The Concept Of ‘Daena’ In Zoroastrian Religion

(Based on the writings in Gujarati, by Late Dasturji Khurshed S. Dabu)

Our Zoroastrian religion is popularly known, in Gujarati, as 'Zarthosti Deen. The word Deena has been derived from the Avestan word,Daena. Daenais the subtler or the finer body of man (unlike his dense, visible, physical body), which acts as a bridge between his two selves – his higher self (the spiritual) and his lower self (the lower mind). Daena is the faculty of consciousness which passes on warnings and guidance from mans higher self to his lower mind when he indulges in wrongful activities. It has the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, and hence it is also understood as Antt-karan, which, if heeded to, can help the mind to evolve and lead the self to higher level of consciousness.

However, the lower mind of man is not easy to control. In many humans it is the slave of his physical senses and finds it very difficult to obey the guidance of Daena. Hence, its evolution is slow, unless man makes concerted effort in this direction. In the process of its evolution, during the course of its long journey, it gathers wisdom – impressions out of the lessons learnt in life. These impressions are absorbed in it. At each successive rebirth, this body with further impressions, becomes a richer storehouse of spiritual wisdom, and likewise the mental body, through Daena (bridge of Antt-karan), evolves toHigher Mental Body. On the physical death of a person, the Daena with its collection of wisdom and characteristic traits – sanskaras – does not disintegrate, but is carried on, along with its soul’s rebirth, into the next incarnation. That is the reason why every person is different as far as his resoluteness in upholding righteousness is concerned, and as far as his earnestness towards his numerous duties is concerned. This difference is due to the power of the Light (Enlightenment) of his Daena. The more the power of this Light, the more advanced are his Sanskarasand more evolvedis his mind. This nature of his, is noticed in his relationship with people around him – they are lessselfish and more considerate towards others.

However, a human being, while in his life in the physical body, still has his own limitations. The‘Roshni’ (Light from his own lamp) from within is not sufficient to take him too far. He still needs further guidance and directions (doravni) from a Guru from outside, and hence messengers, in theform of Paigambar (Prophets), are sent by the Almighty (as Asho Zarathushtra to spreadZoroastrian Religion), to shed Light to help us tread the Path of Ashoi (Path of Righteousness and Purity), to quicken our spiritual progress. They are the Torch-bearers of the Faith.