Patet Pashemani

Gist of Patet Pashemani Lecture by Late Jehangirji Sohrabji Chiniwala on occassion of 101st Birth Anniversary of Dasturji Faramroze Navroji Kutar Venue:- Rustam Faramna Agiary at Dadar Date:- 8th August 1968. Dasturji Dr. Kaiyoji Mirza resided as Chief Guest.

This article has appeared in Parsi Avaz dated 1st September 1968 Originally in Gujarati.


Patet Pashemani

by Late Jehangirji Sohrabji Chiniwalla

What is Mathra is not exactly understood as of today. Manthra is not merely a collection of words as can be found in a language, but if recited with right pronunciations automatically attracts benedictions of blessings.
The Scholars of Avesta Pahallvi as per Philology decipher Manthra prayers as a Language. I myself (Jehangirji S.Chiniwala) had entered into an altercation with the great Scholar of those days Ervad Jamshedji Unwala reiterating the fact that even as per Philology if one considers Manthra as language, the Parsi community should be clearly explained that Avesta Manthra is not merely a Language but same Manthra if recited can attact blessings of "Manthra-Spenta", which are spiritual in nature for our progress. Manthra are called as Baeshaza or remedies. Ashoi is a remedy, even Surgery, or Herbal medicine is also considered as a remedy. Similarly Manthra is also considered as a remedy superior to other remedies that is why it is called as "Baeshazanam Baeshazayotemo" meaning remedy of all remedies. Hence Manthra is considered as an Ace topmost remedy which surpasses all other remedies. For compilation of Manthra special rules are to observed, which are based on Stoat-Yasna. Out of "Frashusho Manthra" 21 Nasks of Paigambar Asho Zarathustra the last Nask was called as Vastarem Nask, and had in it 33 Chapters pertaining to it.

Ustad Saheb Behramshah Nowroji Shroff had said that during the rule of Kyani Dynasty, Huafritan Dynasty, Kudarwand Dynasty, and Hakhamni Dynasty rule, each and every Zoroastrians knew Avesta and they prayed along with the necessary Mithra and the kind of thoughts required whilst praying was taught in religious schools to all Zoroastrian children. Such was the manner in which these Avesta Manthra were prayed side by side with Mithra and was known as "Nemo". The beginning period of Sassanian Dynasty was much better but later on as times changed even before the advent of Shapurshah the 2nd bad practices began to crepe inside. Ardesar Babegan had established Sassanian Dynasty rule and right from that period till Shahpurshah the 2nd rule, Zoroastrian religion and its practices were not up to the par as was practiced before and much dereliction was apparent and crept in. During those times Christian religion had just set in and Christians had no place to call their own. Zoroastrian Iranians were known for their benevolence and tolerance for other religions right from the very beginning and in all times Zarathoshti Deen has been protector and nourishers of all other four religions. In those days Christians were supported by Iranians and were given place to settle down in Armenia.
Those same Christians after having settled in Armenia began their effort to Proselyte the very Zoroastrians who had offered them a roof over their heads. Christians in those days could perform cheap miracles of lower category with help of some Mantras they possesed. Ustad Saheb Behramshah Shroff used to say that Christian religion did possess certain powers so obtained from "Amal" or practice of certain Mantras wherein some of Zoroastrians got attracted to it in wrong direction. Even today there are Mantras of white side as well as of Dark forces in nature that are present in other four religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism). Hindu religion does possess knowledge of white side Mantra pertaining to Southern direction which is called as "Dakshin Marg". Simultaneously Hindu religion do possess Mantras of another path leading towards North direction subservient to gross materialism known as "Vam Marg". Today all Dhantar- Mantar that we hear of is originated from Vam Marg. Similar to Hindu religion possessing those Mantras, other four religions as mentioned above subsequently did possess Mantras of both sides of nature involving Dark as well as White side of nature. Unfortunately even today some of Parsees are involved in Dhantar-Mantar meddling with Arvahis (or Jinn Pairi) and becoming slaves to them in hope of getting quick results from their every day maladies or problems they do encounter. Besides they themselves becoming slaves to those dark forces of nature known as Arvahis they also entice others to same path leading them in wrong direction and thus indulging in Sins of Deen Dushmani or Ashmogi. The Manthras in Zarathosti Deen have only one word for it and that is called as "Manthro-Spento" or Mantras leading towards Spenti or Spiritual enlightenment.

Paigambar Saheb had applied Stoat-Yasna over Kyan language and composed Avesta of Frashusho-Manthra. As said before bad times began setting in right from Sassanian Dynasty rule. Avesta Manthra if prayed by Iranians in those days without Mithra or appropriate thoughts pertaining to those Manthras is not considered to be the right way of prayers. Day by day the situation worsened due to bad times making their advances. Who was Aderbad Marespand? What was his spiritual status ?, we have to know that first before we proceed any further. Aderbad Marespand was known as Rainidar-e-Zaman meaning that great Nar-Ashwan who is entrusted the work by Dadar AhuraMazda himself the task of leading further Zarathosti Daen and keeping in mind the karma of its followers and the tough times present during that period of Time cycle or Era. He had to recompose with help of Stoat Yasna Avesta Pazend again.

The Deen of Asho Zarathustra Saheb will last till the end of 81,000 years cycle of Zarvane-Dareghokhadat, and during that period several sub cycles and Sub-Sub cycles of different Era (Zaman) will revolve and progress in Time frame of 81,000 years period. All Zamana are not same, they say at the times of Paegambar Saheb's period Paegambar saheb himself was of 22 feet height, Kersasp was of 24 feet height,so was Rustam Pehelvan of same height. In that time frame it is very difficult for us today to imagine what kind of humans stayed at that time and have given example so that we get some idea of that era. Today tallest man are of 7 feet height or even more than that and are Europeans who stay near Russian borders surrounded by Ural Mountains and Ural river where the temperatures are below freezing and persons like us will surely catch Pneumonia in this Frigid zone. Zarathosti Deen will survive through 81,000 years cycle, and times will keep on changing. In near future Shah Behram Varjawand Saheb advent is imminent and he will establish a small Satya Yug which will be like Oasis of cool breeze in this tough times we are enduring now. As time will progress till the end of 81,000 years cycle when humans will be between 3 to 3 and half feet in height, and he will be so full of passions lusting for women as animals go after animals to satiate their passions. These glaring contrasts does exist between every Zamana and time cycles and that is why future course for our Deen has to be well organized, and there is divine order in our Zarathosti Deen. The future Rainidars that will do their work in different sub cycles have been fully authorized and are known as "Razreh". Behramshah Shroff had said that the great Rainidar Aderbad Marespand with his powers can foresee in Sezdah or trance that his Rainidari will have to survive till advent of future Rainidar Shah Behram Varjawand Saheb who is yet to come.
He could foresee in sezdah the type of mixed karma of humans reincarnating during that period and karma of those Zarathostis reincarnating will be having tough times ahead due to lack of faith in them. He had to make special arrangements by comipling prayers for those Zarathostis and for their survival till Shah Behram Varjawand arrives and takes over Rainidari. This has been noted in Patet Pashemani prayers. In Patet Pashemani prayers we pray and declare our faith towards Zarathosti Deen which has been handed over to us by AhuraMazda himself through Asho Zarathustra saheb who has tasted it (Chasta) and experienced its greatness. Aderbad Marespand had with his divine eyes saw the future tough times as per Stoat Yasna reconstructed/ammended Manthra and Deen suitable for the souls to be reincarnated in future and presented to its followers. Zarathustra saheb in turn hands over the Deen to Gustasp Padshah who finally hands over Deen to Aderbad Marespand Saheb.

(FKS' Note:- See beginning of Kardo 12 of Patet Pashemani. "Pa aan Deen dastur esta hom, een Hormazda Zarathosta Chasta, Zarathosta oeya Gustaspa pa pevand Aderbad Marespandan mud, padash pasakht kard bokhta...........". It is like handing over and taking over the watch like we do when we perform watch keeping services for full 24 hours time cycle. Just as Captain of a ship is in charge overall, similarly it is in Dadar AhuraMazda watchful eyes that Rainidars who are HIS envoys do their work in 81,000 years time cycle).

Aderbad Marepand foresaw that the souls about to reincarnate during his Rainidari and Dasturi will be unable to pray Avesta Manthra along with the Manashni as it was prayed before. Late Jehangirji cited an example that Vada Dasturji Dr. Homrmuzdiar Kayoji Mirza can pray Avesta Manthra keeping in mind the exact meaning of the words prayed, but such is not the case with layman and common man like us. Even Professional Mobeds who pray Vendidad Yajasne are unable to do so. In fact it is very difficult to know the word to word meaning of Avesta manthra by mere linguistic translations. Avesta Manthra are compiled as per Stoata Yasna and can be understood by Taavil or Inner exposition only. Keeping in mind such a situation will be arising in future, Aderbad Marespand felt the need to reconstruct and repair the Manthra as per Stoat yasna and introduced Mithra of Pazand in Khordeh Avesta. Similarly he also constructed all Setayash, Afrin, Patet Pashemani prayers as per the needed Mithra. These Pazand Mithras that he introduced are also considered as Manthra.

Manthras can be be prayed in three ways as per Zarathosti deen and as shown by Ustad Saheb Behramshah Shroff. 1) Drenjya:- In first method Manthra can be recited at one go without understanding its meaning 2) Stravi Gathavya Vacha:- Second method of praying Manthra is by applying required Manashni and Taavil. This method . In Patet Pashemani prayers in Kardo 5 it is mentioned Avesta Pach Manashni Nagoftan meaning Avesta if prayed without Manashni is considered as sin and am repentful 3) Murah:-The third method of praying Manthra can be done by only an "Amaldar" Dastoor who gives Manthra prayers to be recited in a particular way for a certain problem as encountered by us. These Dastoors can give Nirangs for any Health problem or difficulties faced by us in life. There are many ways of Murah prayers like sitting for prayers in certain Yogic Asana. (FKS Note:- e.g. The "Dozanu" way of prayers is an asana we see in photograph of Shah Faredoon keeping both legs folded on one side only).The other method of "Murah" prayers is using point of focus or Kebla in a certain manner and praying. The method of "Stravi Gathavya Vacha" can be used by only Abed and Ashwan sahebs. When they pray Avesta Manthra the Stoatic vibrations emanating from their eyes merges with Ahunavar naad travels to required destination in nature having obtained necessary blessings these stoats return back to the adept who had prayed and from where it had originated.

Ustad Saheb used to say that in Kash of Demavand Koh where the Magavs reside the Yajasne and Vendidad that is prayed over there, the keherps so formed and the shapes, Fareshtas thus obtained are shown to disciples by the Masters or Guru himself using Paevand or Contact, and the Stoat Yasna is then understood with ease by the Disciples. The above mentioned explanation is done with a purpose for clear understanding and the true meaning of Manthra. In Khordeh Avesta Manthra and other prayers, Aderbad Marespand Saheb had added as per Stoat Yasna Farsi language which was known as Pazend, composed and introduced the required Mithras along with the Manthras. In Farsi Language "Zend Avesta" means the inner core meaning of Avesta is also called as Pa-zend prayers. In Avesta there are such layers of hidden meanings embedded.
Humatemmanao, Hukhatem Vachao, Havarestem Shyothanao translated means your thoughts should be as per Humata, your speech should be as per Hukhata, your deeds should be as per Havarshta. In nature, the ideal thoughts, words, deeds are as per Humata, Hukhata, Havarshta of Yazada which leads to Omnipotent Dadar AhuraMazda. Our Manashni, Gavashni, and Kunashni should be as per Humata, Hukhata, Havarshta. If we refer to a common Pazend para found in beginning of any Niyaesh, Yashta or Sarosh baaj in Avesta prayers. That common Para is Patet prayers in pazend. A Bastekustian Zarathosti commits sins knowingly unknowingly and that is why this small Patet is recited by us in all our prayers in the very beginning only, and later on the main prayers in Avesta follows. Such composition is done by Aderbad Marespand saheb knowing fully well the Keshash of souls to be reincarnated during his Dastoori. These Pazend para is also Manthra only of "Baeshaza" type remedial measures for us. Why are they Manthra and too of Baeshaza form ????. Aderbad Marespand Saheb when he composed prayers as per Stoat Yasna had to performed special "Amal"
which we todays Parsees are ignorant of exalted status of Raindar Aderbad Marespand Saheb. With that "Amal" he performed the much needed miracle known as "Nirang-Vaar" so very necessary to challenge the Armenian Christians of the greatness of Zarathosti Deen in nature. Our Rainidar Saheb challenged the Christians to perform Nirang-Vaar that he performed by pouring burning Molten lead in liquid state on his bare chest with his Sudreh Kusti intact and that is no small a miracle which no Christian individual could perform than. Even a few drops of Molten lead are enough to burn a man to cinders. The Nirang-Vaar that he performed was enough to knock sense in inflated Egos of those Christians that what was in Zoroastrian religion could not be found in their religion and thus frustrated their efforts of mocking and Proselytizing Zoroastrians by leading them astray.

Such was the exalted nature of Rainidar Aderbad Marespand Saheb in whose Rainidari we are breathing. His newly composed Avesta Manthras and its Talismanic elemental forces are ever present in todays Paavmahal. He thus revitalized the dying faith of Zarathostis and recomposed main Avesta Manthras with pazend prayers entwined in between them and repaired our Deen made suitable for the types of souls likely to reincarnate in future also. Having undergone Big Amaal he with its use also introduced store house of vibratory elemental forces of Manthras. All Manthras have behind them unseen elemental forces of store houses known as "Gubaar". The Gubaar of Yatha, Ashem and Yengeh Hatam prayers are ever present in all times. The talismanic Gubbars of main 21 Nasks which Paimgabar saheb himself composed are ever present, The Gubaar of Manthra Spenta which were composed by his Havishta or Paigambar saheb's Disciples are also present. So also the Gubaars of Aderbad Marespand saheb and his composed Manthras store house (tank) are ever present. These Gubaars are like Tanks and ever present in nature. Just as you open a tap and water flows from the Tanks, similarly even today if we along with thoughts full of piety pray Avesta-Pazend Manthra than we can reap the benefits from Talismanic Gubaars i.e. store house or tank full of Minoi Manthric Ashirwad blessings. Zarathosti Deen is made up of Manthra, Mithra, and Yasna. Mithra does not mean just a thought but it is sure and a definate remedy in Mithra or Gubaar of tank full of thought that is ever present in nature. These blessings from Gubaar gets activated when we pray those Manthras as given by Aderbad Marespand Saheb and travels to earth using rays of Sun or Khurshed Yazad as medium towards its required destination that is from where those Manthras has originated. The selfless wish of the devotee who prays those Manthras gets fulfilled thus. That is the true meaning of Mithra. What exactly is Manthra ?? Today whatever we speak in words we will be able to see it as a "Kerdar" or elemental that we have produced in our life time on earth. But all that, we will be able to see only on Charum Bamdad that is on fourth day of our corporal death at the dawn of Hoshbam and not before that in our earthly life existence. Where as Gubaars of Manthra all it requires is activation by us by reciting Manthras with righteous piety. For example the Yatha, Ashem, and Yengeh Hatam have got its own fields and Ahunavar Naad that is all encompased in earthly environement gets activated once it is recited and the devotee who prays Yatha with his wish or Mithra receives blessings from its Channels. That is why these Manthras are called as "Garobish Stoatam" literally meaning a pot full of Stoat. This Pot or "Garo" full of stoat have Naad in it meant for special purpose. For example if we pass a bad thought in our mind to stop that going any further we pray Ashem Vohu, after a sneeze we pray on ashem vohu, if we want to sit on a new place we clean it first and pray one Yatha before sitting on it. So all those benefits we get from Garobish Stoatam automatically. Our forefathers lead a life in such disciplined manner, where as we have today become totally Dravand. Jehangirji's father never used to sit on a place without praying yatha kalaam. This is the kind of Tarikaats we all have to imbibe in our psyche and teach to our younger generation and than let us see how their faith shines and increases day by day. With such strong faith and "Iman" in their hearts even a hundred Ashmogs who try to rob us of our faith with their poison will remain unsuccessful in their hundredth attempt.

Similar Gubaar is present of Patet Pashemani prayers. Patet Pashemani means we repent for whatever Sins knowingly or unknowingly done by us and its Talesam will suck dry the very seeds of Sins lying dormant but ever ready to strike in our body like a Cobra in waiting to strike its prey. There is a technical term mentioned in our Zarathusti Deen known as "Das Andaarz" ( Ten Commandments) and "Azidehaak" ( Ten Serpent Vices) which can explain or cover whole chapter of Moral Science or "Neeti Shastra". Today there is loose talks about Ethics without trying to understand its true inner meaning. Some ignorant few spreads their ignorance by saying that all Ethics are mentioned in Gathas by our Paigambar saheb. In Gathas it is mentioned clearly "Yasna Amaretatem" which means through Yasna it liberates us from Birth Cycles and thus makes us immortal or Amar, where as those ignorant try to spread poison deriding Yasna or Kriyakaam as mere show or empty shell. Gathas also mention Arejush Patho which has Tarikaatmarg or the path of Tarikaat to be followed by us, and ignorant few spread lies that Tarikaat Marg is nothing else but Tarkat or useless. The Fatwa passed by Dr Dhalla of Karachi spreads poison that Iranians were afraid of blood hence they followed custom of segregating their women folks during menses. With such poison being spread in our community today the Faith and Iman of Zarathostis have been shredded asunder to pieces. Today youngsters of marriageable age complain to Jehangirji that they wish to marry a girl who follows the Tarikaat of segregation during menses but non of them perform this subtle Tarikaat nowadays, and they laugh it off saying that we as community so highly educated should consider all these as some sort of superstition not worthy to follow. Such is materialistic times we are living in which has been originated from the times of Aristotle the Greek Philosopher. The writings of "Arastu" are called as "Samiat-e- Arestatalis" by Pehelvi authors of Iran. Samiat meaning Poison of Aristotle. Such poison has started right from the times classics works were written by Aristotle and was later on picked up further by invention of Hydrogen and Atom Bomb which today’s world consider that Science as Epitome of knowledge.

Zarathosti Deen is composed of Triad that is Mithra, Manthra, Yasna. Obesrve tarikaats as much as you can, and with full faith, and with descretion without making a show of it to others. The practice of Tarikaats is not to be advertised to the critics as it is not worth showing to todays materialistic age our own practice. Nevertheless today we are surrounded by Druji everywhere. In Vendidad different Cantagions or Drujis are mentioned. They are known as 1) "Hamrit" or Direct contagion , 2) "Patrit" or Indirect Contagion, and 3) "Uprit" or Contagion of the Air. We are supposed to make oursleves and our houses as Druj Proof no matter if our profession is that of a Doctor, and we do surgeries coming in contact with different Drujis. Whatever may be our profession we are supposed to fulfil our Karma first and side by side practice Tarikaats of "Druj-Parhej". Jehangirji Chiniwalla cited a living example in his lecture by quoting that Dr. Saheb Edulji Koyaji of Pune may Garothman Behest blessings be upon him, he used to practice these Tarikaats without allowing anybody around him to know about it. He used to wear a set of clothes and go out and after comng home in afternoon remove that set of clothes and wear other set of clothes. In his younger days he used to wash his body with a utensil and than only sit for lunch. In evening used to go to clinic, Hospital for visit and come back in night and again rinse his body with water, and sit to pray Manthra Avestavani and than retire for the day with a good night sleep. This is what faith is all about also called as "Zarzadaiti". If one has taken upon himself to do a certain thing than that is done with full dedication and full faith. Jehangirji Chiniwalla further said in his lecture that he does not feel like giving moral lessons to anybody but he was merely spreading knowledge repeating the correct kind of life we are supposed to follow as per our religion. He considered himself to be a Behdin and a Mazdayasni Zarathosti Darvand. He further emphasized the importance of observing Tarikaats and to fortify faith for doing it. Even whilst sitting on Flush Toilets we have to pass Mithra as "Vanah Sekashtey Saad hazar Baad" meaning that i regret for the sin (Gunah, or Vanah) thousand times ( saad hazar baad) i am commiting by contaminating water with my waste fecal matter( Please refer to Baaj to be recited before and after going to toilet). This sin i commit because of my bad Keshash and pray that God grant me in my next life better position for me to observe all Zarathosti tarikaats religiously. Come out of toilet wash your exposed parts and do Padyab Kusti. This much spiritual excercise we have to follow to bind our thoughts with truth and sincerity. Today one does not realize the folly of speaking lies at the drop of a hat, or do back biting, gossip and pass off negative comments for other, we have to remain aloof from such negative practices by any cost as it is considered sinful.
In Sarosh Baaj para starting with "Panameh yazdan..............pa papet hom." This para suggests that today’s times we are living in is such that we have to run our thoughts Mithra continuously in that direction of above mentioned para of Patet, day in and day out. Jehangirji suggested in his lecture to the audience that we can take Kangaji translation of Patet Pashemani and daily try to read its translation and for further understanding and its Tavil refer to Dr Saheb's Faramroze Chiniwalla's translations in his book "Khordeh Avesta Ba Khshnoom Tavil" and try to decipher each Kardo of Patet Pashemani to youngsters. Today we claim that there are several schools giving religious knowledge but none of them lay stress on "Neeti-Shastra" or Moral science as is stressed in our Zarathosti Deen. Dus Andarz or Ten Commandments consists of Tarikaat Marg and is basic theme of it, and to bind ten shortfalls of our physical body or faults of flesh in form of serpent sitting ready to strike at will without warning us is also known as "Azidahak". Patet Pahemani prayers is instrumental in developing that Mithra in our psyche. Patet pashemani prayers Kardo 6th and 7th are very descriptive and suggestive of Mithra of Patet. The translation and gist of Kardo 6 and 7 in Patet goes as under:- Whatever i was supposed to do i did not do it, and whatever i was supposed to remain aloof from i have done it, and have committed sins for which i regret and repent for it. These two Paras are a very powerful storehouse of Mithra and Mathra which we can memorize in our mind. The above mentioned is considered as true Neeti Shastra. If we develop such thinking in our mind than our mind will be in peace and a calmed down state of mind will be ever present. Passions will automatically subside and its seeds within our body will dry up. If we realize that some coward is back biting behind our back than instead of getting agitated in our mind and being vengeful a sort of calm will settle down in our mind and we will in fact think for the betterment of that person like Lord Jesus Christ thought in compassionate way and as mentioned in Bible that "Father forgive them for they know not what they do". Such is usefulness of Patet Pashemani and is such a precious and important prayers for us. After Kusti Padyab if we pray Patet Pashemani prayers than from the Gubaar or store house of Manthra built by Aderbaad Marespand we will surely receive the benefits and blessings.

Concluded.

Translated from Original Gujarati by Firdosh K. Sukhia



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Either get involved or stop criticizing the system. - By Shiv Khera
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"Aevo pantaao yo Ashahay, veespay anyaeshaanm apantaanm"

There is only one path, that of Righteousness (Ashoi); all others are non-paths.
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