Creations of Ahura Mazda

Creations of Ahura Mazda

by

Children of Zoroastrian Association of North Texas March 2009 i

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Creations of Ahura Mazda by

Proceeds from the sale of this book will benefit the ZANT Building Fund

Zoroastrian Association of North Texas (ZANT) Marchiii2009

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Acknowledgements

Firstly, we sincerely thank you for purchasing this book.

Your donation for the ZANT Center is very much appreciated. The essays and illustrations of the seven creations were done by us based on what we learnt at our ZANT Religious Class. We hope that you enjoy reading our book.

We would like to thank: (i) our religious class teacher, Pearl P. Balsara for giving us the idea for creating this book so that we can help raise funds for our ZANT Center, (ii) Darius Shroff for designing the cover, (iii) our other religious class teacher Nina Kalianivala and Charlotte Kharas for the creation story, (iv) Poras T. Balsara for putting everything together and compiling this book, (v) Firdosh Mehta for reviewing parts of the book, and, (vi) our parents for helping us in this project and giving encouragement.

The paintings of AmeshÄ SpentÄ s were done by Ms. Hannah M.G. Shapero. We would like to thank her for granting us permission to use her paintings. She can be reached at http://www.pyracantha.com.

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Table of Contents Sky (Āsmān) .......................................................................................2 Water (Āvān) .....................................................................................4 Earth (Zam) ........................................................................................6 Plants (Urvar).....................................................................................8 Animals (Gospand) ........................................................................... 10 Human Beings (Mardum) ................................................................ 12 Fire (Ātash or Ātar) ....................................................................... 14 The Zoroastrian Creation Story.................................................. 16 Seven Creations in a Jashan Ceremony ...................................... 20 Reviewing Ameshā Spentās and the Seven Creations............. 21 Ameshā Spentās, Yazatās and 7 Creations ............................... 25 30 Days of a Zoroastrian Month ................................................. 26 Puzzles ............................................................................................... 29

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1

Sky (Āsmān) Ahura Mazda first created sky. Sky is an imaginary dome where the sun, stars, planets, and the moon are seen.

The sky looks beautiful with the shining sun and sailing clouds during the day and, the moon, planets and twinkling stars at night! The sky can turn a multitude of colors such as red, orange and yellow (especially near sunset or sunrise) and black at night. Some of the natural phenomena seen in the sky are clouds, rainbows, and aurorae. Lightning can also be seen in the sky during storms.

As a result of human activities, smog is seen during the day. So, to take care and preserve this creation, we must control pollution of the air. We can do this by minimizing the emission of harmful gases from vehicles, refineries & industries. Also, by studying Astronomy, the more we learn about space, the better we can take care of it!

Kshathra Vairya or Shahrevar is the Ameshā Spentā that looks after the sky and also metals. Kshathra Vairya,

the guardian of the sky, means “desirable power”, that is, the power to do good. Kshathra is our ability to act based on our plans and intentions in order to manifest our desires. It is our power to change our environment and our world according to what we perceive to be the best.

During the Maidyozarem Gahambār we celebrate the creation of sky. This Gahambār is celebrated during the māh (month) of Ardibehesht from 11th roj (day), Khorshed to 15th roj, Dae-pa-Meher.

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Water (Āvān) The second creation of Ahura Mazda is Water. Water is clear, clean and beautiful. It is an essential element of creation as there would be no life without it. We grow fruits, grains and vegetables by watering trees and plants. Human beings and animals also need water when they are thirsty. We need water for our shower and to keep things clean.

There are many sources of water – rain, rivers, lakes, oceans, etc. We even get water from melting ice at the poles. We must take care of the water bodies by not polluting them, by not throwing garbage, chemical wastes in them. We must also not waste water in our daily life.

The Ameshā Spentā responsible for water is Haurvatat or Khordād.

Haurvatat means perfection. This Ameshā Spentā teaches to do our very best always and to do everything just right.

Creation of water is celebrated during the Maidyoshahem Gahambār. The celebration is during the māh (month) of Tir from 11th roj (day), Khorshed to 15th roj, Dae-pa-Meher. On the roj Tir of this month we also celebrate our “Water Festival”, Tirgān by splashing water on each other.

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Earth (Zam) After the sky and water, Ahura Mazda created Earth.

It is the planet on which we live. It is the fifth largest planet in our solar system and the third planet in order of distance from the sun. Earth is full of natural resources, like minerals, water, oil, etc. It provides us place to grow our vegetables and fruits, build houses, roads to travel, etc.

For us to be able to use the land, our earth must be kept clean and in good condition. We must not pollute it by throwing garbage, dumping chemicals in rivers and oceans, etc. We must reduce pollution by using less gas by carpooling with others. We must plant trees on earth so that the soil does not get washed away in the rains.

We must try to recycle paper, glass, etc. and not waste anything, so we conserve the natural resources.

Ameshā Spentā, Spentā Ārmaiti or Spendārmard is the guardian for Earth.

Spentā Ārmaiti means piety and devotion.

The

She teaches us to be sincere and hard-working in everything we do – our studies as well as games.

The Paitishahem Gahambār celebrates the creation of earth.

This Gahambār is celebrated during the māh (month) of Sheherevar from 26th roj, (day) Āshtād to 30th roj, Anerān.

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Plants (Urvar) With the beautiful sky above and plenty of water, Ahura Mazda created His next creation on Earth … the plants.

Plants made the earth beautiful! Plants are big or small, skinny or fat, and they are all living things. The beauty of plants is that they can be a flower bush or a fruit tree, but we can use all of them as our resources. They are useful to humans and animals because we can eat them and also use them for shelter. Birds make their nest in the tree using dried leaves and branches fallen from the trees.

We can take care of plants by planting them in good soil, and giving them water and fertilizer. If you give them good sunlight they will be healthy. Plants also help clean our environment by giving oxygen. Roots of plants and trees hold soil together and prevent erosion of soil. So, we should grow lots of plants on earth. Besides fruits and vegetables plants also give us herbs which are used to make different medicines for human beings and animals.

Plants

are

under the care of Ameretat or Amardād Ameshā Spentā who makes sure that plants, herbs and trees are all healthy and fresh.

Ameretat means living forever or immortal. If we lead a good life and take care of creations of Ahura Mazda we will be remembered forever.

Creation of plants is celebrated during the Ayāthrem Gahambār. The celebration is during the māh (month) of Meher from 26th roj (day), Āshtād to 30th roj, Anerān.

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Animals (Gospand) After Ahura Mazda put plants on earth, He made the animals. Animals are living things that walk, swim or fly.

Some animals are pretty and some are not so good to look; some are big and others are small. They are useful to us for their fur to make clothing and we can hunt them for food. Some animals we can use for pets. People want pets because most are friendly.

To help take care of animals we should not pollute our environment or cut down trees. The best way to take care of animals is to just leave them be in the wild and not put them in zoos because when they are in the zoos, they are stuck in little cages, when they should be out in the wild. We should not throw trash like plastic bags, bottles out in the fields and forests since animals can choke on them when they eat it.

Animals are under the protection of Vohu Manah (also called Bāhman) Amesha Spentā. Vohu Manah means good mind. It is good to have and use the good mind so you won’t hurt people. If you use your good mind you won’t say mean words or do bad deeds.

If you have to make a decision your mind tells you what is the best thing to do.

The Maidyārem Gahambār celebrates the creation of animals. The Gahambār is celebrated during the māh (month) of Daē from 16th roj (day), Meher to 20th roj,

Bāhrām.

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Human Beings (Mardum) Ahura Mazda had still not finished making things…

These beautiful creations needed people to take care of them and enjoy them. So he created humans (mardum).

As per the Zoroastrian creation story, the first human was Gayomard. The beauty of humans is that they help other creations and other men and women too. Ahura Mazda gave humans a good mind and soul. To guide our soul, He has given us the “Fravashi”, His divine spark (a part of Himself). Humans are useful because they use common sense in all things!

We can take care of this creation by taking care of our bodies by eating healthy food, drinking lots of water, getting a lot of sleep everyday and by exercising. We should not use drugs, smoke or eats lots of junk food.

We should always use our good mind to think before speaking or doing anything that can hurt others. This will also exercise our brain and keep it healthy for a long time.

Because of special responsibility of taking care of other creations, humans are under the care Spentā Mainyu Amesha Spentā, the divine spirit of Ahura Mazda. Spentā Mainyu always helps us think good thoughts, speak kind and truthful words and do good deeds. the Hamaspathmaedem Gahambār we celebrate the creation of humans. This Gahambār is celebrated during the five Gāthā days following the māh (month) of Spendārmard.

During

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Fire (Ātash or Ātar) After Ahura Mazda created His six creations, He gave them energy by creating fire. Fire gives us light, energy and keeps us warm on a cold winter day. It also helps us cook food. According to the ancient Persian stories, fire was discovered by King Hoshang when he was hunting with his men. This day is celebrated as Jashn-e-Sādeh.

In our religion, fire represents Ahura Mazda and that’s why we have fire in our Fire Temples so that we can worship Ahura Mazda by praying in front of the Fire. By praying like this we get blessings from Ahura Mazda and Asho Zarathushtra.

As human beings we should take care of fire by not throwing gasoline, alcohol, glass, etc. in fire. Since fire is holy for us, we should treat it with respect. We should check with an adult before handling anything that can cause a big fire. We should never play with fire or you will burn yourself.

Asha Vahishta or Ardibehesht is

the Amesha Spenta associated with fire. Asha Vahishta means “truth, righteousness and order”.

We should always search for the truth in whatever we want to do.

If we do this, we will always be happy.

The creation, fire is celebrated as the seventh or the last festival in the old year and is also beginning of the New Year, NouRuz or the “new day” (māh Farvardin, roj Hormazd).

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The Zoroastrian Creation Story (Based on The Bundāhishn)

In the Zoroastrian tradition, the Book of Creation is called Bundahishn. This book dates back to around the 6th century CE. The Bundahishn talks about creation and the battle between the good forces of Ahura Mazda and the evil forces of Ahriman.

Ahura Mazda, the Lord of Wisdom created the world as

we know it with the sky, water, earth, plants, animals, man, and fire. He also created the Ameshā Spentās (Bounteous Immortals) and Yazatās (Adorable Beings worthy of worship) to protect these creations.

According to the story of creation, in the beginning, Ahura Mazda, the Lord of Wisdom who is all-knowing, eternal, infinite and totally good, lived in Endless Light.

His opponent, Ahriman, who is ignorant and destructive, lived in Total Darkness. There was nothing else.

Then, Ahura Mazda decided to create the world. He first made the sky. It was like one round, shining, empty, shell … nothing but the sky. To the sky He later added the sun, moon, stars and the constellations.

Then He created the flowing waters, clean, and pure.

Next, came the earth, completely plain, easy to walk 16

on. There were no mountains or valleys in it. After creating the earth, Ahura Mazda decided to fill the earth, so he created a variety of plants, fresh, sweet, and edible. Now that there was food on earth, Ahura Mazda decided to create animals who could feed on it.

It is said that He created the bull first, a beautiful, spotless, white bull. Later He created other animals, some big, some small, some short, some tall. As the only creation with a thinking mind, Ahura Mazda created Gayomard (or Gayo Maretan), the first mortal human being. Gayomard was the perfect man, tall, handsome, and intelligent. In order to protect man, and help him, Ahura Mazda created his final creation, fire. He ordained that fire should serve mankind, and help man by keeping him warm, helping him cook food, and protecting him against danger. He created fire to energize the whole creation.

At this time the world was in a perfect state. However, the all-knowing Ahura Mazda knew that sooner or later Ahriman would attack His perfect creation. Ahriman due to his ignorance was not aware of this creation.

Then, just as Ahura Mazda had known, Ahriman stepped out of his darkness and saw the beautiful creations. He attempted to be destructive but failed, as he realized that Ahura Mazda’s strength and glory were far greater than his destructive powers.

Ahura Mazda, wanted to end the matter and bring peace so He asked Ahriman to help His creation and offer praises so that Ahriman could 17

become immortal. However, ignorant Ahriman was not willing to do that. He thought he was very powerful too, and did not need to praise anyone. Instead, he went back to his darkness vowing to destroy the perfect creation.

He then started his own evil army of demons and monsters.

As always, the all-knowing Ahura Mazda knew of Ahriman’s evil plans. He knew that there would be a battle between His beautiful creations and Ahriman’s demons. So Ahura Mazda also created the Ameshā Spentās, and Yazatās, who would protect His beautiful creations.

To protect the sky He created Vohu Kshathra. He created Haurvatat as the guardian of waters and Ameretat to protect plants. Earth was placed under the protection of Spentā Ārmaiti and Vohu Manah protected animals. Asha Vahishta protected fire.

Since mankind was Ahura Mazda’s most magnificent creation, He decided that His own Holy Spirit, Spentā Mainyu would be its guardian.

Just as Ahura Mazda had expected, Ahriman and his demons arose from their dark world and with a desire to destroy God’s perfect (Spentā) creations as well as the Ameshā Spentās. They defiled the pure waters; they tried to destroy the earth, and as a result, made deserts, valleys, and mountains in it. They tried to destroy the plant and animal kingdoms too. There was sadness, pain, and unhappiness in the world. Ahriman sent the demoness Jāhi to attack Gayomard by bringing disease, sickness, and ultimately death.

Finally, he attacked fire by mixing smoke and darkness in it.

Ahriman thought that he had won! But Ahriman was ignorant and foolish. When Gayomard passed away, a rivas (rhubarb) plant grew from his remains. After forty 18

years, Mashyā and Mashyānā, the first couple, grew out of this plant and Ahura Mazda put a ruvān (soul) in each of their bodies. Mashya and Mashyana made a promise to Ahura Mazda. They said that they, along with their children, would protect the earth, and fight Ahriman.

Later on, Mashyānā gave birth to fifteen twins and each pair settled in different parts of the world, and developed into a race.

In keeping with the promise Mashyā and Mashyānā had made, each of their descendants helped Ahura Mazda against His battle with the Evil One. Each one followed the principles of Humata (good thoughts), Hukhta (good words), and Huvarshta (good deeds). If, we all, of our own free will, follow these principles, Ahriman will be destroyed, and there will be peace, perfection, and immortality in the world. We should always remember our Ashem Vohu prayer which teaches us that we should always do good because it is the right thing to do!

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Seven Creations in a Jashan Ceremony The materials and implements used in a Zoroastrian Jashan ceremony symbolically represent the seven creations of Ahura Mazda and hence the seven Ameshā Spentās.

Ameshā Spentā

Creation

Symbolized by

Kshathra Vairya Haurvatat Spentā Ārmaiti Ameretat Vohu Manah Spentā Mainyu Asha Vahishta

Sky Water Earth Plants Animals Humans Fire

All the metallic implements Water in the glass Floor where the ritual is done Flowers, fruits, wood offered Milk in the glass Priests performing the ritual Burning sandalwood

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Vohu Manah

Spentā Mainyu

(The power to think good and make right decisions)

Good Mind

(The power to generate good thoughts, good words, good deeds)

Wisdom

Reviewing Ameshā Spentās and the Seven Creations

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SpentÄ Ä€rmaiti

Kshathra Vairya

Asha Vahishta

(The power to work hard )

Devotion

(The power to do good deeds)

Desirable Power

(The power to find truth)

Truth / Order

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Ameretat

Haurvatat

(Good deeds live forever)

Never dies

(The power to do things correctly)

Perfection

In short …

•

Ahura Mazda (“Wisdom”) has given us the “Good Mind” (Vohu Manah) to guide us to choose the path of “Truth” (Asha Vahishta).

•

Through “Wisdom” and “Truth”, we gain “Power (strength and courage)” (Kshathra Vairya) to fight evil and do good deeds.

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If we dedicate our life to this path with “Devotion” (Spentā Ārmaiti), we will reach “Perfection” (Haurvatat).

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“Perfection” guarantees Immortality” (Ameretat).

“Happiness

and

… From the Zoroastrian Sunday School notes by Farrokh Mistree

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Ameshā Spentās, Yazatās and 7 Creations Yazatās are co-workers of Ameshā Spentās and help in preserving the creations of Ahura Mazda.

Spentā Mainyu HORMAZD Dae-Pa-Ādar Dae-Pa-Meher Dae-Pa-Din

Man

Ameretat

Vohu Manah BAHMAN Mohor Gosh Ram

AMARDAD Rashna Ashtad Zamyad

Animals

Plants

Asha Vahishta

Haurvatat

ARDIBEHESHT Adar Srosh Behram

KHORDAD Tir Fravardin Govad

Fire

Water

Spentā Ārmaiti

Kshathra Vairya

SPENDARMARD Ava Din Ashishvangh Marespand

SHEHREVAR Khorshed Meher Asman Aneran

Sky

Earth

In a Zoroastrian calendar, the 30 days of a month are named after Dādār Ahura Mazda, Ameshā Spentās and Yazatās. This way we can remember each one of them on their given day in a month and do our best to follow their qualities and principles they stand for. If we do this we will always have a great month!

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30 Days of a Zoroastrian Month I. Ahura Mazda and His Perfect Attributes Dādār Hormazd (Ahura Mazda): Lord of Wisdom.

Bahman Amaeshāspand (Vohū Manoh): Good Mind.

Ardibēhēsht Amaeshāspand (Asha Vahishta): Truth, Order.

Shehrevar Amaeshāspand (Kshathra Vairya): Benevolent Power, Desirable Kingdom.

5. Spendārmard Amaeshāspand (Spentā Ārmaiti): Devotion.

6. Khordād Amaeshāspand (Haurvatat): Perfection.

7. Amardād Amaeshaspand (Ameretat): Immortality

1.

2.

3.

4.

II. Aspects of God’s Light 8.

9.

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11.

12.

13.

14.

Dae-pa-Ādar Dādār: Giver of Fire. Ādar Yazad (Āthtra): Fire. Āvän Ardvi Sūra Bānu: Water.

Khorshed Yazad (Hvarey-kshaeta): Sun. Mohor Yazad (Mah or Maongha): Moon.

Tir Yazad (Tishtriya): Star (Sirius).

Gosh Yazad (Gēush Tashan): Life’s creator.

III. Moral Ideas – Virtues 15.

16.

17.

18.

19.

20.

21.

22.

Dae-pa-Meher Dādār: Giver of Friendship, love, light.

Meher Yazad (Mithrā): Friendship, love, light.

Sarosh Yazad (Sraosha): Prayer, willing obedience.

Rashnu Rast Yazad: Justice.

Farrokh Farvardin: Divinity in humanity.

Behrām Yazad (Verethraghna): Triumph.

Minō Räm: Divine Joy. Govād Yazad (Huvāta): Wind, clean environment.

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IV. Ideas on Daenā (Religion) 23. Dae-pa-Din Dādār: Giver of Religion.

24. Din Yazad (Daenā): Religion.

25. Minō Ashishvangh (Ashi-Vanghoi): Blessings, wealth of mind and heart.

26. Āshtād Yazad (Arshtāt): Truth, Justice.

27. Minō Āsmān: Sky, Immensity of Space.

28. Zamyād Yazad: Earth.

29. Minō Marespānd: Holy Words.

30. Minō Anerän: Eternal Light. (from lectures by Late Dasturji N. D. Minochehr-Homji)

12 Months of the Year 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

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Farrokh Farvardin Ardibēhēsht Ameshāspand Khordād Ameshāspand Tir Yazad Amardād Ameshaspand Shehrevar Ameshāspand Meher Yazad Āvän Ardvi Sūra Bānu Ādar Yazad Daē Dādār Bahman Ameshāspand Spendārmard Ameshāspand

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Puzzles Crossword I Across 7.

8.

13.

17.

Down 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

9.

The creator Guardian of the Waters Who takes care of the Sky The first creation

18.

19.

20.

Protector of plants Who protects mankind The fifth creation

Protector of fire I watch over animals Who was the first man The third creation We grow on earth Creation that energizes Ahura Mazda’s helpers

10.

11.

12.

14.

15.

16.

Only creation that can reason It is hot and I need __ She takes care of mother earth It means best truth or order The spark of God in mankind ___ creations of Ahura Mazda

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Crossword II Across 6.

8.

11.

Down 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Gahambar for the sky Festival for animals Gahambars coincide with ___

13.

14.

15.

Mankind’s celebration Seasonal festivals Celebration for the green thumbs

Spirit of oneness for all The Spring Equinox Six of these in our Kushti Offered during all festivities Gahambars celebrate _____

7.

9.

10.

12.

Gahambar celebrating water Zoroastrian “Earth Day” Makes Gahambars delicious Not counting NouRuz, there are ___ Gahambars

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Hidden Words Puzzle

Find the following hidden words:

AhuraMazda, AmeshaSpenta, Yazata, SpentaMainyu, Mardum, Humans, VohuManah, Bahman, GoodMind, Gospand, Asman, KshathraVairya, Shahrevar, Haurvatat, Spendarmard, SpentaArmaiti, Devotion, Urvar, Plants, Ameretat, Fravashi, Atash, Ardibehesht, Asha, Humata, Hukhta, Huvarshta, Amardad, Khordad, Maidyozarem, Maidyarem, Hamaspathmaedem, Ayathrem, Maidyoshahem, Paitishahem, Nouruz, Jashan, Gahambar.

I P O I E N R Y E L A E E B H U G U Q T E S T G K

E S O T Z A D H C E X G A U A J R N N A M S A S B

H A S T P G L H U M A T A T S V P E F G U H H A P

J N O P P R T S I V O S H C A L R S G C A A H F G

Q D I O E O L E X W A K O R E H S N L M T M S E S

E Q M F Q N S A A H U R A M A Z D A B H A A F O T

P H P R L P T F S H D K S U S N N A R N T S S N J

A Y E H C A J A H L H T R H A A R A M I N P H G N

B S T P S A G A M O N V S P T G V E B W E A A H T

I J R H S D D I R A A Q S S U A R D A N P T H M P

G R I H C X R D L T I O G C I A F P T U S H R C D

M T A A G O A P A G G N G R Z C R A A J A M E X A

N N T N O D M T W S O S Y O S I A H Z E H A V T S

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X J A A M E R E T A T A Y U M R V N A M S E A Z E

O T W M E H A H S O Y D I A M E A E Y A E D R Z S

E G N U C D D E R T I R O A E A S H A R M E S D B

N D A H E A N I P A I T I S H A H E M D A M S R Z

P D E O T X E N M O X T H N N F I P A U E M N V R

I S L V O T P A R D I B E H E S H T I M E N A W T

M R N S O A S V R A N P B T A I G A D N A R M V O

Z S D N D T B L N M O E A H X D S A Y A T H R E M

R Z E A Q M I P G O O D M I N D O M A H R H C A E

P Y T M C R O O N C S B M N O D V E R K O F H T G

T N O U R U Z Y N O D E E Q T E N A E S O O E E E

W E I H W R C O R I I N E E G M T A M A R D A D F

Solutions: Crossword I Across 7.

8.

13.

17.

Down 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

9.

Ahura Mazda Haurvatat Kshathra Vairya Sky

18.

19.

20.

Ameretat Spenta Mainyu Animals

Asha Vahishta Vohu Mana Gayomard Earth Plants Fire Amesha Spentas

10.

11.

12.

14.

15.

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Man Water Armaiti Asha Fravashi Seven

Crossword II Across 6.

8.

11.

Down 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Maidyozarem Maidyarem Seasons

13.

14.

15.

Hamaspathmaedem Gahambars Ayathrem

Community togetherness NouRuz Tassels Prayers Creations

7.

9.

10.

12.

Maidyoshahem Paitishahem Food Six

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References • • • • •

• •

P. P. Balsara: ZANT Childrens’ Religious Class notes F. Mistree: Zoroastrian Sunday School notes K. Mistree and F. Shahzadi: The Zarathushti Religion: A Basic Text, FEZANA, 1998 R. Rivetna, ed: The Legacy of Zarathushtra, FEZANA, 2002.

E. W. West: The Bundahishn (“Creation”) translation from Sacred Books of the East, vol. 5, Oxford University Press, 1897 (available at http://avesta.org) http://www.zoroastriankids.com H. M.G. Shapero: Artist rendition of the Amesha Spentas, http://www.pyracantha.com

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