Fereydun Vahman, Claus V. Pedersen (eds.): Religious Texts in Iran.
Journal name: Acta Orientalia
Original article title: Fereydun Vahman and Claus V. Pedersen (eds.): Religious Texts in Iranian Languages. Symposium held in Copenhagen May 2002.
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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R眉diger Schmitt
Acta Orientalia:
(Founded in 1922 and published annually)
Full text available for: Fereydun Vahman and Claus V. Pedersen (eds.): Religious Texts in Iranian Languages. Symposium held in Copenhagen May 2002.
Year: 2008 | Doi: 10.5617/ao.7376
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The book titled "Religious Texts in Iranian Languages," edited by Fereydun Vahman and Claus V. Pedersen, compiles the proceedings of a symposium held in Copenhagen in May 2002. This volume reflects Denmark's long tradition in Iranian studies, rooted in the work of significant figures like Rasmus Kristian Rask. It encompasses thirty contributions that explore three millennia of Iranian religious history, from the early teachings of Zarathustra to contemporary expressions of faith. The collection is dedicated to the memories of Ahmad Tafazzoli and Jes Peter Asmussen, both influential scholars in the field.
The Iranian Canon of Scriptures
One of the essential essays in this volume, titled "The Iranian Canon of Scriptures and Writings" by Sh. Shaked, discusses the evolution of Zoroastrian literature through five distinct phases. Shaked examines the Gathas as the earliest evidence of an emergent religion in Iran and categorizes the literature from the early Avesta texts through the Yasts and Pahlavi texts to modern Persian writings. He warns of potential pitfalls in Avesta scholarship that neglect the impact of indigenous Iranian traditions while focusing solely on Vedic comparisons. The essay emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of Zoroastrian texts, which are not merely translations but reinterpretations relevant to their respective historical contexts.
Composition of Gathas
The complexity of the Gathas and their poetic structure is explored in M. Schwartz's contribution, which aims to demonstrate the unity and coherence of these texts. Schwartz argues that the lyrical composition of the Gathas, characterized by interconnected verses often arranged in a ring structure, supports the idea of Zarathustra as the singular historical author. This analysis not only changes the understanding of Zoroastrian scripture but also highlights the intricate interplay between form and content in ancient Iranian literature. Through this rigorous exploration, Schwartz seeks to establish Zarathustra's prominence within the canon of Iranian religious texts.
Zoroastrian Rituals and Myths
P. O. Skjarvo's study of the Yasna, a daily sacrificial ritual in Zoroastrianism, investigates the relationship between myth and ritual practices. This examination aims to elucidate how various mythological narratives, such as those concerning the creation of the cosmos and the role of divine figures, are reflected in the sacrificial texts. The analysis suggests that these myths imbue the rituals with deeper spiritual significance and cultural memory, linking contemporary practices to ancient beliefs. By interpreting these components, Skjarvo contributes to a fuller understanding of the religious and cultural context of Zoroastrianism.
Conclusion
The volume "Religious Texts in Iranian Languages" offers a rich tapestry of insights into Iranian religious history, detailing the evolution of Zoroastrian literature and its impact on culture. With contributions from esteemed scholars, it underscores the diversity of religious practices and beliefs in Iran throughout the ages. Although individual essay quality may vary, the collective body of work presents a commendable overview of the complex interplay between language, scripture, and religious identity in the Iranian landscape. This anthology not only enriches the academic discourse surrounding these topics but also serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in the religious heritage of Iran.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the focus of Dr. Glass's study?
Dr. Glass's study examines variations in case forms in Senior manuscripts. He considers reasons like scribal carelessness or mechanical copying, hoping for clarity from Dr. Allon's forthcoming survey of the collection.
What historical significance does Copenhagen hold in Iran research?
Copenhagen has a rich history in Iran research dating back to King Frederik V's expedition in 1761. Scholars like Rasmus Kristian Rask laid the groundwork for significant studies in Zoroastrian literature.
How is the book on Religious Texts in Iranian Languages structured?
The book contains 30 articles organized into eight thematic groups covering three millennia of Iranian religious history, though it notably lacks contributions on Jewish-Persian literature.
What does S. Shaked discuss in his article?
S. Shaked's article focuses on the Zoroastrian canon's development, identifying five phases of Zoroastrian literature evolution, stressing the importance of contextual understanding over mere textual analysis.
What does F. Vahman's contribution explore?
F. Vahman's work illustrates the enduring significance of the spoken word in Iranian tradition, tracing the healing power back to the Avesta and its linguistic roots.
What is discussed in the section on Zoroastrianism in the Islamic Period?
This section examines early Persian texts written during the Islamic period, highlighting their importance in understanding the historical and cultural dynamics of Zoroastrianism and Persian language evolution.
Glossary definitions and references:
Oriental and Historical glossary list for 鈥淔ereydun Vahman, Claus V. Pedersen (eds.): Religious Texts in Iran.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 book in question is filled with reviews and critical analyses of scholarly works on Iranian and Indian religious texts and historical studies. It is likely to be a key resource for those studying these subjects.
2) Gava:
Gava refers to the sacred texts of Zarathustra, specifically analyzed in the symposium reviewed in the book. Allan Hintze's study on the Gava texts is particularly notable in this context.
3) Baha:
Several contributions to the book review the religious doctrines and writings of the Baha'i faith, including studies on the Persian verses found in Baha'ullah's texts.
4) Glass:
Dr. Glass conducts an analysis of Senior manuscripts, focusing on the variations in scribal practices. This study explores the nuances of manuscript preparation and scribal accuracy.
5) Language:
The book delves into various aspects of the Persian language, addressing its religious significance and evolution, especially in the context of Islamic and pre-Islamic texts.
6) Religion:
A central theme of the book is the variety and evolution of religious texts and practices in Iran and India, covering a substantial historical period. The symposium itself focuses on Iranian religious diversity.
7) India:
India is a significant geographic focus in parts of the book. Texts and historical studies regarding Indian religious practices and languages are specifically highlighted, such as the contributions related to early Indian religion and culture.
8) Tama:
In the book, Tama refers to 'spanto.tama', an absolute superlative in the context of the Avestan terms discussed by scholars, particularly its significance and interpretation in ancient texts.
9) Patanjali:
Patanjali is mentioned in the context of Johannes Bronkhorst's exploration of early Indian culture, specifically to denote a time period around the 2nd century BCE, before which certain cultural developments in Magadha are discussed.
10) Scripture:
Religious scriptures form the backbone of the discussions in the book, examining ancient texts such as the Avesta and the Vedas, their interpretations, translations, and their implications on historical religious practices.
11) Magadha:
Magadha is the focal region in Johannes Bronkhorst's studies within the book, signifying an area in Eastern India with a distinct ancient culture differing from Brahmanic or Vedic norms.
12) Kanheri:
Kanheri refers to the location near Bombay, with inscriptions that provide early evidence of the Zoroastrian diaspora in India. This evidence is discussed to understand the spread of Zoroastrianism in India.
13) Ganges:
The Ganges region is central to Johannes Bronkhorst's study on early Indian culture, referred to within Magadha, marking cultural distinctions from Brahmanic traditions.
14) Kerala:
Kerala is notable for the discovery of a copper plate with Zoroastrian names from the 9th century discussed in the book, representing early evidence of Zoroastrian presence in India.
15) Bombay:
Bombay is significant in the book for its proximity to Kanheri caves, which contained early Zoroastrian inscriptions, indicating the spread of this community in India.
16) Ramhas (Ramha):
[see source text or glossary: Ramha]
17) Winter:
Winter mythology, particularly the myth of hard winters in the Yima-Saga, is analyzed in the book as a critical theme in Zoroastrian texts and their later interpretations.
18) Gnosis:
Gnosis in the book review discusses Manichean dualistic beliefs involving spiritual knowledge and concepts translated into Iranian religious thought, specifically the terms for thoughts of life and death.
19) Dvara:
Dvara, particularly the term 'dvaras' in Rigveda, is discussed in the context of metaphorical and translated meanings in ancient Indian and Iranian studies.
20) Divan:
Divan-e Hafez, or the collected poems of Hafez, is examined in the book on whether it can be considered a religious text based on its allegorical content and mystical interpretations.
21) Human:
The book explores how various texts, such as those from the Horufi sect, reflect on the human form and the symbolism attached to language and script in religious contexts.
22) Shari (Sari):
A. Sari'ati's work, particularly his book 'Kavir', is discussed as an example of modern Islamic thought engaging with concepts of the Western modernity.
23) Vara:
Vara in the book refers to the refuge in the Yima saga from Avestan texts, a place preserving life during great winters, its later interpretations and localizations in texts are discussed.
24) Vrika (Vrka):
Vrka is discussed in comparative linguistic and metaphorical contexts, especially in the formation of terms related to wolves in ancient texts such as the Rigveda and Iranian counterparts.
25) Rayi:
Rayi is studied through the meaning of the term in ancient names and texts, suggesting connotations with wealth and pleasure in historical and cultural contexts.
26) Sage:
The term Sage references discussions of wisdom literature and religious texts within the book, and their authors or figures central to these traditions.
27) Wolf:
Wolf metaphors in ancient Indo-Iranian texts, such as the term vyka-dvaras, are important in understanding the use of metaphor and symbolic language in these religious traditions.
28) Shaka (Saka):
Saga in the context of the book indicates the long tradition and detailed histories of various Iranian religious and cultural developments mentioned, such as the Yima-Saga.