About the high spiritual status of dogs in Zoroastrian Antiquity

I'm watching Armin's recording of the live Prince Reza Pahlavi & Netanyahu: The Final Pincer Move

Atheist Republic at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSVB1_ed_Bw and noticed that at some point, one of the participants raised the question of animal welfare among Iranians and dogs were mentioned.

I had already read about the high prestige that Zoroastrianism views dogs but made a brief search with the AI to refresh my memory, getting even more interesting details. I posted my comment on the video page on Youtue with these quotes from the AI and will add them where with a few links to the subject for those who might be interested in it.

As what also happened in other sister Indo-European cultures in Antiquity, like the Greeks, the Romans, the Celts, the Norse and the Vedic brethren of the ancient Iranians, the AI said that:

"In ancient Zoroastrianism, dogs were revered as sacred, beneficent creatures (pəšü. pâna) with spiritual powers to drive away demons and protect the soul, occupying a high status in the "good" creation of Ahura Mazda.

They were valued for both practical household help and spiritual roles, with strict religious laws in the Vendidad commanding their protection.

Key Traditions and Beliefs: Sagdid ("Dog's Gaze"): A crucial funeral rite where a dog is brought to look at a corpse to purify it and drive off the demon of decay (Nasü).

A "four-eyed" dog (one with spots above each eye) was preferred. Spiritual Protection: Dogs were believed to guard the Chinwad Bridge, which souls cross to enter heaven.

Superior Status: Dogs were considered to have a high spiritual standing, sometimes equated to human status, with their care, including feeding stray dogs, deemed a holy duty.

Punishment for Harm: The Vendidad mandated severe punishments for harming a dog, reflecting their sacred, almost divine nature in Persian society. These practices reflect a deep, ancient bond where dogs were seen as spiritual, righteous, and essential guardians of humanity"

Also:

The Love of Animals and the Holiness of the Dog In Zoroastrianism

Posted on July 11, 2011 by orthodoxzoroastrian

https://authenticgathazoroastrianism.org/2011/07/11/157/

The importance of a Dog in Zoroastrian religion

Posted on 9 August, 2021 by yazdi

https://zoroastrians.net/2021/08/09/importance-of-a-dog-in-zoroastrian-religion/

There are many more most interesting articles and works on the subject but I guess the two above plus the AI are enough to illustrate the utter respect Zoroastrian tradition treats dogs with.

1 comment