Observations placeholder
Zoroastrian - Means of achieving spiritual experience - 07 Reducing desires
Identifier
022373
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
We tend to think of the reduction of desires as a Buddhist mechanism. But most of the great mystic movements incorporate it, but with perhaps so great a subtlety and wisdom that one doesn't realise it. Zoroastraniasm is no different.
There is great subtlety in this prayer. Sanctity is defined as 'the state or quality of being holy, sacred, or saintly'.
This prayer is about altering one's desires from material things towards a greater good, turning desire towards a different sort of prosperity - peace of mind and contentment.
There is also the added request for help with healing hurt done or hurt received - expunging the demons and thereby adding to the peace.
Gifts are not material, gifts are blessings. The peace that passeth all understanding.
A description of the experience
Yasna 52 - A PRAYER FOR SANCTITY AND ITS BENEFITS.
1. I pray with benedictions for a benefit,
and for the good, even for the entire creation of the holy (and the clean);
I beseech for them for the (generation which is) now alive,
for that which is just coming into life, and for that which shall be hereafter.
And (I pray for that) sanctity which leads to prosperity,
and which has long afforded shelter,
which goes on hand in hand with it,
which joins it in its walk,
and of itself becoming its close companion
as it delivers forth its precepts,
(2) bearing every form of healing virtue which comes to us in waters,
appertains to cattle,
or is found in plants,
and overwhelming all the harmful malice of the Daevas, (and their servants)
who might harm this dwelling and its lord,
(3) bringing good gifts, and better blessings,
given very early, and later,
leading to successes,
and for a long time giving shelter.
And so the greatest, and the best,
and most beautiful benefits of sanctity fall likewise to our lot
(4) for the sacrifice, homage, propitiation, and the praise of the Bountiful Immortals,
for the bringing prosperity to this abode, and for the prosperity of the entire creation of the holy,
and the clean, (and as for this, so) for the opposition of the entire evil creation.
(And I pray for this) as I praise through Righteousness,
I who am beneficent [wish for good],
for those who are likewise