Page:History of Zoroastrianism.djvu/112

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LIFE IS A BLESSING
79

mental and spiritual exuberance. The harmonious adjustment of these creates zest for life, and unbounded enthusiasm for ameliorative work. The ordinary man in his undertakings and the patriot who changes the destiny of his country and the prophet who revolutionizes man's social and moral life, all work with diverse enthusiasms created by the bodily, mental, and spiritual exuberance.

Prayer for earthly blessings. Zarathushtra asks Mazda to give him and his followers long-enduring joy that he may be able to withstand opposition.[1] Zarathushtra prays that the faithful be given the reward of joyful and happy life.[2] Ahura Mazda has ordained that the good shall have happy homes in which joy abounds.[3] He is invoked to give, according to his will, such good abodes with all pleasures of life that were and are and will be.[4] The faithful long for such good abodes rich in pastures.[5] Armaiti, as the genius of the earth, gives happy dwellings unto the righteous.[6] Those that are devoted to Vohu Manah are blessed with plenty and prosperity.[7] The Daevas defraud mankind of happy life upon earth.[8]

Ahura Mazda and his heavenly associates advance the desires of the good for the blessings of life.[9] Zarathushtra invokes Armaiti for the realization of the desires that he and Vishtaspa entertain.[10] Zarathushtra asks Ahura Mazda to fulfil the desires of those who are worthy in his eyes for their righteousness and for good thoughts.[11]

Mazda is implored to grant vitality and endurance which are the earthly gifts of Haurvatat and Ameretat.[12] Armaiti confers these boons upon the inmates of happy homes.[13] Zarathushtra prays for long life.[14] Mazda is besought to bestow happiness and joy for all the days of a long life upon those who pray for them.[15] The happiness and blessings of life come unto those that are righteous.[16] The devout pray for the riches of Good Mind through Righteousness that may bring unto them joy of

  1. Ys. 28. 6.
  2. Ys. 28. 2.
  3. Ys. 29. 10.
  4. Ys. 33. 10.
  5. Ys. 48. 11.
  6. Ys. 48. 6.
  7. Ys. 49. 5.
  8. Ys. 32. 5.
  9. Ys. 28. 9.
  10. Ys. 28. 7.
  11. Ys. 28. 10.
  12. Ys. 43. 1; 45. 10; 51. 7.
  13. Ys. 48. 6.
  14. Ys. 33. 5.
  15. Ys. 43. 2; 50. 5.
  16. Ys. 51. 8; 9. 20.