Good Morning! Welcome all to this ZYNA Hamaa Anjuman Jashan!
Meaning of the word Jashan:
“The word Jashan is another form of Yazashna or Ijashna meaning a homage of praise, from the root ‘yaz’ to praise, to worship.”
The Object of the Public Jashan like this:
“The object of most of the public Jashans (like this for the ZYNA Congress) is twofold:
1. To offer thanks to the Almighty (Ahura Mazda) for His bountiful blessings and to pray for a continuance of the same. To a great extent they are Thanks-giving services.”
2. The public Jashans are intended to cement the tie of brotherhood. They aim at not only physical brotherhood, but spiritual brotherhood. The celebrant says in the recital of the Dibaache (forward/introduction) that the reward of all his prayers may go to the treasury of Ahura Mazda i.e., for the good of all His fellow-creatures.” (see Reference 1 at the end of the article).
In this spirit, let us all gather together in this ZYNA Congress Opening Session to say thanks to Ahura Mazda and to increase His treasury with Humata (Good Thoughts), Hukhta (Good Words) and Hvarshta (Good Deeds) for the good of all mankind!
A Traditional Jashan Ceremony
A traditional Jashan ceremony consists of three distinct parts: 1. Dibaache, an introduction or a foreword, 2. the middle part of 3 or more ‘kardaas” (parts) for Ahura Mazda, and/or one or more of his Ameshaashpands and Yazatas, and finally, 3. Three Aafrins, the good blessings.
The leading Mobed for Jashan is called Zaotar. He is helped by another Mobed: Raathwi, if available, and other Mobeds may also participate with them.
With 2 or more priests, the ceremony begins with the Aatash Nyaayesh (prayer for Aadar Yazata representing Fire in the creation of God) and Doa Naam Setaayashne (prayer for good wishes.)
ZYNA Jashan – A Unique Participatory Experience!
With my apologies to all who are expecting a Traditional Jashan, we will have a unique experience of Mobed(s) and you all participating in the Jashan prayers and understanding a little about what these beautiful prayers mean!
In so doing, we will accomplish the two basic objects of a Jashan mentioned above – Thanksgiving services to Ahura Mazda and cementing physical and spiritual brotherhood, thus depositing our Humata, Hukhta and Hvarshta into the Treasury of Daadaar Ahura Mazda!
Please note that all the implements and offerings for this Jashan are the same as those used in a Traditional Jashan, with the exception of Atash burning in the Afargaanyu with Sukhad (sandal wood) and Lobaan (incense) due to Hotel Fire Regulations. In its place, we have 7 Traditional Parsi Deevaas (floating candles) to represent Daadaar Ahura Mazda and His six Ameshaashpands who are invoked many times to be present in the Jashan ceremony in the prayers we usually recite.
Proposed Agenda for this ZYNA Jashan
Total Time ONE HOUR – alarms will sound after that!
We will have 26 Behdins (Good Religion followers) from you all who have volunteered to assist us in this Jashan. They will recite selected paras of the Jashan prayers in English translations alternately with the Mobed(s) who in turn will recite the selected paras of the original Jashan prayers.
In order to replicate the spiritual environment of a traditional Parsi/Irani Agiary or Atash Behram we experience during our visits, it is a sign of respect to cover our heads during this Jashan ceremony.
Let us start our Jashan Prayers.
Hamaa Zor (Let us be united!) Greeting
This is the age old traditional greeting among Mobeds performing Jashan ceremony.
Two of them face one another, hold out their two hands in vertical position, and first insert their right hands between the two hands of the other reciting:
“Hamaa Zor” meaning “May we be united”
and then sliding out their hands, they reinsert their left hands between the two hands of the other reciting:
“Hamaa Asho Bade” meaning “May we be united in righteousness”!
This Hamaa Zor greeting is to cement the physical and spiritual brotherhood among the Jashan participants.
So, let us all do the Hamaa Zor with our neighbors.
Hum Bandagi – 2 Yathas and 1 Ashem Vohu
Let us now join hands in a big chain with all participants starting with Mobed(s) and let us pray together (Hum Bandagi) two Yathaas and one Ashem Vohu prayers.
First, Behdin 1 will recite Yathaa Ahu Vairyo translation, followed by Behdin 2 reciting Ashem Vohu translation:
Behdin 1: Yathaa Ahu Vairyo Translation
(Reference 2 at the end of the article)
Just as1 a King2 acts according to his will3, so4 does the Dasturaan Dastur5 by means8 of righteousness6 (and other virtues associated with it)7 (acts according to his own will).
The gift10 of Vohu-manah911 (i.e. Good mind) is for those working12 for Ahura Mazda14 of this world;13
He who18 constitutes himself20 to (be) the protector21 (or the nourisher)21 of the poor19 (accepts) the sovereign rule15 (of the entire world) (as it were) of Hormazd16.
Behdin 2: Ashem Vohu Translation
Righteousness1 is4 the best3 good2 (and it) is6 happiness.5
Happiness7 (is) to him8 who9 (is) righteous12 for the sake of the best11 righteousness.10
Yathaa Ahu Vairyo Prayer: (All Recite)
Yathaa1 Ahu2 Vairyo3
athaa4 ratush5 ashaat6 chit7 hachaa8,
Vangheush9 dazdaa10 manangho11
shyaothananaam12 angheush13 Mazdaai14,
Khshathremchaa15 Ahuraai16 aa17
yim18 dregubyo19 dadat20 vaastaarem21.
(Recite twice)
Ashem Vohu Prayer: (All Recite)
Ashem1 Vohu2 Vashistem3 asti4
Ushtaa5 asti,6 Ushtaa7 ahmaai,8
Hyat9 ashaai10 Vahishtaai11 ashem.12
Hamaa Zor (Let us be united!) Greeting
And let us now perform the Hamaa Zor Greetings again with our neighbors.
“Hamaa Zor”
“Hamaa Asho Bade”
A. Jashan Dibaache (Introduction/forward)
Let us now start with Jashan Prayers with its Dibaache.
a) Behdin 3 will now recite translations of some paras from Dibaache: (Reference 3 at the end of the article)
In the name of God, the benevolent, the merciful, the loving.
1. May10 this7 dedication8 reach10 the righteous Fravashi of Daadaar Ahura Mazda.9 May13 the ritual11 be13 successfully accomplished. May19 the glory14 of the good15 religion16 of the Mazda-worshippers17 spread1819 throughout20 the seven21 continents22 (of the earth). May26 the glory be,26 most especially,23 according to24 its own will.25.
2. Of the existing27 cities,28 may the inhabitants of the city30 of Miami29 have prosperity31 and success,32 and their souls35 delight33 and joy.34
b) Behdin 4 will now recite translations of some paras from Dibaache:
3. On behalf of whom,49 I have performed55 the yasna,54 consecrated57 the darun56 (sacred bread) and regularly conducted59 the offering58 under the sovereignty52 of its own53 watch50 and day.51 May the ceremony68 collectively60 go68 into61 the treasury62 of the radiant65 and glorious66 Creator63 Ahura Mazda64 and Ameshaaspands (the Bountiful Immortals).67
May82 this ceremony, from79 all80 of us, be82 acceptable81 to the righteous fravashis and may92 it83 be92 our84 protector,85 benefactor,86 keeper-at-bay89-90 of harm87 and affliction,88 and the fulfiller of boons.91
c) Pazand Prayers of Dibaache:
Chief Priest, Zaotar, will now pray the first 6 paras of Dibaache.
d) Invoking the names of the Departed Ones, of Zarathushtra and Zarathushtri stalwarts from Gayomard to the present day.
This Jashan is for and requested by Hamaa Anjuman (the whole community) and so they are invoked in this Jashan.
e) Behdin 5 will now recite translations of some paras from Dibaache:
5. Especially35 among the immortal36 souls,37 may45 the soul38 of Zarthosht39 Spitaman,40 of righteous41 fravashi,42 be45 remembered44 here.43 ... Among the immortal47 souls,48 may56 the
souls49 of Hamaa Anjuman50 be56 especially46 remembered55
here.54 May62 all57 righteous58 fravashis59 be62 remembered61 here.60 By the request63 of the Hamaa Anjuman66 at whose instance the ceremony is being performed, may its merit67 reach67 them.
f) Pazand Prayers of Dibaache:
Chief Priest, Zaotar, will now invoke the names of Zarathushtri stalwarts.
g) Behdin 6 will now recite translations of some paras from Dibaache:
9. May82
all68 fravashis69 of the righteous,70 from76 Gayomard77 (the First
Man) to78 Soshyos79 (the Maker of the Renovation), be82
collectively71 remembered81 here80 on
the fourth,72 tenth,73 thir-
tieth74 and anniversary day.75
10. May14 all4 fravashis5 of the righteous,6 from8 Gayomard9 to10 Soshyos,11 be14 collectively7 remembered13 here:12 the fravashis of those who are,83 who have been,84 and who will be,85 of the born86 and unborn ones,87 of this country88 and foreign lands,89 of the initiate90 males91 and females,92 of the minors93 and grown-ups,94 — of any one who95 has passed away1'2'3 from96 this97 earth98 belonging to the Good Religion.100.
h) Behdin 7 will now recite translations of some paras from Dibaache:
11. May56 the fravashis36 of the righteous,35 the fravashis38 of the brave,37 the fravashis40 of the victorious,39 the fravashis42 of the successful,41 the fravashis44 of the ancient sages,43 the fravashis46
of the next-of-kin,45 and all48 fravashis47 from50 Gayomard51 to52 Soshyos,53 be56 collectively49 remembered55 here.54
12. May7 the souls51 of58 fathers,59 mothers,60 grandfathers,61
ancestors,62 offspring,63 relatives,64 servants65 and the next-of-kin66 be76 remembered75 here,74 together69 with the fravashis67 of the righteous,68 from Gayomard71 to72 Soshyos.73
i) Behdin 8 will now recite translations of some paras from Dibaache:
13. May25 all98 fravashis99 of the righteous100 in the seven continents of the earth,1 (viz.) Arezah2, Sawah3, Fradadafsh4, Widadafsh5, Wourubareshta6, Wourujareshta7, and the shining Khwanirah8, and all14 fravashis15 of the righteous16 in the holy10 Kangdez9 — the cavern which Jam (= Yima) built11 and the repository12 of the scriptures,13 from19 Gayomard20 to21 Soshyos,22 all17 be25 remembered24 here23 collectively.18
14. May25 the radiance26 and glory27 increase.28 May32 this29 dedication30 reach32 the righteous fravashis.31 Especially33 among the immortal34 souls,35 may43 the souls36 of Hamaa Anjuman37 be43 remembered42 here.41 ... May49 all44 righteous45 fravashis46 be49 remembered48 here.47 By the request50 of the Hamaa Anjuman52 at whose instance the ceremony is being performed, may its merit54 reach54 them.
j) Pazand Prayers of Dibaache:
Chief Priest, Zaotar, will now pray the last paras of Dibaache.
B. Jashan Kardaas – 3 or more
Ahuramazda Kardaa
a) All Mobeds recite symbolic 1 Yathaa and 1 Ashem and Fravaraane para for Daadaar Ahuramazda upto “frasastayecha”.
Affirmation of Zaotar (as Ahu) and Raathwi (as Ratu)
b) Zaotar ONLY Recite:
“Yathaa Ahu Vairyo Zaotaa Fraa may mrutay”
Translation:
“The Zaotar should say to me: Yathaa Ahu Vairyo”
c) Raathwi and all Others Recite:
“Yathaa Ahu Vairyo YO Zaotaa Fraa may mrutay”
Translation:
“He who is the Zaotar should say to me: Yathaa Ahu Vairyo”
d) Zaotar ONLY Recite:
“Athaa Ratush Ashaat Chit Hachaa Fraa Ashava Vidhwaao Mraotu”
Translation:
“The Asha-sanctified knowing one should say: Athaa Ratush Ashaat Chit Hachaa”
e) Doa Tandoorasti in Avesta
This is the famous Avesta prayer of Taao Ahmi Nmaane, popularly referred to as the Avesta Doa Tandoorasti. (Reference 2 at the end of the article)
i) Behdin 9 will now recite translations of some paras from Avestan Doa Tandoorasti:
(1) May these1 (virtues mentioned) which5 (are) the satisfaction7 of the righteous6 (people), (their) blessings8, guileless nature9 and thanksgiving'° come4 into this2 house3! Now12 for this village may there arise11-15 righteousness16, sovereigntyl7, prosperity18, glory19
and happiness20! (May there be) long enduring predominance21 of this Religion23 of Ahura25 revealed by Zarathushtra86!
(3) May the good46, heroic47 and beneficent48 Fravashis of the righteous (people)45 bringing with them52 the means5' of holiness50, as wide as the earth53, as extensive as river54 (and) as exalted as the sun55, come43 in this abode44 – for the fulfilment of desires56 of better (men)57, for withstanding58 wicked (men)59 and for the greater increase of wealth61 and fame62!
ii) All Mobeds recite paras 1-3 of Avestan DOA TANDAROSTI
(1) Taao1 ahmi2 nmaane3 jamyaaresh4, yaao5 ashaonaam6 khshnutascha7, ashayascha8, vyaadaibishcha9, paiti-zantayascha10; oos11 nu12 anghaai13 visay14 jamyaat15 ashemcha16, khshathremcha17, savascha18, khvarenascha19, khvaathremcha20.
Daregho-fratemathwemcha21 anghaao22 daenayaao23 yat24 Aahuroish25 Zarathushtroish26.
(2) Asishta27 nu28 anghat29 hacha30 visat31 gaaush32 buyaat33; asishtem34 ashem35, asishtem36 narsh37 ashaono38 aojo39, asishto40 Aahuirish41 tkaesho42.
(3) Jamyaan43 ithra44 ashaaunaam45 vanguhish46 suraao47 spentaao48 fravashayo49, ashoish50 baeshaza51 hachimnaao52 zem-frathangha53 daanu-draa-jangha54, hvare-barezangha55; ishtee56 vanghanghaam", paitishtaate58 aataranaam59, frasha-vakhshyaai60 rayaamcha61 khvarenanghaamcha62.
iii) Let us all now recite the famous “Vainit Ahmi Nmaane” para 4 from Avestan Doa Tandoorasti:
First its English translation:
(4) In this64 house65
May obedience66 overcome63 disobedience67!
May peace68 overcome63 discord69!
May generosity70 overcome63 avarice for wealth71!
May reverence72 overcome63 pride73!
May the true-spoken word75 overcome63 the false-spoken76 word77 distorting truth78!
And now the Avestan para:
(4) Vainit63 ahmi64 nmaane65
Sraosho66
asrushtim67,
aakhshtish68 anaakhshtim69,
raaitish70 araaitim71,
aarmaitish72 taromaitim73,
arshukhdha74 vaakhsh75 mithaokhtem76 vaachim77, asha drujem78.
iv) Behdin 10 will now recite translations of last paras from Avestan Doa Tandoorasti:
(5) So that79 in this (abode)80 through the Holy84 Sraosha (yazata)83 the Bountiful Immortals81-82 (Ameshaspands) desire eagerly85 good86 yasnas'87 and invocations88, good89 yazishna90and invocation91, good gift92, health-giving gift93 and friendly offering94. May (this clan) protect itself96 for a long time95!
(6) May the glory2 giving comfort and ease1, happiness6, offspring, (and) innate wisdom never97-98 leave this99 house100! May the long15 friendship of Ashishvangh which gives comfort and ease never97-98 leave3 this99 house100!
v) Mobed(s) will recite the last paras from Avestan Doa Tandoorasti:
(5) Yatha79
ahmya80 Ameshaao81
Spenta82 Sraoshaadha83 ashyaadha84
paitishaan85
vanghush86 yasnaascha87 vahmaascha88, vohu89 yasnemcha90 vahmemcha91, huberetimcha92, ushta-beretimcha93, vanta-beretimcha94 aadareghaat95 khvaabairyaat96.
(6) Maa97 yave98 imat99 nmaanem100 khvaathravat1 khvareno2 frazahit3; maa4 khvaathravaiti5 ishtish6, maa7 khvaathravaiti8 aasna9 frazaintish10; khvaathro11 -disyehe11 paiti12 ashoishcha13 vanghuyaao14 dareghem15 hakhma16.
f) “God Bless Our Rulers” in Avesta
The following paras have been fondly referred to as “God Bless Our Rulers” by our eminent scholar, late Ervad Dr. J. J. Modi.
i) Behdin 11 will now recite translations of these paras:
(Reference 4 at the end of the article)
8. Blessings on the rulers of the land, for greater strength, greater victory, greater rule, greater sovereignty, compassion, long rule, enduring physical vitality, and health.
11. (Blessings) that he may be victorious through timely thoughts, words, and deeds; to suppress all the evil-minded, and all Daeva-worshippers, so as to attain to good reward, and to good renown, and to long happiness of the soul.
Thus may it come as I wish.
ii) Mobeds will now recite these paras:
Aafrinaami ………… atha jamyaat, yatha aafrinaami.
iii) Let us end this prayer by all reciting the beautiful Humatanaam para:
First its translation:
We praise good thoughts, good words, and good deeds, performed here and elsewhere, now and in the past.
Thus we glorify and invoke all that is good.
And now its prayer:
“Hamaa Zor”
“Hamaa Asho Bade”
C. Aafrins
In a traditional Jashan, three Aafrins (Blessings) are recited. We will have recitation of the translations of a few paras:
i) Behdin 12 will now recite translations of some paras:
1. May we be united. May we be united with all the righteous, with all the virtuous, with all the goodness in the world, with those of bountiful good deeds, with those of fewer sins.
2. May we be united with the religion of Zarathushtra, and attain salvation through righteousness.
May we attain correct knowledge of the Mazdayasnian religion.
3. May we be united with the creator Ahura Mazda the brilliant and glorious, with the Amesha Spentas, and with the glory of the good and righteous Mazdayasnian religion.
ii) Behdin 13 will now recite translations of some paras:
May we be united with the victorious fravashis for whom I have offered praise, I have offered the darun and I begin the myazda which together may reach the treasure-house of the brilliant and glorious lord Ahura Mazda and the Amesha Spentas.
Of the existing ones, of those who have existed and of those who will be, of those born and of those unborn, of those belonging to the country and to a foreign country, and the pious males and females, of children and of adults of anyone who has departed from this earth as one of the Good Religion - all these fravashis and their souls are worthy of being remembered.
iii) Zaotar will now recite some paras of this Afrin:
i) Behdin 14 will now recite translations of some paras:
2. May your wishes be fulfilled like those of Lord Ormazd with regard to his own creation.
Be fortunate and more excellent like Kaikhusro.
Be a smiter of enemies like Zarir.
Be righteous like King Vishtaspa.
Be equipped with arms like Rustam.
Be a lancer like Aspendyar, the supporter of religion.
Be a wise man like the valiant Jaamaasp, the chief of the realm.
ii) Behdin 15 will now recite translations of some paras:
5-6. May these blessings be so as the moon, the sun, waters, and the fire and just like wine, the myrtle, musk, the jasmine, the rose and the mouse-ear, and for a thousand years may their various perfumes be charming and exhilarating, together with pure food, pleasant wine and the sweet-scented basil.
And with a wife having the same vision as yourself, may there be born a righteous offspring to you who may protect his community, who may desire name and fame, who may smite the enemies and may be a multiplier of (his family).
iii) Zaotar will now recite some paras of this Afrin:
i) Behdin 16 will now recite translations of some paras:
Anyone who needs more, may he/she have more.
Anyone who needs goodness, may she/he have goodness.
Anyone who needs a wife/husband, may he/she find a wife/husband.
Anyone who needs a child, may she/he have a child.
May the Mazdayasnian religion spread and be ever living in the seven regions of the earth.
ii) Behdin 17 will now recite translations of some paras:
13. May the immortal soul of Spitama Zarathushtra of holy fravashi, as well as the souls of Athravans, warriors, farmers, and artisans be immortal.
May merit increase due to your arrival and may sins be eradicated on your departure.
May the terrestrial world be good and the spiritual world excellent.
Finally may righteousness increase and may the souls be fit for paradise.
14. May the righteous live long.
So I wish, may it be so.
iii) Zaotar will now conclude the prayers of this Jashan with the mobeds:
Para starting with “Hech kas az miyaan pa divyaaz kardan” to the end.
Doa Tandoorasti
(Reference 2 at the end of the article)
a) Behdin 18:
In the name of God, the benevolent, the merciful, the loving.
In order to live for a long time2, health of the body1 is necessary3.
May the glory4 remain permanent5 in association with righteousness!
b) Behdin 19:
May all these11 heavenly yazatas7 (and) the yazatas of this world8 (and) the seven Amshaspands9 come12 to this excellent votive offering10!
c) Behdin 20:
May this benediction13 (of mine) be14 (approved)!
May this wish (of mine)15 be fulfilled16!
May the Religion of Zarathushtra19 be chosen amongst all17 men18! May it be so21!
d) Behdin 21:
O God! the Creator!
May you keep forever27, cheerful, healthy the Lord of this world23, and Hamaa Anjuman (whole community)24 together with (their) descendents25; may you keep (them) thus30.
e) Behdin 22:
Over the chieftainship31 of the worthy men32 may you keep permanent Lord for many years33 and for boundless period34.
f) Behdin 23:
May there be a thousand36 blessings37!
May the year be auspicious38! May the day be fortunate39 (And) may the month be auspicious40!
g) Behdin 24:
May you keep us worthy45 (in performing) the worship46 and invocation47 and charity48 and in offering libations49 for several years41, several days42, and several months43; for many years44!
h) Behdin 25:
May you keep righteousness over all actions and meritorious deeds!
May there be health and goodness (unto us)54! May there be excellence (unto us)55!
i) Behdin 26:
May it be so56! May it be more so57!
May (our) wish59 be60 in accordance with58 (the wish of) the yazatas and the Amshaspands58!
DOA TANDAROSTI (IN PAZAND)
Let us all pray Doa Tandoorasti:
Ba naame yazaday bakhshaayandayhay bakhshaayashgaray mayhayrbaan.
Yathaa Ahu Vairyo 2.
Tan-dorosti1 der-zivashni2 aavaayad3;
khoreh4 anghad5 ashahidaar6;
yazdaanay minoaan7, yazdaanay getiaan8,
hafta Ameshaaspandaan9 myazda roshan10 hamay11 bayrasaad12.
In doaayaa13 baad14, in khoaahaa15 baad16;
hamay17 andar kasaaraa18 Zarathushti din19 shaad baad20; aedun baad21.
Ya baari khodaa22! Khodaavande aalamraa23,
hamaa anjumanraa24
Ba farzandaan24, hazaar saal26 der bedaar27, shaad bedaar28,
tan-dorost bedaar29; aedun bedaar30.
Bar saray31 arzaaniaa, saalhaae bisyaar33
va karanhaae bishumaar34
baaki va paayandeh daar35;
hazaaraan hazaar36 aafrin baad37,
saal-khozasteh baad38, roz farrokh baad39, maah mubaarak baad40.
Chand saal41, chand roz42, chand maah43,
bisyaar sal44 arzaanidaar45,
yazashnay46 va niaaeshnay47
va raadi48 va zor barashnay49.
Ashahidaar50 avaray51 hamaa kaaro kerfehaa52;
tandorosti baad53, neki baad54, khub baad55;
aedun baad56, aeduntaraz baad57,
pa yazdaan va Ameshaaspandaan58 kaamay59 baad60.
Ashem Vohu 1.
____________________________________________________
References:
This website has ALL the English translations of all Afargaans and Aafrins in English side by side the actual prayers on the same page which I have not yet found in any other source. I am getting some old books from India on this subject. Joe’s website has been an indispensable source for most of my education.