An Avesta Prayer.

Yatha Ahu Vairyo , an Avesta prayer, indicates that the Zoroastrian religion gives equal weight to both the temporal and the spiritual—the esoteric and the exoteric. The important thing is to find the true balance between the two—both being equally important.

It is the ‘Pater Noster’ of the Zoroastrian prayers.

THE PRAYER:

“Yatha Ahu Vairyo atha rathush

Ashat chit hacha;

Vangeush dazda Manangho

Shyaothananam angeush Mazdai;

Kshathremcha Ahurai a yim

Dregubyo dabat vastarem.”

Transliteration:

As the Lord moves at his own will, so does the Teacher of teachers (Dastoor-e dastooran) and such like as are supreme in their work (Bahamani).

They bestow wisdom to the works of this world for Hormazd;

He who works for the poor and the helpless, declares the ‘Rule of God’ in this world.

(This transliteration in English is guided by the work of CE Kanga).

NOTES: Scholar CE Kanga further explains that, the Padsha who rules

the world (Temporal Ruler) and the highest Peshwa of the religion (Spiritual Ruler) are of equal status and are due equal respect. Those who act to please Dadar Hormazd attain heaven when they die. Dadar Hormazd values those who are kind to the respectable poor meaning those who treat the respectable poor with sympathy.

Translation by Framroze:

Just as is the will of the Lord God, so too, is that of the Spiritual Leader,

Owing to his Godliness.

The gifts of the Good-mind (Vohu-man) are for those, who work in this world and wield in accord with the Will of Mazda.

The kingdom of Ahura’s heaven is for him, who rendereth succor unto the poor.

Notes by Framroze:

In Yatha Ahu Vairyo, great prominence is given to the service of the poor. Charity is an exalted virtue practiced even today by a handful of followers of Zoroaster. It is not for a Parsi to talk about it but representatives of every community they have come in contact with bear testimony.

Mahatma Gandhi at Orchard in the heart of London said, “ I am proud of my country India for having produced the splendid Zoroastrian stock; in numbers beneath contempt but in charity and philanthropy perhaps unequaled; certainly unsurpassed,” quoted from “The life and teachings of Zoroaster” by Professor A H Wadia, page 47.

Translation by Darmesteter:

The will of the Lord is the law of holiness:

the richest of ‘Mano’ shall be given to him, who works in this world for Mazda,

and he wields according to the will of Ahura,

the Power He gave him to relieve the poor.

Translation by Dhalla :

As Zarathustra is our Lord Temporal,

so is he the spiritual through his righteousness.

through the deeds of Good Thoughts done by man in the world, He, the Shepherd of the poor, makes for the kingdom of Ahura Mazda.

Translation by Taraporewala:

Just as the Temporal Ruler

is all powerful amongst men,

so, too, is the Spiritual Teacher,

even by reason of his Righteousness;

the gifts of Good Mind are for those, who work for Mazda, The Lord of life;

and the strength of Ahura is given unto him,

who unto his poor brethren giveth help.

Translation by Irani:

As Ahura Mazda is the Sovereign Lord,

so is he the spiritual-chief even through the Divine Attribute of Truth and Righteousness;

He dedicates the deeds of the life of the good mind to Ahura Mazda,

He dedicates to Him the Divine Attribute of Power by being the Pastor of the poor.

Translation Anonymous: In the name of the Lord and his Prophet —

and that for the sake of Rectitude;

He who is bestower of conscience for the Duties of Life, unto Mazda;

and also of self control for the Lord’s sake, that is the shelter of the poor.