In this third instalment of our four-part series on Asho Sarosh Yazad, the ever-vigilant Guardian of Ahura Mazda’s cosmic order, we delve into his profound resonance within Zarathustra’s Gathas. We reflect on his exalted role as the receiver and propagator of divine vibrations, as well as his ever-present guidance that nurtures every soul – from its birth to its spiritual evolution.

Sarosh Yazad And The Eternal Power Of The Gathas

Our scriptures tell us that Asho Sarosh Yazad existed even before Asho Zarathustra walked the earth. At first, this may seem puzzling, until we explore the deeper truth of the Gathas. Beyond the familiar hymns, the Gathas are in fact a divine, benevolent power known as Zarathushtra Gatha or a spiritual guardian, often described as our Prophet’s godfather. From this sacred source, flow five mighty channels of Yazatic forces: Ahunavad, Ushtavad, Spentomad, Vohukhashtra and Vahishtoish.

Paegambar Zarathustra was directly attuned to these forces, shaping them into the prayers we know as the five Gathas. These prayers, formed from the vibrant Staot vibrations of the original channels, were first composed in the Fashusho Maanthra, a language of immense potency. Over time, Zarathustra’s disciples codified these into the Manthra Spenta, and later Raenidar Adarbad Marespand gave us the present Gathas in a simplified form. When we recite them today, we still align ourselves with those five divine forces that forever encircle and protect creation.

Around the five divine channels flows a sacred circuit, kept alive by the currents of Asho Sarosh Yazad. It is for this reason that scriptures proclaim Sarosh Yazad sang Zarathustra’s Gathas. His eternal task is to guide progress, for he is the true master of Religion. Progress comes through through the essence of all five great faiths reflected in the Gathas.

Religion expands human consciousness, and since Sarosh Yazad is guardian of both conscience and consciousness, he is inseparably linked with the Gathas. By absorbing the essence of the five channels, he becomes the eternal guide for every soul on Earth. The universality of the Gathas is striking. They remind us that while Zoroastrians must strengthen their own faith, they must also honour the growth of other religions. What noble ideals, what timeless wisdom, lie embedded in these sacred hymns!

Sarosh Yazad: The Divine Receiver and Transmitter

Our scriptures describe a thousand divine channels or streams of pure blessings in the form of ‘Staot’ vibrations that descend from the 9^th heaven, the spiritual realm, through the seven regions of Meher Yazad, reaching our world in countless combinations. Asho Sarosh Yazad is entrusted with the mighty task of overseeing these channels, ensuring their functions and vibrations flow in perfect harmony across the universe.

Sarosh Yazad performs a dual role in Nature. As Receiver, he gathers the Staot colours – vibrationary energies of the Ahunavar, or Ahu’s Divine Will. As the Transmitter, he distributes these energies throughout creation in precise measure, so that every soul receives what it deserves and requires. This is significant because the very foundation of existence is built upon these Staot vibrations, which produce colours under divine law. These vibrations nurture every creature and soul, guiding both – its enfoldment from spirit into matter and its unfoldment from matter back into spirit. Quite simply, Staot is food for the soul, sustaining its journey toward its ultimate goal which is union with the Divine.

From the first step of spiritual growth to the final moment of merging with Ahura Mazda, Sarosh Yazad stands as guide, protector and helper. The Gatha Vahistoish tells us, in allegorical terms, that Sarosh Yazad has tied Ahura Mazda’s Kushti, symbolising his obedience to the Divine Mission. The three knots and three rounds are reminders of the three stages of spiritual evolution – the great Ahunavar Plan that culminates in Frashokereti, the final renewal of creation. What greater assurance could a soul ask for, than the knowledge that Sarosh Yazad himself safeguards its progress from beginning to end?

Sarosh Yazad: Guardian Of The Soul

Just as a newborn thrives on its mother’s milk and care, so too does a soul, newly born on earth, come under the protection of Sarosh Yazad. He nourishes the infant with the colours of Staot vibrations, safeguarding its first steps in this world. In earlier times, when births took place at home, it was customary to give the newborn a few drops of Hom Water, prepared during the sacred Yazashne ceremony where Sarosh Yazad is invoked. Scriptures affirm: “Drinking Hom Water is the best for human beings, for it shows the soul the spiritual path.” This act symbolised the awakening of the child’s conscience, infused with Sarosh Yazad’s essence of obedience to the Divine Laws of Nature.

In life’s journey too, Sarosh Yazad remains our constant protector, but his guidance is not automatic. To establish a true bond with him, one must strive with dedication and purity, living by the path marked by the Prophet. His blessings are always present, yet each soul receives in proportion to its own spiritual fitness. Such is the immutable law of nature – that divine protection flows not by chance, but by spiritual worthiness.

Sarosh Yazad: Guide Beyond Life

When physical death occurs, the soul struggles with deep attachment to loved ones and the world it leaves behind. In this difficult transition, Sarosh Yazad intervenes with compassion, severing these earthly ties and helping the soul focus on its onward journey. For the first three days after death, the soul remains in close contact with the material world. It is during this critical time that religious ceremonies such as the Sarosh nu Patru, Baaj, Yazashne and Vendidad are performed, invoking Sarosh Yazad’s presence to strengthen and guide the soul.

After this period, Sarosh Yazad leads the soul through six regions, assisted by Meher Yazad and Rashne Yazad, until Ardibehesht Ameshaspand takes charge. For the highly evolved, Sarosh Yazad, with the aid of Bahman Ameshaspand, helps them ascend to the radiant abode of Ahura Mazda. Thus, Sarosh Yazad is with us at birth, throughout life and beyond death – the eternal guardian of every soul’s journey.