. Core Concepts and Themes

A. The Meaning of “Kherad” (Wisdom/Intellect)
Kherad is described as the most precious spiritual jewel (gohar minoy). It is inseparable from danesh (knowledge) and forms the foundation of the Zoroastrian faith (din-e behi). Ancient Iranians revered wisdom highly, honoring it in both religious practice and daily life.

B. Two Worlds: Minoy and Gitoy
The Minoy (spiritual) world is higher than the Gitoy (material) world. Kherad is linked to the Minoy, reflecting its divine origin. The title Minoy-e Kherad signals this dual role: wisdom is both spiritual and practical.

C. As an Andarznameh (Book of Counsel)
An andarznameh was a book of ethical instruction, written to preserve beliefs and duties. Creating such texts was itself a Zoroastrian responsibility. Works like Minoy-e Kherad shaped later Persian literature, including Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh. Today, preserving and studying these treasures is seen as a cultural duty.

D. The Soul’s Journey After Death
For three nights, the soul (ravan) experiences thoughts—sweet for the righteous, bitter for the wicked. On the fourth day, guides like Soroush and Bahram escort souls to the Chinvat Bridge, where deeds are judged. The righteous meet a radiant maiden, embodiment of good thoughts, words, and deeds, who leads them to paradise. The wicked face her as a terrifying hag, symbolizing their sins, and are dragged into hell. Souls may also pass through barzakh, an intermediate state of heat and cold.

E. Ethical Teachings
The text warns against idolatry, lying, greed, lust, anger, and envy. It praises virtues such as generosity (râdî), truthfulness (râstî), gratitude, diligence, and self-control. Guidance is also offered on social conduct, from respecting elders to treating friends and enemies wisely. Prayer and devotion to Ahura Mazda remain essential practices.

• Ahura Mazda: Creator, source of all good.

• Ahriman (Angra Mainyu): Evil spirit, adversary.

• Soshians: Saviors who appear at the end of millennia.

• Kay Khosrow: Hero-king who destroyed the idol temple.

• Soroush, Mihr, Rashn: Guardians and judges of souls.

• Vizarsh the Demon: Binds wicked souls.

• Bahram the Powerful: Aids righteous souls.

• Vay-e Nik / Vay-e Bad: Good and bad winds guiding souls.

The text is a dialogue: a “wise man” asks questions, and the Spirit of Wisdom responds. Through this, it offers guidance for both earthly life and the afterlife, emphasizing the Zoroastrian path of good thoughts, words, and deeds.

II. Key Figures and EntitiesIII. Structure and Purpose