A SOSHYANT IS SAID TO BE A GREAT prophet or messenger from God, whose mission is to save mankind from evil. A Ratu is a spiritual person who lives by truth. And Vastrya is a shepherd; he is, therefore, a protector who protects his flock from evil. In the verses that follow, these three persons are mentioned, their common feature being that they all instruct human beings to live by truth and protect them against evil. The ‘Kem Na Mazda’ prayer partially contained in Chapter 44.16 and Chapter 46.07 speaks of a protector who will protect and lead human beings to triumph over evil through his teachings.
We have already seen how Mother Earth wanted a protector to be appointed and how Zarathustra was so appointed. In one verse, he describes himself as a Ratu, with characteristic humility. However, he is really a Soshyant who has come with a message from God to save mankind from evil. As a Ratu, having realized truth, he is eloquent in being able to spread the message of God. Interestingly, sham protectors are also mentioned – wolves in sheep’s clothing who will be exposed by their words and deeds. Ultimately, all Soshyants vanquish hatred by deeds inspired by truth alone. Even the Shepherd, who acquires wisdom through humility, is able to instruct others as a teacher of the path of truth.
AHUNAVAITI – Yas. 29.1
To You, O Lord, did Mother Earth complain: Why did you create me in the first place? I am surrounded by anger, rapine, and violence, which aggressively threaten me. For me, there is no protector other than You. So tell me, who will protect me effectively against this onslaught?
AHUNAVAITI – Yas. 29.2
Thereupon the Creator of Mother Earth asked Absolute Truth: Where is the protector for Mother Earth who can zealously perform this task? Which powerful person can repel such hatred and anger?
AHUNAVAITI – Yas. 31.6
The best will be the lot of the wise man who speaks the truth – words which bring perfection and immortality in the realm of truth. Such is God’s power, that with this thought, good intent will increase from within.
AHUNAVAITI – Yas. 31.9
Yours has been right-mindedness and the wisdom which created life, O God. Unto life have You granted the choice of following the teachings of a true protector or the wiles of a false so-called protector.
AHUNAVAITI – Yas. 31.10
So, between these two, let the choice as Shepherd be for a man who possesses truth, a promoter of the best of intentions. Never, O Lord, may a wolf in sheep’s clothing purport to spread Your message.
AHUNAVAITI – Yas. 31.19
Whoever listens to and thinks of truth becomes wise and helps life. He will be eloquent in his speech with words which are true. Through the blazing fire of judgement will you assign the next dwelling place to all of mankind.
AHUNAVAITI – Yas. 33.1
In accord with divine principles do I act; these are the laws governing life from the very beginning. The teacher will act justly to both the righteous and the unrighteous and weigh the admixture of falsehood and truth in each.
AHUNAVAITI – Yas. 33.2
Whosoever frustrates evil by thought, word, or deed, or instructs his companion to do good, accomplishes life’s purpose, out of love for God.
AHUNAVAITI – Yas. 34.6
Since You are such in reality, O Lord, Truth and Pure Mind, guide me when doubts arise, at every stage of life, so that your worshipper is free from the load which ultimately weighs the soul down.
USTAVAITI – Yas. 44.2
This do I ask You, tell me truly, O Lord:
The first thing in life is to strive for the best, to lead another yearning soul to attain the best, for such person, indeed, is holy through truth, and will attain the goal of all mankind. This person is our guardian spirit and life renewing friend, O Lord.
USTAVAITI – Yas. 44.16
This do I ask You, tell me truly, O Lord:
Which victor will protect all who exist through his teachings? Clearly reveal to me the guide who will give life a new direction. To Him grant pure-mindedness and an active conscience, O Lord, and to whomsoever else as well.
USTAVAITI – Yas. 46.3
When, O Lord, will there be a new dawn when truth shall shine forth from all life, following the effective teachings of wise saviours. To whose help this shall come, together with the Pure Mind – I have chosen You as the subject of my teaching.
USTAVAITI – Yas. 46.7
Who, O Lord, will protect me when evil persons threaten me with violence? Who, other than Your fire and the Pure Mind? When they both are at work within me, truth prevails, O Lord. Declare this clearly so that I may understand this philosophical truth.
SPENTA MAINYU – Yas. 48.3
This would be for those who understand the best teaching – that which is taught by the wisdom of truth. Holy and Wise are the teachers of that which cannot be seen – they are Yours, O God, having the Pure Mind’s wisdom.
SPENTA MAINYU – Yas. 48.12
Such are the saviours of this land, who are guided by the Pure Mind’s wisdom. Because of their deeds of truth and their teachings of God and the spread of the divine message, hatred will be vanquished.
VOHU KSHATREM – Yas. 51.5
Questioning about all these as to how he should advance life in truth, the protector, upright in his deeds, acquires good insight through humility. He is the true guide to those who are wise, bringing them blessings.