avesta
Definition
- Proper noun:
- The sacred scriptures of Zoroastrianism, the ancient Iranian religion founded by the prophet Zoroaster (Zarathustra). The Avesta is a collection of liturgical texts, hymns, prayers, and ritual instructions. It is written in the Avestan language, an ancient Iranian language.
Usage
- The Avesta is the primary source for understanding Zoroastrian theology, cosmology, and ritual practice.
- Scholars study the Avesta to learn about ancient Iranian culture and language.
- The oldest existing manuscripts of the Avesta date from the 13th century AD, though the texts themselves are much older.
Examples
- The Avesta contains the , hymns traditionally attributed to Zoroaster himself.
- Priests recite passages from the Avesta during Zoroastrian ceremonies.
- A central concept found in the Avesta is the cosmic struggle between good and evil.
Advanced Usage
- The Avestan language: The language in which the Avesta is composed. It is closely related to Sanskrit.
- Avestan alphabet: The special script developed to write the Avestan language and preserve the Avesta texts.
Variants and Related Words
- Zend-Avesta: An older term sometimes used to refer to the Avesta along with its commentary (Zend). In modern scholarship, "Avesta" is the preferred term for the core scriptures.
- Avestan (adjective): Pertaining to the Avesta or its language. (e.g., , ).
Synonyms
- Zoroastrian scriptures
- Zend (archaic, and often refers to the commentary)
Notes
- The Avesta is not a single, unified book but a compilation of different texts composed over many centuries. Its current form was compiled during the Sasanian Empire (3rd to 7th centuries AD).
Noun
-
a collection of Zoroastrian texts gathered during the 4th or 6th centuries
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