Selections From the Teachings of Zoroaster (vegetarian), Part 1 of 2

“The Teachings of Zoroaster and the Philosophy of the Parsi Religion” is translated and edited with an Introduction by Dr. S. A. Kapadia. The book delves into the core principles, beliefs, and moral teachings of Zoroastrianism, including a compilation of extracts drawing from the Zend-Avesta, a collection of commentaries, translations, and interpretations of the Avestan texts.

PURITY “Purity is for man, next to life, the greatest good that purity is procured by the law of Ahura Mazda to him who cleanses his own self with good thoughts, words, and deeds. ‘Make thyself pure, O righteous man! Anyone in the world here below can win purity for himself, namely, when he cleanses himself with good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.’”

THE LAW OF AHURA MAZDA “…The law of Mazda cleanses the faithful from every evil thought, word, and deed, as a swift-rushing, mighty wind cleanses the plain. ‘So let all deeds thou do be henceforth good. … A full atonement for thy sin is affected by means of the law of Ahura Mazda.’”

COMMANDMENTS FOR THE BODY AND THE SOUL “‘[…] Commit no slander, so that infamy and wickedness may not happen unto thee. For it is said that slander is more grievous than witchcraft.’ ‘Suffer no anxiety, for he who is a sufferer of anxiety becomes regardless of enjoyment of the world and the spirit, and contraction happens to his body and soul.[…]’”

ADMONITIONS “‘In the name and friendship of Ahura Mazda. Be ever shining . . . Be increasing! Be victorious! Learn purity! Be worthy of good praise! May the mind think good thoughts, the words speak good, the works do good! … Be a Mazdayasnian, accomplish works according to thy mind … speak truth … and be obedient. Be modest with friends, clever, and well-wishing. Be not cruel. Be not wrathful-minded. Commit no sin through shame. Be not covetous. Torment not. Cherish not wicked envy, be not haughty, treat no one despitefully, cherish no lust. Rob not the property of others, keep thyself from the wives of others. Do good works with good activity … Enter into no strife with a revengeful man. Be no companion to a covetous one. Go not on the same way with a cruel one. Enter into no agreement with one of ill-fame … Confront the adversaries with right … Enter into no strife with those of evil repute. Before an assembly speak only pure words. Before kings speak with moderation. In no wise displease thy mother. Keep thine own body pure in justice.’”