The Gathas (Zoroastrian Sacred Songs)

Self-consecration of Priest and Congregation

I. Self-consect ation of the Priest Zarathushtra*

XXVIII.—

To the utmost of my ability, will I teach men to seek Asha (jus-

tice) ! (And this will I do)

XXVIIL—

With outstretched hands ; and by reverent prayer for support, O

Mazdah, (mindful)

I will entreat, as the first (blessing) of the Spenta Mainyu

(bountiful mentality) — that all (my) actions, (may be per-

formed) with (the aid of) Asha (justice),

(That I may receive) the understanding of Vohu Manah (good

disposition), and that I may thus satisfy the Soul of the Bovine

(creation),

XXVIIL—

(And this do I) who entreat You, O Ahura Mazdah, (lord mind-

ful) through Vohu Manah (good disposition),

To grant me both lives, that of the body and of the mind,

With the felicity with which Mazdah, through Asha, supports

(those to whom) Mazdah (mindful) gives the two-lives for

their comfort;

XXVIII.—

(And this do I) who will sing hymns to You O Ahura Mazdah,

through Asha (justice) and Vohu Manah (good disposition),

as never before ;

And (I will) also (sing hymns to) those (faithful believers) for

whom Armaiti prospers the never decreasing realm-of-

Xshathra ;

Hither, (O you divinities, come) to my support; come to my

call!

XXVIII.-4

(And this do I) who with Vohu Manah (good disposition) am

mindful to watch over the Soul of the Bovine (creation),

And who knows (with what) compensations are rewarded the

deeds of (the kind inspired by) Ahura Mazdah.

To the utmost of my ability, will I teach men to seek Asha

(justice) !

II. Prayer of the Congregation for Help and Mercy.

XXVIIL—

O Asha (justice) ! When shall I through thee behold Vohu Manah

(good disposition) as an Expert-knower, discovering-or-attain-

ing, (among the Magian tribe)

The throne, and (the tribe-men's) Sraosha-( obedience) for (the

prospering of the cause of) the most powerful ( mindful) -

Mazdah Ahura- (lord) ?

With this mystic word (of promise B) I will cause those savages

to choose (the cause of) the greatest Mazdah Ahura- (mindful

lord).

*6-27 Gatha Ahun^vaiti 28.6-9

[28.6]

vohu gaidi mana/*ha daidi asha-dae daregayu

ereshvais tu uxtfais mazda zarathushtrai aojoiighvaf rafeno

ahmaibyaca Ahura ya daibishvato dvaeshae taurvayama.

[28.7]

daidi tu armaite vishtaspai ishem maibyaca

daestu inazda xshayaca ya e mathra srevim aradae[!

[28.8]

vahishtem thwa vahishta yem asha vahishta hazaoshem

ahuran yasa vaunus naroi ferashaoshtrai maibyaca

[28.9]

anais vae noif Ahura mazda ashemca yanais zaranaema

manasca hyaf vahishtem yoi ve yoithema daseme stutam

XXVIIL—

O Mazdah Ahura- (mindful lord), come with long life of Asha

(justice) gifts, with Vohu Manah (good disposition),

With just utterances, and give (these) to Zarathushtra as the

means-of a vigorous support.

(Then, give these) to us, that we (thereby) may overcome the

hostilities of the enemy.

XXVIIL—

Grant, O Asha (justice), this compensation: namely, the felicities

of Vohu Manah (good disposition) ;

Grant, O Armaiti (love), the wish of Vishtaspa and of myself;

O Thou greatest Ruler, grant a (ready) hearing unto him-who-

prepares with the Word.

XXVIIL—

For the best do I entreat the Lord Ahura, like willed with thee,

the best Manah-disposition,

And with the best Asha's- justice, supplicating Asha (justice) for

(1) the hero Frashaoshtra, and (2) me,

And (3) for whomsoever thou wouldst grant Asha- (justice) for

all the age of Vohu Manah (good disposition.)

XXVIIL—

We would not vex You by those supplications, O Ahura Mazdah

(mindful lord), (nor would we vex) the best Manah- (good

disposition),

Because of these (expected) benefactions; rather would we haste

to offer praise

(To) You, who are the best prosperer of human wishes for profit,

(here below and in) the Xshathra-realm (to come).

XXVIII.—

O Ahura Mazdah (lord mindful), crown with attainments the

desire of such clever (persons)

As thou knowest, through Asha (justice) to be both (1) worthy

and (2) of Vohu Manah (good disposition)

(And this I pray because) I know that supplicatory words reach

You, and are effective.

EH. Zar athushtra's Prayer for Efficiency*'

XXVIIL—

I who am to protect (the worship of) Asha- (justice) and Vohu

Manah (good disposition) for ever,

(I beg) thee, Mazdah Ahura (mindful lord) to reveal to me (the

truth), so that I may (be able) to proclaim

What is the development of the (present) first (dispensation of)

life out of thy Mainyu (mentality) (as if it was being uttered)

through thy mouth.

The Exterior Call of Zarathushtra

I. The Bovine Creation Demands Protection.

XXIX.—

The soul of the Bovine (creation) complained to You:

For whose benefit did You fashion me ? Who shaped me ?

Fury (rages) against me; violence and cruelty, maltreatment and

roughness oppress me ;

I have no herdsman except You: therefore (it is) You (I beg) to

procure me good pasture.

XXIX.—

Then the Shaper of the Bovine (creation) asked Asha ( justice),

"What was thy idea about a judge for the Bovine?"

"Did You make an energetic herdsman along with the pasture,

when You made the Bovine (creation) ?"

"On whom have You decided as her lord, who may repel the fury

(of the attack) by the Drujists?"

XXIX.—

(Mazdah (mindful) who was) with Asha (justice), answered to

the Shaper of the Bovine creation), For the Bovine do I not

know of a helper who would not be liable to do harm.

Those (savages) yonder do not comprehend how just (men

would) treat their dependents."

But (if there is no human helper), to whomsoever of living beings

I come as help, he is the strongest of living beings.

XXIX.—

(Asha (justice) interrupts.) Mazdah (mindful) is the (being)

most retentive of the plans, which have been performed by

Daevas, (gods) and men in the past;

And also of the plans which shall be performed in the future.

(And as to the present it is) he Ahura (Lord) who makes the de-

cisions ; (it is) whatever he wills, (that) will happen to us.

XXIX.—

("If that is so," said the Shaper of the Bovine creation, "then

shall both) my soul and that of the calving cow, urge Mazdah

(mindful) with questions,

And placate him with outstretched hands, (praying that)

No destruction may affect the just-living farmer (who dwells)

among the Drujists."

XXIX.-6

(In answer to which) Ahura Mazdah (Lord mindful) who knows

the decrees which (make) for wisdom, himself spoke:

("In as much as) neither overlord, nor rightly appointed judge

exists for thee,

Therefore I, who am the Fashioner, shaped thee for the farmer

and pasturer."

XXIX.—

This decree, which provided fat (pastoral) food for the cattle,

(and destined) the (cattle) milk-food for the hungry (farmer

and pasturer),

(Was uttered by) Ahura Mazdah (lord mindful) in agreement

with Asha (justice), through his bountiful teaching.

(But the Bovine pair were at a loss for some one to enforce this

decree on earth, so they asked,) "What (man) hast thou O

Vohu Manah (good disposition) who could tend us both among

men?"

II. The Call of Zarathushtra as Teacher and Protector.

XXIX.—

(Vohu Manah (good disposition) answered) : "The only person

known unto me here who has hearkened to our teaching

Is Zarathushtra Spitama; he is desirous of proclaiming the

(divine) thought,

For Mazdah (mindful) and Asha (justice) ; so we will endow his

words with (attractive) sweetness."

XXIX.—

Thereupon the soul of the Bovine (creation) lamented:

"(Woe is me that it is I) who must for a Preparer (for my

needs)

Put up with the impotent speech of an impotent man !

(I) who wished for myself a self depending (divine) ruler;

In what age shall he who may give me energetic help arise ?"

XXIX.—

(Zarathushtra speaks:) ("I beg) You, O Ahura (lord), and Asha

(justice) that You will give to these-two, (the soul of the

Bovine creation and the calving cow)

Such vigor and ruling power as gives peace of dwelling through

Vohu Manah's (good disposition's) assistance.

As to me, O Mazdah, (mindful), I have (in this my call to serve

thee) recognized thee as the original provider of supplies."

XXIX.—

Where (else, except with thee, O Mazdah) (mindful) is Asha

(justice) and Vohu Manah (good disposition) and Xshathra

(political power) ?

So, O mortals, receive me among you that I may impart to you

instruction for the great Magian cause.

Grant us help, now O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord) ! (For) we

intend to be) of service to such divinities as You.

The Proclamation of Dualism,

Teaching the Necessity of Taking Side*/*

I. Exhortation to the Faithful to Open their Ears to the Mystery.

XXX.— 1.

But thus, O (souls) desirous (of hearing), I will utter (1) those

things worthy to be remembered by the Expert-knower

(2) The praises for Ahura (lord), and (3) hymns (worthy) of

Vohu Manah (good disposition),

And things well remembered with the aid of Asha (justice), and

the propitious (omens) beheld through the lights (of the stars,

or of the altar-flames).

XXX.—

Listen with your ears to the best (information) ; behold with

(your) sight, and with (your) mind;

Man by man, each for his own person, distinguishing between 'both

confessions,

Before this great crisis. Consider again!

II. Revelation of the Doctrinal Root of the Division of the Parties

XXX.—

At the beginning both-these Mentalities became conscious of each

other,

The one being a Mentality better in thought, and word, and deed,

than the (other Mentality who is) bad.

Now let the just (man) discriminate between these two, and

choose the benevolent one, not the bad one.

XXX.-4

But when the twin-Mentalities came together, they produced

The first life, and lifelessness, and (settled) (on the state of) the

last condition of existence,

The worst for the Drujists, but for the Ashaists the best mind.

XXX.—

The Drujist chose between these twin-Mentalities, the one who

perpetrated the worst (deeds),

But he (1) who (was inspired) by the most Bountiful Mentality

that is clothed upon by the most adamantine stone-quarried

heavens as a garment,

And he (2) who cheer fuly satisfied Ahura Mazdah (lord mindful)

with sincere deeds, chose Asha (justice.)

XXX.—

The Daevaists did not discriminate accurately between these two,

because

Just as they were deliberating, (there) came upon them a delusion

so that they should choose the Worst Mind,

So that, all together, they rushed-over to Aeshma (fury) through

which they afflict the life of man with disease.

XXX.—

And to this (man now sick) came (Mazdah Ahura) (mindful

lord) with the Xshathra (power) realm, with Vohu Manah

(good disposition) and with Asha (justice),

And Armaiti (love) endowed the (sick) body (of man) (with)

firmness and endurance

So that he may become the first of those (surviving) (the tests

of passing) through the metal (lie trials) and through Adanas

(the retributions).

XXX.—

And thereupon, when the punishments of those malefactors shall

occur,

Then, (the saved man) shall obtain for thee, O Mazdah (mind-

ful), with the help of Vohu Manah (good disposition), the

Xshathra (power) realm.

Which will be the fulfillment (of the world's destiny,) and this

will be obtained by those, who shall deliver the Druj, into-the-

two-hands of Asha (justice)

III* Zar athushtr a Hopes for Universal Conversion

by Choice between Eternal Bliss and Woe*

XXX.—

And may we be those who shall make life progressive (M) or

purposeful (B) !

Assemble together, along with Asha (justice), O Ahuras Mazdah

(lords mindfuls) and come hither

So that here where our thoughts formerly developed (separately),

they may now mature together, (fuse, or culminate) and become

wisdom.

XXX.—

Then shall the success of the Druj break down,

And all those who shall be attaining a good renown

Shall obtain their reward, meeting at the good dwelling of Vohu

Manah, (good disposition), Mazdah, (mindful), and Asha,

(justice).

XXX.—

When, O you Mortals, you have familiarized yourselves with these

commandments of Mazdah (mindful) (about the twin Men-

talities), (which mean)

Prosperity as opposed to adversity, and the length of the suffering

of the Drujists, as contrasted with the useful progress of the

Ashaists ;

(When, I repeat, you have fully realized the significance of this

contrast, I feel quite sure none of) you all, will (hesitate or de-

lay to) enter into the desired abode of praise.

Prayers for Enlightenment

and Exhortations to Partisanship,

I. Practical Introduction : Enlightenment Claimed

As no more than Justice to Zarathushtra.

XXXL—

Minding these your commands, (O Gods), let us pronounce

speeches

Unheeded by those who would, by the commands of Druj, destroy

the substance of Asha (justice),

But most acceptable to them who will trust in Mazdah (mindful).

XXXL—

But since the preferable path is not always obvious

Therefore, as (heaven) appointed arbiter and judge over both

parties,

Will I go to you, that we may live in accordance with Asha

(justice).

XXXL—

In order that I may cause all men to choose aright, (I pray thee)

O Ahura Mazdah (lord mindful), with the tongue of thy mouth

to tell

(1) What satisfaction, taught through Asha (justice), thou wilt

give to both contending Parties, through Mentality and

fire;

(2) What is thy command for the enlightened, that we may un-

derstand (that command).

XXXI.-4

(And this command is), that as far as Asha (justice) and the

other Ahuras Mazdah (lords mindfuls) are willing to be in-

voked

Through Ashay (compensation) and Armaiti (love) and the best

Manah (disposition),

2* Answer,

XXXI.—

Whereupon, when Zarathushtra with his (own) eye (by looking

at nature) and through (his) mind by puzzling out its signifi-

cance, comprehended Mazdah (mindful) and Manah (disposi-

tion),

Then Zarathushtra understood that Mazdah (mindful) was (1)

both the first and youngest of creation (2) and the father of

Vohu Manah (good disposition) ;

(3) The genuine creator of Asha (justice) and (4) the (ruling)

lord in the deeds of life ;

XXXI.—

(5) That, O Mazdah Ahura (mindful lord), to thee belongs both

Armaiti and the Shaper of the Bovine (creation) which was

part of) the understanding of the (holy) Mentality.

(6) That when for (the cow) thou didst ordain a path (of free-

dom of will, following which)

She might repudiate the herdsman, and go to abide with the

nomad

XXXI.—

Then she chose for herself from among the two (possible)

lords, (the herdsman or nomad) the herdsman who would

follow her,

(Namely), the Ashaist, (who feels-that-it-is-his-mission-to-see-to-

it-that-all-things-that-belong to Vohu Manah (good-disposition)

prosper, and who-in-return-is-prospered-by-him,

(Whereas) the nomad shall not get a share of Vohu Manah (good

disposition)^ favorable-report (at the Judgment, as in the

verse 14) even though he should urge for it (so long as he

will not herd cattle).

1 30-141 Gatha Ahunavaiti 31.11-14

zuu

hya/ ne mazda paourvlm gaethaesca tashft daenaesca

thwa mana/zha xratusca hyaf astvantem dadae ushtanem

hyaf s/zyaothanaca senghasca yathra vareneng vasae dayete.

3J-12

athra vaeem baraitl mithahvacae va eresvacae va

vidvae va evidvae va ahya zeredaca mananhaca

anus-haxs armaitis mainyu pemaite yathra maetha.

3J*

ya frasa avis/zya ya va mazda peraaite taya

ye va kaseus aena/zho a mazishtam ayamaite Mjem

ta cashmefig thwisra haro aibi asha aibl vaenahl vispa.

3U

ta-thwa pema Ahura ya-zl aiti jenghatica

yae ishudo daddite dathranam haca ashauno

yaesca mazda dregvodebyo yatha taea/zhen henkereta hya£

XXXL—

(7) That at first thou, O Mazdah (mindful) with thy mind and

understanding,

(a) Thou didst shape substance and spirits, and (b) didst establish

body and life,

And (c) deeds and doctrines whereby men who exercised their

faculties of choice might develop convictions.

EL Second Call for Enlightenment.

J. Introduction.

XXXL—

(Amidst such sublime issues) vulgar men who speak either falsely

or justly, the Expert-knower or the ignorant.

Each (according to the fancy of his heart and mind, dares to

raise his (impudent) voice

Where Armaiti (love) counsels sucessively with the spirits who

yet are wavering.

XXXL—

O Mazdah (mindful), thou with Asha (justice), keepest a watch,

with thy watchful gleaming eyes,

(1) Over all these (men who ask) questions openly or furtively;

and

(2) (Over all officials who) inflict the greatest penance for even a

small transgression.

2. The Second Call.

XXXL—

O Ahura Mazdah (lord mindful), I ask thee about these con-

ditions, present and future — I39

(Namely), (1) what compensations will be given to satisfy the

claims of the Ashaist,

(And what compensations shall be enforced) from the Drujist:

How shall both stand at the time of awarding the compensa-

tions?

[142.153]

Gatha Ahun&vaiti 31.15-18

31. J5

pema avaz1 ya mainis ye dregvaite xshathrem hunaiti

dus-s/zyaothanai Ahura ye noiz* jyotum hanare vinasti

vastryehya aena/zho paseus vlraafca adrujyaiito.

3Ui6

peresa avaf yatha hvo ye hudanus demanahya xshathrem

shoithrahya va da/zyeus va asha fradathai asperezata

thwavas mazda Ahura yada hvo anhaf ya-s/zyaothanasca.147

3J. M

kadarem ashava va dregvae ya verenvaite mazyo?

vidvae vldushe mraotu ma evldvae aipi-debavayaf

3J. J8

ma-cis af ve dregvato mathrasca gushta sasnaesca

azl demanem visen va shoithrem va da/zyum va adaf

dushitaca marakaeca atha Is sazdum snaithisha!

XXXL—

(2) O Ahura (lord) I ask thee what shall be the punishments (a)

of those who encourage the dominion of the Drujist,

(b) of those who cannot make their living

Without violence to cattle and to men devoted to herding

them.

XXXL—

(3) O Mazdah Ahura, (mindful lord) I ask thee whether the well-

disposed man who may strive

To improve the houses, the villages, the clans and the provinces,

through Asha (justice)

Whether (a) he may (at all) become a being like unto Thee; (b)

if so, when shall he arise (unto this likeness) and (c) what

(deeds) he shall do (to become such).

XXXL—

(4) (Tell me O lord), which is the more important object of

choice — that of the Ashaist or that of the Drujist?

Do thou who art the Expert-knower inform me who would become

one, and do not permit the ignorant man to continue deluding

(such as me who would like to learn)

O Ahura Mazdah, be Thou to us an instructor of Vohu Manah

(good disposition) !

IV, The Partisan Close: Choose Sides, Take Zar athushtr a's Word

XXXL—

Therefore O well disposed believer, hearken not to the mystic-

words or teachings of any of the Drujists,

For these would reduce house, village, clan or province, to misfor-

tune or death;

Therefore, rather oppose them with the weapon !

i4'2-i S3 Gatha Ahun^vaiti 31.15-18

[31.15]

peraa avaf ya mainis ye dregvaite xshathrem hunaitl

dus-s/zyaothanai Ahura ye nbit jyotum hanare vlnastl

vastryehya aena/zho paseus viraafca adrujyaiito.

3U16

pema avaz* yatha hvo ye hudanus demanahya xshathrem

shoithrahya va da/zyeus va asha fradathai asperezata

3J.J7

kadarem ashava va dregvae ya verenvaite mazyo?

vidvae vldushe mraotu ma evidvae aipl-debavayaf

3J. *8

ma-cis af e dregvato mathrasca gushta sasnaesca

azl demanem vlsen va shoithrem va da/zyum va adaf

dushitaca marakaeca atha Is sazdum snaithisha!

XXXI.—

(2) O Ahura (lord) I ask thee what shall be the punishments (a)

of those who encourage the dominion of the Drujist,

(b) of those who cannot make their living

Without violence to cattle and to men devoted to herding

them.

XXXL—

(3) O Mazdah Ahura, (mindful lord) I ask thee whether the well-

disposed man who may strive

To improve the houses, the villages, the clans and the provinces,

through Asha (justice)

Whether (a) he may (at all) become a being like unto Thee; (b)

if so, when shall he arise (unto this likeness) and (c) what

(deeds) he shall do (to become such).

XXXL—

(4) (Tell me O lord), which is the more important object of

choice — that of the Ashaist or that of the Drujist?

Do thou who art the Expert-knower inform me who would become

one, and do not permit the ignorant man to continue deluding

(such as me who would like to learn)

O Ahura Mazdah, be Thou to us an instructor of Vohu Manah

(good disposition) !

IV. The Partisan Close: Choose Sides, Take Zar athushtra's Word

XXXL—

Therefore O well disposed believer, hearken not to the mystic-

words or teachings of any of the Drujists,

For these would reduce house, village, clan or province, to misfor-

tune or death;

Therefore, rather oppose them with the weapon !

XXXL—

But hearken to him who thought out Asha, (justice) ; that is,

Zarathushtra who is the life healing Expert-knower ;

Him who is able to vindicate his tongue's speeches at will, (at the

Latter Day)

(When) O Ahura Mazdah, (lord-mindful), with thy red (fire)

the good (compensations) of the two contending parties are to

be distributed; (with thy red fire, produced by the two good

rubbing sticks).

XXXL—

Destruction, lasting darkness, bad food, and imprecations

Shall at the (Latter Day) be kept away from whomsoever identifies

himself with the Ashaists,

(Beware) O Drujists: (it is to) that sort of existence that your

(evil) spirit may lead you!

XXXI.-21

From the resources of his innate glory, Ahura Mazdah (lord mind-

ful) shall grant sustained communion

And fulness of Haurvatat, (health) and Ameretat, (immortality,

and of Asha, (justice) and of Xshathra, (power) and Vohu

Manah (good disposition)

To whomsoever is a friend (to Ahura Mazdah, (lord mindful) in

mind and deeds.

XXXL—

The man who is well-disposed, (understands) this as clearly as

does Mazdah (mindful) who knows with the (divine) Manah,

(disposition).

(It is this well-disposed man) who holds Asha (justice) in

union with the good Xshathra (political power), through his

speech and deeds.

(It is this well-disposed man) who is the most prospering compan-

ion to thee, O Ahura Mazdah (lord mindful.)

At &» Parley,

Vituperation of the Rival Prophet Grehm&..

I. Public Self-consecration, and its Acceptance*

XXXII.—

(All three classes) : The kinsman-lord, the worker and the priestly

peer shall, O Daeva, (in spite of You)

Pray for the joys of Ahura Mazdah (lord mindful) according to

my conceptions, (says Zoroaster). 16/

<The three classes answer:) May we be thy messengers, to repel

those who hostilely decive You (O divine beings).

XXXIL—

To them replied Ahura Mazdah, (lord mindful), who is in com-

munion with Vohu Manah (good disposition,)

By Xshathra, (power), with the gloriously sunny, well-befriend-

ing Asha, (justice),

"We have accepted (this) your holy, good, submissive confession

(which we name Armaiti) ; she shall be Ours."

II. Zat athushtr a Vituperates his Rival Grehma to the Daevas,

XXXIL—

(Zarathushtra to the Daevas) : But you O Daevas are all as a

seed (descended from) the Bad Mind,

And whatever mortal man will dare to reverence you, he shall be

considered as belonging to the Druj (party), for he is proud,

(the opposite of Armaiti (love,) ;

For you have become notorious, event to the seventh (region) of

the earth, as being long since preceded by (the evil reputation

of) your deeds.

1 75- 1 86 Gatha Ahunavaiti 32.4-7

[32.4]

jM yusta framimatha ya mas/zya acishta daiito

mazdae ahurahya xrateus nasyaiito ashaafca;

[32.5]

ta debenaota mashim hujyatois ameretatasca

hyaz* vae aka mana/iha yefig daeveng akasca mainyus

aka §/zyaothanem vacanha ya fracinas dregvaiitem xshayo.

[32.6]

pouru-aenae enaxshta yais sravahyeiti yezi tais atha

hata-marane Ahura vahishta voista mana/zha

thwahml e mazda xshathroi ashaiea sefigho vldam.

[32.7]

aesham aena/zhom naecif vidvae aojoi hadroya

yaesham tu Ahura irixtem mazda vaedishto ahL

XXXIL—

Since it is due to you that the worst behaving men are called

daeva-darlings

And are excluded from Vohu Manah (good disposition's) (fel-

lowship in the congregation)

Perishing away from Asha (justice) and from the understanding

of Mazdah Ahura (mindful lord) ;

XXXIL—

Therefore, you will defraud man of good life (here) and immor-

tality (beyond)

Because with evil mind and bad speech (he, Grehma, verse 12) of

the evil Mentality,

Advises the deeds with which he causes you, who are Daevas, and

the Drujist (man afore mentioned,) to perish.

XXXIL—

(Grehma) has (so far) succeeded in perpetrating the many vio-

lences through which he has become notorious ;

(But) whether he shall (continue this success, here on earth) thou

alone knowest through thy Vohu Manah (good disposition) Q

Ahura (lord) ; "182

(But of this I am sure: that) in thy Xshathra (realm) O Mazdah

(mindful), Your doctrinal decision shall be given for Asha

(justice).

XXXIL—

The Expert-knower is not to commit any of these deeds of vio-

lence, whose (fatal) end, thou, O Ahura Mazdah best

knowest.

(He is not to commit any of them, even if tempted to do so)

through a (well intentioned, misguided) desire for (proper)

gain ;

(For it was) such ( a desire that) led (Grehma) to become no-

torious through his glittering sword of violence .

XXXIL—

As is (well) known, (there was) among these (committers) of

violence a certain Yima (son) of Vivahvant,

Who in order to satisfy our men, gave pieces of beef to be de-

voured.

I (certainly) expect to be (divided) from these (sinners) in thy

discriminating-judgment, O Mazdah (mindful) !

XXXIL—

The prophet of evil, Grehma, with his pronouncements will destroy

the words (which form) the understanding of life,

By hindering my wealth, the prized possession of Vohu Manah

(good disposition).

With these uttered expressions (of my thought (as a complaint)

I appeal to thee, O Mazdah (mindful), through Asha (justice).

XXXIL—

(It is Grehma) who destroys (the effect of) my words, and who

( 1 ) preaches that

The cattle and the sun are the worst objects to behold, and (2)

who makes Drujists out of clever (believers),

And (3) who destroys the cultivated lands, and (4) raises the

weapon against the Ashaist.

XXXIL—

His followers would destroy my life. They have had many con-

sultations with the Drujists, so as

(1) To deprive the (Ashaist) masters and the mistresses of the

possession of their inheritance, and

(2) To cause the Ashaists to apostacize from the Best Mind, O

Mazdah (mindful),

XXXIL—

(3) And by their speeches, to cause men to apostacize from their

best deeds.

Mazdah (mindful) spoke: "Bad are ye (1) who destroy the life

of cattle with cries of joy,

And who (2) to Asha prefer Grehma, Karpa and the power favor-

able to the Druj."

XXXII.—

Through which Xshathra (power) of the above Asha (justice),

Grehma will be degraded to hell, the dwelling of the Worst

Mind,

(Where dwell) the destroyers of this life; and (then) O Mazdah

(mindful) he will complain, being moved by a desire

For the message of thy prophet, who (then) (however) will keep

him from beholding Asha (justice).

XXXII.—

Grehma (1) (plans) the subjection of this (Asha, justice);

(2) long since he supports both the Kavayas and the powerful

(Drujists) through his plans,

Which raises help unto the Drujist;

And (3) (he cries that) the cow is to be killed; and (4) he will

burn (the Ashaist) who-repels-death from her (by being) of

help to her.

III. Zarathushtra will Exult in Executing this Final Judgment.

XXXII.—

But through these Ashaists, I will expel both the Karapans and

Kavayites

Who will not permit the Ashaists to rule their lives as they wish

(by the divine law of cattle herding)

Which (Ashaists) I pray will be borne (to heaven) the (dwelling

of Vohu Manah (good disposition) by the twins (Haurvatat and

Ameretat.)

XXXII.—

All this is from that Best (divinity) who is teaching in the wide

light (of the stars) (or of the altar-flame, (M)

Thou, O Mazdah Ahura (mindful-lord), controllest whomsoever

threatens me with destruction,

So that I may encourage the beloved (believers) by setting limits

to the violence of the Druj, by (the words of) my mouth.

High-priestly Prayer for

Acceptance, Conversion, and Paradise*

(Apparently belonging to the Close of the former Hymn, on)

Zarathushtra's Exultation on Executing the Final Judgment.

XXXIII.—

In accordance with these laws of the first life

The judge will enact, the most just decisions for the Drujist, as

well as the Ashaist,

And for the man who combines the false and just actions (B)

(and do whatever may suit the needs of the false and the just,

(M)

XXXIIL—

But whoever (1) by speech, word or deed do harm to the Drujist,

Or (2) converts one to the good (i. e., either injures or converts)

or (3) instructs a fellow believer,

They (are those who are thereby) working for the (divine) will,

and for the pleasure of Ahura Mazdah (lord mindful) in the

(great work of the) preparation.

XXXIIL—

Whoever, through being a gentleman-by-birth, is best (in-

clined) to the Ashaist, or which herd-laborer,

Or an expert peer, or is zealous for the cattle O Ahura (lord),

Surely he will come to be on the pasturage of Asha (justice) and

Vohu Manah (good disposition). ,

I. Prayer for Acceptation.

XXXIIL—

I, who, by praying, would, O Ahura Mazdah (lord mindful) con-

jure away (1) disobedience and badness from (what the oppon-

ents think of) thee,

And (2) contrariness from the gentleman, and (3) the neighbor-

hood of the Drujist from the group of laboring men,

And (4) cursing from the peer, and (5) poor farmers (fodder)

(M) from the pasturage of the cattle;

XXXIIL—

I who will invoke Sraosha (obedience) as the greatest of all

■ (divinities) for help (to man)

Having reached (1) long life, (2) the realm of Vohu Manah

(good disposition)

And (3) the Asha (justice) straightened paths, on which Ahura

Mazdah (lord mindful) dwells;

XXXIIL—

I who, as priest (coming) through Asha (justice) from the Best

(Mind) desire (to walk) the just (paths) of the Bounteous

Mentality

Going (from us) (the Ashaist's priests) towards the pastures

which advisory-managers ought to work through the (Vohu)

Manah (disposition).

(For these two objects) I wish, O Ahura Mazah (lord mindful)

to consult together (both the Best (Mind) and the Bounteous

Mentality) visibly.

XXXIIL—

Come hither to me O you Best (divinities) ; come here personally,

O Mazdah (mindful)

Visibly, with Asha (justice), and Vohu Manah (good disposi-

tion) ; inform me how I may be heard before (M) or outside

of (B) the Magians; (and, for this purpose)

Let reverent services of worship be (performed) clearly and

manifestly among us.

II. Prayer for General Conversion*

XXXIII.—

O do Thou regard (1) the interests which I am advancing

through Vohu Manah (good disposition),

(2) The hymn, O Mazdah (mindful) (addressed to) one-like-

You and (3) my grateful communions with Asha (justice),

And give me Your-twin enduring possessions of Ameretat (im-

mortality) and Haurvatat (health).

XXXIII.—

But let me O Mazdah (mindful) bring the (holy) Mentality of

these two (divine) companions who prosper (the) Ashaist

(just) life

Unto the comfortable dwellings, with me, who have the best

Manah (best disposition),

In thus arousing the support of these two (divinities) whose souls

are accompanying each other.

XXXIII.—

Distribute, O Mazdah, from thy delight, all the pleasures of life,

Which were, and are, and are yet becoming ;

And cause my-body to grow as-I-wish, with Vohu Manah (good

disposition,) Xshathra (power,) and Asha (justice.)

III* Prayer for Paradise

XXXIII.—

(Thou) (Asha) who art the strongest Ahura of Mazdah (lord

of mindful) and Armaiti (love),

Prospering-, as if they were earthly substance, Asha, (justice) and

Vohu Manah, (good disposition) and Xshathra (power),

Hear me, pity me, when to every man (shall come) retribution!

XXXIII.—

Arise up to me, O Ahura Mazdah, (lord mindful) grant me (1)

through Armaiti ( love ) , vitality ;

(2) Through the most bounteous Mentality, grant me strength;

(3) through good Ada (retribution),

And through Asha (justice) (grant me) powerful might, (4)

and through Vohu Manah (good disposition) (grant) compen-

sation.

XXXIII.—

In order to grant me support, O thou wide glancing (divinity,)

show me (that) the incomparable (riches)

Of thy realm, O Ahura (lord), (are) the compensations of Vohu

Manah, (good disposition) ;

O bounteous Armaiti, (love) instruct the spirits through Asha,

(justice).

XXXIIL—

But, O Ahura Mazdah (lord mindful), Zarathushtra offers as an

oblation his own body,

And the first fruits of Vohu Manah (good disposition),

And the Sraosha (obedience) and Xshathra (power) of his

deeds and uttered words, through Asha (justice).

Congregational Prayer

for Protection and Instruction.

h Congregational P* aye* for Protection and Instruction.

XXXIV.—

Among the foremost (of thy worshippers) we offer to thee, O

Ahura Mazdah mindful lord, through the mind of the good

Mentality,

XXXIV.—

All the deeds, speeches and hymns

Through which (deeds, speeches and hymns)

Thou shalt bestow Ameretat, (immortality) Asha, (justice)

Xshathra, (power) and Haurvatat, (health)

And we bear the praises of *hy grateful people, with a bounteous-

ness, such as would gratefully follow along the paths of Asha,

(justice)

(Even) into the outer realms (of-the-heavenly-presence) of a

(divinity) such as You, O Ahura Mazdah (lord mindful) !

XXXIV.—

But to thee, O Ahura Mazdah (lord mindful) and to Asha, (jus-

tice) we shall with reverence offer the oblation

(That) you with Vohu Manah (good disposition) may cause all

substantial beings which are in the Xshathra (realm) to mature

(into perfection B),

Seeing that the perfecting of the beneficent man is at all times

valuable in (the sight of) One-like- You.

XXXIV.—

We wish O Mazdah, (lord mindful) that thy fire, whose strength

is Asha, (justice)

May be a promised (swift, M) powerful, clear, delightful help for

supporting the land or the people ;

But (that it may be) for the enemies a visible, suggestive and

practical token of harm.

XXXIV.—

Have You (enough) Xshathra (power) ? Have You (enough)

Wealth? O Ahura Mazdah (lord mindful), for the deeds

which I (urge) You (to do, namely),

With Asha, (justice) and Vohu Manah (good disposition), to pro-

tect Your poor?

Through (our preaching among) the daevic-enemies, savages, and

and doomed-men, we will declare You to all foreigners.

XXXIV.-6

Since You therefore actually have the above powers, O Ahura

Mazdah (lord mindful), with Asha (justice) and Vohu Manah

(good disposition),

Therefore grant me as token thereof, a change for better now in

this life,

So that I may the more approach You with greater joy and ado-

ration.

XXXIV.—

(O Lord, listen to me who wish to ask thee about certain people)

Are they faithful to thee, O Ahura Mazdah, (lord mindful), who,

though they know of Vohu Manah, (good dispostion),

Turn the difficulties of traditionally-inherited doctrine unto their

own advantage, by sophistries ?

As for me, I know none other but You, O Asha ! therefore protect

us.

277288 Gatha Ahunavaiti 34.8-11

[34.8]

tais zi-nae s/zyaothanais byente yaeshu as pairl pourubyo

ithyejo

hyaf as aojyae naidyae/zhem thwahya mazda asta urvatahya

yoi noif ashem mainyanta aeibyo duire vohu as mano!

[34.9]

yoi spditam armaitim thwahya mazda herexdam vldusho

aeibyo mas asha syazdaz1 yavaz* ahmaf auruna xrafstra.

[34.10]

huxratus

spditamca armaitim damim vidvae hitham ashahya

taca vispa Ahura thwahmi mazda xshathroi a voyathra!

34. U

Sit toi ube haurvaesca /zvardMi a ameretataesca

utayuitl tmshl tais a mazda vldvaesham thwoi ahl!

XXXIV.—

With such specious deeds, under which lurk danger for many,

they are intimidating us ; especially

Me, who am the weaker, for (Bendva) is strong with hate of thy

commands, O Mazdah, (mindful).

But those who think not of Asha, (justice) they are surely distant

from Vohu Manah (good disposition) !

XXXIV.—

Those evil doers who drive away bounteous Armaiti, (love) so

highly prized by the Expert-knower O Mazdah (mindful)

Because they have no share of Vohu Manah (good disposition)

Are shunned by the man endowed by Asha, (justice) as much as

the savages are shunned by us.

XXXIV—

The clever Expert-knower will say he holds (1) to the deeds of

Vohu Manah, (good disposition)

And (2) to the bounteous creator Armaiti (love) the associate

(wife?) of Asha (justice)

And (3) to all thy hopes (that are to be realized) in thy Xshathra

(power), O Ahura Mazdah, (lord mindful)!

XXXIV—

Thus for (that Expert-knower) both Haurvatat (health) and

Ameretat (immortality) (serve) for food

And Armaiti ever has caused the-two enduring and vital (divini-

ties just mentioned,) to grow through the Xsathra (power) of

Vohu Manah (good disposition) and through Asha (justice) ;

Thus, O Mazdah (mindful), thou blessest the opponents of thy

enemies !

XXXIV.-12

What is Thy decree? What is Thy wish? What praise, what

hymn ( wouldst thou have me raise to Thee ?)

(In order) that we may hear it, do thou, O Ahura Mazdah, (lord

mindful), reveal what compensation thou wilt grant (as a re-

ward) for keeping Thy observances.

Teach us, O Asha (1) the passable paths of Vohu Manah, (good

disposition)

XXXIV.—

And (2) the way of Vohu Manah (good disposition, (a) of which

thou toldst me,

(b) Which is well formed by Asha, (justice) (c) on which the

spirits of the Saviors progress ;

(d) Which thou, O Mazdah (mindful) hast assigned for the

clever, as one of the compensations which are at thy disposal.

II* Zar athushtra Closes with a Prayer

for Congregation and Humanity*

XXXIV.—

Which 'choice' (compensation) O Ahura Mazdah (lord mindful)

give (1) to my corporeal life

Through the action of Vohu Manah (good dispositions) ; and

(2) to whomsoever belongs to-the-groups-of-those-who-labor-

at-herding calving (cows) ;

(For your compensations consist of ) good wisdom of the under-

standing, which causes prosperity-for-the-caste-of-laboring-men.

XXXIV.—

O Ahura Mazdah, (lord mindful), with Vohu Manah (good dispo-

sition), and with Asha (justice), inform me of

The best teachings and deeds and speeches, and what praise of ours

You claim as Your due.

Through Xsthathra (power) grant that, according to Your will

humanity may be progressive.

The Interior Call of Zarathushtra

I. Prayer for fulfilment of Human Aspirations

[43.4]

Success to Me, to You, and to Whosoever will !

May Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord) who rules at will over

all things, grant

(That) both Enduringness and Vitality (health and immort-

ality) may come to thee (O Believer)! Of Thee, O Lord,

do I desire this !

As to me, grant me that I maintain my hold on Asha (just-

ice)! And do Thou, O Armaiti (love), grant me

Riches, Compensations, and the life of Vohu Manah (good

disposition)!

[43.2]

Yea, Vohu Manah (good disposition) will give the best of

all things to this Zarathushtra;

According to his wish, He will give him the comfort of

heaven.

O Mazdah (mindful), through Thy most (bounteous ment-

ality) Spenta Mainyu reveal

All these blissful mysteries of Vohu Manah (good dis-

position) which Thou givest through Asha (justice)

With all the joys that are long and vital on every day!

[43.3]

May he (Zarathushtra) who, like Thee, O Mazdah (mind-

ful), is faithful, well-informed, and bounteous,

Who would teach us the just paths of profit — namely,

Those of the good life (both) corporeal and mental, that

lead to n

The real worlds where dwells (the lord) Ahura;

May he ( Zarathushtra ) arrive to What-is-better-than-

good! 1

[43.4]

In order that I may receive the power of Vohu Manah

(good disposition)

I would , in Thee, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), ac-

knowledge heroism and bounteousness,

(1) Through the Hand in which thou holdest

The Compensation to be given to Drujist and Ashaist,

And (2) through the glow of thy (judgment) Fire, whose

vigor is Asha (justice).

II. Reminiscences of Six Earlier Visionary Experiences.

VISION I. At Beginning, Mazdah plans Rewards and Punishments.

[43.5]

I acknowledged thee, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), as

the bounteous divinity when

(1) At the beginning, I beheld Thee at the birth of life

(2) When Thou didst establish (proper) Compensations for

deeds and words :

A bad (compensation) for the bad, and a good compens-

ation for the good ;

(Which is to occur,) with Thy skill, at the last crisis of

of creation ;

[43.6]

At which crisis come Thou, O Mazdah (mindful), with

Thy Spenta Mainyu (bounteous mentality),

With Xshathra (power), Vohu Manah (good disposition),

and Asha (justice),

Through whose deeds are prospered the human-estates

For which Armaiti (love) formulates judgments

Of (mindful) Mazdah's understanding which no one ever

deceives.

VISION II. Establishment of Orthodoxy.

[43.7]

I recognized Thee, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), as

the bounteous (divinity), through the answer with which

I was inspired

When, with (good disposition) Vohu Manah, (some man)

came around to me, and asked,

'Who art thou? To what divinity belongest thou? ^3

With what (divine) token wilt thou appoint the Day-for-

questioning

About thy substance and thyself?'

[43.8]

Therefore I, Zarathushtra, said to him at first:

"I would wish to be a genuine enemy to the Drujist,

But a vigorous support for the Ashaist,

So that I may plan for the developments of the now lim-

ited Xshathra (coming kingdom)

(With) as-much-(zeal)-as I am now praising and lauding

Thee, O Mazdah (mindful) !

VISION HI-; Theophany of ASHA

[43.9]

I recognized Thee, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), as

the bounteous (divinity)

When, with xgood disposition) Vohu Manah, (some man)

came-around to me, and asked (a question).

To his question, "What cause dost thou intend to adopt ?"

I, (Zarathushtra), answered, "At each oblation of reverence

brought to Thy sacrificial fire (O Lord)

I will, to the extent of my ability, fix my mind on Asha

(justice)!

43J0

"But, (O God), show me the Asha (justice) whom I in-

voke !"

(Mazdah speaks:) "In company with Armaiti (love), and

Asha (justice) I have come,

For thy question was as the question of powerful (men)

When some ruler insists on having his mighty powerful

wish (granted by) thee.

Now ask Us what thou hast to ask Us !"

VISION IV* The Sincere shall be Supported*

43. J J

I recognized Thee, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), as

the bounteous (divinity)

When (1) I was first instructed in Your utterances;

And when with (good disposition) Vohu Manah, (some

man) came-around to me, (and asked),

"Will the doing of that which You have told me is the

Best (to do)

Arouse trouble among men for me ?"

356-37° Gatha Ushtavaiti 43.12-14

43. J2

hyafca moi mraos: 'ashem jaso fraxshneneP

af tu-moi noit asrushta pairyao^za:

'uzeredyai para hyaf moi a-jimaf

seraosho ashl maza-raya hacimno

ya vi ashis ranoibyo savoi vldayaf !'

43- J3

m

363

spditem af thwa mazda mmghl Ahura

hyaf ma vohu pairl-jasa/ mananha

aretha voizdyai kamahya tern: 'moi data

daregahya yaus jem vae naecls daresht ite

vairyae stois ya thwahml xshathroi vacl V

43- J4

hyaf na fryai vaedamno isva daidtf

maibyo mazda tava rafeno fraxshnenem

hyaf thwa xshathra ashaf haca frashta

uzeradyai azem saredanae senghahya

ma/ tais vispais yoi-toi mathrae mardifi.

[43.12]

And at the same time, when Thou toldst me to answer

him, "Depend on Asha (justice) for support !"

Then to me (Zarathushtra,) who was not disobedient, Thou

utteredst the command:

"Thou hadst better arouse (thy prophecy) before the com-

ing

Of Sraosha (obedience) together with the rich Ashay (com-

pensation),

Who will distribute to both contending Parties compens-

ations for their profit."

VISION V* Demand for Help to Execute God's Judgments.

[43.13]

I recognized Thee, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), as

the bounteous (divinity)

When, with (good disposition) Vohu Manah, (some man)

came-around

To learn the details of my desire :

"Give me the inalienable gift of long enjoyment

Of the desired existence which is said to be in Thy

Xshathra (realm)."

[43.14]

Just as a wealthy man, according to his knowledge or abil-

ity gives to a friend,

Do Thou, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), give to me

those Thy provisions of support,

Inasmuch as Thou endowedst me with Asha (justice), so

that I might stand forth

With all those who remember Thy mystic Word

To arouse (those who may become) church-organizers of Thy

teachings.

37i-38° Gatha, Ushtavaiti 43.15,16

43.

spditem af thwa mazda menghl Ahura

hyaf ma vohu pairl-jasaf mana/zha

daxshaf us/zyai tushna maitis vahishta:

'noit na pourus dregvato hy&t cixshnusho

af toi vispeiig mgvefig ashauno adare.'

43.

371

372

373

374

375

a/ Ahura hvo mainyum zarathushtro

verente mazda yaste cisca spenishto

hvefig daresoi xshathroi hjM armaitis

379

VISION VL Mission of Of thodoxy— Armaiti Aligns the Parties.

[43.15]

I recognized Thee, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), as

the bounteous (divinity)

When, with (good disposition) Vohu Manah, (some man)

came around (to ask me a question).

Then the best Tushnamatay (silent devotion) inspired me

to proclaim (to him)

"A (man as) important (as an Ashaist) should not curry fa-

vor with a Drujist,

For (it is the duty) of the Ashaist (to consider) all (Drujists

as) hostile."

43, *6

Yea, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), inasmuch as Zara-

thushtra chooses the (bounteous Mentality) Mainyu of

Mazdah (mindful),

He (Zarathustra) teaches that each most bounteous (man)

should to himself attach Asha (justice)

By living in a vigorous corporeal manner.

May Armaiti (love) (be found) in the Xshathra (realm)

that ever beholds the Sun ;

Where, we pray, may Armaiti (love), with Vohu Manah

(good disposition), to all grant a Compensation, through

the instrumentality of the deeds they may have per-

formed !

Oracular Consultation as to Advisability

of Conversion by War,

I. Questions about Theology.

44J

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of Thee :

speak to me truly !

How should I pray, when I wish to pray to One-like-You?

May One-like-You, O Mazdah (mindful), who is friendly,

teach one-like-me?

And may You give us supporting-aids through the friendly

Asha (justice),

And tell us how You may come to us with Vohu Manah

(good disposition ?)

[44.2]

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of Thee :

speak to me truly !

I, Whether at the beginning of the best life

The retributions will be of profit to their recipients ?

And 2, whether He 1, who is bounteous to all through

Asha (justice), and a, who watches the End

Through His (mentality) Mainyu, — (whether) He is the

life-healing Friend (of the people, M) ?

[44.3]

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of Thee :

speak to me truly !

Who was the first father of Asha (justice) by (giving) birth

(to Him)?

Who established the sun(lit day)s and the star (glistering

sphere) and the (Milky) Way ?

Who, apart from Thee, established (the law) by which the

moon waxes and wanes ?

These and other things would I like to know !

44,4

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of Thee :

speak to me truly !

Who was from beneath sustaining the earth and the clouds

So-that-they-would-not-fall-down? Who made the waters

and the plants ?

Who yoked the-two-swift-ones ( thunder and lightning ? )

to the wind and to the clouds ?

Who is the creator of Vohu Manah ?

44*5

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of Thee :

speak to me truly !

Who produced well-made lights and darkness?

Who produced sleep, well-induced through laborious

waking?

Who produced the dawns and the noon through the con-

trast with the night

Whose daily changes (act) for the enlightened believers (as)

monitors of their interests ?

44.6 ~

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of Thee:

speak to me truly ! ,Qo-

Is the message I am about to proclaim genuine?

Does Armaiti (love) support Asha (justice) through

deeds ? o

Dost Thou with Vohu Manah (good disposition) destine

the Xshathra (realm) for these (believers) ?

For whom but these (believers) didst Thou shape the for-

tune-bringing cattle? IO

[44.7]

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of Thee :

speak to me truly ! *lx

Who shaped prized Armaiti (love) with Xshathra (power)?

12

Who, by guidance (education, M), rendered sons reverent

to their fathers ?

(It is) I who strive to learn-to-recognize Thee

Through the (bounteous Mentality) Spenta Mainyu as

Giver of all (good things) ! 1,

[44.8]

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of Thee :

speak to me truly ! g

(I would like) to know (1) what (sort) of a purpose (is

Thine ), that I may be mindful of it; I7

(2) What are Thy utterances, about which I asked through

the aid of Vohu Manah (good disposition);

(3) The proper knowledge of life through Asha (justice)

(4) How shall my soul, encouraged by bliss, arrive at that

good reward?

[44.9]

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of Thee :

speak to me truly ! ^i

How may I accomplish the salification of those spirits

To whom Thou, the well-disposed Master of the Coming

(Kingdom) Xshathra, 2«

Hast pronounced promises about its genuine blessings,

Promising that those spirits shall dwell in the same Dwell-

ing with Asha (justice) and Vohu Manah ( good dispos-

ition)? r25

44J0

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of thee :

speak to me truly !

(How) will (such a promise) properly nurture (1) (good)

deeds, v& ^

—Which are the best qualities of these my followers' spir-

its— together with (2) utterances of humility?

(How) will (the promise) cause my (followers') settlements

to prosper through Asha (justice) ? 2§

The aspirations of my mystic wisdom shall wish for Thy

(second birth, see 48.5), O Mazdah (mindful) !

44.n

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of Thee-

speak to me truly ! '

How will Armaiti (love) actually, in deeds, extend over

those (persons)

To whom Thy spirit (religion ?} was announced (as a doc-

trine) ? v

On account of whom I first was elected (acknowledged, M)

(and whom I love); qI

AH others I look upon with hostility of mentality !

IL Questions about Propaganda by Wat.

44,12

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of Thee :

speak to me truly !

How shall I, from among those whom I am addressing,

tell the Ashaist from the Drujist?

To which of these two is the Enemy of life (opposed)?

Or shall I take it for granted that whoever opposes Thy

profit is an enemy and a Drujist?

What is the real condition of affairs with him (the Druj-

ist) ? Shall he not be considered an enemy ?

[44.13]

0 Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of Thee:

speak to me truly !

How may we drive off from us the Drujist?

1 exclaim, "Down with those who, being full of disobed-

ience,

(1) Do not strive to be together with Asha (justice),

(2) Nor desire to understand the problems of Vohu Ma-

nah (good disposition)."

[44.14]

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of Thee :

speak to me truly !

How may I deliver the Druj into the hands of Asha ( jus-

tice)?

That I may smite them down (according to the promises,

or, through the power) of Thy Words of ( Thy ) doc-

trines,

So that (even) within (or, among) the Drujists (I) may

accomplish powerful destruction,

That those torturers and haters may perish.

45i-465 Gath&. Ushtavaiti 44J5-I7

44. J5

taf thwa peresa eres-moi vaoca ahnra!

yezi ahya asha poi maf xshayehl

hya£ hem spada anaoca/zha jamaete

avais nrvatais ya-tu mazda dlderezo

knthra ayae kahmai vananam dadae?

44A6

taf thwa peresa eres-m5i vaoca ahnra! §

e verethrem-ja thwa poi sengha yoi hditi?

cithra moi dam ahumbis ratum cizdi

9d hv5 vohu seraosho jafitu mana/zha

mazda ahmai yahmai vashi kahmaicif?

[44.17]

taf thwa peresa eres-moi vaoca ahnra !

katha mazda zarem carani haca xshmaf

asketim xshmakom hyafca moi hyM vaxs aesho

saroi buMyai haurvata ameretata

ava mathra ye rathemo ashaf haca?

44,15

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of Thee :

speak to me truly !

(Tell me) whether, in order to protect me, Thou hast tak-

en control of this (opposition)?

Whenever the two hostile armies shall meet,

By those commands of righteousness which Thou shalt

maintain,

To which of the two Parties wilt Thou give victory?

44 A6

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of Thee :

speak to me truly !

(Tell me) who comes victoriously with Thy doctrines to

protect those who are existent?

(Do Thou who art) life-healing, clearly designate to me an

established judge;

To him, whosoever he be, to whom Thou wishest (to give

this appointment as judge),

To him may (then) Sraosha (obedience), with Vohu Ma-

nah (good disposition), then come?

[44.17]

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of Thee :

speak to me truly !

How shall I carry out the object inspired by You,

(Namely,) my attachment to You, in order that (1) my

speech may grow mighty, and

(2) That by that word of mine the adherent of Asha (jus-

tice)

May in-the-future commune with Haurvatat (health), and

Ameretat (immortality) ?

44,18

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of Thee :

speak to me truly !

How shall I earn through Asha (justice) that compensa-

tion

Which was announced to me, on account of Haurvatat

(health) and Ameretat (immortality)

(Namely,) ten mares with stallions, and a camel

(So that) I might-in-the-future impart the mystic Word of

these twin divinities to those adherents of Asha (justice)?

44,19

0 Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), this I ask of Thee :

speak to me truly !

(How shall be punished) he who does not give (the above)

compensation to (me who earned it,)

(To me) who (earned it) by uttering just teachings?

1 know what punishment will overtake him at the Last

(Day);

But (tell) me what punishment will overtake him here in

this first (life)?

44,20

(O People, you might as well obey me, as I shall let you

judge for yourselves :)

Have you prospered under the rule of the Daevas ?

(As umpires between us) I shall ask those for the sake of

whose feeding

The Karapas and the Uxic give up the Cattle to Aeshma

(fury and rapine),

For whom the Kavays have made (the Cattle) lament

exceedingly,

Instead of, through Asha (justice), prospering pasturage.

so as to care for (the Cattle).

Repeated Sermon on Dualism

Teaching Agriculture as the Road to Paradise

I. Repeated Exhortation to the Faithful

To Open their Ears to the Mystery.

[45.1]

Now will I speak out: listen and hear,

You who, from far and near, have come-to-seek ( my

word ) ;

Now (I exhort you) clearly to impress on your memory

(the evil teacher) and his faults ; (for)

No longer shall the evil Teacher — druj that he is ! — des-

troy the second life,

In (the speech of) his tongue misleading to the evil life.

IL The Doctrinal Dualistic Foundation of Partisanship

[45.2]

Now will I speak out: At the beginning of life

The holier (Mentality) said to the ( opposing Mentality

who was) more hostile,

"Neither our thoughts, doctrines, plans,

Beliefs, utterances, deeds,

Individualities, nor souls agree."

III. The Good Spirit Teaches the Best "Word of Agriculture.

[45.3]

Now will I speakout! Of that (which) at the beginning

of life

The knowing Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord) said :

"Those who do not practise the Word,

As I consider and declare it,

They shall have woe at the end of life."

[45.4]

Now will I speak out (what is) the best of life:

Through Asha (justice), O Mazdah (mindful), have I dis-

covered (1) Thee, who hast created Him (Asha);

(2) That Mazdah (mindful) is the Father of the working

Vohu Manah (good disposition);

(3) And that Armaiti (love), who produces good deeds, is

His daughter;

(4) And that the all-detecting Ahura (lord) is not to be

deceived.

[45.5]

Now will I, who am the Utterer of this Word which is the

best for mortal men to hear,

Speak out what the most bounteous Ahura Mazdah (mind-

ful lord) said to me :

"Those who, for (the attainment of) this (mystic manthric

Word) grant Me their obedience,

They shall come up with Haurvatat (health), and Amere-

tat (immortality),

With the deeds of the good (Mentality) Mainyu."

IV. By Rewards and Punishments will Ahura Mazdah

Vindicate Zarathushtra as Judge.

[45.6]

Now will I speak out about the greatest (Being) of all

Through Asha (justice) praising Mazdah (mindful), who

blesses all existent (beings) !

Let Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord) hear, through Spenta

Mainyu (the bounteous Mentality), (the fact)

That I consulted Vohu Manah (good disposition) (as to)

how I should adore (Mazdah, mindful),

Through whose (Mazdah's) understanding, may He, Vo-

hu Manah, teach me the best (teachings ?) !

[45.7]

Let the Preparers (for the conversion of the world), both

those who were, and (those who) are (yet) becoming

Wish for the profits of the Compensations ; 1

The successful soul of the Ashaist (abiding) in Ameretat

(immortality)

With enduringness ; (while) the Drujists shall endure griefs

And all this Ahura Mazdah (the mindful lord) creates

through Xshathra (the coming of the kingdom).

[45.8]

Thou-shalt-seek-to-win (Mazdah, mindful) with such prai-

ses of reverence (as) for instance (this psalm:)

"With my (own) eyes shall I now behold (the heaven)

Of the good Mentality of word and deed;

Having, through Asha (justice), known Ahura Mazdah

(the mindful lord),

To whom let us, in heaven, set down adorations for the fil-

ling of the (dwelling of praise, paradise) Garodman."

[45.9]

Him (Mazdah), along with Vohu Manah (good disposi-

tion), shalt thou seek-to-satisfy for us,

(Because it is) He who, by His will, makes our fortune or

misfortune.

May Ahura Mazdah (the mindful lord) through his Xsha-

thra (realm)

Grant, for the group of herdsmen, prospering of our cattle

and men

By the proficiency of Vohu Manah (good disposition),

through Asha (justice).

[45.10]

How shalt thou, (O individual believer), with hymns of

Armaiti (love), magnify t^

Him who is reputed to be Ahura Mazdah (the mindful

lord) for eternity ;

Since through Asha (justice), and Vohu Manah (good dis-

position), He has (promised us)

That in His Xshathra (realm) we shall obtain Haurvatat

(health) and Ameretat (immortality) ;

But we shall obtain that His (heavenly) dwelling through

vitality and enduringness. oQ

V. Supporting: the Prophet is therefore the Chief Duty.

45.H

Whoever, therefore, in the future scorns (1) the Daevas

And (2) the men who scorn him (Zarathushtra),

And all others (luke-warm neutrals) except whoever is de-

voted to him (Zarathushtra),

Shall be considered, by the bounteous individuality of (Za-

rathushtra, who is) Savior and JV1 aster-of-the-house

As his Friend, Brother, or Father, — O Ahura Mazdah

(mindful lord) ! o ,

War Preliminaries of

He&.rt-«/*earchings and Encouragement.

I. Failure in Convetsion, and Demand on Mazdah for Vindication

[46.1]

Toward what earth shall I turn to flee? Whither shall I

turn to escape?

The groups of the herdsmen do not offer me the satisfac-

tion of support;

Nobody offers me (gifts) on the part of gentleman or of

peer; ^7

Neither do those who are princes of the land (favor me)

because of the Drujist;

How shall I ever please Thee (by successful establishment

of Thy cult), O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord) ?

[46.2]

I know, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), the reason why

I am so (despised as to be) impotent —

It is only because I possess so few flocks and followers!

I complain of this to Thee ! Investigate this complaint,

And then support me as friendship wou!d dictate !

But I specially ask instruction (as to how to attain) through

Asha (justice) the possession of Vohu Manah (good

disposition) !

546-560 Gathjw Ushtavaiti 46.3-5

[46.3]

kada mazda yoi uxshano asnam

a/zheus darethrai fro ashahya frardite

verezdais senghais saos/zyaiitam xratavo?

maibyo thwa sastrai verene Ahura!

[46.4]

a£ tefig dregvae yefig ashahya vazdreiig pai

gae froretois shoithrahya va da/zyeus va

yastem xshathraz* mazda moithaz* jyateus va

hvo tefig fro-gae pathmeiig hucistois carai.

[46.5]

yi va xshayas adas drita ayaiitem

urvatois va huzmtus mithroibyo va

rashna jvas ye ashava dregvaiitem

viciro has taz4 fro /zvaetave mruyaz*

uzpHViyni Tin mazda xrunyaz4 Ahura!

[46.3]

When, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord) will those 'bully*

(glorious) days arrive

When humanity's life will attain (the blessings) of Asha

(justice)

Through the growing teachings of saviors ( who will be

men) of understanding?

(Who are they) to whom (Zarathushtra) will come with

(good disposition) Vohu Manah to help?

For myself I choose (this mission), to fulfil (it), with Thy

(aid), O Ahura (lord)!

[46.4]

But the Drujist is restraining those who are a-prospering of

Asha (justice)

To prosper (the interests) of the cattle, or of the village,

or of the province ;

Being notorious, repulsive through his own deeds,

(So much so, that) who(ever) may despatch him from the

(realm) Xshathra of life,

He will (1) be doing the community a service, and (2) be

going-on, on the progressing paths of good teachings.

II* Rules How to Treat Converts.

[46.5]

Whatever well-informed person may have managed to with-

hold an Ashaist or Drujist

From keeping his vows or engagements (that are evil),

So as to come to a decision to live according to the divine

observances,

That (above well-informed person) should give-due-public-

notice (of that conversion) to some gentleman

(So that this gentleman might from then on) protect-the-

convert from further maltreatment, O Ahura Mazdah

(mindful lord) I

56*-575 Gatha Ushtavaiti 46.6-8

[46.6]

Sit yastem noi/ na isemno ayaY

drujo hvo daman haithya g&t

hvo zl dregvUe ye dregvaite vahishto

hvo ashava yahmai ashava fryo

hya* daenae paouruyae dae Ahura!

[46.7]

kem-na mazda mavaite payum dadaf

hyaf ma dregvae dldareshata aena/zhe ?

anyem thwahmat athrasca mananhasca

yayae s/zyaothanais ashem thraoshta Ahura

torn moi dastvom daenayai fravaoca.

[46.8]

ye va moi yae gaethae dazde aena/me

noit ahya-ma athris s/zyaothanais frosyaz4 57?

tanvem a ya Im hujyatois paya/

noit duzjyatois kaciz* mazda dvaesha/zha !

46*6

But whoever, when thus warned of the converts conver-

sion), shall not go (to his side) to stand-up-for-him,

He shall-be-banished-to the genuine Houses of the Druj

(he will be accounted a genuine Druj),

(Just as) a Drujist is most attractive to the Drujist,

(While) the Ashaist is dear to whomsoever is an Ashaist

Since (the time when) Thou createdst the first spirits,

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord)!

HE. Actual Struggle to Protect Converts (from Bendva?)

[46.7]

Whom, O Mazdah (mindful), wilt Thou commission as

guardian for one-like-me,

Whenever the Drujist prepares to commit violence against

me?

Unless he be some one of divine power like Thee, such as

Thy Fire and Manah (mind),

Through the deeds of both of whom Asha (justice) is

ripened for the consummation, O Ahura (lord) :

This is the teaching I propose to proclaim to human

spirits.

46,8

May not misfortune attain me through the deeds

Of any one who intends-to-commit-violence against my

substance !

Rather, may his deeds (1) with hostility rebound on his

own body,

(a) And restrain him from good life, O Mazdah (mindful),

(3) And, with hostility, fail to restrain him from the bad-

' life!

IV* Zarathushtra is the First Prophet;

Obedience to him Gains Paradise.

[46.9]

Who is that faithful (believer) who will be the first one

To teach me (by object lesson) to consider Thee the most

helpful (divinity),

And the most bounteous lord (as) judge over deeds?

(On the contrary,) the believers are, with the aid of Vohu

Manah (good disposition), seeking (to hear) from me

What Asha (justice) uttered to Thee, and what the Shaper

of the Cattle uttered to Asha (justice).

4640

(O Ahura Mazdah, mindful lord, grant) Xshathra (the

power of the coming kingdom) through Vohu Manah

(good disposition) as a Compensation to doers-of-right ;

(namely,)

Whatever any man or woman may contribute or give to

me, (do Thou, O Lord, reward with)

What (spiritual gifts) Thou, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful

lord), knowest to be best for life (or, people) ;

And I will also urge these (rewarded people) to adoration

of such-as-You

(When) I precede all of these (rewarded contributors) on

to the Sifters Bridge of Judgment.

46. It

Through their political power, the Karapans will join the

Kavays

In destroying the (second) life of men through evil-deeds ;

(Fools ! whereas) their own souls and spirits shall terrify

them

When they shall come to the Sifter's Bridge of Judgment !

As (fit) companions shall they be admitted to the Home

of the Druj forever !

4642

When, through the (help) of Asha (justice) among the vig-

orous (closer) relatives and (more distant) relatives

Of the Friendly Turas, there shall arise

Such-as-will, with zeal, prosper the substance of Armaiti

(love) ;

Then shall Ahura Mazdah (the mindful lord), with the aid

of Vohu Manah (good disposition),

In-the-consummation, give support to these (Friendly Tu-

ras).

[46.13]

Whoever satisfies Spitama Zarathushtra through prepara-

tions (for him)

Among men, (1) he is worthy to be heard of;

(2) And besides, he shall be given life (or, people) by (the

mindful lord) Ahura Mazdah ;

(3) And shall have his substance prospered through Vohu

Manah (good disposition) ;

(4) And he shall be considered well-befriended with Asha

( justice).

V. Praise for the Sttppor ters of his Cause*

4644

(Would you like to know) who is (one of these, namely,)

a friendly Ashaist?

(One) who would like to be-heard-from-for-the-Magian-

Cause along with Zarathushtra

In the crisis (of political establishment)? (It is) Kavay

Vishtaspa !

(He is,) O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), (one of those)

whom Thou wilt (surely) unite (to Thyself) in Thy

same Abode (of Praise, Garodman);

Them (from among the people) am I inviting with utter-

ances of Vohu Manah (good disposition) !

[46.16]

0 Frashaoshtra Hvogva, go thou with the faithful to

Where we both desire to be, (namely), with those-who-are-

Beloved ;

Where Armaiti (love's well-being) follows along with Asha

(justice),

Where are found the treasures of Vohu Manah (good dis-

position),

And where (the mindful lord) Ahura Mazdah dwells and

prospers the Xshathra (kingdom).

VI. Partisanship with Zarathushtra Essential to Gain Paradise.

4645

1 will inform you, O you (clansmen of) Haechataspa, and

of Spitama,

How to sift the Clever from the Foolish :

— — — — — — — — (missing ?)

With these deeds you maintain for yourselves Asha (jus-

tice)

Through the first decrees of (the lord) Ahura.

615-629 Gath^ Ushtavaiti 46.17-19

46- M

yathra ve afshmam seiighani

noi/ anafshmam dejamaspa hvo-gva

hada vesta vahmeiig seraosha rada/zho

ye vlcinao? dathemca adathemca

daiigra maiitu asha mazdae ahuro!

[46.18]

ye maibya yaos ahmai ascT<f vahishta

aste^g ahmai ye nae astai daidlta

mazda asha xshmakem varem xshnaoshemno

46- 9

ye-moi asha/ haithim haca vareshaitl

zarathushtrai hya/ vasna ferashotemem

ahyai mlz&em handite parahum

mane-vistais ma/ vispais gava azi

taci/ moi sas tvem mazda vaedishto !

46 4

So that in (this) place of trouble, O Jamaspa Hvogva,

I am uttering for (all of) you utterances, not of indifferent

matters,

But praises of the Preparer (Zarathushtra himself), who-

will-have-stood-for-you together with Sraosha (obedience)

Who shall sift the Clever from the Fools

Through Asha (justice), his clever advisory-manager,

O Ahura Mazdah ( mindful lord ) !

alternates for lines 615-617:

Where I shall mention your misfortunes only, so as to

arouse Mazdah's pity, B.

Where I shall sing in metred, not unmetred lines, M.

4648

This is the sifting-conclusion of my understanding, and of

my mind:

'Whoever to me concedes the best our age (affords in the

way of recognition or contributions), to him would-I-by-

teaching (promise)

The best (treasures) of my wealth, with the Vohu Manah

(good disposition);

But I will oppose hate to those-who-hate us,

(And in doing so, I consider), O Mazdah (mindful), that I

am, through Asha (justice), satisfying Your Will.'

46-*9

Whoever, through the inspiration of Asha (justice) may

genuinely cooperate with me, Zarathushtra,

(Doing those deeds) which suit my will,

(These deeds) will earn for him future Compensation,

And with all (other) expected (rewards in Paradise), a pair

of calving cows (on the 'pasture of Asha'? see 33.3)

And may est Thou, O Mazdah (mindful), effect these

(promises) (to those) whom (they) best (suit) !

Song of the Spirit as Inspirer of Yf&r.

[47.1]

With Spenta Mainyu (the bounteous Mentality), and with

the best Manah (disposition),

With the Xshathra (power), and Armaiti (love), Ahura

Mazdah (the mindful lord)

Gives Haurvatat (health) and Ameretat (immortality)

For the deeds and speeches caused by Asha (justice).

[47.2]

ltlasdab (mindful) i§ tfte father of flsfta (justice)j with

this doctrinal thought

(Zarathushtra (1) declares) the best (treasure) of the most

(Bounteous Mentality) Spenta Mainyu

With utterances through the tongue in the mouth of (good

disposition) Vohu Manah ; ^

And (2) works the deeds of Armaiti (love) with-both-his-

hands.

[47.3]

Thou art the bounteous (father) of this Mentality,

Who hast shaped (1) the fortune-bringing Cow for this

(Zarathushtra),

And (2) peace-bringing Armaiti (love) as her pasture,

When (the Mentality) consulted with Vohu Manah ( good

disposition), O Mazdah (mindful) !

47,4

The Drujists have apostacised from this bounteous ( Fa-

ther) of the Mentality (namely, Thyself),

O Mazdah (mindful) ! But not thus the Ashaists; (for)

Though a man be no more than poor, yet should he, to

the best of his ability, entertain the Ashaists ;

(And, in addition,) if a man is powerful, he should effect

evil for the Drujists.

[47.5]

And through that (Bounteous Mentality) Spenta Mainyu,

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord),

Mayest Thou teach to the Ashaist what (doctrines and

deeds) are the best ;

But shall the Drujist, (who) lacks Thy good pleasure,

And dwells with the deeds of the Aka Manah (bad dispo-

sition) have-a-share of this (best reward) ?

[47.6]

Mayest Thou, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), give that

(Best) thro* (Bounteous Mentality) Spenta Mainyu

(At) a distribution to both contending (Parties) by means

(1) of the good Fire,

(2) And by the support of Armaiti (love) and Asha (jus-

tice),

(I feel sure that) this (distribution of the Best) will cause

many who desire (the Best) to choose conversion (to it) !

Incoherent Appeal for Champion*/* and Defenders

I. Hope for Rewards in This Life*

48.!

When (Zarathushtra) shall overcome the Druj by retribu-

tions through Asha (justice),

When he arrives at what long since was announced

Through (the fate of) Daevas and the 'Doomed* (unbe-

lievers), in (the realm of ) Immortality,

Then, O Ahura (lord), (Zarathushtra) will, with profits,

prosper (the faithful believer who) prays to Thee.

[48.2]

Speak to me, O Ahura (lord) ! For Thou art an Expert-

knower ! .

Will the Ashaist overcome the Drujist (in this world)

Before the-beginning-of the Compensations (which) Thou

hast thought out?

That would be a good Message to the world!

II- Punishment for Opposers and Waverefs*

[48.3]

But, for an Expert-knower, (that) is the best of teachings

Which the beneficent Ahura (lord) is-teaching, with Asha

(justice).

The Expert-knower who is one-like-Thee, O Mazdah

(mindful), through the understanding of Vohu Manah

(good disposition),

Knows bounteous secrets which-are-expressed-in-the-doc-

trines.

[48.4]

Whoever, O Mazdah (mindful), exercises his mind (now)

through the better, (and then again) through the worse

(meditations),

Who(ever) exercises his spirit with such uncertain deed and

word,

Who(ever) follows the delights, wishes, and convictions of

such uncertainty, —

Shall he, in Thy estimation, at last be separated from those

who have done Thy Will (or, who are worthy of being

in several places; or, of becoming confused) ?

HI* Right of Believers to Present Comfort,

[48.5]

May not bad rulers rule over us ! (Rather,) may good

rulers rule

With deeds (inspired by) good doctrinal thoughts, O Ar-

maiti (love), (Thou) Best One !

(Who), for (1) mortal men, dost perfect an additional-or-

later-or-especial-birth,

But (2) for the Cattle (perfecting) that pasturage which

should fatten It for our food.

[48.6]

O Armaiti (love), prized by (men of good disposition)

Vohu Manah !

For (1) men, She produced good dwelling, endurihgness,

and vitality;

But for (2) that (Cattle), Ahura Mazdah (the mindful lord)

with Asha (justice), caused plants to grow

At the birth of the first life.

[48.7]

Let Aeshma (fury of rapine) be put down; oppose cruelty !

Ye who wish-to-assure-yourselves of the reward of Vohu

Manah (good disposition),

Through Asha (justice), to whose bond would wish to be-

long the bounteous man

Who shall abide in Thy Dwelling, O Ahura (lord)!

IV. Uncertainty Here and Hereafter.

[48.8]

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), is the wealth of Thy

good Xshathra (realm) (meant for me?)

Is (the wealth) of Thy Compensation (meant) for me?

Will Thy (realm and Compensation) please the faithful

(believer) when it shall have been made manifest through

Asha (justice)?

(This would indeed be) an incitation (M) or, weighing-off

(B) of the deeds of the good Mentality !

[48.9]

When may I know, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord),

whether Thou rulest through Asha (justice),

Over-every-one from whom destruction threatens me?

It is no-more-than right that Thou shouldst tell me, in

just words, the decrees of Vohu Manah (good disposi-

tion),

For (I Zarathushtra who am) the Savior would-like-to-know

how his (my) compensation shall be given to him (me) ?

V* Nobles must resign Luxury, enforce Security, gain Salvation.

[48.10]

When, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), will men gain

knowledge of the Message?

When will they expel the dregs of this (Haoma) intoxica-

tion?

Whereby is-practised-deceit by (1) the hostile Karapans

And (2) the bad land-rulers (who are) in (the position to)

understand.

48.il

When, O Mazdah (mindful), will Armaiti (love) with

Asha (justice), and Xshathra (power),

And Good-Dwelling, come (Ye to us, and eventuate) in a

pastoral realm ? gc

Who will give us peace through bloody (slaughter) of the

*Drujists ?

Unto whom will the doctrinal-thought of Vohu Manah

(good disposition) enter (and with him abide) ?

[48.12]

But these are the Saviors of lands, O Mazdah (mindful),

Who, with Vohu Manah (good disposition) and Asha

(justice),

Strive to satisfy Thy teachings-or-doctrines through deeds,

They become conquerors of Aeshma (fury of rapine)!

Zarathushtra, Defeated by Bend va^

Appeals for Defenders.

I. Zarathushtra Utters Imprecations on his Successful Opponent,

[49.1]

Ever has Bendva hindered me, ( and proved himself the )

greater (of us two)

When I, O Mazdah (mindful), through Asha (justice),

was trying to satisfy the misled (crowds) !

(O mindful Mazdah), come to my support with Thy good

Ada (retribution),

And with the Vohu Manah ( good disposition ) ( through

whom) Thou (fore)knowest the (impending) destruction

of that (Bendva). r

[49.2]

But that Bendva's teacher (Grehma, that) apostate from

Asha (justice),

That Druj, has long hindered me ;

He fails to insist on having with him the bounteous

Armaiti (love), g

Neither, O Mazdah (mindful), does he counsel with Vohu

Manah (good disposition). - o

[49.3]

In our belief, Asha (justice) is set down as the means to

profit; yIO

While, on the contrary, in their teaching, the Lie-of-the-

Druj is set down as the means to harm ;

Consequently, I zealously-insist-on communion with Vohu

Manah (good disposition), !2

And on 'swearing-off' (renouncing) all association with the

Druj I3

[49.4]

Who, through perverted principles, increase fury-of-rapine

(Aeshma) and cruelty

Among the herd-prosperers, by their tongues' conversation,

themselves not being herd-prosperers ; 1 r

Whose own crimes they do not overcome with good works;

These may (yet) establish the divinities of the Daevas,

through the spirits of the Drujists.

(or, Away with them into the Dwelling of the Daevas ! B)

[49.5]

May zeal and fat food (reward) him yzg

Who, in spirit, communes with Vohu Manah (good dispo-

sition), I9

Because he is well-informed about Armaiti (love) through

Asha (justice) ;

I judge all these belong into Thy realm, O Mazdah

(mindful) ! <11

II Frashaoshtr a is Urged to Become Defender.

[49.6]

O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), I beg You and Asha

(justice) to declare y22

Your wisdom's (double) purposes in connection with

The proper solution of the problem

How to obtain a (ready) hearing for the spirit of One-like-

You!

[49.7]

Hear, O Vohu Manah (good disposition)! Hear, O Asha

(justice)! ?26

Hearken Thou, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord)!

What peer, what gentleman (whose influence would enforce

regulations) will initiate regulations

Whose observance would earn a good reputation for the

group-of-those-who-labor-at-herding-cattle ?

[49.8]

I beg of Thee, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord) to grant

(1) To Frashaoshtra the most blissful communion with

Asha (justice); j?i

And (2) to me, to attain the Good in the Xshathra (realm)

While (3) both-of-us-wish-to-be Thy messengers for evcr-

in-the-age. ^

[49.9]

Let the Prosperer (Ashaist believer) who was shaped (or

formed) to profit the world, listen to the teachings !

Let not him who (utters or, possesses) the just Words

have any communion with the Drujists ;

Let the spirits (occupied in search) of the best Compensa-

tion join together ; ~£

Let both the man (Zarathushtra) and Jamaspa unite with

Asha (justice) ! ~j

4940

Whereupon, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), Zarathush-

tra will commit to Thy Dwelling

(As treasury of merit of the 'mindful' divinity, the memory

of) the good thoughts, souls, and adorations,

With the zeal and (loving) Armaiti-devotions of the

Ashaists,

All of which, O (great ruler) Xshathra, mayest Thou

guard with enduring energy (B; doubtful, M).

49. tt

(But, on the other hand, for the evil man), the ( psycho-

pompic) souls, (carrying) foods, will go to meet

The bad administration, bad deeds, bad speeches,

And bad spirits of the evil-minded Drujists ;

(Who) will be genuine (worthy and accepted) companions

(to the inmates) of the Dwelling of the Druj !

[49.12]

O Asha (justice) ! What sort of help hast Thou for me,

Zarathushtra, who am calling to Thee ?

With Vohu Manah (good disposition), what help hast

Thou perhaps for me ?

O Ahura Mazdah., with praises do I sue for Thy friend-

ship,

Praying for whatever is best among Your compensating

rewards !

HYMN 50

Ordination of Disciples

% Form New Settlements

I. How to Form New Settlements.

50A

Except Thy Asha (justice) or Thy Vohu Manah ( good

disposition), O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord),

Whom may I, with certainty, invoke p

To protect my cattle and myself ? ±2

On what help may my soul count? ro

[50.2]

How, O Mazdah (mindful), might (a man) seek (posses-

sion of ) a fortune-bringing cow, c±

If he desire both (1) her and (2) the pasture?

By living justly among the many men who appreciate the

comforts (or, agricultural benefits) of the sun ;

By settling open lands (or, bad lands, as yet belonging to

the bad Drujists) to be acquired or, settled-down <as a

clever man' would do, cleverly; or, which may be given

as gifts.

The text is in a hopeless condition. This interpretation is as faithful

as possible, yet is partially suggested by the context. It possesses the

merit of agreeing with the practical interests of that civilization.

[50.3]

But through Asha (justice) shall (legal right), O Ahura

Mazdah (mindful lord), be (the portion of) this (pio-

neer) ;

(Getting possession) of what (settlements) the good (teach-

ing, or teacher, Zarathushtra) taught him (to take posses-

sion of) with (wit) Vohu Manah and (good management

or power) Xshathra ;

And who, through the vigor of compensation (by paying

an equivalent), (may acquire)

The nearest estate which the (nomadic) Drujists may (yet)

share (for some time).

II, These Settlers are to Act as Missionaries*

[50.4]

Thereupon, when the Wisher (for a recently settled home)

stands upon the path leading to the (above-mentioned)

open (or, bad, lands), then

I (Zarathushtra) will hear (these) faithful (home-seekers)

(going) to (their new) dwelling (which, when occupied,

will be full) of (grateful) praise ;

And I, (Zarathushtra), praising You, O Ahura Mazdah

(mindful lord) with Asha (justice) and the best (disposi-

tion) Manah, and Xshathra (power),

Will, (for this joyful information about new settlements)

worship You !

50,5

As You (also) have rejoiced with-and-for-Your-prophet's

(j°y)>

Therefore, O Mazdah Ahura (mindful lord), I have,

through Asha (justice), aroused myself,

On-account-of Your visible and manifest help,

Through hand-sought (labor), which restores us (the faith-

ful) to (prosperous) well-being (from the destitution con-

sequent on the furious rapine of the Drujists) !

[50.6]

(I) Zarathushtra, (1) (who) through reverence am the friend

of Asha (justice), yyj

And (2) who give direction(s) to the settlements through

my tongue, — y2

(I pray), O Mazdah (mindful), that (the Wisher-Settler)

may (also) raise up his speech in a word (as I do),

And with (the aid of) Vohu Manah (good disposition)

may teach the commands of my understanding ! j§

[50.7]

(By thus enlisting missionaries) for You, O Mazdah (mind-

ful), with Asha (justice) and Vohu Manah (good dispo-

sition),

I-will-yoke-on speedy runners, thick-set and strong,

With spurs of adoration of You,

Through which (runners) may You (and Your cause) drive

on (to progress) : and might You aid me (too, last, but

not least) ! yy

[50.8]

With these Verses, which are famous as (verses) of zeal,

I will, with stretched-out hands, encompass You, O Maz-

dah (mindful) ! 7yn

You also, O Asha (justice), with the reverence of the

faithful !

You also, (all Ye divinities), with the full ability of Vohu

Manah (good disposition) !

III. But Zarathushtra Remains the Only Mediator*

50*9

I will come towards You, O Mazdah (mindful), and Asha

(justice),

Praising (1) with these hymns, and with the deeds of (good

disposition) Vohu Manah;

And when I shall rule-at-will over my Compensation,

Then shall I become recipient (thereof), caring for that of

the well-disposed (faithful believer).

5(M0

Thus, (1) whatever deeds I may have done before,

And (2) whatever (objects) interest the eye through Vohu

Manah (good disposition), (still they are as nothing

when compared to)

The lights (of the sky), the sun, the dawn (cthe shimmer-

ing bull of days') ;

All these, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), and Asha

(justice), exist for Your adoration !

50.n

I will preach that I am Your praise-singer, O Mazdah

(mindful) !

And-may-I-be-this, O Asha (justice), as far as I am able,

and can !

May the Creator-of-life, through the help of Vohu Manah

(good disposition),

Prosper whatever genuine work is most suitable to His

Will !

Proclamation of the Kingdom,

I. The Children of the Kingdom*

5i.i

Asha (justice) will procure the good Xshathra (realm),

which is a 'choice' and most productive destiny,

For those who, with zeal, through their deeds, practice the

best (doctrines),

O (mindful) Mazdah ! (Grant that) I may effect (carry into

execution, realize) that (realm) !

5U2

First of all, O Ahura Mazdah (mindful lord), assure me

the Xshathra (realm) of Compensation,

And then Thine, O Asha (justice) ! and Thine, O Armaiti

(love) !

Through Vohu Manah (good disposition), oh do You

grant profit to the worshipper of You !

5J-3

Thou, O Mazdah (mindful), art the first Teacher of those

who

With their deeds, and in their tongue, commune with the

utterances of Vohu Manah (good disposition) ;

May they attract (the attention of) Your ears, O Ahura

Mazdah (mindful lord), and O Asha (justice) !

(Well) mayest thou ask all these (following questions:)

5M

Where are the Compensations for griefs ? Where may we

find pity?

Where may (men) attain Asha (justice)? Where may a

man establish the bounteous Armaiti (love)?

Where (may he establish) the best (disposition) Manah?

Where, O Mazdah (mindful), (may He establish) Thy

Xshathra (realm)?

Where may the Pasturer, having become a just man

through his deeds, acquire cattle?

Will he (succeed in) doing so if, being of good under-

standing, he reverently prays to

Him who is a just Judge, ruling over both Compen-

sations for the benefit of the 'clever* (believers)?

5U6

(The mindful lord) Ahura Mazdah (is He) who, at the last

crisis of life, through His ( power ) Xshathra, dis-

tributes

(1) What is better-than-good to any one who prepares (the

world) for His Will,

But (2) what is worse-than-bad to (every one) who does not

distribute (contributions to Zarathushtra, see 44.19, or

46.1, 10, 18). II

[51.7]

0 Mazdah (mindful), (Thou who art the) Fashioner of the

Bovine (creation), the waters and the plants !

Through the most (bounteous Mentality) Spenta Mainyu,

grant me Ameretat (immortality) and Haurvatat (health)

Which are fall-of-vitality, and are, through Vohu Manah

(good disposition), enduring in the holy doctrines.

IL Opposition to the Prophet is Enmity to Humanity.

1 shall speak for Thee, O Mazdah (mindful), about what

(1) is threatened against the Drujist, and (2) what is

wished-for (and promised) to him-who maintains Asha

(justice). 8lfi

(I shall speak thus because it is proper) to speak to the (in-

telligent man, referred to as the) Expert-knower ;

(And besides, the prophet) rejoices through the Word

which is told to the Expert-knower. I7

And do Thou, O Mazdah (mindful), within (the nature of)

both contending Parties, set satisfaction, as a token (of

the accuracy of my prophecy of the Judgment by)

The metal, molten through Thy red fire (which, as a sifter,

shall) l8

Harm the Drujist, (but) profit the Ashaist.

821-829 Gathaw Vohukshathr^ 51.10-12

5U JO

a? ye ma-na marexshaite anyatha ahmai mazda

hvo damois drujo hunus ta duzdae yoi hditi

maibyo zbaya ashem va/zhuya ash! gaz* te.

5J-JJ

ke urvatho spitamai zarafchushtrai na mazda?

ke va asha afrashta? ka spenta armaitis?

5J.J2

noit ta-im xshnaus yaepyo kevino pereto zemo

zarathushtrem spitamem hyaz* ahmi ururaost ashto

hyaf hoi im caratasca aoderesca zoishenu vaza.

5 U

(Wherefore I am fearless ; even those who would kill me

here are only bringing me closer to my reward)

Whereas, he who would wish to kill me, not considering

this coming event, O (mindful) Mazdah,

He (punishes himself by becoming) malicious towards the

creatures that are existent, (and thereby becomes) a son

of the Druj (and will therefore share their fate),

While I, (even though killed) will, for myself, call Asha

(justice), that He may come with a good Compensation.

sun

(Such being the fate of my enemies, I would like to know)

O (mindful) Mazdah, who is a friend to Spitama Zara-

thushtra?

(Is it not he) who has consulted with Asha (justice)? What

(is) bounteous Armaiti (love) ? 2 S

Or who, as a just (supporter) for the Magian Cause, show-

ed himself to be considerate of Vohu Manah (good dis-

positon ) ? 2£

5U2

(Returning to my enemies,) not very much did (Kik,) that

pederast (or, vulgar fellow) of the Kavay-tribe ingratiate

himself with me g2y

When at the bridge (or passage) of (the) earth (a mountain

pass?) he refused hospitality (1) to Zarathushtra Spitama

And (2) to both (the oxen ?) shivering with cold, whom he

(Zarathushtra) was driving along (all uncertain).

830-838 Gather Vohukshathr^ 51.13-15

5J-

ta dregvatO maredaiti daena erezaus haithim

yehya urva xraodaiti cinvato peretae akae

5J.J4

nfiif urvatha datoibyasca karapano vastraz* arem

ye- is sefigho apemern drujo demane ada/!

hyaf mizHem zarathushtro magavafoyo coisht para

gar<5 demane ahuro mazdae jasaf pouruyo

ta ve vohu mana/zha ashaica savais civishL

5U3

Thus the spirit of the Druj destroys the genuine (reward)

of the straight (path) ;

And his soul trembles at the Bridge of the Sifting which

will make manifest (his deeds),

(Giving access to the other world, M)

And through his deeds, and (through whose evil words of

their) tongue, the Druj have perished from the path of

Asha (justice).

5U4

(Even) the friend(ly disposed) Karapans do not cultivate

their pasture properly by the proper rules ;

They effect, by their deeds and doctrines, griefs for the

Bovine (creation) ;

Which doctrine will at last bring (the Karapans) into the

Dwelling of the Druj !

5U5

(On the contrary, when) Ahura Mazdah (the mindful lord)

shall, as first-comer, come into Garodman (the Dwelling

of Praise).

I, Zarathushtra, expect, through (having produced) profits

for Asha (justice), and through Vohu Manah (good dis-

position),

The Compensation which I taught to the Magians.

IIL Supporters of the Prophet are Heroes and Saints.

5U6

But Kava Vishtaspa attained (more than) these (both re-

wards); together with the rule over the Magian tribe,

Through Asha (justice) as advisory-manager, and through

the Verses of (good disposition) Vohu Manah, he at-

tained Chisti (Sophia, or wisdom) ;

Thus, for us (the faithful) is Ahura Mazdah (the mindful

lord) bounteous-at-wish.

5U7

Frashaoshtra Hvogva has shown (and promised) to me (as

wife his daughter's) prized body.

(Now,) in-order-that I may attain (to be) the recipient of

Asha (justice), may the ruling Ahura Mazdah (mindful

lord)

Grant (to me) her desired (body) for the benefit of her

good spirit (that she may be saved through me as hus-

band, see 53.3) !

5U8

May Jamaspa Hvogva, glorious with riches, choosing this

Chisti (Sophia, wisdom, daughter of Zarathushtra, whom

he marries in Yasna §3)

Through Asha (justice) (also) partake in that Xshathra

(realm) of (the good disposition) Vohu Manah ;

May Ahura Mazdah (the mindful lord) grant to me that

they may find support with Thee (Ahura Mazdah) !

5U9

O Maidyomangha-Spitama ! He (Zarathushtra) who has

given that (prize of verse 18, his daughter Chisti) to this

(Jamaspa),

Who, as having known through his spirit the (first) life, is

wishing again the (the second),

[851.859]

Gatha Vohukshathra

51.20-22

5J.20

ashem vohu mana/zha uxtfa yais armaitis

5U2i

armatois na spdito hvo cistl uxofais s/zyaothana

daena ashem spenvaz* vohu xshathrem mana/zha

mazdae dadai ahuro tern va/zuhim yasa ashlm.

856

5J-22

yehya moi ashaz1 haca vahishtem yesne paitl

vaeda mazdae ahuro yoi ae/zhareca hentica

ta yazai /zvais namenis pairica jasai vanta!

857

Says that thou (hast) the better (part) of life, having (prac-

ticed) the decrees of (mindful) Mazdah through thy

deeds.

5J-20

That (better part which is) a profit of yours, all (you like-

willed four leaders of the four preceding verses 15-19,

Vishtaspa, Frashaoshtra, Jamaspa, and Maidyomangha),

(I repeat, that better part induces you) to give (utter-

ance to)

Utterances with which Armaiti (love), with Vohu Manah

(good disposition) being worshipped with reverence,

Will grant Asha (justice) as a support of Mazdah (mind-

fol)-

5U2i

I desire a good Compensation (such as) this : to grow

bounteous through the influence of Armaiti (love);

Such a person is prospering Asha (justice) with his doc-

trinal (thought Sophia, wisdom) through his utterances,

deeds, and spirit ;

(To such a person) will (the mindful lord) Ahura Mazdah

through Vohu Manah (good disposition), grant the

Xshathra (realm or power).

5*-22

If (the mindful lord) Mazdah Ahura knows among (any

of the men) who were, and who (yet) are (living,

Any persons) to whom because of their hymns the best

(reward) from Asha (justice, is) yet (to come),

These (men, like the above-mentioned four heroes), even

by their names will I worship (publicly and individually);

and into their presence will I enter with praise !

Zarathushtra*. Gives his Daughter

% Secure &> Champion.

I. Marriage Ceremony.

5SA

The best riches that have been heard of are those of Zara-

thushtra,

Since (the mindful lord) Ahura Mazdah grants to him by

Asha (justice)

For all eternity (1) felicities, (2) a good life, and (3) (the

conversion of) those who deceived him ;

(And Zarathushtra prays that his followers) may learn to

formulate-correctly the utterances and deeds of the good

spirit-of-religion. 6~

53*2

And may Vishtaspa and (Maidyomangha) the Zarathush-

tnan son of-the-Spitama-family, and Frashaoshtra,

Establish the straightly just paths of the spirits for whom

(the lord) Ahura has appointed Saviors

Who strive through utterances and deeds (inspired by

Vohu) Manah (good disposition)

To utter cheerfully hymns for the adoration of (the mind-

ful) Mazdah (in order to give him) satisfaction.

[53.3]

O Pouruchista, daughter of Haechataspa,

Thou youngest of the daughters of Zarathushtra,

(Zarathushtra) gives to thee this (Jamaspa as a husband

who will) impress (on thee) communion with Vohu Ma-

nah (good disposition), Asha (justice), and Mazdah

(mindful) ; ^Q

So take counsel with thy understanding (so that it may be-

come) most bounteous (when it has become full) of well-

disposed Armaiti (love). 7I

[53.4]

(The bride speaks:) Him will I emulate ! (The bridegroom

speaks:) (Her) will I choose gj2

Who-shall-generously-distribute-service to father, husband,

pasturer, gentleman, Ashaist and pagan !

(The bride speaks:) The sunlit fruit of (good disposition)

Vohu Manah shall be mine (I shall have a child? M)74

(The bridegroom speaks:) May (the mindful lord) Ahura

Mazdah grant it to (thy) good spirit for all eternity !

[53.5]

(Zarathushtra speaks :) I utter admonitions to those who

are being married, and to maidens ;

(That which) I am counseling to you, you should heed, re-

member, and realize,

Through spiritual precepts) striving for the life of (good

disposition) Vohu Manah,

Vying with each other in Asha (justice), and spiritual pre-

cepts: thus shall you be happy !

[53.6]

Thus shall you be genuine men and women (husband and

wife?)

For, can you discover any advantage in belonging to the

party of the Drujists ? j

For what the Drujists desire shall be kept away from their

bodies: Ahura Mazdah (the mindful lord) shall present

bad food to those who (then shall be) crying 'woe',

and shall withdraw comfort from the law-scorning Druj;

Thereby (with these other contrasting actions) you destroy

the spiritual life (for yourselves). o

[53.7]

But to you (the newly-married pair) shall be (granted) the

Compensation of the Magian Cause

In-the-measure-that most hearty zeal (therefor) be rooted

in your body ;

But if you dismiss (abandon) the Magian Cause, you shall

at the last cry 'woe!'

When the spirits of the Druj dodge downwards, and dis-

appear !

II. The Bride-groom is Goaded to Conversion by the Sword.

[53.8]

Thereby let all the malefactors be deluded through Causes

other (than the Magian)

Through whose good rulers peace shall be given to the

dwellings and villages ;

(On the contrary, let the malefactors through whom are ef-

fected) murder and bloody deed, let them all be aban-

doned, and cry upwards in vain ;

Let the greatest torture attack those captives of destruc-

tion— and let that occur soon, too !

[53.9]

(Vagabond nomads) shall reach the Place of Decay with

the Malefactors who, being law-scorning, and, as to their

bodies, doomed,

Are seeking to degrade the worthy (Magians).

Where is the (Ashaist) lord who will deprive them of free-

dom and of life,

(And establish) the (Kingdom) Xshathra, by which,

O (mindful) Mazdah, Thou shalt give, to the Poor

man, who lives justly, that Better (part) ?