Chapter 28
Sakaya said: Without rites and ceremonies, a people are like a collection of musicians, with each one playing a different tune.
Without pledges to general rules, a community is like a farm without fences, where cattle roam about, destroying the harvests.
Two things stand prominently before all men, about which there need be no dispute, Light and Darkness. Whether you call the Light, EOLIN, or ORMAZD, or GOD, or SUDGA, it matters little, provided the idea expressed has reference to that which is THE HIGHEST CONCEIVED OF, Who is Ever Present, and is the Person from Whom all persons sprung. And whether you call darkness SIN, or EVIL, or SATAN, it matters little, provided the idea expressed is that which is the extreme opposite of light.
Without these two entities in view, to shun the one, and strive for the other, a community is like racehorses striving for a prize by running in circular capers [undirected efforts –ed.], instead of going on a well-provided track.
Take no man or woman into the family till first pledged to serve the All Person, Jehovih (Ormazd), with a full and willing heart.
To shun satan and his emissaries, be circumspect.
And when you have come together, choose the oldest, wisest, best man, to be the father of the family (community).
When matters come up for discussion, whoever speaks on the subject shall speak in the direction of light, and not of darkness. ||
When asked for further explanation, Sakaya said:
There are two modes of discussion before all men: One is to impart light, and the other is to abuse the opponent. The first is Jehovih’s, the second is satan’s method. In the family discussion, the latter method shall not be tolerated by the father [rab’bah –Ed.].
After the discussion is finished, the rab’bah shall decree according to the light of the Father in him.
Here Sakaya was asked: Why not decree according to the majority vote?
Sakaya said: That is the lower light, being the light of men only.
For I declare to you, you cannot serve both Jehovih and men. It is incumbent on every man in the community who enters the discussion, to speak from the higher light, as he perceives it, without regard to policy or consequences. And the same law shall be binding on the rab’bah; and though nine men out of ten side the other way, yet the rab’bah’s decree shall stand above all the rest.
When the discussion turns upon rites and ceremonies, which the community may adopt, or the music, or the discipline regarding funerals, or marriages, or births, the speakers shall remember that a family is composed of old and young; of sedate and jocose; and that every talent is created for the glory of the whole, and for the glory of the Creator; and they shall enlarge their understanding, to embrace the whole. Remembering, also, that it is easier to walk beside a bull, and turn him in his course, than to come against him for the same purpose.
One man has joy in sacrifice (worship) by clapping his hands and dancing; another, in poetry; another, in singing; another, in silent prayers. And yet, one has no preference over another in the sight of Him Who created them, for they are His own handiwork.
Consider, then, and provide a time and place in the community for all of these in their own way, directing them in a holy manner. For if you strive to bind those who are of exuberant spirits, not to dance and clap their hands, they will find vent in secrecy and to an evil end.
In this the Brahmin priests have been aiders and abettors of bawdyhouses and of drunkenness and licentiousness, because they have sought to make you ascetics by overthrowing your natural talents.