Khordeh Avesta
Encyclopedia
Khordeh Avesta may refer to either:
- a formal category of certain short Avestan languageAvestan languageAvestan is an East Iranian language known only from its use as the language of Zoroastrian scripture, i.e. the Avesta, from which it derives its name...
texts. For a list of nineteen texts (in four classes of texts) included in this category, see Khordeh Avesta texts. - a Zoroastrian prayer book for lay people. It includes not only the texts of the category, but also any other texts that the publishers might choose to add. There are numerous Khordeh Avesta editions, some of which are so comprehensive that they include virtually all the texts of the AvestaAvestaThe Avesta is the primary collection of sacred texts of Zoroastrianism, composed in the Avestan language.-Early transmission:The texts of the Avesta — which are all in the Avestan language — were composed over the course of several hundred years. The most important portion, the Gathas,...
. Most Khordeh Avesta editions also include selected non-Avestan languageAvestan languageAvestan is an East Iranian language known only from its use as the language of Zoroastrian scripture, i.e. the Avesta, from which it derives its name...
texts (i.e. texts of Zoroastrian tradition). In the widest possible sense, a Khordeh Avesta edition could include all material for lay use, which includes everything but the YasnaYasnaYasna is the name of the primary liturgical collection of texts of the Avesta as well as the name of the principal Zoroastrian act of worship at which those verses are recited. The Yasna, or Izeshne, is primarily the name of the ceremony in which the entire book is recited and appropriate...
, Visparad and VendidadVendidadThe Vendidad or Videvdat is a collection of texts within the greater compendium of the Avesta. However, unlike the other texts of the Avesta, the Vendidad is an ecclesiastical code, not a liturgical manual.-Name:...
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