Confluence of Opposites

Author(s): Champat Rai Jain
Publisher: Champat Rai Jain

Page 31

CONFLUENCE OF OPPOSITES
is one of an eternal pair of twins, the other being Angra Mainyu also known as Ahriman. Of these, Ahura Mazda is the good Spirit and the other, the power of evil. The name Ahura Mazda signifies the All-wise Lord, from Ahura=the Lord and Mazda, the All-wise. In addition to Abura Mazda, the Parsis offered adoration to other gods, including the Sun, the Moon and Agni. The Parsis believe in resurrection of the dead and in regeneration of the world on the destruction of the creation of Ahriman. The soul is regarded as immortal and responsible for its actions. All souls will be furnished with new bodies on resurrection and shall enjoy enternal bliss thereafter. The Parsis display a great deal of reverence, bordering on devotion, for Fire-whence their nickname of fire-worshippers. Good thought, good word and good deed constitute the ethics of Zoroastrianism. The Ashem Vohu, the prayer formula that every Zoroastrian learns by heart, teaches: ‘Holiness is the best good and happiness; happiness to him who is the Holy One for the sake of the best Holiness' (ERE. Vol. IX. page 648). Amongst the puri. ficatory rites of the Parsis is included the ghosel, a washing with gomez (cow's urine). The sacrosanct Ahuna Vairya, a sort of holy mantram (formula) is recited by the Parsis as a very effective means of repelling evil. It reads as follows:
"As the Ahu is to be chosen, So (let) the Ratu (be) from every legal fitness, A creator of mental goodness,