Yasna 30 - The Two Spirits
Doctrine of Ethical Dualism
Overview
The fundamental teaching of Two Primordial Spirits and free will
Avestan Text
At tā mainiiū pourūiiē yā yə̄mā xvafənā asrvātəm
manahicā vacahicā šiiaoθanōi hī vahiiō akəmcā
manahicā vacahicā šiiaoθanōi hī vahiiō akəmcā
Translation
Now I shall proclaim the Two Primordial Spirits of existence,
Of whom the Holier spoke thus to the Evil One:
Neither our thoughts, nor teachings, nor wills agree.
Of whom the Holier spoke thus to the Evil One:
Neither our thoughts, nor teachings, nor wills agree.
Verses
Verse 30.1
Now I shall proclaim to those who will hear
Verse 30.2
Hear with your ears the best things; look upon them with clear-seeing thought, for decision between the two beliefs, each person for himself
Verse 30.3
In the beginning, the two Spirits are the one good and the other evil in thought, word, and deed
Verse 30.4
When these two Spirits first came together, they created life and non-life
Verse 30.5
Of these two, the Evil One chose the worst; the Holy Spirit chose Righteousness
Verse 30.9
May we be those who bring about the renovation of the world!
Commentary
The most theologically significant Gatha, establishing ethical dualism. Two primordial Spirits - Spenta Mainyu (Holy) and Angra Mainyu (Evil). Verse 30.2 establishes FREE WILL - each person must decide for himself.
Key Themes
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