Page:History of Zoroastrianism.djvu/213

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180
YAZATAS

Chisti

Divinity of religious wisdom. Unlike her partner, just mentioned, Chisti, the divinity of religious wisdom, has a personality that is sharply defined. Her standing epithets are 'good' and 'most upright.' She is the most upright, holy, bearing libations, wearing a white garment as her emblem.[1] Zarathushtra longs to own her and devoutly implores her to grant him, among other things, the clearest vision.[2] The prophet's noble consort Hvovi, as well as the itinerant priests and the lords of the country, are among her supplicants, asking various boons, which she grants to those who are pure in heart.[3] The faithful long to approach Ahura Mazda through the deeds of Chisti.[4]

The word chisti is often used to denote spiritual wisdom. The eighth name of Ahura Mazda is chisti or wisdom, and the ninth is, possessed of wisdom.[5] The world first came into being through Ahura Mazda's understanding and wisdom.[6] Haoma makes the mind of the poor exalted with wisdom.[7]

Sraosha

His personality. Sraosha is one of the few angels whose prominence increases with the lapse of time. Two Yashts are dedicated to him, the latter of which occurs also in the Yasna. He is the angel whose name has reached afar and whose very body is the holy spell.[8] Sraosha occupied a conspicuous place in the Gathas, and was associated with Ahura Mazda and his six abstract figures that have now become a corporate body of the seven Amesha Spentas. His close connection with them is remembered by the composers of the Later Avestan texts. We are told that he was the first in the entire creation to worship Ahura Mazda, the Amesha Spentas, and the two protectors.[9] He

  1. Yt. 10. 126.
  2. Yt. 16. 2-13.
  3. Yt. 16. 15, 17, 19.
  4. Ys. 36. 4.
  5. Yt. 1. 8, 9.
  6. Yt. 1. 26.
  7. Ys. 10. 13.
  8. Ys. 3. 20; 4. 23; Yt. 13. 85; Vd. 18. 14.
  9. Ys. 57. 2, 6.