The Last Chapter of Denkart Book III: Insights on Zoroastrian Texts
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: The last chapter of Denkart Book III: Apar den nipek denkart nipek
ACTA ORIENTALIA is a journal focused on the study of Oriental languages, history, archaeology, and religions from ancient times to the present. The journal includes articles reviewed by a senior scholar in the relevant field.
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Original source:
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M. F. Kanga
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: The last chapter of Denkart Book III: Apar den nipek denkart nipek
Year: 1966 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.5227
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The Denkart is a pivotal Pahlavi text encompassing the doctrines, history, and literature of the Mazd盲-Worshipping Religion, dating from the late Sassanian period. Recognized as the most extensive compilation in this context, it serves as a crucial philosophical work that attempts to convey complex theological, mythological, and exegetic material. Due to its abbreviated note style, lack of punctuation, and challenging language, translating the Denkart poses significant difficulties. The compilation's history points to Atur-Franabay i Farrox-zatan and Aturp盲t i Emetan, who edited the earlier sections in the 9th century.
The Preservation of Zoroastrian Texts
One of the critical themes in the Denkart revolves around the preservation of Zoroastrian scriptures, particularly during centuries of turmoil and destruction. The text narrates a history marked by the ravages the scriptures endured from the time of Alexander through to Aturp盲t i Emetan's era, highlighting the catastrophic loss and systematic obliteration of Zoroastrian texts. Aturp盲t summarized much of the Zoroastrian scripture, noting the significance of memorization among priests as a vital mechanism for safeguarding their religious literature, especially when direct access to texts was compromised. This memorization functioned as both a spiritual duty and a practical measure to prevent the loss of their sacred traditions.
Conclusion
The Denkart stands as a crucial document for understanding the Zoroastrian faith and its historical context, offering insights into the religious, philosophical, and cultural frameworks of the time. By documenting the fate of Zoroastrian scriptures, it emphasizes the resilience of the faith against the backdrop of historical challenges and the crucial role of oral tradition in preserving religious texts. Ultimately, the Denkart not only serves as a theological and historical resource but also reflects the enduring spirit of the Zoroastrian community in the face of adversity.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the Denkart and its significance in Zoroastrianism?
The Denkart is a comprehensive Pahlavi text detailing Zoroastrian doctrines, history, and literature. Compiled during the Sassanian Period, it serves as a crucial source of theological, mythological, and exegetic material for understanding the Mazd盲-Worshipping Religion.
Who were the key editors of the Denkart during the IX Century?
Atur-Franabay i Farrox-zatan and Aturp盲t i Emetan were the key editors. They compiled the Denkart's first and second halves, respectively, contributing to its preservation and providing valuable insights into the Zoroastrian scriptures.
What challenges did the Zoroastrian scriptures face over the centuries?
Zoroastrian scriptures endured numerous challenges, including ravages and destruction from Alexander's time onwards. These hardships impacted their preservation, further emphasizing the priests' miraculous memorization efforts to safeguard the sacred texts.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for 鈥淭he Last Chapter of Denkart Book III: Insights on Zoroastrian Texts鈥�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of History, Linguistics, Religion, Philosophy, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism etc.
1) Book:
The Denkart is a comprehensive theological corpus divided into multiple books, with Book III being the last chapter discussed in this text. It provides extensive details about Zoroastrian doctrines, history, and literature.
2) Scripture:
The Denkart details the vicissitudes of Zoroastrian scriptures, including their preservation and destruction over time. It narrates the history from the foundation of the Zoroastrian religion to its rejuvenescence during 艩apur鈥檚 reign.
3) Destruction:
The text discusses the ravages and destruction faced by Zoroastrian scriptures, particularly over a span of twelve centuries from Alexander鈥檚 invasion up to the time of Aturpat i Emetan.
4) Literature:
The Denkart holds significant importance in Pahlavi literature, offering comprehensive writings on Zoroastrian doctrines, history, and theology. It includes selections from the Adven-n盲mak, preserving important traditions.
5) Religion:
The Denkart, written in Pahlavi, is the most comprehensive work detailing the doctrines, history, and literature of the Mazd盲Worshipping Religion, which is another term for Zoroastrianism.
6) Kartak:
[see source text or glossary: Kartak]
7) Priest:
Zoroastrian priests played a crucial role in preserving religious literature and scriptures through memorization. This is highlighted as their main function in the Denkart and other Pahlavi treatises.
8) Madan:
D. M. Madan edited one of the Denkart texts, which serves as a basis for M.F. Kanga鈥檚 transcription and analysis. Madan鈥檚 work is referenced multiple times in the introductory remarks.
9) King:
The history narrated in the Denkart includes the fate of Zoroastrian scriptures during the reign of the Sassanian King 艩apur, and the last Sassanian King Yazdkart, underlining the political context of these texts.
10) Doctrine:
The Denkart is the chief theological corpus in Pahlavi, discussing Zoroastrian doctrines comprehensively. It encapsulates theological, mythological, and exegetic material from the late Sassanian Period.
11) Dynasty:
The Sassanian Dynasty figures prominently in the Denkart. The accounts describe the decline and downfall of this dynasty and its impact on Zoroastrian scriptures and traditions.
12) Bombay:
M.F. Kanga, who contributed to this text, is based in Bombay. His work involves the transcription and analysis of the Denkart for a commemoration volume.
13) Cycle:
The Denkart covers the long cycle of time the Zoroastrian scriptures endured, from their foundation to their state during the Sassanian era, through rejuvenescence to periods of destruction.
14) Sound:
[see source text or glossary: Sound]
15) Antar:
[see source text or glossary: Andar]
16) Feat:
The Denkart highlights the miraculous feat of memorization by Zoroastrian priests which preserved their religious literature from destruction. This feat was essential given the threats the scriptures faced.