The International Zoroastrian Community MagazineEst. 1964 · Bombay
Understanding the Divine Attributes in Zoroastrianism
As I sit in the serene ambiance of a fire temple, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the Ashem Vohu prayer, I am reminded of the profound wisdom of the Gathas, the oldest and most sacred texts of the Zoroastrian faith. The Gathas, attributed to the prophet Zarathustra, speak of the seven Amesha Spentas, divine beings that embody the virtues and attributes of the divine. In this article, we will delve into the cosmic roles of these seven Amesha Spentas, exploring their significance in the Zoroastrian tradition and their relevance to our lives today.
The concept of the Amesha Spentas is rooted in the Yasna, a collection of Avestan texts that form the core of Zoroastrian liturgy. As the Yasna states, the Amesha Spentas are the "benevolent immortals" that assist the supreme deity, Ahura Mazda, in maintaining the balance and harmony of the universe. These seven divine beings are: Vohu Manah (Good Mind), Asha (Truth), Khshatra Vairya (Good Rulership), Spenta Armaiti (Devotion), Haurvatat (Wholeness), Ameretat (Immortality), and Spenta Mainyu (Holy Spirit).
The first two Amesha Spentas, Vohu Manah and Asha, are closely related, as they embody the principles of good thought and truth.
As the Gathas state, "The good mind is the best of all things, and the worst of all things is the evil mind" (Yasna 32.14). Vohu Manah represents the highest aspect of human consciousness, guiding us towards wisdom, compassion, and righteousness. Asha, on the other hand, is the embodiment of truth, justice, and order, governing the natural world and human society. Together, Vohu Manah and Asha form the foundation of the Zoroastrian ethical system, encouraging individuals to cultivate good thoughts, words, and deeds.
The next two Amesha Spentas, Khshatra Vairya and Spenta Armaiti, are associated with the concepts of good rulership and devotion. Khshatra Vairya represents the ideal of just and benevolent leadership, where the ruler serves the people and upholds the principles of justice and righteousness. Spenta Armaiti, on the other hand, embodies the virtue of devotion, humility, and selflessness, inspiring individuals to cultivate a deep sense of reverence and respect for the divine. As the Yasna states,
"The devotee is the one who is devoted to the truth, and the truth is the foundation of all things" (Yasna 43.12).
The final three Amesha Spentas - Haurvatat, Ameretat, and Spenta Mainyu - form a triad that represents the aspects of wholeness, immortality, and the holy spirit. Haurvatat embodies the concept of wholeness and perfection, inspiring individuals to strive for completeness and unity in all aspects of life. Ameretat represents the ideal of immortality, not just in the sense of physical survival, but also in the sense of spiritual transcendence and eternal life. Spenta Mainyu, the holy spirit, is the divine spark within each individual, guiding us towards wisdom, love, and self-realization.
In Zoroastrian ritual practices, the Amesha Spentas play a vital role, as they are invoked and honored in various ceremonies and prayers. The Yasna ceremony, for example, is a complex ritual that involves the recitation of Avestan texts, including the Gathas and the Yashts, which are hymns dedicated to the Amesha Spentas. The Amesha Spentas are also invoked in the Ashem Vohu prayer, which is recited daily by Zoroastrians, and is considered a powerful tool for spiritual growth and self-transformation.
As we reflect on the seven Amesha Spentas and their cosmic roles, we are reminded of the profound wisdom and spiritual insights that are embodied in the Zoroastrian tradition. The Amesha Spentas inspire us to cultivate the virtues of good thought, truth, justice, devotion, wholeness, immortality, and spiritual awareness. As we strive to embody these virtues in our lives, we are drawn closer to the divine, and our lives become more meaningful, purposeful, and fulfilling. In the words of the great Zoroastrian scholar, Dastur Framroze Bode,
"The Amesha Spentas are the bridge between the divine and human worlds, guiding us towards the realization of our true potential and the attainment of spiritual perfection". May we continue to draw inspiration from these divine beings, and may their wisdom and guidance illuminate our path towards a brighter, more enlightened future.