Thursday, September 12, 2013

Hymn Meaning

Two main gods are named in the first hymn; Daeva and Ahura Mazda. Both of these gods represent both good and evil. Ahura Mazda had followers who were wise because they chose rightly. The followers of Ahura Mazda (representing truth/righteousness) enjoyed the best mental state. The followers of Daeva (or Devil worshipers) on the other hand didn't choose the right path because they were deceived and they experienced the worst mental situations. 

The second hymn basically lists a set of laws that everyone in society should follow. People who are faithful to Ahura Mazda will be accepted into heaven. People who suddenly realize the benefits of Mazda's code of laws will enjoy happiness for the rest of their lives, and those who sin shall suffer. So in simpler words, anyone who accepts and understands Ahura Mazda's commandments shall receive eternal bliss. People who are doers of evil shall suffer for eternity.

In the third hymn, it seems as if a man if praying to Ahura Mazda. The entire hymn somewhat expresses how someone would remain faithful to Ahura Mazda by driving evil spirits away. This hymn also gives grace to Ahura Mazda. The narrator says that he has been inspired by Ahura Mazda's teachings. In the last line of the hymn, the narrator asks that Ahura Mazda may manifest in everyone.

The fourth hymn is another prayer to Ahura Mazda. The narrator prays for peace/prosperity for him. He also asks for a blessing from the spirits of Deathless Weal (perfection) and Immortality. The rest of this hymn goes on to state the great things that will come to all followers of Ahura Mazda and the path of good. The narrator prays specifically that he may be courageous, good, and that he may be steadfast with purpose. In the last stanza, the narrator says "Zarathushtra dedicates the works of his life, even his very self", showing how much the narrator appreciates Zarathustra for his life's dedication to Ahura Mazda.

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