Zoroastrian Scholasticism in Late Antiquity
The Pahlavi version of the Yasna Haptaŋhāiti
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Edinburgh University Press
Published:3rd Feb '20
Should be back in stock very soon
Examines Zoroastrian exegesis by investigating a late antique translation of an ancient Iranian text Challenges the view that considers the study of the Zand an auxiliary science to Avestan studiesViews the Zand of the YH as a text in its own right and investigates it within the wider Pahlavi leiteratureConsiders the so-called glosses in the Zand for the first time as an integral part of the textOffers a variorum edition of the Middle Persian text, refusing to establish an Urtext In late antiquity, Zoroastrian exegetes set out to translate their ancient canonical texts into Middle Persian, the vernacular of their time. Although undated, these translations, commonly known as the Zand, are often associated with the Sasanian era (224–651 ce). Despite the many challenges the Zand offers to us today, it is indispensable for investigations of late antique exegesis of the Avesta, a collection of religious and ritual texts commonly regarded as the Zoroastrians’ scripture. Arash Zeini also offers a fresh edition of the Middle Persian version of the Avestan Yasna Haptaŋhāiti, a ritual text composed in the Old Iranian language of Avestan, commonly dated to the middle of the second millennium bce. Zeini challenges the view that considers the Zand’s study an auxiliary science to Avestan studies, framing the text instead within the exegetical context from which it emerged.
Part II contains the newly established text of the Pahlavi YH (in transcription) together with an English translation. The text-critical edition (in transliteration) and apparatus are included in an appendix. This edition of the Pahlavi YH must be considered the new reference point for any future work involving the text. -- Benedikt Peschl * Abstracta Iranica, vol. 42-43 2021 *
This work represents a big step forward in the study of the Pahlavi versions of the Avesta and will hopefully lead to an increased appreciation of these difficult texts. Zeini has presented a plausible method for studying them that can unlock the store of information which they contain concerning the beliefs and situation of the Zoroastrians after the fall of the Sasanian Empire in 651 CE. Even with the large amount of material presented in this work the PYH still has more to give and Zeini has done an admirable job of making the text accessible to broader circles of research. -- Judith Josephson, University of Gothenburg * Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies *
Arash Zeini's invaluable book goes beyond a solid edition and translation of a central Zoroastrian text. By presenting a new and inspiring reading of the Zand, he returns Zoroastrian Middle Persian literature to its well-deserved place in the broader history of late antique religions * Kianoosh Rezania, Ruhr University Bochum *
- Winner of Association for Iranian Studies Book Prize for Ancient Iranian Studies 2022
ISBN: 9781474442886
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: 790g
432 pages