Selections from Zoroastrianism’s Sacred Book “Sad Dar”: Chapters 1-6, Part 1 of 2

Zoroaster, also known as Zarathustra, was a Prophet who lived in ancient Iran. As a young man, He became a priest in the religion of the time. However, His destiny changed when He was granted a vision from the holy Being, Ahura Mazda. This experience and others led to Zoroaster’s teachings that Ahura Mazda is the eternal and only Supreme Being. Within this Divine context, humans have free will, which can be used in the choice of good or evil. One can be fulfilled by using free will to formulate good thoughts, speak good words and do good deeds. Zoroaster was a pure vegetarian and in respect for all life, He forbade animal sacrifice. He also prophesied an ultimate Savior of the world who would come at a future time to restore a Heavenly existence on Earth. The concepts presented in Zoroaster’s teachings, such as the belief in one God, are thought to have influenced Greek philosophy as well as religions such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. “Sad Dar,” which means “Hundred Doors,” is a Persian book that offers 100 chapters of guidelines within Zoroastrian teachings. Today, we invite you to listen to excerpts from “Sad Dar.”

“This is a book (kitab), about the proper and improper, which is extracted from the good and pure religion of the Mazda-worshippers. What is expedient is this, for everyone to know and keep this in practice. And it is not desirable that he become independent of this for a single hour. Because, when one becomes independent, the sin for each one may become abundant; and when it is brought into practice the reward becomes abundant.”

“And, secondly, the kindness and generosity of the sacred Being, the most high, are manifest from this, that He created us with each member complete, and did not keep anything from the maternal nature. And whatever was necessary for use He gave us. At the head, likewise, He appointed a master, which is the wisdom for the purpose that they may keep these members in action.”

“The first subject is this, that it is necessary that they become steadfast in the religion, and do not introduce any hesitation and doubt into the heart. And that they make a statement with confidence, that the good religion, the true and perfect, which the Lord sent into the world, is that which Zartosht has brought; which is this I hold.”

“The second subject is this, that it is necessary to make an effort, so that they may not commit any sin. If even a trifling sin occurs it is not desirable to assume that this small quantity does not possess harm hereafter.”

“The third subject is this, that it is necessary for man that he be continuously employed on his own work, and then the work becomes his own.”