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ORMAZD

hampering his spiritual growth, prove to be only so many turns and windings that lead him astray from the path of Ormazd to that of Ahriman. Well can we see why man has constantly to beware of these; the tempestuous storm may overtake him at any moment, if he has not made any provision in the hour of calm. There is no hope for the individual who demeans and debases himself, and is loath to leave the path of wickedness. It is through the help of Ormazd that man can liberate himself from the evil designs of Ahriman, and make himself worthy for eternal bliss.[1]

Man should further know Ormazd, for to know him is to follow him. This is the desire of the godhead.[2] He loves man with the love of a father for his child.[3] It behoves man to live in accordance with the divine will, and to offer to him worship and glorification.[4] He is worthy of man's praise because of his wise dispensation unto man.[5] Purity of thought, word, and deed is the most acceptable sacrifice to be given to Ormazd. The righteous person who furthers his creation by his holy deeds pleases him most.[6]

Devotion to Ormazd should dominate man's entire being, and man stands firm as a rock in the midst of trials and sufferings as long as he lives for Ormazd. Woe unto him who ceases to be good, for Ormazd departs from his sinful person and the wicked man becomes a partner of Ahriman.[7] The strongest of the strong has to turn to God for succour in the moment of overwhelming trouble, and Ormazd's help is the best preservative of man from all calamities. In the moment of the bitterest anguish, when man's heart sinks under sorrow, when cramping and sordid poverty brings depression, when the cup of misery is filled to the brim, and the spirit is wrung with grief, man finds the final refuge in him.[8] When man is devoutly resigned to Ormazd, he is saved from all troubles.[9]

In his divinity, moreover, Ormazd desires that man shall not come to him simply when reduced to dire extremities, but shall be constant in his devotion, whether amid happiness or in misery.

  1. ↑ Dk., vol. 7, p. 441.
  2. ↑ Mkh. 40. 24, 25; Dk., vol. 7, p. 444; vol. 10, bk. 6. 31, p. 10.
  3. ↑ Dk., vol. 7, p. 441.
  4. ↑ Dk., vol. 9, p. 641.
  5. ↑ Dk., vol. 6, p. 390.
  6. ↑ Dk., vol. 8, p. 489.
  7. ↑ Dk., vol. 3, p. 179.
  8. ↑ Dk., vol. 11, bk. 6. 126, p. 33.
  9. ↑ Dk., vol. 10, bk. 6. 28, p. 9.
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