Bundahishn (Creation)

The text opens by stating that while the Avesta provides the main outlines of the Parsi religion, Pahlavi writings supply most details of traditions, ceremonies, and customs of the faith, which calls itself the good religion of the Mazdayasnians and its laity bahdînân. It describes the Avesta as remnants of the faith held by Cyrus, professed by Darius in his inscriptions crediting Aûramazdâ, and surviving Alexander and his Greek successors. It states that Pahlavi texts show a mediaeval edifice built by later Persian priestcraft, mixing old and new. It explains that Avesta and Pahlavi together form Avesta and Zand, roughly revelation and commentary, and traces the etymologies of both words. It states that European scholars converted the phrase into Zend-Avesta and identified Zand with the Avesta language, contrary to Parsi practice, who apply Zand only to Pahlavi translations. It notes the first Zand was probably written in Avesta language. It then addresses the sacredness of these translations and a further class of writings of disputed authority, valuable to outsiders. It states the volume deals with such writings and will next describe the Pahlavi language.