Protect mankind through truth! Ahura Mazda and the making of Nietzsche
A sole god who attracts with humanity through Spenta Mainyu or the “holy spirit.” The creator God called Mazda and his living embodiment, Ahura Mazda. Loving of the Sarosh, that “hearing from within,” and the idea of Vohu Manah, which can be understood as unity with a divine consciousness through “pure thought.”
These are some of the teachings of Zoroaster, whose Gathas form the basis of Zoroastrianism (Thus Spoke Zarathustra) Note: he was only responsible for the first four Gathas, so presumably what came after his “daughter was married” needs to be taken with some caution.
Zoroaster arrived to a people worshipping various sensory and animal idols and established belief in a sole creator, and in many ways aligns with the work of Pharaoh Akhenaten, husband of Nefertiti.
The Zoroastrian cosmology has Ahura Mazda in heaven along with Mazda and divine realms that are “embodiments of various virtues” that find “repeated mention” in the Gathas. Reminds one of Gnostic Christian aeons, or Jewish Kabbalah sefirot.
The highest of these virtues for Zoroastrians is Asha:
The first principle of the Gathas is embodied in Asha – which is the very embodiment of truth. Asha is central to Zoroastrianism, so central that Herodotus tells us that in 500 BC or thereabouts, a Persian child was taught to do two things – one, how to ride a horse; and second, how to speak the truth at all times. This central message which permeates the Gathas has come down to Zoroastrians through the ages and continues to be the bedrock of their civilization. ‘Asha’ is sometimes spoken of as the very embodiment of truth, i.e. absolute truth, and sometimes spoken of as truth seen by a human being. In the latter sense, truth is relative and is spoken of as such when applied to man. Thus, the path of truth is the path of relative truth which mankind must tread on this earth, before it makes itself ready for the next world. Indeed, the colophon of the Yajashne reads thus: ‘There is no path other than the path of truth; all others are false paths.Zoroastrianism teaches that belief in Ahura Mazda, and the regular chanting of prayers, aligned with the sun, along with good thought, leads to God providing abundance in the material realm and the spiritual.
An ancient religion, although since Zoroaster’s departure somewhat in flux about exact beliefs and membership, it has nevertheless influenced Christianity – the three wise men who visited Jesus were from this religion, and it’s ideas align with Gnostic teachings. Judaism, with its history of exile in Iran and intense focus on language and prayer as well as sun-aligned prayers, the cross-exchange of ideas and influence is substantial.
AHUNAVAITI – Yas. 28.9
Never, O Lord, O Truth, and O Pure Mind, may we provoke to anger. May we come to you with hymns of praise, for you are the best to invoke in prayer.
AHUNAVAITI – Yas. 29.6
Thereupon spoke God, who pervades everything with His wisdom: Is not a single powerful person or a protector who is righteous known to you? Is this why I made you the protector of all things created by me?
AHUNAVAITI – Yas. 31.8
May I think of You as first and last – the be all and end all of everything – always. As the father of the highest mind. May I behold You in my mind’s eye as the true creator of truth and the Lord over the actions of the living.
AHUNAVAITI – Yas. 31.13
These questions are asked openly or secretly. When for a small act of violence one undergoes the highest penance, this is observed by You clearly, along with the truth.
AHUNAVAITI – Yas. 32.16
This is the true teaching of a teacher who is followed correctly. You have power over those who plan to menace me. Therefore, I will restrain violent and evil persons from hurting your devotees.
AHUNAVAITI – Yas. 34.7
Where are your devotees, O Lord, whose minds are filled with understanding; who, in times of ill fortune and trouble, teach us about our true inheritance which liberates our minds from the thought of the misery brought about by retribution? Nobody other than You do I acknowledge. Therefore, protect mankind through truth.
Resources:
https://literatureandhistory.com/episode-082-zoroastrianism/
The Gathas and the excerpts text are from: https://www.avesta.org/other/The_Inner_Fire.pdf