Page:History of Zoroastrianism.djvu/449

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LIFE AFTER DEATH

stars to the moon; the second heaven, of Good Words, commences from the moon and reaches the sun; the third, of Good Deeds, extends from the sun to the lower limits of Garotman, and the last, or the highest Garotman, the Best Existence, the abode of Ahura Mazda, is in the regions of the Endless Light.[1]

Nature of heaven. Heaven is exalted, resplendent, most fragrant, and most desirable.[2] It possesses all light, all goodness, all glory, all fragrance, and all joy.[3] It has comfort, pleasure, joy, and happiness that are higher and greater than the highest and greatest comfort, pleasure, joy, and happiness in this world. It is devoid of want, pain, distress, and discomfort,[4] and it is luminous, full of charm and full of bliss.[5] Just as anything that is unlimited, imperishable, inconsumable, and everlasting is greater than that which is limited, perishable, passing, and consumable, so is the felicity of heaven greater than that of this world.[6] The supremest happiness and pleasure in this world could not bear comparison with the eternal felicities of heaven.[7] Sweet-scented breezes like that of basil, continually blow in paradise, spreading fragrance everywhere.[8] The grandeur and beauty are such that the souls have never seen anything so exquisite in the material world. It is the residence of Ormazd, the archangels and angels, and of the Guardian Spirits as well as the most blessed among mankind.[9]

Condition of the souls in heaven. The souls in paradise move and perceive, and feel like the angels and archangels, they are undecaying, undying, unharmed, untroubled, full of glory, joy, pleasure, and happiness; and enjoy the fragrant breeze as sweet as the basil.[10] The radiance and brightness of the souls in heaven are like the stars and the moon and the sun, and they sit on the golden thrones and carpets.[11] The beautiful souls are attired in clothings embroidered with gold and silver and are seated on golden carpets and richly adorned cushions. Those of

  1. ↑ Mkh. 7. 9–12; AV. 7–10.
  2. ↑ Dd. 26. 2.
  3. ↑ Dk, vol. 3, p. 136; AV. 15. 21.
  4. ↑ Dd. 26. 3.
  5. ↑ Dk., vol. 9, p. 626.
  6. ↑ Dd. 26. 5; 31. 23, 24.
  7. ↑ Dd. 31. 22.
  8. ↑ Mkh. 7. 15.
  9. ↑ Dk., vol. 2, p. 80.
  10. ↑ Mkh. 7. 13–17; 40. 30.
  11. ↑ AV. 7. 2, 3; 8. 7; 9. 3, 4.
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