The Zend-Avesta, The Gathas, and the Doctrine of Zarathustra Paperback – December 8, 2005

This book is very informative and a very valuable document of the history of an ancient religion in Persia . The author truly represents the doctrine of Zarathustra and quotes other authors who have studied this ancient prophets life . The book explains well The Aryan Race which is very interesting for me who wishes to learn more of her background . I recommend this book for every person who has a passion in history of the ancient civilization . I also find it extremely helpful when author explains the roots of Persian language and the language of Avesta , Zoraoasterian holly book.I'm reading this book with an open mind and share my thoughts with my family and friends on this tolerant and amazing doctrine of an ancient religion which inspired our heart & soul .

This paperback book is actually one of three lectures by Albert Pike. It mainly speaks to the doctrines of Zarathustra, and the history and legends of the Iranian branch, familiarly known as the Medes and Persians of the great Aryan race. He skips around and quotes other authors/scholars on many of the topics, which helps in understanding. It is not an easy read for the average lay person, and I re-read many pages in order to better grasp the meanings. Being a person who searches for the truth about everything, through historical documentation - especially things of religious origins, I found the lecture extremely interesting. The Gathas are sacred, short prayers, whose meaning, as well as the dialect, is hard to interpret. Albert Pike does a good job of enlightening us as to their probable meanings in this lecture. The supposed Trinity of Zarathustra was "Thought, Word, Deed or Act." I found that many of the same precepts in the doctrine of Zarathustra can be found in later Christianity. This lecture is not for the average, close-minded person, but to the truth-seekers, it will be an interesting, if not easy, read.

This is misleading. This is not the Zend Avesta but just some random guy lecturing about it. Worse is that this is just a sample of that lecture.

This advances my understanding of the origins of Zoroasterism and the importance of Zarathustra in the pantheon of philosophers.

I was disappointed because this turned out to be part of an essay about the Zend-Avesta and the Gathas and not the actual Avesta or Gathas themselves. Those who are looking for the Zoroastrian holy writings need to look elsewhere. You can buy them online, but the better translations are quite expensive.

This book represents the truth of this philosophy and provides what is necessary to understand why and what differentiates this practice

A good place to start when looking at the belief system of Zoroastrianism.

Great Piece.