulers. 3. The revolt of the people against Hormazd, and the advantage taken by jnet with a serious defeat, but it was at Jihe hands of a civilised foe, under Alex- ander, the Gpjcstah (the acxursed), as he general Behram Chobin by occupying the is kpown amongst the Parsis. Defeat at throne the hands of any foe, whatever its class or distinction, is always humiliating. This is not an attempt to remove this shadow of disgrace, but I want to correct the many beliefs and untruths that have clut- tered-up this part of our ancient history. Rabia’h Tribe of Hejar, Arabia, who Some historians have led us to believe that were permitted by Anoshirawan to settle the victory of the Arabs was a miracle, in Iraq near Teciphone, the Iranian but it was nothing of the kind. Their vic- Capital. 4. The long and continuous wars of over 38 years with the Romans, which left both empires weak and vulnerable. * 5. The treachery resorted to by the 5¦5 a s 6. Jealousy, enmity, discord and strife amongst the commanders and their lust for power and dream of occupying the throne. 7. The communistic teachings and instigations of Mazdak which led to re­ volts by the peasants and labourers and open The actual deterioration of tl»^ Parsi civilisation can be said to have begun from the time of Hormazd, son of Ano- shirawan, almost 75 years before the final fall. The most serious and disastrous tion of Hormuzd, soon after his accession, ac- was the senseless killing of a number of Persons — chieftains. Commanders, 8. One of the greatest natural calami^ Nobles and Dehgans or landlords — ties occured in the reign of Khushrow were not well disposed their open opposition towards authority. wno - ------- - 111 uic reign oi Kftushrow not well disposed towards Parvez. Unprecedented floods in the Eu- as they were the favourites of his inundated vast iate father. This bloody action alienated T’*”'’- fruitful and the feelings of his subjects, and the loyal- away. This was ty and pride with which the Iranian People looked upon their Rulers was ru­ dely shaken. Unlike his father, who even at the ripe age of eighty, used to conduct areas of Iraq. Areas populated were washed followed by severe epidemics of cholera and plague. 9. The revenge taken by the one time friendly Tribe of Bani Lakhm of Hyra, a against tne Romans from the border Province of Iraq, because of the he never cared to visit the - unwarranted execution of Noman, their ^is hunting grounds and Chief, by Khushrow Parvez. palaces commanded his generals to carry 10. The unfortunate oeriod in Tr. ’ successfully. He led a life of history, when in a short ^riod of less diff completely in- than five years, eleven persons occupied p v the throne, each reigning for a few davs ’ ecwama- nders for favours and thus slowly transfer­ red them loyalty to them. These made the commanders very powerful, even b^an dreaming of throne. ] the Arabs took full advantage raazd adopted the paMcy of ^perii% the Mazdakeans. In doing so he antago­ nised the I^hgans and made the Mazda- left Iran alone to face the common enem? stronfier- In the Uatai? T,„in . Iran tte Maadekeaiis pbyed a dniater detaTl overthrowin! the empiie. Hormazd’s policy of treating all the wars against the Romans from battlefields, he never cared 1 1 persons occupied or months. 2^^®” Shiroyah, the son of Khu- beheaded almost all the male members 1’ " and nobles. 12, The Roman Empire of Byzantine had become weak with its wars with Iran, and its defeat at the hands of the Arabs ------- ! common enemy, shrow Parvez, came on the throne, he beheaded almost all the male members of the Royal Family besides many Chieftains Moral disintegration and some occupying the s % 1 6 •iiJWt - f * I tehgons aUke made him loose the sup- in one night. Behram was captured and iwrt and resim of the Mobeds, and on beheaded. Khushrow declared himself the Other hand Strengthened the .Jews, King. I I i Arabs and Christians who fully entren­ ched themselves in the country, and later on when Iran was at war with their reli- gionists outside, they played a treacherous He spent most of his time at Dastkara’ a part m overthrowing the empire. The un- place about 107 kilometers from Ted- fortunate Hormazd, after a short reign of phone, the Capital. He harldy ever visited about twelve years, was overthrown by the Capital or went to the battlefields He his own people, blinded and thrown into beguUed his time at Dastkera in the com- praon m his old age. His son and heir, pany of his mistresses and Khushrow Parvez, who because of plot hatched by Behram Chobin, had earlier, to escape his father ’s wrath, es- ca^djo A^rbaijan. Perhaps had he been Khushrow ’s accession, Maurice, R^ wirh hic fra I'll .a., to* a, ¦ o ¦, ’ t r I I I Khushrow Parvez turned out to be a weak ruler, given to ease and comfort. —! spent most of his time at Dastkara, reign of phone, the Capital. He harldy ever visited I or went to the battlefields. He with his father, 3be too might have met a a retinue of some servants. It is recorded that a thousand musicians and singers would be in atten­ dance at his dining table. Shortly after ...... man Byzantian Emperor, needed Iran’s vacant help to put down an uprising by Phocus, was . sent two armies under the commands of Shah- varaz and Shahin, who began their march one of his generals. Khushrow, who similar fate. 'Hte tiro^ being Behram Chobih occnpied ft as being the < most powerful commander at that time, indebted to'’Mru’ri’ce,“‘imm^atZ' in this he was encouraged and instigated by Shahvaraz, a junior officer, who him ­ self m later years rebelled similarly and from two separate sectors^ of the Rom^ occupied the throne only for a few days, territories. Before help could reach Mau- ushrow tovez then went to Constan- rice he was killed by Phocus in 602 A.C. tinople, the Court of Maurice, the Roman Phocus in turn was beheaded by the Ro- Byzantian Emperor, from whom he r: quested hc3p CO r^n his throne. Mau­ rice not only gave him assistance, but to ^ve him his daughter in marriage, shrow I>aivffl"did Khushrow with an army of seventy- peace, but ordered his gMls to conti- thousand entered Iran, and Behram Cho- nue the attacks. Many cities were con- bin came out to give battle. Before the ouered in 600 AnfaHa __ battle could begin, Khushrow sent out Byzantian Emperor, from whom he re- mans and Heraklius was elected Emperor of Byzantine. Heraklius offered Parvez peace and sent him costly presents. Kim- * f F 1 i i - quered in 609, Antakia and Damascus , ¦ ^14, Jerusalem, after a seige of eighte^ “ of heavy 4«m«g«. Wa, overrun m 615. According tb Roman — —J who had all along a deep grudge against the m with Behram Chobin that if they came , _ - - over to his side before the battle began historians the ’jews they would receive his pardon. It is recor- harboured ded that almost the whole of Behram ,. , Christians and the Romans, had joined Chobius army went over to Khushrow the Iranian forces and thus got a chance 1 L-f^.¦ - themselves. The Jews were al­ the churches, burnt the grave of Jesus Christ, massacred many Christians t— to the Ancient and Great Fire Te- the Royal Treasury. Thereafter, in acutely but not to avenue themselves. The Jews were al- through Armenia which being ^domi- lowed to plunder the city.'They destroyed nantly Christian he^d the the' churches, burnt the grave of Jesus attacked Azarbaij^. In their March Christ, massacred many Christians and through Armenia *ey pta^^ “d «- took some thirty-thousand as slaves. The vaged many toyvns and villages. Khush hX Cross on which Jesus was crucifted row Parvez at that siii^teinoved and handed over to flie mage to the Ancient and Great Fire T _ Iranian Commander. It was in the 24th year of Khushrow ’s reign that the Holy Azerbauqn As the Cross reached Iran and was deposited in their march into Armenia l^Xal^ the Royal Treasury. Thereafter, in the ordered both his Generals .Shahvaraz vear 618 Egypt was conquered as far as and Shahrin — to mtercept the Romans, XrS Abvssinia but both the..I3w>l^ t«d long wars and dissaO^^ iwith the treatment and ways of Khnslg^i ^^^^ately de ­ layed taking action. Romans time to reach and _ L before Khdshrow had renioved the Holy Fire ^nd its fabulous treasures. This Temple was one of the oldest and- held in the highest reverence. The Ropi- ------------ * u It ansc^tured^Shiz and completely des- secretly. The people discovered the ^ot and the city. This was and prevented him from leaving the Ca- retaliation for what the Jews ha^done pital with the Treasures. At this^ sta^ to J^usalem. The Irani^s had to suffer for the sins of the Jews. Heraklius then withdrew from Iran as he (fid not have the confidence to face the Iranian Army in open battle. In fact, the Romans when ­ ever they attacked Iranian soil, never remained on it blit ^way^ mWfiWw to their positions. spite of the Ronian attack on Shfei ^^dhe daipagfi caused because of the r^olt of the Generals, the Iranian Army wa^ stfil in possession of the Roman Territories. In the year 628 Heraklius finding the the borders of Abyssinia. General Shahin, on the other hand in the same year, reached the shores of the Bosporus, Constantinople the Roman Capital was in danger. Heraklius again offered peace and sent valuable presents to Khu^row, bot the offer was not accep ­ ted. Sensing the danger, Heraklius tried to move the Capital and its treasures and prevented him from leaving the Ca- . pitM with the Treasures. At this stage, taking advantage of the situation and fear, the Christian priests began to whip- up the passions of the Christians. They called upon all, high and low, rich and . poor, to make every effort and sacrifice their ah to regain the Holy Cross from the Iranians. The Christians rallied and pre­ pared to take the war into the enemy’s territory. In this they got the help of the Christians residing in Iran, who acted as spies and sabotiers. The Christians char ged with hysteria and religious zeal chan­ ced the political w Wo a religious war, t « Armv wnQ nccu- flSch stook the very foundation of the way clear as the Iranian -M’my was occu Iranian Empire. HerTkUus at the head of pied elsewhere, attacked Dastkera, a’Roman and Christian army matched shrow ’s headquarters. e compeey 8 4 into the enemy s paced to take the war which shook the very pied elsewhere, attacked Dnstkera, RhU" marched shrow ’sIJ BU P'’ CA A I COFFEE BUTTER TE . -5 f -h 3- 1 L [ rX I T i 1 i ransacked and burnt it. He had hoped to regain the Holy Cross but failed. He, however, collected a considerable amount of booty, which Khushrow had to leave behind while fleeing, plus about 300 Ro­ man Flags, which the Iranians had cap­ tured in various battles. The ruins of this city can still be witnessed on the site of the ^ghway between Quasre Shi- rbiaiid Baghdad, lie whole populace was tired of Khushrow. At the age of seventy the people finally ousted him, put him on trial and sentenced him to death. His son, Shiroyah, by a Roman Princess was crowned King. ¦ Iraq was in those days a part of Iran with Teciphone, the present Baghdad, as the Iranian Capital. The waters of the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers were harnes ­ sed by means of a number of dams. A network of irrigation canals had made Iraq the granary of Iran and it formed an important and densely populated part of the country. In the latter part of the reign of Khushrow Parvez an unprecedented flood occured in the rivers. The dams burst and the greater part of the low-lying land was inundated for considerable pe­ riods. 'Historians like Ibn Khurdadbeh, Masoodi, Bellazerri and Yaqoot have all given detailed accounts of these floods and referred to it as ‘the worst heavenly ca­ lamity of the middle ages’. Nothing was done by the Iranian Government to re­ build these dams or irrigation systems. The inundation in turn led to serious epi­ demics like cholera and plague. The dis­ ruption gave the Arabs a chance to plun­ der and rob. They became bolder when they found that the Persian Government did not care to come to the help of the people. The main Arab invasions and attacks were through this upset territory 9 A *'11 1^. i. of which they had taken aimost complete could have avoided and pyh^ the ctnittol. As recently as 1954; the floods of Arabs would not have dreamt attack- thc Eupluates and Ti|^is Rivers caused ing Ifan. considerable damage. Many towns and villages were un^r w^r for a long time Sh^oyah s infant son then suoDceded ’ him as Arde^ir III and |had«^ier mentioned that Shah- Iran. He also dM away with a number of Bc^les aiM' commanders against whom- .-to had teast mpicion. This bloody act of his made him very unpopular and hated. l^®®ri‘;^^ning Gn Us aoeeasion he proposed a cessation of hostitities wi^ the Romans. Heraklius arrangement with the accepted it on the condition that the Holy thtone. This explains his treadiery in Cross was returned. Shiroyah ^%ed, but saving Shiz and the Holy Fire Tem- beforc he could act he died of plague, Shahvaraz had returned to Tran With ruling only for a period of six or seven army and the assassination of the in­ months. The Holy Cross was afterwards fant King was timed with his entry into returned by his sister Pourandokht, when the Capital. He declared himself as king she became queen. The Cross was return- as there was no one to oppose him. Shi ­ ed to tile Romans on 14th September 629. r^Zah had already wiped out the Royal Family ahd the best blood of the country. At this stage we can only surmise as He was bn the throne for only forty days to what the outcome would have been dr so, when he was killed by a loyal youth had Khushrow Parvez instead of conti- from Persipolis, while he was out hunt- nuing the war had accepted Hiraklius ’ ing with a large retinue of his Cronies, peace offer, accepted damages and tribu- This Was on 9th June 629. tesand later diplomatically offered to acGordmg to Firdausi, epmked. . the borders of Iraq. Years of dissensions, strifes and the: almost complete annihilation of the Royal Family and Mobility nces of Iraq. The government was weak tired of strifes and rebellions and were and helj^fess and did pot take any steps aware that unless they were united they to prevent the decay ,aU around. The on- would not be able to survive. The armies hjtiSsnate Queen died after reigning only Cjlif Qmar were hammering away at lor ar'period of 18 months or so. The next person to ascend the throne was Giishnasp Bandah, a distant cousin Family and Mobility— the flower and of Khushrow, but he was dethroi^ backbone of the Empire — had all in ah within a few weeks. A^armidokht, a weakened the country to a point of no young and very beautiful daughter of return. The Armies were exhausted and Khushrow, succeeded him. Farrokh Hor- worse still had no proper commanders or mazd, an aged and powerful Commander, officers to lead them. Because of constant made a bid for the throne. His plan was fear of his life, because of the intrigues imd to occupy the Royal Palace by force, plots against the Crown, Yezdgard could marry Queen Azarmidokht and establish not settle down. He had to be on the move his own dynasty. Azarmidokht forestalled all the time and could riot consolidate his Mbs by having him murdered before he throne. H was a sorry state of affairs; The eouidi Attack. Farrokh Hormazd’s defeat of the Romans, in and around Rustuffi Earrokzad, who later became Syria, in 641 was a great blow, as it left famous General under Yezdgard and was the Arabs free to concentrate On .Ban. killed on ^e britdl*Md of Qadesia, hear- Yezdgard, after a fateful reign of twenty ing of his father^ murder attacked the years, died at the hands of an assassin, palace, captured th® Queen and killed her. Mahooi Soori, at Marv, in Northern Azarmidokht reigned for about eight Khorasan. h I will now give you a bri^ cd Imw Thereafter four other persons of Royal the Arabs,had started erodin^ the foundui Blood wore 4e crown in' quick succession, tions of the Iranian Empire long hefe^ 411 four met with violent ’ deaths, and the final defeat In Anoshirawan ’s tune ridne ruled for mbfe' than a few months there had been a serious drou^ in H^^ it a time. At the tend of this sorry period jaz, Arabia. The Rabia’h Tril?^ Jiving a Jearch party found Yezdgard, a grand- there migrated towards Iraq^ arid son of Khushrow Parvez, at Istakhr. He Chieftain asked the Ring for permission f i * I will now give you a bri^ ctf Imw tions of the Iranian Empire"1^^*^ was crowned in the same place in the to settle in If aq, whiph was granted on the famous Fire Temple consecrated by Arde- condition that they lived in peace and did shir Babekhan. Yezdgard IH was jttst not rob and plunder as was their habit, eight yeans old when he was crowned. The spot they selected to settle down was He had been in hiding in fear of his life, in the neighbourhood of Tqcl^hoac, the and as such had received no training what- Capital of Iran. After the floods. atrifc soever for the high office to which he was later the death of Parvej^z t:^^ and the called. In his reign there was some sem- other Arabs began to plunder arid rob the blance of peace. The people also were people. During Khushrow Parvez’s reign ''llj ] was delayed. Lakhm Tribe. Noman and a strong supporter of Iran. His ances­ tors, in fact, had been holding this office I " Noman was executed by Khushrow. The Bani Lakhms were upset by this incident. ed up with Mossana, a Chieftain of the Shibani Tribe. Mossana was a was or- to Syria nothing to ^egain the lost Provinces and against tl» Rorn^s. The Iranians did take advantage 'c^ t^'. Afabs*' preoccupa­ tion in iSyria. ~ L , • ------- Meanvffiile, CWff AI»dNdnr. smI nS’ ?«»«• War wito Iran was ance w<»irnmAH vkoUri ' 1 at a standM. M^nna again went to Sid S^d^« " Omar and ftistigated him to take advan- of the Iranian weakness, and invade leciphoae. Omar agreed and sent an army under AbU;Waidah. Bahman Jad- oc^ was depufiid tbstop the Arabs. Tl» Arabs crossed a bridge over a river a^ at once attacked the Iranian Forces. In thia battle, known as the Battle of the Bridge, Arabs were completely T^ was the first battle with the Arabs of_Hyra in Iraq was went for instructions and help. The King r V? Chieftain of the Bani was indisposed and Bahman was delayed, rakhm Tribe. Noman was a noble man Jaban ihstead of waiting for his Comman­ anda strong supporter of Iran. His ances- der attacked the^ Arabs. He fought ^rs, in lact, lud been holding this office raging battle but lost due to the treachery ^tore him. For some unknown reason of the Arabs in his forces.'Khalid took Oman executed by Khushrow. The many pifetsians as captives, and in order ft ® ‘0 strike terror in the hearts of fUe (jfetoy "J!”? beheaded every one of them and caisrf -------------J a river of blood to flow. Khalid , • ^Vassalof dei^d by’the CBf to proceed Iran, but had been plotting against it. He approached the Arab Calif and instigated him to attack Iran promising him the help of the Arabs within Iran. The Calif sent an army under Khalid bin Valid. They marched towards Hyra, Noman’s former f • Qabisah. Ayas did not put up any resist­ ance, welcomed Khalid and gave a large ... headquarters and from here began haras ­ sing the other Provinces and extorting tri­ butes from them. Because of his successes the Calif sent him a reinforcement of 18,000 men. The Arabs marched towards IMIa, the present Basra. Hormazd the Commander of the town had 20,000 men under him and had asked for help from Jazirah. As usual, the help did not come, and in order to save the town Hormazd went forward to meet the enemy, but lost p. ... Arabs and Mazdakyans did not put up a ’t. f xjixugc,' /\raDs were completely van­ quished, and their Commanders killed. T^ was the first battle with the Arabs in which the army was entirely cnmtvMoA ---------------- axawwv vxiv VAXVIIIV, UUL JUSl. r T •' < \ His army, which consisted mostly of ¦ ¦' vanquEshwg the proper fight. * " thorities agaip .tO'^eonsoIidate their position an<|;|b^^^ out the Arabs in Again sometime later, the Arabs had and around fraq; hit ijast let matters rest, gathered at Lice on the other side of the Had Babman Jiitoyeh been allowed to River Euphrates. Bahman Jadooyeh, a pursue them into ^abiUj perh^s history young and brave general ordered his de- might have been different. After this de- I^ty, Jaban, to proceed to Idee, with in- feat, it ia^said that Omar did not me^on structions jiot to atUck until his return the name of Iran and forbade anyone to "1 their position ancjbdkivng out the Arabs in ! rest. I to ( (rpm the Court of the King, where he mention it to him. 12•/ I I As the Iranians had done nothing to into tfe h^ids of the Arabs Tha pursue the Arabs or to reconsolidate their Army tried to make a final stand at Ne- positions- in Iraq, Mosanna, after about havand but here again due to treachery one-^”''"" **2’^ “z ; _ ’ " ’*¦ the Calif and request his help. Omar willingly consented and sent under Saad Vaqqas. The Arab .~ reached the bordeh of Iran. Their aim was to attack Teciphone, tbe Capital, d , -x ' The Irwian Army was under the Com- Dis^ted, the Parsi CivUisation mand of Kasl^ Ifcrmazd. Rustom due to the in^jgB^ and jealousies within the Iranian pursue the Arabs or to reconsolidate their Army tried to make a final stand at Ne- ______ __________ ____ W.Wr— within the Arabs prevailed. From this narrative it will be seen that the main cause of the fall of the Parsee Civilisation ^as internal squabbles and weak and disinterested leadership of the un- an army army was to attack Teciphone, tie. Capital, $ . was reluctant to give the Arabs battle and wanted to make'peace with them. He intentionally delayed tak- ing out his army, he toT months to reach the battlefield of Qade- sia, a distance of one hundred kilometers from Teciphone. After a long delay the armies met and a long and bloody battle ensued. Seldom battles were fought con- tinously for days and nights. The Iranian Army for the first three days kept up a strong pressure and the Arabs began to fall back. The Iranians had only to pur­ sue and finish them. On the midday of the* fourth day, just when victory was in sight for the Iranians, a terrific sandstorm began blowing into the faces of the Iran­ ian Arnjy. The Iranians were forced to turn around and seek cover. The Arabs saw in this their advantage, and with the storm behind them they began pursuing the fleeing Iranians, who perforce could not retaliate- All was bhaos, but Rustam held his position to the last. He was ulti- mately surrounded by the Arabs and in trying to fight his way out he got entan­ gled in the ropes of a tent and was killed. Without a leader the rest of the Army fled towards Teciphone pursued by the ^abs. At Teciphone no preparations had been made for its protection and it fell savage and uncivilised Arabs. The harm done by the Arabs can be judged from the following passage from the book Almoqaddamah ” by the famous Arab .-.a ing — “Places that succumb to the Arabs are quickly ruined”: “Arabs are a savage nation. The Arabs need stones to set them up as supports for their cooking pots; so they take them from buildings, which they tear down to get the stones, and use them for that purpose. Wood, too, is needed by them as props for their tents and for use as tent-poles for their dwellings; so they tear down roofs to get the wood for that purpose; Furthermore it is their nature to plunder whatever other people possess. They recognise no limi^ in taking the possessions of other peo­ ple. Under the rule of the Arabs, the subjects live as in a state of anarchy^ without law. Anarchy destroys man­ kind and ruins civilisation. It is note­ worthy how civilisation always collap­ sed in places the Arabs took over and conquered and how such settlement^ were depopulated and the very earth there turned into something that was no longer earth. Persian Civilisation in the Arab Iraq is completely ruined. The same applies to contemporary Syria, 9 13r I 4 ANTIPODES a r I i I iJ « to the created world. It moves tj« spirit i $ it The Opposing Twin Spirits of Creation by MAHYAR BYRAMJEE PATEL “What would goodness be, if there was no badness, to overcome ? — Only those that have traversed through the dark corridors of ugliness would best appreciate the true worth of the dawn of a new and beautiful resurrection.” “ATCHA HYAT TA HEM MAINYU JASAETEM PAOURVIM DAZDE GAEMCHA AJYAITIMCHA !” -“And now, when these two primordial Spirits came into being, they for the first time created Existence and Non-Existence !” The North and the South Poles placed as they are exactly opposite each other are the Antipodes of the Mother Earth, two things placed in opposition in space of posed in contrast of nature, tem­ perament or idiosyncrasy are Antipodes de facto. THE SPENTA MAINYU is the mani­ festation of the Best-Mind of the virtuous, contrasting with the Angra Mainyu as the manifestation of the Worst-Mind of the vicious. Together the two comprise the dualistic speculative philosophy of Zara- thushtra, which is so often confounded as a belief in two gods in the Avesta. The Gathas reveal that these two spirits are the very first creations of Ahura-Maz ­ da. All Creation owes its Existence to the incessant activity of these two counteract­ ing^ spirits. They are inseparable and there ­ fore regarded as twins. They are unlike one another in their thoughts, teachings, desires,, beliefs, words, deeds, selves and souls. The Spenta Maihyu Is the active image of Ahura-Mazda. It is creative in relation of right thqughts, right words and right deeds. It is ideiitified with Ahura-rMazda as the Creator but it remains distinct from Him. All the Good Creation owes its existence to it. Ahura-Mazda responds to man’s aspirations for power, bthef neces­ sities and good things of life through the invocation to Spenta Mainyu. Thus, Ahura-Mazda imparts the best to the righteous through Spenta Mhihyu. It Is at times invoked as the Most Holy Spirit. This superlative quality is. bestowed uppn it by Ahura-Mazda Himself, and Spbri^ thus gets identified with Ahura-Mazda Himself in several passages. The Angra Mainyu is the direct oppo­ site of the, Spenta Mainyu, and character- izes all warped and crooked thoughts, which lead to Imperfection. It chooses wrong where right is apparent. Evil there ­ fore exists as the choice of Angra Mainyu. It chooses destruction of the Good Crea­ tion as its sphere of activity. It advocates wrong. It is also known as the druj (the harmful one), the daeva (the false one), and the akaman (the evil-minded). All 15( > » ascribed ce. They fulfil the purpose of creation for own and lives on the Worst shall thus ’ away from right path 'and introducing discord leading to destruction and death of good things. In the Later Avesta Angra Mainyu becomes Ahriman, the Personi­ fication of Evil. i s In a strictly uncompromising Mono­ theism the problem of Evil bewilders its f ¦¦ If the Monotheism is complete then Evil is inherent in the One and the same God. be existence of another God, who is the Monotheism. Holy Zarathushtra as the most resolute advocate of an uncom­ promising Monotheism has solved this tricky problem by his philosophy of the two Primeval Principles co-existing One Good and One Evil. and by their own folly pollute our mortal and evil, distress and destruction is ascribed f J 7“ worst snail thus accrue unto the fol- Untruth, and the Best shall ac- crue unto the followers of Truth. And of these Two, the False-One chose the Worst but the Holiest Spirit chose the Best. Let those, that Would clothe themselves in Imperishable Light and please Ah ura through acts of Righteousness, ch»jose way of Mazda. The Daevas choose followers. Where does the root^EvU^lie^ deluded by tW If the Monotheism is comZ Z Evii ^orst Thought IS inherent in the One and the same God. * t ---------------- The only other alternative to this would be existence of another God, who is the pX # » whK^ead to ^Happmess and author of this Evil. That would end „ P»nishmcnt sUll be- fall the Followers-of-Ufltrul^ gpd up­ ward-progress to the Uphohters-S^jq^ May Ilhimination dawn upon you thr ough tltese Teachings. Of these two primordial spirits, created first in the beginning, the ' Holier Lhie spoke unto the Evil One thus: Between the two of us, neither thoughts, nor teachings, nor wills, beliefs, nor Words, nor deeds, nor selves nor souls agree.- Evil shall go to fbe Ev< and Good shall go to the Good, End of Creation.” ^^^^fbushtra thus gives us a message our nor In the Gathas, Zarathushtra postulates: Now shall I reveal to those who are eager, to know, about those Two who are created by Mazda, and thus teach the wise. I shall recite my hymns unto Ahura- Mazda, and praise His Good and Loving _ ____ Mind. I shall explain the Immutable Law the Freedom of Thoughts, Words and of Righteousness. Thereby, may you f^^s, and preaches Free-Will with its attain to Perfection in the Realms-of- attendant Results. Ahura-Mazda Light. Listen to the Highest Truths, and wholly Good, and it is His desire thM consider them with illumined minds, de- should reach Him through a ciding between the two Paths, each one for Fre^oin-of-Choiee, AM ‘4W- - himself. Let my words reach far. In the with an inescaptiftb The Good beginning, were created these two spirits, Bte Bad co-esdst side^lby-sid^ add born as twins. And in their thoughts, cannot be brusAied aside simply as a ^y words and deeds, the one was Good and of "Maya ’ or iflv^on. Tolerance of Evil is these, the wise ch jose not acceptance (rf its Creed. Good and they created Existence and Non-Existen- 16 >5 Mazda, and praise His Good and Loving is ciding between the two Paths, each one for Fre^obi-of-Choiee, AS p -- beginning, were created tlKse two spirits, «»<> Bad sida^lby-sid^ add born as twins. And in their thoughts, cannot be brusM aside simply as a play words and deeds, the one was Good and of "Maya ’ or iflv^on. Tolerance of Evil b _ rightly, but not so the unwise. Together, Evil are posative experiences of ma t* a nd ------ -------- ¦ are W munon heritage. They are both ¦•'sJvery distinct. They work within him, just the Beneficent, and More-than-the Bad to as much as they work upon him as exter- the Wicked!” nal forces. The incessant conflict between these two very real forces makes up the these two very real forces makes up the Zarathushtra quite clearly elucidates history of the entire world and all crea- fbat those that are not for us, are against tion. Man is the active participant in this perpetual warfare and he is born to be a fellow combatant on the side of the Good, shtrianism is a positive Religion. It only us ! All negative approaches are thus barred to a true Zarathushtrian. Zarathu- or if he mis-chooses on the side of the Positive virtues, which actively Evil. Ahura Mazda has introduced and P^^rticipate in doing good, and are not Zarathushtra induces a militant spirit in content with refraining from man to side with the Beneficent Spirit, ^oing evil. Aware of the eternal truth of The Ltfe of a Zarathushtrian is thus a cru- bis message, he makes allowance for those sade against the forces of Darkness. We that do not agree with him now, for he march towards a perfecting world, where is confident that some day they too will innumerable wrongs have to be constant- deliver up Untruth into the hands of ly righted. We are born to help in re- Truth, to work out their own redemption, deeming the world. . The doctrine of these two principles, in These two spirits ctf Good and Evil, la^r times gave rise to the fallacious be- whpse constant work we always mad to side with the Beneficent Spirit. lief in the existence of two Gods. Spenta around us, exist in relation to each other. Mainyu came to be identified with Ahura They have been the first creations of Mazda Himself, and consequently, Aagra Ahura-Mazda. One is not free of the Mainyu gave rise to the belief in Ahri- other. They are the very antithesis of who came to be accepted as the each other, at the same time indispensible God of Evil. The One created, and the to each other. They are Eternal Polarism other destroyed. One was Bright and the at work. Their activity is an affirmation other was Dark. The One was the embo- see of uncompromising Monotheism. We are diment of Good Thoughts, Good Words called upon by Holy Zarathushtra to and Good Deeds, whilst the other gloried rally aroiifid his binder of Spenta Mainyu ^vU Thoughts, Evil Words and Evil and fight for the establishment of active Deeds. One tended to Holy Aspirations, Good. It is man’s inherent belief in the whilst the other led the way to Unholy final triumph of good over evil that has Degradations. The One propagated the always been the solid ground for his faith Good Religion, and the other promoted in One Good God. Whatever the field, he Religion of sacrificial propitiations, vesti- who fights injustice, fights on the side of ges of which still loom large in the God, and in defying death, becomes im- beliefs of some co-religionists. mortal! There is no compromise here, for he who either helps or ignores wrong is jhimself all wrong! Zarathushtra does not quite preach a middle course. He quite candid- Whose Monotheism is Absolute* It is for iy expostulates “More-than-the-Good to ultimate Good that Ahura-Mazda created The Gathas however make it abund ­ antly clear, that both these Spirits are subordinate to Ahura-Mazda, 17r ! 1 both Weal as well as Woe. Angra Mainyu Righteousness, j^iman will hirw- k sources exhausted. He will become confo­ unded and impotent. < Overpowerd and and work broken Ahriman will become afflicted and of is not the opponent of Ahnra-Mazda, bnt the opposite of Spenta Mainyu. Both these belong to, for the Mazda in ways. Both of them find a point of meet­ ing the Higher Unity of Ahura-Mazda. 1 advancement of Ahura miserable and will himself withdraw to ’(heir own respective Hell and ^sa|3^r. So long as even one single man harbours him Ahriman will exist When all humanity will c^t him out Angra Mainyu is the Stumbling Block and of themselves Ahriman will be reduced to is to be converted to a Stepping Stone, through transformation by Spenta Main­ yu. Their seemingly Eternal Conflict shall some day end in the triumph of the forces vanished. There will be an end to all of Good over the forces of Evil. This is the death and disease. Then in Na- living optimism of our Religion. Every ture Will cease. Goodness man at heart detests Falsehood and adores vail. Angra Mainyu shail be melted away Truth. Because of this redeeming feature and Spenta Mainyu shall exist aloflHB Evil cannot have a permanent hold on thereafter. The world shall reach; man. The order of Asha — Righteousness disturbed Perfection, and we all will have — is the very foundation upon which the reached the promised Immortality ! structure of the entire Universe rests. The Spenta Mainyu of the Avesta, is the Satwa Guna of the Vedas, and the Angra Mainyu of the Avesta is the Tamas Guna of the Vedas. Both of these ancient Aryan Philosophies have never acknow­ ledged their independent existence. Nei­ ther Philosophy treats them as gods. Therefore, those mistaken ones who ascri­ be a duality of God-Head to the Avesta because of these two Mainyus might as well ascribe polytheism to the Bible for belief in the Trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. The final blow to the belief in Ahriman as a separate God is provided by the Later Avesta which attests that Ahriman is not Eternal as Ahura-Mazda is. As man gra­ dually weans himself away from the glam­ our of Evil, Ahriman will find himself baf­ fled and weakening. As man advances in nonenity pass out into nothi^, "niea all Eyil wffl have ended. Good will be- come Perfi^. AH imperfections will have **Zoreastrian Credo** A Book for every home by Gool K. S. Shavaksha, A very simple translation in English of the Gathas, Daily and tbe Life of Zoro*^ *" 18 essay explaining our m^on to the children. Rs. 5/- Available at N. M. Tripathi and from the Author, 43 New Marine Lines, Bombay—1.PARSI-ZOROASTRIAN SACRED RITE o f NAVZOT for admission of a new Initiate inte the Zoroastrian Fold Brief Explanation DASTURJI KHURSHED S. DABU You would like to know the significan- leaving behind their near and dear ones; & a supreme Every Community has arranged for some such ritual, corresponding to the Yagnopavit of the Hindus, Baptism-cum- Confirmatiwi of the Christians, and Sun- nat of the Muslims, in order to welcome a neophyte into religious fold, with its privileges. ce of the sacred ceremony. Here are brief as well as tHeir possessinns notes regarding the same in which you loving sacrifice unto Lord 1 may feel interested:— Prophet had preached'his mb^a^ tC^^^ about eight thousand years ago. It is natural that some such rite (as is perform­ ed just now) must have been in vogue for. centuries after centuries. Navzote is a term with two meanings: (a) A new recruit, added to the ranks of those who worship the Omni^- scient Creator, whom we call Ahuramazda and (b) a new birth, into a spiritual life of responsibilites and duties. Henceforth the candidate’s soul assumes the reins of his career, as a sojourner in this material world, with a spiritual outlook. The ceremony i^ divided into four parts:— (1) The first is the sacred ablution While religious Faith is a personal secret relation with God, based on inner convictions, it is not open to inspection or scrutiny by another person. It is there ­ fore necessary to have a formal declara­ tion of one’s creed, before an assembly of the community, invited as witnesses to the neophyte ’s acceptance of obligations. Navzote (arranged for Parsi children of both sexes between the age of 7 and 9) is such a ceremony for admission of a can­ didate — born of Parsi Parents by race — with prayers to prepare the body, mind and henceforth Zoroastrian by free choice ^lod soul for the Divine blessings to be of religion. Our ancestors came to India invoked thereafter. about twelve hundred years ago as “Refu- (2) The officiating priest’s recitation gees”, to preserve their faith unmolested, of prescribed litanies, followed by the W' (2) The officiating priest’s recitation 20¦s f ¥ wMy you S9t some of your inpcr^^oblenis solved in the light of Zoroaster’s message. and His Anglic Hoste Divine Plan on earth as it is in heaven ”. (I may draw your attention to what you may have observed as a peculiar cus­ tom of welcoming the candidate near the stage, by waving certain objects roiind his/her head (coconut, betel, rice, dates etc.) This is supposedly meant to cleanse and refine the invisible etheric aura, which'we call Khureh (=halo) which emanates and radiates from the body of each person. The objects used in this “exorcism” are also oblations to the an- and (b) ‘^ay-you cooperate witb^od and His Angelic Hoste - in fuWling the of Zoroastrianism in the form of less white cotton-shirt, known 'J Greed With some predepts by the -officiating priest. Two of these are significant: (a) : F proper “May your reU^on be a smircefof plea- as the R^elatiffli ^sent by God ”, in sure unto you ” antf in limes ot i^fficulty er o prescribe the path of purity, and mMy you get some of your mner nroblems worship of The One Omniscient ;jGreat(3r” v^The candidate then receives an emblem a spot- as Sud-reh which means: a memento of the Path of Benevolence. Our ancestors used to call it an armour or coat-of-arms, because Zo­ roaster depicted this world field; and every man as i against temptations, hardships, disease. c^led upon to fight- against evil to vindi­ cate God’s Omnipotence, and to final victory. On to that shirt, near to the bosom, present at the ceremony), there is attached a small pocket called t-u Giroban. It is to remind the wearer, that already mentioned, four it would treasure his/her inner Faith tied-with the woolen sacred Kushti. They are reminders of four da^ duties e } as a battle- a soldier, fighting and untruth. Every, Zoroastrian is rhus aura, ^ere is attached a small pocket called wearer, that inner Faith therein. It is a symbol of what we have to store up (Good Thoughts, Words and Deeds) against the day, when we have to return, and submit our record to the Di- known also as the Purse of Merits”. (3)^ Another emblem is then wound round the candidate’s, waist, as a further ' ' reminder of the soldiership — a sash made 01 wool-yam a sort of sword-belt, with two knots in front and two behind. The sash IS known as Kushti (a Kamarband). inen follows the neophyte ’s recital of l^er religious creed and his/her solemn and obligatiSons of a ZoroasMan. !*¦> reminder of the soldiership - ’ - two knots in front and two behind. The Then follows the neophyte ’s recital of madertakings. . J describe these presently — - The last part consists of showering of benedictions and good wishes, coupled (a) To render every day, like a Scout’s daily “good turn”, some service in His Name, such gifts which one is endowed with —wealth, art, know­ ledge or some ack bf Ij^ohi of love. This act of sacrificbis a way of t^riksgiving to 'HifiVTor His a way gracious favours. (b) To follow Zoroaster as a Religious guide in matters spiritual, along the path recommended by Him. This loyalty is incumbent on every army -of Parsi, who accepts him as the Commander of the righteousness.’•p 1 fight against un^fio cheerfully all the trials « tribulations, as a faithful soldier and never to c 1 , ~ '*******VWA1<*A1VC U^LIY subversive movement of disorder and (d> to repose full faith and i ; ^^i{ies. A Parsi is suppose to detote everything, even the life .-?bs body to God, and use his on behalf of Divine Providence. Self-denial implies altruism. (5) Absolute Purity, ^mial virtues of a Physical, moral, mental and spiri- Uial purity should distinguish a Parsi in all his dealings with others. ..rac ire nve tundamental principles ce Y?Nati™ r?v‘”“ P''®’™- which Zoroastrianism propounds and Sii" ”o“"tains, forests, winch the neophyte has rXt^’’i„ S Si nf T S? ® her declaration of creed Wthout a second — the f,) U Architect Of the Universe Fire is Sn??'?’ godliness, one emblem of God, remindiM iis of must always be good and openly energy as heat, light and life m fl«-h renounce evfl. Benevolenc/and "^nm and cell. Fii^ as you are essential duties. In burning on the stage, on a censer thought, sp^ch and deed, one’s ^^Presentative on physical emotio- goodness should be a strict mea- and mental planes of Ustence all spheres of^^^^” conduct in _prie^s, you invited to this function «TT ’4, < a . pri^iaryy to ware with us the iov we fee’ ic midst of diversity” J^i getting wbther aspirant on the path of sort^^ a pne who should richly deserve over the gulf di- yo«r blessings and goodwill, llie p^h conflicting viewpoints; so with encouragement from in all discovers a grain of truth in a world, where life is becoming in all controversial arguments. He ®pre and more complex, almost an ordeal amidst quarrel- due to storms of materialism and sceoti- ing sects. cism prevailing in the world. In ancient (3) Freedom of Faith is a licence net ihTla r candidate was placed in mtted by Zoroaster. There ii'?n fell! ‘®¥her who could be no outer compulsion c- aon on anyone’s inner beliefs. One IS free to formulate and re- convictions. Our never promulgated arms even when & 5 and use his countenance any KU, lo repose run faith and confidence in Divine Dispensation, whatever „ Zoroastrian does ^?t grumble against the working whatever may be ordained by God’s Wise Provide­ nce. fundamental integrity and ’ ' I as innocence are to be cherished _ 1 • . — niental'^ Parsi in all his dealings one thought, speech and deed, Zoroastrian’s conducTin one’s IS inculcated so that a Parsi is r»’ a holiness, Iran such a candidate th,? ’’j®/?'' Pfpblems aet, remote doubts • assafl one’s heart. Such guides are badly needed now; and your mature experience of life may be very helpful. On behalf of ail present we may offer «• ’ wrvii wiicu ® ® ^^^^3ate, just initiated, the best kings extended their empire. It '''^^bes of one and all. May he/she grow be an ornament to the family? the and the world at large, bv living life of probity and service in accor­ dance with the noble tenets of Zoroastri- be no outer compulsion One is free to formulate J.-; . . religon was with force of J • ... ............. appealed to one’s Reason needed no force. ’ (4) S^-abn^ation is a Zoroastrian virtue, shown in muniflcent Parsi needed no force. 22 or coer­ and grow service in accor- anism 1 Amen’! I Ir ( ? r t. I j. (• f i SVETLANA O-l-Mar.-' -* ^«ccr. E. ' A.) Svetlana Alliluyeva, the self-exiled daughter of Stalin bas created sensation Church has the biggest following. There at times and commotion at places on is also Georgian Orthodox Church which International fronts. Will she be or will maintains its independent existence. After she not be a citizen of this country or these Orthodox Churches Islamic Religion that vexes the minds and taxes the patien- ranks second. Most of these muslims are ce of Home Departments of countries she of Sunni sect but in the district of Azar- passes through. Wherever she _____ makes news and commands head-lines, ^re Roman Catholics principally distribu- At last she is in the U.S.A, with a visa ted in Latvia, Luthiania, Yukrain and that would be extended indefinitely in her Byelo-Russia. Many of them in Latvia and Estonia belong to Lutheran Church, some are Evangelical Baptists and some are deeply religious Jews. In Eastern Asia sector of the Soviet Union there are several Buddhist groups. Small groups of Reformists, Seven Day Adventists, and some Methodists are also found. In Soviet land Russian Orthodox eoes she baijan Shiahs are in good number. There favour. Svetlana has done much and said many things but her one utterance which is revealing is her statement that “without religion life is becoming more difficult”. Svetlana who is 42 years old has a deeply philosophical bent of mind. She was drawn to religion through studies of Indian religious philosophers Vivakanan- da and Ramkrishna Paramhamsa, she was taught and she believed in Commun­ ism in her early years. Later on religion ___ ______________ ___ brought a change in her and her present tered by the Government the number of Despite these wide varieties of religious denominations present in Soviet countries due to anti-religious beliefs held and fos- belief is that Communism and religion persons with faith is getting lesser cannot co-exist. Class conflict cannot en- j _ ____ gender love. God alone is the power of Greater number of believers and and materialists (diRcili) is on the increase. I persons love and justice and cannot be dispensed with faith mostly belong to advanced age with without losing either or both. Reli- j gion has made n d^p impression oh her - mind and she says “it has brought a great change in me”. In May 1962 she was bap- ' tised in Moscow into the Russian Ortha- ¦ groups. Observation of connection between age and faith in religion is nothing new. Life needs to be lived in its own setting and dox Church to which her parents and her groups have their own sets to live ancestors belonged. One Mr. K. Sadashivan of Pulavelli (Kerala) has put a question — How many followers increasing or decreasing in number? To this, Sovietland (April 1967) change comes into many people if not in replies as under: all. Hindu philosophy of life recommends by. New comers in this world have to be primarily worldly and not other-worldly and elderly persons must and do feel dis- religions are followed in Russia? Are the '^’th the frivolities of everyday life which they have experienced in full. This 23¦j 1 that people do acknowledge this change openly and live a new ^ay Of life ^n line with the inner change. Sbme of the Hihdtxs therefore completely renounce the world On reaching life of 45 of 50 years of age. Zoroastrian religion’s philosophy desires that man develop the growing awareness of change coming on in life but couple that consciousness with the existing way of life to modify it in tune Wth the infi­ nite without renouncing the world;... Svetlana’s marriage with Brajesh Singh was opposed both by the Soviet govern­ ment and the Communist party. She won­ dered why! as Brajesh was a Communist and also a party member and the law of . the land permitted m arriage with foreign- . ers. ' Death of her husband had deeply moved her and brought about a more de­ cisive swing towards religion. Gujarati proverb—In pros­ perity we seek goldsmith in adversity God. is-a pithy and apt description of many a conversion. One need not wait till then to acknowledge and feel the presence of the Almighty around us and within us. It is really the vanity of man that keeps away the incessant approach of divine grace. It is around every man all the time. One need only welcome its approach and re­ ceive it with all humility. It will stay put willingly 'and from within enlarge one’s life. We, the Zoroastiiansf admire Srosh Yezad because it is He who expands pur life by instillihg Intuition and working that change in us “Srbsh Ashem, huoro- dhem, verethrajanim, fradat-gaethem ” as ^‘Sroash the holy, the handsome, the vic­ torious proliferator of the gaetha (the world of man, in which he lives) 99 24 KHORDEH AVESTA (IN ROMI^N S€RH»T) To meet the pressing need of those Zoroastidans who are unable read Gujarati, for offering daily prayers, we have tanscribed into Roman Script our Rhordeh Ave,sta, CONTENTS: Publishers* explaiiatory note. Guid­ ance for. proJittnciation, Note for reciting prayers, Ashepi Vohu, Yatha Ahu Vai- ryo, Kern l^a Mazda, Ahuramazda Kho- dae,' Jasamfe^ ’Avattghe Mazda, Niran-gi Gaomez, Th§fi^ve Gahsi .Sarosh Baj, ifushbam, Havan Gah, Rapithwin Gab, Uzirin Gah, Aiwisfumtern Gab, Ushahin Gah, Khorshed Nyaish, Mdher Nyaish, Vispa Humata,. Nam Stayishn, Nemaz-i- Ghehar Nima, Mah Bakhtar Nyaish; Ardvi Sur Nayaish, Atash Nyaish, Hor­ mazd Yasht, Ardibahest Yasht, Srosh Yasht Hadbldit, Srosh Yash Vadi, Beh- ram Yas Vanant Yasht, Namaskar’s of Cherag, Muktad, Dakh- ma, Koh, Aw and Orvar, Din-no-Kalmo, . Tan-Obrosti, Names of Thirty Days, Names of Twelve Months, Names of Five .Gathas, details of Six Ghambars, Twelve • -1 Jasharis, Seven Hamkars, Recital of Yatha and Ashem, Patet Pashemani, Patet Ravail-ffli, Names of Ahuramazda. Price Rs. Six (Postage Re. I/-) Saturn Karda, lOI htengir B. brain ’s Soqs 12 B Sir P M, Rpad, Bombay-i. Tele: 26128^ Rated. 1893 Xanni ’s tf UnM Ave^ are availabl«^«q Warden*s (Mysor^ Sandalwood ShopsI I.'-' I If-. J I k i i y i I ZOHAK Fifth King of Peshdadian Dynasty One popularly Jcopwn as King Zohak i J /_ „„ ____ is better understood in his Persian name oppressor is called Zohak and tyrannical Dehak (t)eh=ten, aak=vices) — ___ ________ — of ten major vices. Roots of all evils were ihcorporafed in his life. His father Oorvas- pa was a real good soul and was a ruler of a small kingdom,: He, bad 1000 cows, whose miik^he free, to, his poor subjects, ^ohak Horses from which He M th^ of Beevar-aisp ’4b^yaF==I(X®0ff ahd asp—horse in Dari dialect). Zohak in Arabic meant jubilant. He may have been a good soul in his early years but toying with minor evils he got firmly caught in the clutches of Satan. Initially Satan enticed him to kill his own father to come to the throne. He dug a _____ .......................... deep pit in the daily route of his father compressed "bones around his shoulders and entrapped him tp ^ath : Satan put „ _____ _____ . bigger tenqitatioh & hb way promising law of Retribution was now operating on diim the throne ^ dfran if he implicitly Zohak. He now lay prostrate in depth of followed him ; which he did and then kill- misery and despair, ihg King Jamshid became the King of Iran. Zohak now became a great admirer of Satan. He hallowed Satan and became his handmate. The two. made a perfect pair. are uttered in his name even today. An /ay subjects, ^ohak had, 10,0^^ > i" rr a man government is called “Zohaki dowr” even now. Satan is never a friend of anybody. He is an embodiment of seduction and deceit. After using Zohak as his tool for spread­ ing disaster and completing decay of man­ kind Satan had no more use of Zoliak. Iblis, the Satan, then gave a parting kiss on each shoulder of Zohak and from both these shoulders arose one serpent each. After torturing, agonising, torment­ ing and making the life of his subjects wretched it was now his turn to suffer. Both serpents bit him, stranded him, a and gave unbearable aches and pains. The It is destiny that makes us brothers No one goes his way alone; What we bring into the life of others Comes back into our own”. Everyone’s life image boomerangs on one’s own life. Dismayed, horrified, anxi- Under promptings of the Satan he spread a veritable reign of terror over the coun- ________________ try. The infamy of his wicked and brutal ety ridden at his dismal state Zohak dis- forgotten. His tyranny, covered a remedy which was doubly dis- . .. J spare him torture each serpent Wy have become proverbial and curses needed one human brain to eat every day. hjs ^abdlical reign and his vicious depra^ ttessing. To spare him torture each serpent 25Sr "X - *4* a t* a Thereupon Zohak ordered tially from amongst prisoners and later —J every day and serpents as food. -------- 1 somehow I out two men (ini- 1 i 1 Franak, the mother of Faridiin blessed him. Kyanush and Poormayeh (accord­ ing to Firdausi) or Ketayun and Burma- yun (are. to Bundehshn), the two brothers Of Faridun became jealous ‘“to Jungles., ta^avelhem Kurdistanis are suDnojseH to Kxs ___ geny of those escaped settlers. into Zohak ’s suflFer He dreamt that two hafty j ing him after a little child _____ them had given a blow on his head consulted j dreams to mean that Faridun, -- a « -w - . _ throne and destroy him. from people) to be killed their brains given to .— His cooks Karmail and Armail j managed to let one of the two marked are supposed to be the pro- ^5 (accord- of Faridun attempt on Faridun «ave them a raise and appeased them. After saying prayers at an Ibadatgah (a place of worship) on the way, the army marched on to the palace of Zohak. Reaching there they first set free Shernaz _______ _ “‘*‘^’™“‘*“two^tersofKingJamshid augurs who interpreted his '*^o were in CaptMtyin the patace. The ant of Jamshid, soon to be born will de- the dark of night to kill rnTr>Tix» __ i • "0 * o .-ikxax - • sensing his approach ings to complete the picture of misery, men were beat- I accompanying Ife a descend- ^as occupied and Zohak entered Faridun. gave him (a a cow on striking severe hammering with baton with the head of ; end). die. Ffe was cau^t and put in a strong straight-jat^ and impri­ soned in Demavand Koh. The legend is that he is still lingering there in iron chains. Whole day he licks the chains thus preparing a flag went round from crows the chains YAIOzVa ___ , ___ _______ . - - - Zohak sent men all over to get this child alive or dead. 16 years went by and Zo­ hak himself went in search of Faridun years went by and Zo- and before he returned empty-handed people who were tired of this man-mons­ ter were preparing to over-throw his re­ gime. Kaveh, an ironsmith, to avenge the killing of his one son, tore off his bellows fixed Its leather at the end of a pole and gime. Kaveh, an ironsmith. thin them out for his to escape but at every place to place arousing people to'revolt. “"w* thickness and stren^.lfc' All jomed his army. Amongst the follow- ‘his the Paras do not eat cock “ descendant of King ‘hough they eat chicken and other cX repto^T^'» l‘ving in hiding to es- fowls. At the of Resunection a to^avSiT;, '»ill at last kill Zohak to Kaveh but he dechned to accept it as This allegory tallies with the ’ ^was^X:‘“at Angmmatoyu has _ V, • f 1 regime. The best Spenta Mainyu but in the enH c to accept it as a statement co-eval with became the Commander. 26 have vanished. i It h', t'X . 3 i « •r <5 *?- Ifi Jamiad Ya^t Z^ak> oQna prayen in similar terms. In 'Gosh, Ram and ^ ^ttte lr^anlOioreli iaura of nobi- Ashiswang Yeshts Faridun prays for toy) and m Ava Yasbt be seeks strength strength to destroy Zohak and spread ,40 devastate Iran. Both his wishes were happiness and peace amongst people His jUpt granted as therein he is described ; ‘ ’ * > man of many mouths (i.e. a liar) and of ,had faith. YejeshriC Haar 9 describes him strength to destroy Zohak and spread as wishes were granted. P.B.W. -j k- r ^1 * 1 w 5 -Ml "v^HH Mia ‘H'Hmi’i <i«i TH^ls«ti4 loo ' J^ (Vllift «Z(^i^rL=i «H4|R514 li’Hfef—t. 3l‘‘-