Guardians of Light: Selections from Zoroastrianism’s Haptân Yast and Ardibehist Yast, Part 1 of 2

Today, it is a pleasure to present selections from the “Haptân Yast,” which honors the seven Divine beings who guard creation.

HAPTÂN YAST

“To Ahura Mazda, bright and glorious, and to the Amesha-Spentas [The name given to the bounteous immortals] To Vohu-Manô [good mind]; to Peace, whose breath is friendly, and who is more powerful to destroy than all other creatures; to the heavenly Wisdom, made by Mazda, and to the Wisdom acquired through the ear, made by Mazda; To Asha-Vahista, the fairest; to the much-desired Airyaman [member of the community]; to the instrument made by Mazda; and to the good Saoka, with eyes of love, made by Mazda and holy; To Khshathra-Vairya; to the metals; to Mercy and Charity. To the good Spenta-Ârmaiti, and to the good Râta, with eyes of love, made by Mazda and holy; To Haurvatât, the master; to the prosperity of the seasons and to the years, the masters of holiness; And to Ameretât, the master; to fatness and flocks; to the plenty of corn; and to the powerful Gaokerena, made by Mazda.

(At the Gâh [time] Hâvan [sunrise to noon]): To Mithra, the lord of wide pastures, and to Râma Hvâstra. To Asha-Vahista [Name of one of the Yashts], and to Âtar, the son of Ahura Mazda. To Apãm Napât, the tall lord, and to water, made by Mazda. To the Fravashis of the faithful and to the females that bring forth flocks of males; to the prosperity of the seasons; to the well-shapen and tall-formed Strength; to Verethraghna, made by Ahura, and to the crushing Ascendant. To the holy, devout, fiend-smiting Sraosha, who makes the world grow; to Rashnu-Razista and to Arstât, who makes the world grow, who makes the world increase; Be propitiation, with sacrifice, prayer, propitiation, and glorification! […]”