Pahlavi Texts, Part III

The Dînâ-î Maînôg-î Khirad: Discusses the title, manuscript tradition, Pahlavi and Pazand versions, authorship uncertainty, doctrinal scope, and the role of wisdom in Zoroastrian moral and cosmological teaching. The Sikand-Gûmânîk Vigâr: Introduces the work as a “doubt-dispelling explanation,” presents its author Mardân-farukh, and explains its apologetic defence of Zoroastrian dualism against other religious doctrines. The Sad Dar: Explains the work as a treatise of one hundred subjects concerning Zoroastrian religious practice, written in Persian and used as a practical guide for lay religious life. Abbreviations Used in This Volume: Lists abbreviations for manuscripts, languages, editions, biblical books, Zoroastrian texts, and scholarly references used in the notes. Dînâ-î Maînôg-î Khirad / Opinions of the Spirit of Wisdom: Contains sixty-three chapters in the form of questions and answers. Main themes include wisdom, body and soul, good works, heaven and hell, destiny, creation, Aharman, the planets, kingship, poverty and wealth, morality, social duties, cosmology, ritual, and the superiority of wisdom. Sikand-Gûmânîk Vigâr: Contains sixteen chapters. It argues for the existence of a creator and a separate injurer, explains the origin of evil, defends Zoroastrian dualism, and critiques Jewish, Christian, Muhammadan, and Manichaean doctrines. Sad Dar: Contains one hundred chapters. It presents practical religious instructions on faith, sin, sacred thread-girdle, fire, death ceremonies, purity, agriculture, charity, menstruation, corpse pollution, truthfulness, slander, priestly instruction, Avesta learning, and daily religious observances.