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Shikand-gumanic Vichar is a Zoroastrian theology book of 9th century Iran, written by Mardan-Farrukh. Part apologetics, part polemic, the book was composed when Zoroastrians endured a perilous status as an harassed and declining minority. Its author discusses several neighboring religions, hence it contains nascent elements of an academic discipline: comparative religion. This article includes a description and analysis of the text, and also briefly addresses its context and relevance, with respect to other religions and to the continuing traditions of Zoroastrianism. ==The Author== What little is known of the person Mardan-Farrukh (Martānfarrux-i Ohrmazddātān) comes to us through the pages of his book, written in Middle Iranian using the Pahlavi script. Its title ''Shkand-Gumanik Vichar'' has been rendered ''Analytical Treatise for the Dispelling of Doubts'',〔R. C. Zaehner, ''DTZ'' (1961) at 194.〕 or ''Decisive Solution for Doubts''.〔''Škand-gumanik Vičār: la solution décisive des doubtes'' per Jean de Menasce (1945).〕 A published text, as translated into English, runs 135 pages.〔''Sikand-gumanik Vigar'' in E. W. West, ''Pahlavi Texts, Part III'' (S.B.E., v.24), SGV at 117-251. West notes his division of the SGV text into 16 chapters (at 116). His annotated SGV contents is at x-xi; his SGV introduction at xxv-xxxvi.〕〔The Parsi Dastur Hoshang, along with West, published the SGV text in the Pazend script (1887). Edward G. Browne at I: 106n; E. W. West (SBE 24) at xxxvi.〕〔''Shikand Gumani Vazar'', excerpts in R. C. Zaehner, ''TM'' (1956, 1976), containing SGV chapter VIII entire as well as several short selections and various quotations from Mardan-Farrukh's book, translated by Zaehner.〕〔R. C. Zaehner, ''ZZD'' (1955, 1972) contains a short passage of SGV at 392-396, which is also found in S. H. Nasr and M. Aminrazavi at 59-61.〕 The Muslim conquest of his native Persia was completed by 651 C.E.〔Alessandro Bausani at 111.〕 Based on references made in his book to the then editions of other Zoroastrian works (e.g., the Dinkart), Mardan Farrukh has been dated to the 9th century. "()t is evident that he lived after the time of Roshan, son of Atur-frobag, son of Farukh-zad. ...Abalis, the Zandik, had a religious deputation with Atur-frobag, son of Farukh-zad, in the presence of the Kalifah Al-Mamun who reigned A.D. 813-833."〔E. W. West (SBE 24) at xxvi-xxvii and at 120,n2. West also mentions that this Atur-frobag and an Aturpad son of Hemid had edited books of the Zoroastrian Dinkart. "()his Aturpad was a contemporary of Zad-sparam who was living in A.D. 881." E. W. West (SBE 24) at xxvii. These other authors are referenced from time to time in the ''Shkand Gumanik Vichar'', e.g., E. W. West (SBE 24) at 138-139 (SGV chapter IV: sections 106-108), and at 169-170 (SGV chapter X: sections 50-57).〕 Near the beginning of his book he states, "()his composition is provided by me, who am Mardan-farukh son of Auharmazd-dad." He goes on to say, "I have been fervent-mindedly, at all times in my whole youthful career, an enquirer and investigator of the truth." He declares, "The possession of the truth is the one power of the faithful, through the singleness of truth."〔E. W. West (SBE 24) at 120 (SGV chapter I: sections 35, 36, 33).〕 "Now, as I have said above, I have always been earnestly anxious to know God and have been curious in searching out his religion and his will. In this spirit of inquiry I have traveled to foreign countries and (even) to India... for I did not choose my religion simply because I inherited it, but I wanted (only that religion) which was most firmly based on reason and evidence... ."〔R. C. Zaehner, ''TM'' (1956, 1976) at 52-53, quoting from SGV chapter X: sections 43-46.〕〔E. W. West (SBE 24) at 168-169 (re SGV X: 43-46).〕 Apparently Mardan-Farrukh the author was young, earnest, well-traveled and committed. He was ably acquainted with his own religion, both its writings and the views of its authorities; also he was conversant with other systems of belief. Among Zoroastrian authors of the Pahlavi period, Mardan-Farrux can best lay "claim to being considered a philosopher."〔R. C. Zaehner, ''ZZD'' (1955, 1972) at 107.〕 A practicing layman who drew on priestly Zoroastrian books in the Pahlavi, his work "is distinguished by its clarity of thought and orderly arrangement."〔Mary Boyce, ''ZACV'' (1992) at 153.〕 It creates a "rationalist and philosophic climate."〔R. C. Zaehner, ''TM'' (1956, 1976) at 67.〕〔Seyyed Hossein Nasr and Medhi Aminrazavi at 5.〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Shikand-gumanic Vichar」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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