Page:History of Zoroastrianism.djvu/348

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ZARATUSHT IN THE PAHLAVI WORKS
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marched onward, Vohuman walked first and Zaratusht followed. As they walked together, Zaratusht saw that Vohuman was as tall as three men's spears and that he had to take ninety steps to cover the space that Vohuman did in nine steps. As they came within twenty-four feet of the Amshaspands, Zaratusht could not see his own shadow on the ground, for so great was their brilliance.[1]

Zaratusht confers with Ormazd. When Zaratusht approached the august assembly, he paid homage to Ormazd and the Amshaspands and took his seat among the inquirers. In the conversation that follows, Zaratusht puts questions and Ormazd gives his replies. Ormazd explains to him the excellence of the triad of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds and the mode of best conduct. Ormazd further acquaints him with the existence and nature of the two primeval spirits. Zaratusht gets the beatific vision of the omniscient wisdom of Ormazd three times during the day and the remaining six Amshaspands exhibit to him the three ordeals by fire, molten metal, and knife. He is made to walk three steps on fire reciting the words, 'good thoughts, good words, and good deeds,' and he is not burnt. Hot metal is, likewise, poured on his chest and he is not hurt. In the third ordeal, the vital parts of his body are cut with a knife so as to let the blood flow from the wound, which is healed by passing hands over it. These ordeals, Zaratusht is told, are to be undergone by the leaders of religion to prove the steadfastness of their faith when occasions demand it of them.[2]

Zaratusht's seven conferences with the Amshaspands. When Zaratusht returns from his conference with the Amshaspands, he opens his ministry and begins to unfold his divine message to mankind. The Kiks and Karaps opposed him and he rebuked and repudiated them in strong terms. The disbelievers clamour for his death, but the Turanian Aurvaitadang saves him.[3] Ahriman and the demons assail Zaratusht and contemplate his death. Zaratusht routs them and buries them in the earth by the recital of the Ahunvar.[4]

During the first decade of his ministry, Zaratusht had alto-

  1. ↑ Zsp 21 4–13; Dk., SBE, vol 47, bk 7 3. 51–61; 4. 29; Jackson, ib., p 36, 40, 41.
  2. ↑ Zsp. 21 14–27; 22. 2; Jackson, ib., p. 42.
  3. ↑ Dk., SBE, vol 47, bk 7. 4. 1–20; Jackson, ib., p. 42, 43.
  4. ↑ Dk., SBE., vol. 47. bk. 7. 4. 36–45.
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