Zend Avesta Part 03

SR No.: 007673
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: L H Mills
Publisher: Oxford
Publication Year: 1887
Total Pages: 2618
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 49 MB

Page 282

YASNA IX.
231
a date much later than the Gâthas in which H(a)oma worship is not mentioned.
Probably on account of bitter animosities prevailing between their more southern neighbours and themselves, and the use of Soma by the Indians as a stimulant before battle, the Iranians of the Gâthic period had become lukewarm in their own H(a)oma worship. But that it should have revived, as we see it in this Yast, after having nearly or quite disappeared, is most interesting and remarkable. Was it definitively and purposely repudiated by Zarathustra, afterwards reviving as by a relapse? I do not think that it is well to hold to such deliberate and conscious antagonisms, and to a definite policy and action based upon them. The Somaworship, like the sacramental acts of other religions which have become less practised after exaggerated attention, had simply fallen into neglect, increased by an aversion to practices outwardly similar to those of Daêva-worshippers. The Yast is, of course, made up of fragments, which I have endeavoured to separate by lines. In the translation I have given a rhythmical rendering, necessarily somewhat free. It was difficult to import sufficient vivacity to the piece, while using a uselessly awkward literalness. The freedom, as elsewhere, often consists in adding words to point the sense, or round the rhythm. (Expressions for identical Zend words have been here, as elsewhere, purposely varied.)
1. At the hour of Hâvani?. H(a)oma came to Zarathustra, as he served the (sacred) Fire, and sanctified (its Aame), while he sang aloud the Gâthas.
And Zarathustra asked him : Who art thou, O man! who art of all the incarnate world the most beautiful in Thine own body 2 of those whom I have seen, (thou) glorious [immortal]?
2. Thereupon gave H(a)oma answers, the holy one who driveth death afar: I am, O Zarathustra
* In the morning from six to ten. . Or, beautiful of life.'
• Me,' omitted as interrupting rhythm, seems to be merely dramatic ; or did it indicate that there was an original Zarathustrian Haoma Gatha from which this is an extension ?
Digitized by Google
Digitized by