History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

CHAP. 1] THE “SCHLOKS” 31

he begged that his kinsmen and he might be allowed to reside in Sanjan. It is said that the prince, struck with the warlike and hardy appearance of the men who thus came as refugees to his court, had first some fear for the safety of his throne, and before granting the desired permission requested the chief priest to explain to him the state of their affairs and the nature of their faith. |

During their stay at Diu the Parsis had acquired a knowledge of the language, religion, manners and customs of the Hindus which enabled them to answer the inquiries of the Rana so satisfactorily that no opposition was made by him to their making Sanjan their place of abode. Consequently, Sanjan became the adopted country of the Parsis. The most learned among them prepared sixteen “schloks” or distichs, in which they briefly described the tenets of their religion and their mode of worship. As it will, doubtless, interest the reader to know what those “ schloks” contained, they are here given in their complete form, although they must not be supposed to convey more than a very vague idea of the Parsi faith.

lst. We are worshippers of Ahura Mazda (Supreme Being) and the sun and the five elements.

2d. We observe silence while bathing, praying, making offerings to fire, and eating.

3d. We use incense, perfumes, and flowers in our

religious ceremonies.