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SOME ANCIENT AND EXTINCT FAITHS
capable of drawing the right conclusions," (ERE. vol. iv. p. 245). The Hindus, too, prohibited the sudras (uninitiated) from reading the Vedas. In Zoroastrianism, also it is said : “Comprehending the sacred being is possible through unde
cayed understanding, fervent intellect, and decisive Wisdom" (Shikand-Gumanik Vijar, v. 5; SBE. vol.
xxiv. p. 140). Again, as to the method of comprehending the Sacred Being, it is said in the same book (chap. x. 33-37):: “Now it is necessary for every intelligent person to under
stand and to know thus much, that is, from whom it is pecessary for us to flee and to abstain, and with whom is the hope, and with whom the maintenance of our protection. The method for this acquisition is nothing else but to understand the sacred being in his nature, because...... it is not only to know his existence, but it is
necessary to understand his nature and his will." I shall now complete this sbort survey of the fundamental doctrines of Zoroastrianism before concluding this lecture. That its doctrines implied transmigratior is evident from the general scheme of its teachings already outlined by me. We have also authority for the view that the soul is immortal by nature.
" The spirit of the body," says the Dadistan-i-Dinik (chap. xvii. 4), "on account of being the spiritual life for the heart in the body, is indestructible ; so is the will winicha resides therein, even when they shall release it from its abode."
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