The Hymns of Zoroaster: A New Translation of the Most Ancient Sacred Texts of Iran by M. L. West (PDF)

Description

Zoroaster was one of the greatest and most radical religious reformers in the history of the world. The faith that he founded some 2600 years ago in a remote region of central Asia flourished to become the bedrock of a great empire as well as its official religion. Zoroastrianism is still practiced today in parts of India and Iran and in smaller communities elsewhere, where its adherents are known as Parsis. It has the distinction of being one of the most ancient religions in the world: only Hinduism can lay claim to greater antiquity. The foundation texts of this venerable system of belief are the founder’s own passionate poems, known as the Gathas (“”Songs””), and a short ritual composed soon after his death, called the Liturgy in Seven Chapters. These hymns are the authentic utterances of a religious leader whose thought was way ahead of his time, and are among the most precious relics of human civilization. After so many millennia they continue to speak to us of an impressively austere theology and of an inspiring and easily understood moral code. Yet existing translations are few, divergent in their interpretations of the original Avestan language of Zoroaster, and frequently hard to access. M. L. West’s new translation, based on the best modern scholarship, and augmented by a substantial introduction and notes, makes these powerfully resonant texts available to a wide audience in clear and accessible form.

User’s Reviews

Editorial Reviews: Review “”Translating the words and comprehending the meaning of Zoroaster’s devotional poems is always challenging. M. L. West has produced a lucid interpretation of those ancient words. His renditions are filled with insights and empathy. This endeavour is an important contribution toward understanding more fully some of the earliest prophetic words in human history.”” — Jamsheed K Choksy, Professor of Iranian Studies, History, and India Studies, Indiana University””In this new and dauntless translation of the Gathas, M.L. West resuscitates the notion of Zoroaster as the self-conscious founder of a new religion. In advancing this idea, he takes position against many modern interpreters of these extremely difficult texts. The clarity and beauty of his translation will be much welcomed by students of Zoroastrianism and by Zoroastrians themselves, while his bold interpretation will spark off welcome debate among specialists.”” — Albert de Jong, Professor of Comparative Religion, Leiden University About the Author M.L. West is an Emeritus Fellow of All Souls College, Oxford, and a Fellow of the British Academy. From 1974-91 he was Professor of Greek at Royal Holloway, University of London. His many books include The Orphic Poems (1983), An Introduction to Greek Metre (1987), Ancient Greek Music (1992) and Indo-European Poetry and Myth (2007).

Reviews from Amazon users which were colected at the time this book was published on the website:

⭐On the one hand, M. L. West is not an expert on Zoroastrianism. On the other, he is known for his expertise in Ancient Greek poetry, and his work on ancient poetic forms in general. This book came about after West studied the Gathas for his book

⭐and decided that he saw things that other translators were missing.This expertise in ancient poetry gives West a different perspective on the Gathas than most translators. He is not just looking at the words, but seeing forms, styles, and references that he is familiar with from Homer and the Rig Veda and using these to influence his translation. Not everything is in sync with other translations, but what would be the point if it agreed 100%?This book is sure to provoke discussion, which is never a bad thing. However, I am hoping for a second edition with a bit more editing. In the introduction West jumps ahead of himself several times in ways that could be very confusing to someone not familiar with the subject. Additionally, in an example given of the Avestan script, the transliteration does not 100% match the script, with no explanation given as to why this is.West’s attempts to keep the translation in the same poetic forms as the original does at times make it hard to read. He accommodates by having one page be the direct translation, and the facing page a synopsis. I think I would have preferred if he had also included a free verse form, if just for ease of reading for those not used to the structures often found in translated poetry.

⭐Well, this book is actually a bit complicated. On the one hand I suspect the translation part was written by someone other than M.L.West and it is a person or group that would rather not be identified. On the other, M.L.West offers a very good “translation” in the commentary proceeding each Hymn. Apparently, the translators of the hymns themselves were more interested in maintaining word patterns and verse form than they were in translating meaning. As a result the Hymns are utterly incoherent and even conjure the opposite meanings in many cases. It is so silly that it appears deliberately misleading. For M.L.West’s part it seems as if he is quite aware of this and offers a kind of life raft in defense of the original built into this apparent sabotage. If you want a translation of the Hymns that you can utilize in Zoroastrian practice this is NOT it. It might be helpful in offering insight into OTHER translations. There is a bibliography in the back of the book to direct the reader. Thanks M.L.West.

⭐Enjoyed learning about this man Zoroaster and reading his hymns from 2600 years ago. Old texts such as these remind me that the basic concerns and wishes of this 600 BC Persian are the same as people of today.

⭐Very deep Ancient Traditions that predate many of the Faith of the Western Traditions. The Great Architect of the Universe listens to the Prayers of all Traditions!

⭐Martin West is the foremost living editorof Ancient Greek text, beginning withHesiod. He was astute enough torealize that the Theogony washeavily influence by Ancient NearEastern texts. He has over the yearsmade himself a master of most, if notall, Indo-European languages andpoetry in those langages.His view of Zoroaster/Zarathustraseems fresh and exciting

⭐Have been researching Zoroaster for awhile now and most translations are pretty stilted and not necessarily complete. The translations seemed very plausible and reasonable variations of other works. Was thus less taxing to look for meaning vs trying to twist things around to how we think today. Definitely keeping this for reference.

⭐I was very exited to receive this book. Unfortunately, I am not enjoying this edition. It feels like a superficial work, written without a deep understanding of Zoroastrianism. The translation has not been updated to contemporary language, and so it often feels obscure and old. Sincerely, I wish I bought another edition, more scholarly and well documented, with more explicit references to the original text.

⭐good condition

⭐West has provided a wonderful, insightful and under stable translation of the Gathas of Zarathushtra. Removing the misleading Ahura Mazda title he has allowed readers of belief and non-belief to understand the spiritual journey and prayers detailing that journey of this phenomenal Bactrian prophet. The translated texts are presented in very readable and understandable form opposite clear but concise notes on their meaning and relevance. Although a book of scholarship these translations could be equally used for recitation or indeed meditative reflection. Excellent. There is so little available on these texts in English and so little that is to date that this work is indeed a treasure. A useful parallel translation and introduction in by Humbach.

⭐Excellent, excellent format. You get an introduction to each poem, and a verse by verse explanation on one page with the verses in English running parallel on the other. It is all very simple and approachable. It doesn’t go into deep theology or linguistics, it just tells you what you need to know.It feels like more of a commercial product for the curious reader than something for the serious student. But this clarity and approachability are its greatest strengths. It is also a really well presented book. The cover is attractive and it is good quality.

⭐A most valuable contribution to Zoroastrian Studies

⭐výborná knihaWorth every penny. Good commentary. For me this is the best english translation of a scripture since Stephen Mitchell’s Tao Te Ching.

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