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MAZDA'S MINISTERING ANGELS
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is addressed to Haurvatat or to Ameretat alone. Haurvata means weal or perfection, and Ameretat is emblematic of immortality. The dual earthly gift of endurance and vigour of body is paralleled with the heavenly blessings of perfection and immortality.[1] Ahura Mazda bestows through Vohu Manah and Asha endurance and vigour of body in this world and Haurvatat's perfection and Ameretat's immortality in the next, upon those who offer him the sacrifice of devotion.[2] The earthly boons are the gifts of Haurvatat and Ameretat.[3] Whoso piously pronounces the sacred formulas dedicated to Haurvatat and Ameretat receives the best reward.[4] Through the recital of these holy words and basing their lives upon righteousness, do the faithful win for themselves the blessings of Haurvatat and Ameretat.[5] Zarathushtra fervently prays for the participation in these blessings.[6] Those who offer willing obedience unto the teachings of the prophet will attain unto Haurvatat and Ameretat.[7] He who befriends Ahura Mazda with his thoughts and words and deeds wins them for himself.[8] Man comes by them in Ahura Mazda's Kingdom through his good thoughts, words, and deeds, and his life of righteousness and devotion.[9] It is the wicked who defraud mankind of happy life and immortality by means of evil thoughts, evil words, and evil deeds.[10]

Water and plants form the province of Haurvatat and Ameretat. The Gathas hint at the connection of Haurvatat and Ameretat with water and plants, over whom they preside in the Later Avesta. Ahura Mazda who has created water and plants is invoked to give Haurvatat's perfection and Ameretat's immortality.[11] On the eschatological side Haurvatat figuratively represents ambrosia and Ameretat stands for nectar that the pious souls receive in heaven.[12]

Sraosha

Sraosha is obedience to the religious lore. In the later period, Sraosha rises to great prominence as the divine teacher

  1. Ys. 33. 8; 34. 11; 45. 10; 51. 7.
  2. Ys. 45. 10.
  3. Ys. 33. 8.
  4. Ys. 31. 6.
  5. Ys. 44. 17.
  6. Ys. 44. 18.
  7. Ys. 45. 5.
  8. Ys. 31. 21.
  9. Ys. 47. 1.
  10. Ys. 32. 5.
  11. Ys. 51. 7.
  12. Ys. 34. 11.