Pahlavi Texts, Part V

Introduction: Explains the relation of the volume to the Spend Nask, the Dīnkard, and the Selections of Zād-sparam. It discusses the legendary history of Zaratušt, manuscript authorities, traditional chronology, millennial eschatology, the date of Zoroaster, the Parsi calendar, and questions concerning the age of the Avesta. Abbreviations Used in This Volume: Lists abbreviations for Pahlavi, Avesta, Persian, Arabic, manuscripts, Zoroastrian texts, earlier volumes of The Sacred Books of the East, and modern scholarly references. Marvels of Zoroastrianism — Dīnkard, Book VII: Presents the legendary history of Zaratušt and the Zoroastrian religion. Major topics include the descent of the glorious destiny, Zaratušt’s parentage, birth, childhood, youth, conference with Auharmaẕd, mission to the Karaps, conversion of Vištāsp, events in Zaratušt’s later life, later Iranian religious history, the end of Zaratušt’s millennium, the millennia of Aushedar and Aushedar-mah, Sōshans, and the final renovation. Chapter I — Descent of the Glorious Destiny: Traces sacred destiny from the primeval creation through early rulers and heroes to Zaratušt and the future saviours. Chapter II — Parentage of Zaratušt: Describes the descent of Zaratušt’s glory, the role of his parents, and the miraculous preparation for his birth. Chapter III — Birth, Childhood, and Youth: Presents Zaratušt’s miraculous birth, his laughter at birth, attempts by hostile Karaps to kill him, and his preservation through divine protection. Chapter IV — Mission to the Karaps and Vištāsp’s Conversion: Describes Zaratušt’s preaching, opposition from hostile priests, trials, imprisonment, divine assistance, and the eventual conversion of Vištāsp. Chapters V–XI — Later Sacred History and Eschatology: Treat Zaratušt’s later life, Vištāsp’s reign, the fall of Iranian sovereignty, the end of Zaratušt’s millennium, the future millennia of Aushedar and Aushedar-mah, the coming of Sōshans, and the renovation of the universe. Dīnkard, Book V: Gives a shorter account of Kai-Lōharāsp, Jerusalem, the descent of the religion, Zaratušt’s parentage and life, future apostles, Vištāsp’s conversion, later events, and the descent of the Iranians. Selections of Zād-sparam, Chapters XII–XXIV: Provides additional legends about Spendarmaḏ, the hero Srītō, Zaratušt’s parentage, demonic attempts to injure him, conflict with Karaps, disagreement with his father, signs of his good disposition, his journey to confer with Auharmaẕd, his conferences with the archangels, dates of conversions, births and deaths, priestly dispositions, and admonitions.