Part 1. -- The Original Treatise

Translated by E. W. West, from Sacred Books of the East, volume 5, Oxford University Press, 1885.

Chapter 1. The names and amounts of the various degrees of sin; the names of the chief commentators on the Vendidad Chapter 2. Precautions to be taken regarding corpses and menstruous women, the pollution caused by a serpent Chapter 3. More precautions Chapter 4. The proper size and materials of the sacred thread-girdle [kusti] and shirt, giving some details about the sins of running about uncovered and walking with one boot Chapter 5. The sin of unseasonable chatter Chapter 6. Details about good works, and those who can and cannot perform them; in which reference is made to Christians, Jews, and those of other persuasions Chapter 7. Reverencing the sun and fire; the sin of extinguishing fire Chapter 8.

Confession and renunciation of sin, atonement for sins, especially mortal sins, both those affecting others and those only affecting one's own soul; a digression (Chap. 8.3) prohibiting the rich from hunting. Chapter 9. The Hasar of time; priests passing away in idolatry; the discussion of religion; ceremonies not done aright; throwing a corpse into the sea; evil of eating in the dark; the four kinds of worship; when the angels should be invoked in worship; the ephemeral nature of life Chapter 10. proper looseness for a kusti (sacred thread-girdle); when the sacred cake [dron] set aside for the guardian spirits [farohars] can be used; maintaining a fire where a woman is pregnant; providing a tank for ablutions; the Gathas not to be recited over the dead; food and drink not to be thrown away to the north at night; unlawful slaughter of animals; how the corpse of a pregnant woman should be carried; forgiveness of trespasses; evil of walking without boots; when the sacred girdle is to be assumed; breaking the spell of an inward prayer; ten women wanted at childbirth, and how the infant is to be treated; sin of beating an innocent person; evil of a false judge; men and women who do not marry; a toothpick must be free from bark; acknowledging the children of a handmaid; advantage of offspring and of excess in almsgiving; prayer on lying down and getting up; Avesta not to be mumbled; doubtful actions to be avoided or consulted about; evil of laughing during prayer; crowing of a hen; treatment of a hedgehog; after a violent death corruption does not set in immediately; necessity of a dog's gaze; putrid meat and hairy calces or butter unfit for ceremonies; when a woman can do priestly duty