What the Iranian Ancient Literature Has in Reserve for Futuristic Thinking?

 

By: Alireza Hejazi

 

In Shah-nameh one of the greatest poetry works in the Iranian literature written by "Ferdowsi", Persian ancient stories are elaborated in the form of an epic. The attractive story of the process of transferring "Far" from a king to another; or what we may consider today as "Strategic Vision", is described in an interesting way.

 

The story has a review on the life of "Keikhosro". In this story we find Keikhosro as a wise king who leads the Iranian nation with "Far" or the strategic vision he has received. "Far" was creating a global responsibility for the Iranian kings in enlightening the whole world trough a futuristic and strategic vision. Before the arrival of Keikhosro in Iran, the Persian land was devastated by Touranian enemies. His most important mission was the removal of "Afrasyab-e Tourani" who was the symbol of tyranny and injustice. At the end he diminishes Afrasyab and enlightens the world with goodness and justice.

 

"Far" or strategic vision has been considered as a divine force in Persian literature granted to a competent person who may ask for it and do his or her best in the line of duty that is strategic leading of a nation. "Far" has also a religious theme so as only receivable for those ho may have good mind, attitude, and speech according to Zoroastrian beliefs.

 

Although Far is regarded a tow dimensional attribute in Shah-nameh that are "Kiani" & "Izadi" or "Royal" &"Godly" respectively, in general sense it is related to personal capabilities. For instance, when Far radiates from "Kiomars" (another character in Shah-nameh) all living things including wild animals obey him. After "Kiomars", the strategic vision is granted to "Houshang" who was the first Pishdadian king. And after him, "Tahmoures" receives Far. When Tahmoures purifies himself from all the badness, Far starts shining on him. So the strategic vision was considered as a kind of inner light.

 

The process of Far transferring continues with "Jamshid" who was another Iranian king. "Fereidoun" is the one who recives Far after "Jamshid". Then "Manouchehr" receives this important attribute of leadership. Then his son "Nouzar" is the receiver of Far. Unfortunately, Nouzar is killed by Afrasyab. Since "Tous" & "Gostham", Nouzar's two sons did not deserve receiving Far, it was granted to "Zou" and then "Gorshasb".

 

At last, Far is granted to "Kianian" family. The first one of this family who receives the strategic vision is "Keiqobad". "Rostam" the wel-known Iranian champion brings Keiqobad into power and sits him on the throne. Then "Keikavous" is the king who receives Far. Some of Keikavous' actions darkens his strategic vision and deteriorates the situation of Iran. Then his nephew "Keikhosro" receives Far. Ferdowsi highlights the inner aspect of Far and describes Keikhosro as one of the best kings who has ever received Far. Then the strategic vision is granted to "Lohrasb" and "Goshtasb".

 

In the history of ancient Iranian civilization Far or the strategic vision is reflected as a ring of light around the head of kings and other characters that might have a leading role. This can be seen even today in different historic stony monuments remained from very old times in Iran. Besides, Far has two main attributes for the kings who were Iranians' leaders: a) keeping the Iranian nation safe and strong; and b) leading the world toward a better future full of justice and goodness.

 

So you can find one of the most ancient cases of strategic vision in the Iranian literature. My suggestion for all those futurists who love to know more about this is to read Shah-nameh that is translated into English.