The Difference Between the Existing Zoroastrian Scripture “Avesta” and OAHSPE
Overview of Zoroastrianism and the Avesta
Zoroastrianism is believed to have been founded by Zarathustra (Zoroaster) around 1000 BCE in ancient Iran. Its doctrines are recorded in the holy book known as the Avesta.
The faith is based on a dualistic worldview that divides existence into the physical and spiritual realms, centered around the conflict between the good god, Ahura Mazda, and the evil spirit, Angra Mainyu.
OAHSPE’s Account of the “First Holy Scripture of Humankind”
According to OAHSPE, Zarathustra, in collaboration with the divine being I’hua’Mazda, compiled the first sacred scripture of humankind.
This scripture is composed of the following three parts:
- Book 1: The Book of Ormazd – Describing the origin of the universe and the world by the Creator.
- Book 2: The Book of I’hua’Mazda – Exploring the relationship between Earth, the lower heavens, angels, and humans.
- Book 3: The Book of Zarathustra – Outlining the path and commandments that humans should follow.
These texts differ significantly from the modern Avesta, particularly in that the Creator Ormazd (Jehovih) is entirely absent in the current Avesta.
Structural Differences in the Modern Avesta
The modern Avesta regards Ahura Mazda as the supreme deity, under whom several divine beings called Amesha Spentas serve as guardians of the world. These include:
- Ahura Mazda (Supreme God)
- Vohu Manah (Good Thought)
- Asha Vahishta (Righteousness)
- Khshathra Vairya (Dominion, Metals)
- Spenta Armaiti (Earth, Devotion)
- Haurvatat (Wholeness, Health)
- Ameretat (Immortality)
In the teachings of the Creator Jehovih, however, faith in any being other than the Creator is not permitted. This marks a fundamental ideological divide between OAHSPE and the current form of Zoroastrianism.
Divinity and the Structure of the Divine Council
“God” as the Spiritual Attainment of an Individual
In this context, “god” is not an absolute being but a title earned through spiritual advancement. A god is still an individual with personality and character.
However, as an individual, even a god is capable of making mistakes.
Preventing Mistakes Through a Council System — The Origin of Divan Law
To reduce the risk of individual errors, a system called the “Divine Council” (Divan) was established.
This council consists of multiple gods who make decisions through discussion and consensus, ensuring a more balanced and just outcome.
The laws created by this Divine Council are known as “Divan Law.”
To people on Earth, these collective decisions were often seen as the will of a singular, higher authority — a concept that came to be worshipped as the true god, or “Divinity.”
The Ambition of the God Ctusk Seeking Light, and the Rebellion of Ahura
Earth’s Darkness and Ctusk’s Doubts
Ctusk became deeply concerned as Earth drifted away from the cosmic source of light, falling into darkness.
Observing that both humans and gods were succumbing to the darkness, he sought a fundamental solution: to install a source of light within the Earth itself.
A Plan to Enshrine the Creator in the Earth — and the Outbreak of Rebellion
Ctusk proclaimed himself as the Creator and took the name Ahura, with the aim of becoming Earth’s inner light.
This act sparked what became known as the Rebellion of Ahura, which took place around 7000 BCE.
Why the Zoroastrian Scripture Avesta Was Altered
Ahura’s Rewriting of the Sacred Text
Ahura rewrote the Zoroastrian scripture Avesta, which had been widely spread at the time, in order to take control of people’s faith.
- The name of the god I’hua’Mazda was changed to Ahura Mazda
- The Creator Ormazd and I’hua’Mazda were merged, and Ahura Mazda was redefined as the Creator
- Additional deities (the Amesha Spentas) were introduced, transforming the text into a polytheistic structure
Traces of the Original in the “Old Avestan” Language
Among the existing texts of the Avesta, the Gathas, written in Old Avestan, are considered the oldest liturgical verses.
It is believed that these preserve traces of Ahura’s original intention to modify the sacred teachings.
References、Images Used
| books | authors | publishers |
|---|---|---|
| OAHSPE ”A New Bible in the Worlds of Jehofih and His angel embassadors.” | John B. Newbrough | OAHSPE PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION |
| 原典完訳アヴェスタ ゾロアスター教の聖典 | 訳：野田恵剛 | 国書刊行会 |
Images：Generated by stable diffusion (model: Dremshaper)
Images：Generated by stable diffusion (model: epicRealism)
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