Theodicy Soteriology, Hermeneutics

SOTERIOLOGY : M. M. NINAN
impetus to do good deed. This concept is explained in the symbolism of Fravahar. Fravahar
is a guardian angel, which is the personification of Forward Pulling Force.
Wings: upward progress of the soul. It has three segments representing the threefold path to
heaven – Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds.
Ring (in the center) represents the immortal soul, which has neither beginning nor end.
The Old Man represents the wisdom of the ages – revelations of God handed down through
generations. One hand points upward showing the right direction. The other hand holds a ring
of promise of heaven and immortality.
Tail, which is heavy, indicates the Bad Thoughts, Bad Words, Bad Deeds. These retard our
upward movement.
Two Curly Threads at the Waist represents the freedom of choice. We make our choice,
which decides the ultimate destiny of man.
Death, Heaven and Hell
After death, the urvan (soul) is allowed three days to meditate on his/her past life. The soul is
then judged by a council of trinity Mithra, Sraosha and Rashnu. If the good thoughts, words
and deeds outweigh the bad, then the soul is taken into heaven. Otherwise, the soul is led to
hell.
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