Zoroastrian Manuscripts
Zoroastrianism, founded by the prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster), is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions.
- Avesta
- Language: Avestan
- Content: The core scripture, including the Gathas (hymns attributed to Zoroaster), the Yasna (liturgical texts), Visperad, and Vendidad (laws and myths).
- Significance: Covers cosmology, ritual practices, moral codes, and prayers.
Avesta the Bible of Zoroaster PDF
- Pahlavi Texts
- Language: Middle Persian (Pahlavi)
- Examples: Bundahishn (creation myths), Denkard (encyclopedia of Zoroastrian knowledge), Arda Viraf Namak (a visionary journey through heaven and hell).
- Significance: Interprets and expands upon Avesta teachings with philosophical commentaries.
🌍 Manichaean Manuscripts
Manichaeism, founded by Mani in the 3rd century CE, blended elements of Zoroastrianism, Christianity, and Buddhism.
- Shabuhragan
- Language: Middle Persian
- Content: A theological work dedicated to King Shapur I, summarizing Mani’s doctrines.
- Significance: Describes the dualistic struggle between light and darkness.
- Manichaean Codices (Turfan Texts)
- Languages: Parthian, Sogdian, Bactrian, and even Coptic and Syriac due to the religion’s spread.
- Content: Hymns, psalms, sermons, and cosmological diagrams.
- Significance: Shows the syncretic nature of Manichaeism and its global influence.
⚖️ Mazdakite Texts
Mazdakism, a proto-socialist religious movement in the 5th-6th centuries CE, emphasized communal living and social justice.
- Fragmentary References
- Language: Middle Persian
- Content: No complete texts survive, but doctrines are known through Zoroastrian critiques and Islamic historians like Al-Tabari.
- Significance: Advocated for ethical reforms, gender equality, and wealth redistribution.
🌙 Islamic Persian Manuscripts (Sufism & Philosophy)
Post-Islamic Persia produced influential mystical and philosophical texts.
- Masnavi (by Rumi)
- Language: Persian
- Content: A poetic masterpiece exploring Sufi spirituality, love, and divine union.
- Significance: Called the “Quran in Persian” for its profound insights.
Masnavi PDF
- Ibn Sina’s (Avicenna) Works
- Language: Arabic (with some Persian)
- Content: Philosophical texts like “The Book of Healing” and “The Canon of Medicine”, blending metaphysics with Islamic theology.
- Significance: Influenced both Islamic and Western thought.
🗣️ Languages of Persian Religious Manuscripts:
- Avestan: Sacred language of Zoroastrianism
- Middle Persian (Pahlavi): Used in Zoroastrian commentaries and Manichaean texts
- Parthian & Sogdian: Regional languages for Manichaean scriptures
- Arabic & Persian: Dominant in Islamic mystical and philosophical works
- Akkadian: While not Persian, Akkadian influenced early Mesopotamian texts that interacted with Persian traditions during the Achaemenid Empire.
References:
“Persian Manuscripts” – This article from the Encyclopaedia Iranica offers an in-depth overview of Persian manuscripts, covering their history, content, and significance.
iranicaonline.org
“Fārsīgraphy in Zoroastrian Middle Persian Manuscripts” – Published in Iranian Studies, this paper examines the characteristics of Pahlavi manuscripts, focusing on the transcription of Middle Persian in the Avestan alphabet.
cambridge.org
“Studies in Early Medieval Iranian Religious Manuscript Traditions” – Edited by Chiara Barbati and Olga Chunakova, this collection explores various aspects of early medieval Iranian religious manuscripts beyond Islamic traditions.
biblioiranica.info
“The Early Judeo-Persian Manuscripts in the British Library and … – Brill” – This article discusses a corpus of nine manuscripts written in Early Judeo-Persian, preserved in the British Library and other institutions.
brill.com
“Dabestan-e Mazaheb” – This 17th-century Persian work examines and compares various South Asian and Middle Eastern religions, providing insights into the religious diversity of the time.
en.wikipedia.org