The Spirit of Zoroastrianism (The Spirit of ...)

This is a concise anthology of important Zoroastrian texts translated from Avestan, Old Persian and Pahlavi to English. The author, Prods O. Skjaervo, is one of the world's leading experts in Zoroastrianism and Iranian languages so this book couldn't be any more authoritative. The book gives concise introductions to Zoroastrian sacred texts, theology, history and ethics. The other chapters are devoted to newly or translated for the first time English renditions of influential texts. From the source itself the Avesta to stone inscriptions from the Sasanian period. Other very useful features include a glossary, list of texts and a superb bibliography for further study.My only continuing gripe is why with PF. Skajaervo’s expertise and a field full of brilliant scholars of Zoroastrianism, is there no new complete English translation of the Avesta and Pahlavi texts? It would be greatly appreciated by many types of people. There has not been a full English translation of the Avesta and other related texts for over 100 years! While this book is very valuable, wouldn't it be worthwhile to just make a full translation rather than publish occasional snippets or portions of these texts? Anyway, that was my rant of the matter but I strongly recommend this book to students and scholars who need concise introductions to these sacred texts.

It's a pretty basic introduction to the subject with plenty of original literature from various sources, though I wish it offer some more insights on its overall structure of the the topic and what the outlines of its basic philosophical aspects and how they formed up

A concise and well written text on an ancient prophet in Persia.

good reading

waste of time - waste of money

Good book, good service

Prior to reading this book, I had encountered many references to the ideas and texts of the Zoroastrian religion, mostly in relation to the Vedic religion and mythology (with which early Zoroastrianism shares much in common), as well as with regard to its influence on the beliefs of the Hebrew and early Christian religions. However, as many of these references are often presented in passing and with very little context or explanation of Zoroastrianism, I was searching for a book that would provide me with a fairly simple overview of the topic before I explored the religion further.This book provides an excellent introduction to the sacred texts of Zoroastrianism, as well a brief overview of its beliefs and rituals. The first section of the book (comprising roughly 40 of the 260 pages of the book) introduces the background and history of the religion and its texts, as well as summarising a variety of aspects of Zoroastrian belief including Creation and cosmology, gods and demons, Eschatology, the relationship between body and soul(s), and ethics in clear and simple terms.The remainder of the book contains modern translations of various Zoroastrian texts, from both the older and younger Avesta (including the Yasnas, Gathas, Yashts and Vendidad) as well as number of later inscriptions and Pahlavi texts (i.e. Middle-Persian, around 9th-11th century CE). These texts are arranged by topic in order to correspond with the subjects introduced in the book's first section and are organised together according to their source (Old Avesta, Young Avesta, Pahlavi text, etc), which is both highly convenient and easy to read.With regard to the criticism expressed in C. Dalrymple's review on this site, most of the reviewer's questions are answered by Professor Skjaervo in the preface and editorial notes in the first few pages of the book, and are further explained throughout.For example, because this book is part of "The Sacred Literature Series" by Yale Univerity Press, Skjaervo points out that "the size of the book was limited, and I decided texts were more important", rather than filling it with excessive notes and discussions. Skjaervo states that "All the translations are my own, although I have, of course, consulted existing translations and discussions", and provides a list of resources, both books and online, for further reading on Zoroastrian texts, history and religion. In numerous places he points out where translations are uncertain or contested and lists the possible or most likely equivalents. As Professor Skjaervo has been a teacher of Old Iranian languages, literature and religion for a number of decades, I feel he is qualified for the task.Further, Dalrymple's issue with Zoroastrianism being viewed as polytheistic and the question of Zoroaster's authorship stems from the simple fact that Zoroastrian belief and texts have a history of at least 3000 years, and as such has undergone many transformations and evolutions over the centuries. For example, we see how the old Vedic gods Indra, Sharva (Shiva) and Nasatyas from around 1500-1000 BCE are transformed centuries later and emerge as the evil "demons" Indar, Sawul and Nanghaiyth. In addition, what we call 'gods' or 'deities' are more commonly referred to as 'lords' or 'spirits' in this tradition, which can be confusing for some more used to Western theology.Lastly, the reviewer's comments about Zoroaster's authorship in parts of the Avesta and the analogy of contesting the authorship of the Bible - we find precisely this kind of reaction to the recent scholarship and archaeology which demonstrates the polytheistic nature ancient Israel (see Israel Finkelstein, William Dever, Mark S. Smith, etc) and the unlikelihood that the Pentateuch was authored by Moses himself (the 'Documentary' hypothesis). If such critical scholarship offends you, I'd recommend avoiding books such as this one.All in all, a great, simple introduction to the texts and beliefs of Zoroastrian. If you are looking for a more in-depth examination and discussion, I would recommend books by Jenny Rose and Mary Boyce.

Mostly I would notice the elements of rodeo clown personality in preachings of the first prophet on the need to find grass to preserve the order of the all-knowing one. The early scriptures have the form of prayer, even in the desire to win against hostilities. In later inscriptions, Yasna 43, I quote:I now see you at the rebirth of the new existence,as when you established, for the first time,actions as fee-earning,as well as the words that are to be uttered,and established a bad reward for the badand a good one for the good (p. 125).

I bought this book because I wanted to get closer to this ancient religion and understand it better. It's really interesting and I appreciate the translation of the old texts, but I find it difficult to follow. It's definitely not suggested for people like me, for beginners. Many terms are translated and present many synonyms but lack of explanation..

Great book about Zoroastrianism, the author basically just translates their texts so that you can read what the Zoroastrians thought. There is no explicit comparison between Christianity, Judaism , or Islam, but the relationship becomes obvious.