Page:History of Zoroastrianism.djvu/456

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CHAPTER XLV
THE RENOVATION

Those who further the work of the final restoration. The work of regenerating the world, which was commenced by Gayomard, the first man, and was looked forward to from the time of the Gathas, will be brought to completion and perfection by Soshyos, the last saviour.[1] With Gayomard the curtain rose on the human drama. It will fall with the advent of Soshyos. Gayomard, Jamshid, Zaratusht, and all pious men who have worked for the betterment of the universe are among those that help in bringing about the final renovation.[2] The great work proceeds with greater or lesser success according as mankind are stronger or weaker in the practice of righteousness at various periods. In two of his visions the prophet sees a tree with four and seven branches respectively. The branches are made of different metals and represent the various periods of the religious history of Zoroastrianism. The first and the golden branch represents the golden age of the faith under King Gushtasp, the silver and steel boughs symbolize a decadence, while the last, depicted by the iron branch, or age of the great catastrophe, is the period of the final overthrow of the empire, the overwhelming cataclysm that threatened to submerge the world except for the triumph of virtue and right.[3] When the mighty work of reclaiming mankind from evil is accomplished, there will follow the Renovation of the universe.[4] Those who work to bring this period nearer are said to be holding communion with Ormazd.[5]

Saviours born immaculately. Ormazd sends his special messengers at various periods of chaos and confusion to save humanity from the clutches of Ahriman.[6] This is clear in the Gathas as in the Younger Avesta. These Messianic heralds of the real truth to be embodied in the final Soshyos exemplify righteousness, complete and translate the abstract teachings of

  1. ↑ Dk., vol. 1, p. 29.
  2. ↑ Dd. 36. 2.
  3. ↑ BYt. 1. 2–5; 2. 14–22.
  4. ↑ Dk., vol. 5, p. 332.
  5. ↑ Dk., vol. 7, p. 426.
  6. ↑ Dk., vol. 1, p. 29.

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