Page:History of Zoroastrianism.djvu/87

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54
MAZDA'S MINISTERING ANGELS.

Righteousness will win over wickedness. The creed of Asha leads to felicity, whereas the opposite way of wickedness brings destruction.[1] Those who follow the ways of wickedness destroy the world of Asha's righteousness.[2] Zarathushtra seeks from Asha and his heavenly associates power with which he and his followers may smite wickedness.[3] Asha's righteousness leaves evil doers who embrace not devotion and good thinking, just as wild beasts flee from men.[4] Vohu Manah leaves those who think not of Asha.[5] Ahura Mazda is invoked to teach how the faithful can drive away the Druj and those persons who, in defiance of the divine precepts, follow not Asha.[6] The prophet asks Ahura Mazda how best he can put wickedness in the hands of righteousness and bring punishment unto those who embrace wickedness.[7] Vohu Manah will establish the divine kingdom of Ahura Mazda for those who vanquish wickedness and deliver it into the hands of Asha.[8] The world will ultimately embrace righteousness through the efficacious teachings of the Saviours of the world and Ahura Mazda is asked to declare when that happy day will dawn over the world.[9] Zarathushtra tells Ahura Mazda that his divine purpose will be accomplished and his name will be glorified when as ordained by him both men and demons will see at the end of the world that Asha triumphs and his righteousness smites wickedness and the world will be blessed with the happy tidings.[10] He fervently hopes for the period when every individual m his or her own capacity will embrace and act righteousness and will thus make the entire world of humanity gravitate towards Asha. In this consists the final victory of good over evil, and the Divine Kingdom of Ahura Mazda will come when righteousness wholly pervades the universe. All, therefore, have to contribute to this mighty work. The righteous ones living in different ages and at different places form the members of one righteous group, inasmuch as they are all actuated by one and the same motive and work for the common cause. Though differentiated by time and place, as also by their respective tenements of clay, they are one in spirit, and work for the inauguration of the Kingdom of Righteousness.

  1. Ys. 49. 3.
  2. Ys. 31. 1.
  3. Ys. 31. 4.
  4. Ys. 34. 9.
  5. Ys. 34. 8.
  6. Ys. 44. 13.
  7. Ys. 44. 14.
  8. Ys. 30. 8.
  9. Ys. 46. 3.
  10. Ys. 48. 1, 2.