Avesta (Gathas)
§ About this work
The work opens with the Ahunavaiti Gatha (Yasna XXVIII–XXXIV), in which the speaker stretches forth his hands to Ahura Mazda, praying for Righteousness, the Benevolent Mind, and gifts for both worlds, and asking long life for Zarathushtra and grace for Vishtaspa and Frashaoshtra (XXVIII). The Soul of the Kine cries to Ahura and Asha for a guardian, and Ahura names Zarathushtra Spitama her master (XXIX). The primeval spirits, a better and a worse pair, are described choosing Righteousness and evil (XXX), while the speaker declares doctrines against those serving the Lie (XXXI), addresses the Daêvas as seed of the Evil Mind, and vows to drive out the Karpans and Kavis (XXXII), acts by primeval laws and offers his body's life (XXXIII), and returns Mazda's gifts to Ahura (XXXIV). The Ushtavaiti Gatha (XLIII–XLVI) has the speaker conceive Ahura as bountiful and answer the messenger's question (XLIII), pose the repeated "This I ask Thee" concerning creation and judgment (XLIV), proclaim the two first spirits and Mazda's teaching (XLV), and lament his want of kin before naming Kavi Vîshtâspa his friend (XLVI). The Spenta Mainyu Gatha (XLVII–L) treats Ahura's gifts through the bountiful Spirit (XLVII), the saint's smiting of the Demon-of-the-Lie (XLVIII), Zarathushtra's struggle with Bendva and Frashaoshtra's headship (XLIX), and his prayer to be named Ahura's praiser (L). The Vohu Khshathra Gatha (LI) chooses the good Government of Ahura, and the Vahishtoishti Gatha (LIII) answers Zarathushtra's best prayer, addresses his daughter Pouruchista, and closes asking where the Lord is who will smite the wicked.
The speaker declares doctrines to Ahura, reciting from memory words unheard by those serving the Lie but best for those devoted to Ahura. Should these truths not be seen in the soul, he will come with power, as Ahura Mazda appoints His ruler over the two struggling bands. He asks Ahura to declare the vow given by Spirit, Fire, and Righteousness to the battling sides, so he may make all living believers. When Righteousness inclines to his appeal, he will pray for the Kingdom to smite the Lie-demon. He asks Mazda what may and may not be. The Mãthra of Welfare and Immortality is named the best word. He conceived Ahura Mazda as first, Father of the Good Mind, maker of Righteousness; Piety and understanding were Ahura's. The Kine chose the husbandman over the nomad. Mazda created settlements and laws; strife arose between truthful and liar, and Piety questions the two spirits. He asks about coming events, awards for the wicked, and how one may become like Ahura. He asks which religion is greater. He warns against heeding the sinner and calls to hew them with the halberd. He who deceives the saint faces destruction; Ahura Mazda gives Weal and Immortality to His friend, and such a man is most helpful to Ahura Mazda.
Ahunavaiti Gatha, Yasna XXXI, Section 1aAhunavaiti Gatha, Yasna XXXI, Section 1bAhunavaiti Gatha, Yasna XXXI, Section 1c