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THE ENTICEMENTS OF ZARATHUSHTRA

Zarathushtra communed in Heaven with Ahura Mazda (See the Gatha Ahunavaiti Y33, 6) and Amesha Spentas for ten
years. The Revelation is complete. He carries with him the supreme knowledge contained in the Avesta and the most
sacred Ahuna Vairya,

At the departure, he is warned by Ahura Mazda and Amesha Spentas to guard against the enticements of Angra
Mainyu/Ahriman and his fiends (Daevas) who will plague his paths as he returns back to corporeal world among men.
The spirit of Zarathushtra is made strong to withstand any false step and to prevent him from falter and ruin and
damnation for he is now not a mere man but a perfect man, nay he is the "YAZATA" in the human garb who now walks
the earth.

The Ahrimanic forces with their full power of evil, gathered for massive attacks on Zarathushtra. The full description of
the enticements and threats is given not only in the Vendidad and Zamyad Yasht but also in the Pahlavi literature. (See
Denkerd 7.4. and 54-64)

The demon 'Buuiti' (Pahlavi. Buut) is sent by Ahriman to tempt, and deceive Zarathushtra, and overthrow the blessed
messenger, but Zarathushtra is armed with truth and spiritual weapons of veracious revelation and divine Laws (these are
the weapons Ahunavaiti Gatha alludes in Y31, 18). Zarathushtra is protected by the shield of righteousness. He defeats
his Ahrimanic enemies and put them to flight. The Avesta vividly portrays such encounters of enticements and threats.
We will examine it briefly. (See Vendidad 19, 1-10)

'To Zarathushtra, howled back Anghra Mainyu, the Prince of Evil creations, "Do not destroy my creatures, O righteous
Zarathushtra Renounce the good Religion of Mazda worshippers so to obtain boons the way 'VADHAGHANA' obtained
and became a ruler of a nation' (Note: Minoo-e Kherad mentions ‘Vadhaghana’ as ‘Azi Dhahak’, an evil tyrant)
Zarathushtra Spitamid answered him," No! I shall not renounce the Good Religion of Mazda, even if my life, limbs
and soul should part as under"
Angra Mainyu, the Prince of Evil Creations, howled back: "By whose word will you defeat us? By whose word will
you withstand our assaults? Which is the weapon that good creations will withstand and defeat my (evil) creations? I am
the Angra Mainyu"
Zarathushtra Spitamid replied, " With the sacred mortar and the sacred cup, with the Word proclaimed (Ahuna
Vairya) by Mazda and my own weapon which is the best one. With this Word I will defeat and withstand (you), with this
weapon the good creations will withstand and defeat you O malevolent Angra Mainyu. Mazda created these weapons in
the Bountless Times." With that Zarathushtra recited aloud the Ahuna Vairya"
What happened when Zarathushtra uttered the Holy Word 'Ahuna Vairya? Detail is found in the Zamyad Yasht 12, 81:
'With one Ahuna Vairya which truthful Zarathushtra recited, with breaks in between the 4th time, each subsequent time
(prayed) with louder recitation drove all the fiends (Daevas) of Ahriman making them to hide under the earth, all these
Daevas being unworthy of being praised." (Humbach-Ichaporia, 1998)

Another enticement, about which Zarathushtra was forewarned, is described in the Denkard Book 7, 4. A female fiend in
the form of well-endowed beautiful woman declaring herself as Spenta Armaity approached to tempt and seduce
Zarathushtra. She desired his companionship. Zarathushtra discovered the fiend's disguise and prayed loudly one Yatha-
ahu Vairyo and the fiend was completely annihilated.

Having rejected the enticing offers including the kingship from Angra Mainyu/Ahriman, and the seduction of a female
fiend, Zarathushtra went forth to declare the Message of Ahura Mazda. He underwent many hardships, which a common
man can never withstand, but he was the Prophet and a YAZATA, the chosen one of Ahura Mazda. For ten years, he
went from place to place having been ostracized by the family, community and tribe. He complains to Ahura Mazda:
"Where and which part of land shall I go to succeed? The community I wish to join does not gratify me, how can I
gratify you, O Mazda Ahura?"(Y46.1) (see Humbach-Ichaporia, 1994) His only follower at that time was one man and
that was his cousin Maidyoi-Maongha. He implores, "O Mazda Ahura, extend me support as a friend would grant to a
friend" (Y46, 2). Ahura Mazda guides him to the court of Kavi Vistaspa and rest is the history. His Message spreads like
a wild fire and changes the world forever.

Q.1.) "With the sacred mortar and the sacred cup, with the Word proclaimed (Ahuna Vairya) by Mazda and
my own weapon which is the best one. With this Word I will defeat and withstand (you)". What does (i) 'the
Sacred Mortar', (ii) 'the Sacred Cup' and (iii) 'my Own Weapon Which Is The Best One', mean?
Ans-:) Above is the translations from the Vendidad 19, 1-10 What the composer meant may be the Yasna ceremony and
'Aalaats' implements of Mortar and Pestle and the Cup for Haoma ceremony. Zarathushtra's own weapon is the spiritual
weapon of Revelation from Ahura Mazda, ‘Ahuna Vairya’ which is the best one.

Q.2.) Eventually Zarathustra uses only 1 of these 4 weapons - the Ahuna Vairyo. Why not any of the others,
even though he threatens Ahriman with all 4 of them?

Ans-:) The answer is not found in the Vendidad as also in the other Avesta. May-be the answer given in the lost Avesta
or other lost Nasks. I think the most powerful Ahunavar was enough to destroy the demons of evil so other weapons
were not used.

Q.3.) "With one Ahuna Vairya which truthful Zarathushtra recited, with breaks in between the 4th time, each
subsequent time (prayed) with louder recitation." What is the meaning of 'with breaks in between the 4th
time'? Does it have anything to do with the metre or the manner in which Zarathustra recited the Ahuna
Vairyo? Or does it mean he recited the Ahuna Vairyo 4 times, one after the other?

Ans-:) This from Zamyad Yasht 81, 4: 'AEVO AHUNO VAIRYO' ="1 Ahuna Vairya." Obviously denotes the complete
recitation of a series of 4 Ahuna Vairyas; which is not lucid. However in Verse 10,11 it is said that Ahuna Vairyo as
given in the Ahunavaiti Gatha is to be recited '4 times' so it is perceived that actually Ahuanvar is recited 4 times with a
break between the 3rd time and the 4th time.

Q.4.) The emphasis put on 'louder recitation' is significant. Does it support the belief that our Maanthras
should be recited aloud? Does this indicate that loud prayers are more effective than prayers in softer
volumes?

Ans-:) Yes it is very significant. Herbedistan says that Avesta as well as Gathas have to be recited loud (Okhe Avaaksh)
so that other men can hear it. In absence of other men, your own ears must hear it. Visparad also says the same.

Q.5.)"Having been ostracized by the family, community and tribe." Zarathustra's father understood the
exalted spiritual nature of his child and welcomed it. Then why is it said here that he was ostracized by his
family?

Ans-:) Ushtavaiti Gatha is very clear about Zarathushtra being ostracized by the family, community and the tribe See
Y46, 1-2

Q.6.) Huge emphasis is given in this explanation on the recitation of the Ahuna Vairyo, especially "He carries
with him the supreme knowledge contained in the Avesta and the most sacred Ahuna Vairya." Do we have
any clue about the "Supreme Knowledge" contained in this prayer because the literal translations just give 3
simple stanzas of meaning. Viz. (i) The Status of the Dasturan-Dastur being equal to a King. (ii) The Gift of
Vohu Manah being for the followers of Ahura Mazda, and (iii) The Exalted Status of he who protects the
poor/less fortunate. These meanings, though profound, do not indicate anything that signifies "power" to
destroy evil by the very recitation of this prayer. What is it about this prayer that we need to know as
Zarathushtis?

Ans-:) Of all the prayers, the most exalted is the Ahuna Vairya – it is the most spiritual and together with Ashem Vohu,
Yenghe Hatam, the Avestan commentary is given in the Yasna. It existed before the creation of the world. It is THE
WORD by which Ahura Mazda brought all good creations It is the summation of all the Gathas and the most profound of
any prayers known. No one has deciphered it to the full extent and I think it will be never deciphered ever. There lies its
supreme knowledge. As far as I know, every Parsee is well versed in its recitation and pray it often. Another exceptional
aspect I have noted is that it can be sung in any tune in which you wish to sing. Try it please.

From Parsizoroastrians.com