(Previous Set of Thoughts)

THE GATHAS

The G�TH�S are M��THRAS, thought-provokers. They consist of 17 songs and have a total of 241 stanzas. Each stanza is a thought-provoker in a chain of thought-provocation. It is like a pearl in a cord of song, and each cord of song is a part of a necklace of the "d�v�n," complete poetic works of Zarathushtra Spit�ma (Persian ZARTOSHT, English ZOROASTER) . The divan is called the GATHAS, meaning "Sublime Songs." The Zarathushtrian Assembly will be posting one of the 241 stanzas of the Gathas on daily basis to provoke our thoughts to enlightenment to guide us to a good life of progress in mind and body -- to serve the living world on this good earth of God. It will take the Gathas and their Supplements -- the STOT YASN - plus the extant "thought-provokers" in the Later Avesta. It will take us one year to complete.

The daily posting of one stanza is an easy way of understanding and comprehending the Gathas.The Gathas are Guide. Let them guide us step by step -- stanza by stanza.

The seeker is requested to read the stanza of the day, go through its Summary Substance, consider the Pondering Points in it, and have his/her thoughts provoked to "please Lord Wise and the divinely fashioned Living World ." The next stanza will follow the following day, and it will continue till the end of the Stot Yasn Plus.

We pray that you will find USHT�, radiant happiness in each of them -- to radiate your happiness to others without discrimination.

The title is:

A THOUGHT A DAY, TO PRACTICE, SAY AND PRAY

Read it day after day,

and feel a fresh sway

to live and help live

in a new way.

--------------

1st Day

Opening Salutation by an Unknown Ancient Poet:

Transliterated Text: ��n�m man� ��n�m vac� ��n�m shyaothnem ashaon� zarathushtrahe. fer� amesh� spe�t� g�th� g�urv�in. nem� v� g�th� ashaon�sh!

Translated Text: Ideal are the thoughts, ideal the words, ideal the deeds of the Righteous Zarathushtra. Let the ever-living promulgators present the Gathas. Homage to the righteous Gathas!

Note: This introductory salutation was, most probably, composed by an early reciter of the Gathas who was himself/herself a devout promulgator of the Sublime Songs and a great preacher of the Divine Doctrine. It has been faithfully preserved by those who followed this teacher and gave it a high position.

2nd Day

ASHEM VOHU, THE MAIN MOTTO

Transliterated Text: Ashem voh� vahishtem ast�. Usht� ast� Usht� ahm�i hyat ash�i vahisht�i ashem.

Translated Text: Righteousness is the best good. It is radiant happiness. Radiant happiness comes to the person to whom righteousness is for the sake of the best righteousness alone.

Commentary: Righteousness is the universal law that stands for order, evolution, progress, and perfection as ordained by the Creator for the creation. One becomes righteous by doing the right thing, at the right time, in the right place, and with the right means to obtain the right result. It means precision in every thought, words, and deed. It means constant improvement and continuous renovation. It brings enlightenment, true radiating happiness, provided that this happiness is shared with others. It then becomes righteousness for the sake of righteousness.

The above Avestan couplet frequently repeated in prayers, is popularly known by the name of 'Ashem Vohu', the two words in the beginning of the text. It is, in fact, the main motto of the entire Zarathushtrian teachings. Righteousness, the universal law of precision, is the basic principle of the Good Religion.

Zarathushtra conveniently divides mankind into two camps: Adherents of 'asha', righteousness. They are 'ashavan', the righteous who promotes the human society and the living world. Followers of 'druj', harmful lie, wrong. They are 'dregvant', the wrongful. The main mission of Zarathushtra and his companions is to promote 'asha' and to eliminate 'druj' -- to completely establish an 'ashavan' society that radiates 'usht�', enlightening happiness to all.

Pondering Points: Righteousness radiates health and happiness.

3rd Day

YATHA AHU

The Principle of Choice

Transliterated Text: �ath� ah� vairy� ath� ratush ash�tc�t hac� vangh�ush dazd� manangh� shyaothanan�m angh�ush mazd�i xshathremc� ahur�i � �im driguby� dadat v�st�rem.

Translated Text: Both the lord and the leader are to be chosen because of their righteousness. These two appointments are made with good mind so that acts of life are done for the Wise One, and the dominion of God is well established, in which the chosen person becomes the rehabilitator of the rightful who are oppressed.

"Ahuna Vairya", or as commonly called by the two words in the beginning, "Yatha Ahu", is the Principle of Choice. It is the Zarathushtrian master formula for a spiritual and material democratic system in which one is free to choose a person as his or her lord (ahu -- literally "the Being") and leader (ratu -- literally "proper guide"). A "lord" is a person who is able to free the world from mental and physical evil, and a "leader" is a person who can lead the world to truth, precision, progress, wholeness, and immortality. In other words, one is the remover of ills and evils in the living world, particularly the human society, and the other is the promoter and the developer of the now clean and free-from-evil world. It may be noted that the term "lord" used here to denote "ahu" does not convey the usual English meaning of one who holds a position of arbitrary authority but "the being" who is democratically chosen to a position of trust because of his or her proven righteous record.

The only criterion for the choice of such a person is his or her righteous record of competent service. The choice for the appointments is based on good mind, sound judgment, and discretion. Such a righteous selection leads the people to work for God alone -- an act that transforms the world into a divine dominion, chosen and established by the people themselves. It is, in fact, the spiritual and material dominion of the people, by the people, for the people, yet selflessly and devotedly established in the name of God, the Sovereign. It is the order in which no one is wrongly oppressed. The chosen lord and leader see that all those who are wrongfully oppressed and have their rights taken away, are fully rehabilitated. The divine dominion has no oppression and therefore, no one as oppressed and impoverished.

This short stanza of 20 words and two particles encapsulates the spirit of the entire Gathas, the sublime songs of Zarathushtra. It is a unique formula for a divinely inspired, sound democracy which ensures mental and physical peace and prosperity for all the living beings, including mankind.

The following terms and phrases are worthy of special attention and consideration: The emphasis on "vairyo", to be chosen, worthy of election; "ashaat-cheet hacha", only on account of righteousness, qualified for competency and accuracy; "vangheush manangho", of good mind, based on good thinking; "shyaothananam angheush", acts of life; "Mazdaai", for the Wise One; "khshathrem-chaa Ahuraai aa", the dominion belongs to God; "drigubyo", to the wrongly "restrained", the oppressed righteous; and "dadat vaastaarem", appointed a "rehabilitator", gave a reinstating person.

Keeping the above points in mind, we can realize the significance of the stanza. It is the basis for evolving a peaceful world. It provides us with the freedom to choose our spiritual and physical lord and leader and then work with him or her to create the world which we have all along been desiring.

That is the reason the Avesta, that part of the collection of the writings which follows and sometimes explains the Gathas, lays the highest emphasis on the Ahuna Vairya formula. According to it, it concerns the principles which lead to salvation -- "the best life, the best righteousness, the best enlightenment... Should the material world understand it, memorize it, Ahuna Vairya would lead to immortality..." (Yasna 19, an Avestan commentary on Ahuna Vairya)

It is because of Ahuna [Vairya}, the true beginning of the Gathas at the head of the first song, that the First Gatha of seven songs is called "Ahunavaiti," literally "possessing Ahuna [Vairya}.

With Ahuna Vairya in view, we can understand all the 100 stanzas of the seven songs, particularly the second song, better. And we will comprehend mental and material, spiritual and physical "democracy" and "freedom of choice" even better.

4th Day

A Humble Prayer to Serve

Transliterated Text: ahy� ��s� nemangh� ust�nazast� rafedhrahy� many�ush mazd� pourv�m spe�tahy� ash� v�sp��g shyaothan� vangh�ush xrat�m manangh� �� xshnev�sh� g�ushc� urv�nem.

Translated Text: Mazda, Wise God, with a bow and uplifted arms, I pray. First, I ask for support through progressive mentality. Then I pray that I may perform all my actions, based as they are on the wisdom of good mind, precisely according to the laws of righteousness so that I please You and the soul of the Living World. (The Gathas: Song 1.1)

Summary Substance...

This is how Zarathushtra begins his Manthra, the "thought-provoking Message," the GATHAS. A simple posture of a humble bow with hands outstretched. Praying for help through progressive mentality, the divine creative faculty, to base every action on wisdom and righteousness, solely to please God and the creation. Asking no personal favor. Offering serene service with love and fervor.

Pondering Points...

Be humble and selfless yet creative, wise, precise, promoting and pleasing to serve.

5th Day

Transliterated Text: �� v� mazd� ahur� pair�-jas�i voh� manangh� maiby� d�v�i ahv� astvatasc� hyatc� manangh� �yapt� ash�t hac� ��ish rapa�t� daid�t xv�thr�.

Translated Text: Wise God, I approach You through good mind. Grant me through righteousness the blessings of both existences, the material and the mental, so that I lead my companions to happiness. (The Gathas: Song 1.2)

Summary Substance: A prayer to meditate through good mind to acquire a balanced proportion of a spiritual and material life, only to bring happiness to companions.

Pondering Points: Think good, be rich in mind and matter, and make your friends truly happy.

6th Day

Transliterated Text: �� v� ash� ufy�n� manasc� voh� apaourv�m mazd�mc� ahurem �a�iby� xshathremc� aghzhaonvamnem varedait� �ramaitish � m�i rafedhr�i zav��g jasat�.

Translated Text: O Righteousness and Good Mind, I shall sing you praises none has sung before. I shall likewise praise the Wise God and those for whom Serenity promotes the unconquerable dominion. Respond to my calls for help. (Gathas: Song 1 stanza 3)

Summary Substance: God and gods have been praised from times immemorial. Zarathushtra is the foremost person to pay serious attention to good mind and righteousness, the two divine faculties that "wisely" regulate and "precisely" maintain every movement in the universe. He is the first to praise them in his songs. He also praises the only God and then every person who enjoys serene peace and increasing prosperity. He prays to God for good thinking, precise actions, and lasting stability.

Pondering Points: Good mind and righteousness deserve special attention. Only peace promotes prosperity. Pray to have them.

7th Day

Transliterated Text: �� urv�nem m�� gair� voh� dad� hathr� manangh� ash�shc� shyaothanan�m v�dush mazd� ahurahy� �avat is�i tav�c� avat xs�i a�sh� ashahy�.

Translated Text: I, who am attuning my soul to Good Mind, know that the actions done for the Wise God have their rewards. As long as I continue to have the will and the power, I shall teach others to strive after Righteousness. (Gathas: Song 1 stanza 4)

Summary Substance: Working with good mind, Zarathushtra realizes that a good action has a good consequence - - a reward. He determines to work to the best of his ability to teach and preach Truth to others.

Pondering Points: Tune in good thoughts and feel sure you will be rewarded. Work zealously to teach others what you know.

8th Day

Transliterated Text: ash� kat thw� dares�n� manasc� voh� va�demn� g�t�mc� ahur�i sev�sht�i seraoshem mazd�i an� m�thr� mazishtem v�ur�imaid� xrafstr� hizv�.

Translated Text: Having realized Good Mind, when shall I see you, O Righteousness? When shall I find the path to the Most Powerful God, and listen to the voice of the Wise One. With these greatest thought-provoking words, we shall convince the barbarians to choose the right [religion]. (Gathas: Song 1 stanza 5)

Summary Substance: In tune with good mind, Zarathushtra wants to perceive and comprehend righteousness, the universal law of precise operation, the law that leads to God, the lead that listens to God -- only to convey the divine words to all, even to those who need to be raised, enlightened, and civilized.

Pondering Points: Think good, acting precisely, listen to the divine voice within, and convey the Message to all without discrimination.

9th Day

Transliterated Text: voh� gaid� manangh� d�id� ash�- d� dareg�y� ereshv�ish t� uxdh�ish mazd� zarathushtr�i aoj��ghvat rafen� ahmaiby�c� ahur� �� daibishvat� dva�sh� taurvay�m�.

Translated Text: Come through good mind, and grant a long life through righteousness. O Wise Lord, through Your sublime words, give me, Zarathushtra and my men strong support, so that we may overcome the spite of the hateful. (Gathas: Song 1 stanza 6)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra prays for divine inspiration through good mind and a long life based on righteousness so that he and his companions become strong enough to dispel malice maligned by antagonists.

Pondering Points: Meditate to hear the divine voice within, live a long precise life, and see hatred vanish for good.

10th Day

Transliterated Text: d�id� ash� t�m ash�m vangh�ush �yapt� manangh� d�id� t� �rmait� v�sht�sp�i �shem maiby�c� d�st� mazd� xshay�c� �� v� m�thr� srev�m �r�d�.

Translated Text: Grant, O Righteousness, those rewards which are the gifts of Good Mind. And you, Serenity, grant Vishtaspa his wish and mine too. O Wise One, grant the power through which we shall successfully proclaim Your thought-provoking message. (Gathas: Song 1 stanza 7)

Summary Substance: Gifts of good mind can only be obtained through righteous deeds and tranquil peace is what one wishes. It would then mean the power that enables one to spread the thought-provoking message to all who wish to listen. This is what Zarathushtra prays for.

Pondering Points: Be right, get wise, enjoy peace, feel strong, and see success in spreading the thought-provoking message.

11th Day

Transliterated Text: vahishtem thw� vahisht� ��m ash� vahisht� hazaoshem ahurem ��s� v�unush nar�i ferashaoshtr�i maiby�c� �a�ibyasc� �t r�nghangh�i v�sp�i �av� vangh�ush manangh�.

Translated Text: With love, I pray to You, the Best Lord, Who are in harmony with the best righteousness. Grant the best of good mind for ever to noble Ferashaoshtra, to me, and all those who are worthy of it. (Gathas: Song 1 stanza 8)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra loves his God. God is the Best Lord who is in harmony with the universal law of precision he himself created. No law-breaking even by God. No freakish happening, no unnatural miracles, no hallucinations. Zarathushtra prays for the best from good thinking for himself, his companion, and all those who deserve it.

Pondering Points: Love God, be in harmony with Nature, and pray for best through good mind.

12th Day

Transliterated Text: an�ish v� n�it ahur� mazd� ashemc� ��n�ish zarana�m� manasc� hyat vahishtem ��i v� ��ithem� dasem� st�t�m ��zh�m zev�shty�ngh� �sh� xshathremc� savangh�m.

Translated Text: Lord, may we not anger You, Righteousness and the Best Mind by abusing these gifts. We are united in offering You our praises, for we consider You, the mighty masters of promotion, to be most worthy of invocation. (Gathas: Song 1 stanza 9)

Summary Substance: Asking too many favors! Too many favors may go waste. Zarathushtra pauses. His pleas may not prove pleasing. But his pleas are not pleas. They are praises by a group united in prayer. Their praises are for God and the divine principles which stand for promotion and progress. They are worth praising.

Pondering Points: Ask for what you can utilize well, be united, pray for promotion, and praise and practice the divine principles of good life.

13th Day

Transliterated Text: at ���g ash�atc� v�ist� vangh�ushc� d�th��g manangh� erethw��g mazd� ahur� a�iby� peren� �pan�ish k�mem at v� xshmaiby� as�n� va�d� xvaraithy� vai�ty� srav�.

Translated Text: Wise Lord, fulfill the desire of those whom you know to be just and earnest in righteousness and good mind to attain rewards. For I know, loving songs for a worthy purpose never go unanswered by You. (Gathas: Song 1 stanza 10)

Summary Substance: The earnest desire of a loving person is to please the beloved by promoted what the beloved wants. The desire, a prayer to serve, is always answered.

Ponderable Points: Love sincerely to receive love in reward.

14th Day

Transliterated Text: �� �ish ashem nip�ngh� manasc� voh� �ava�t�it� tv�m mazd� ahur� fr� m� s�sh� thwahm�t vaocangh� many�ush hac� thw� �e�ngh� ��ish � anghush pouruy� bavat!

Translated Text: I have always observed the principles of righteousness and good mind. Wise God, teach me to speak the thoughts of Your mind, and the words of Your mouth: the teachings through which the pristine life shall be established. (Gathas: Song 1 stanza 11)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra thinking clearly and working accordingly, wants to know more- the very divine message that would help him to restore human behavior to its pristine purity, to Nature, to progress in the right direction.

Pondering Points: Turn to Nature, hear God, and enjoy a good, progressive life.

Song 2

THE CHOICE OF ZARATHUSHTRA

as

THE LORD AND LEADER

of

THE LIVING WORLD

15th Day

Introduction: The second song of the Gathas is an interesting play. It provides the reason why Zarathushtra was chosen by the living world as the Lord and Leader exclusively on the basis of his righteousness and competence. The play is not only the oldest Indo-Iranian play on record (approximately 3700 years old), but one can even go further to state that it is the oldest dramatic poem in the world which survives in the very words of the author, the Hero of the play - Zarathushtra Spitama.

Commentary: Might is right in the living world. The strong are oppressing the weak and depriving them of their legitimate rights. It is a world of the survival of the fittest, rather the strongest. This law is perhaps good for the jungle. But man has outgrown being a mere animal. He is a creator now. He has discovered how to make fire. He has discovered metals and learned how to mold them into instruments. He has invented many articles. These discoveries have made him very powerful. He can make wonderful things and, equally, he can destroy these wonderful things. His destructive aspect poses a great threat, not only to his own existence, but to all of life on the good earth.

Therefore, the law of the survival of the strongest cannot hold true any longer. With wonder weapons in hand, now weaklings can wipe out the fittest, the strongest and the finest. However, man the creator has a very clear and strong thinking faculty. He can be guided by his good mind to be always constructive. His good mind must, therefore, be trained and strengthened to be his only guide. He must do things right. He must be taught that "Might is not right" but that "Right is might." The living world will survive only if man is guided by his good mind. There must be a radical change, a turning point. Wisdom should take over and the lead force and power. Only the wise and benevolent should be the lords and leaders of the world.

This requires two things: Power to repel aggression and control oppression, and wisdom to eliminate them and promote permanent peace and prosperity. The living world, therefore, is in dire need of a person who can comply with these two requirements.

That person, in the play, is Zarathushtra Spit�ma. He is the person who seeks to bring in the new change, and introduce a complete departure from the past policy of senseless force and aggression. He is naturally chosen by the free living, rather the thinking world both as the Lord and the Leader.

It is after understanding the play that one realizes the true significance of Ahuna Vairya or Yatha Ahu, the opening, yet the outstanding, stanza of the first Gatha, Ahunavaiti, meaning the song which contains Ahuna-vairya, the stanza of the "Choice of the Lord." Let us now turn to the summary of Song Two (11 stanzas):

1- When driven to desperation by rage and rape, the Living World of ours thinks of why she was created. Knowing that the Creator alone can free her of the distress, she turns to God for rehabilitation.

2- The Universal Law of Righteousness regulates the creation. God asks it to attend to the complaint and see a leader who could rehabilitate her and find a lord who would repel the outrage oppressing her.

3- The Universal Law of Righteousness sees might is right and no might is without malice. Persons with might would never help the weak. The Universal Law alone cannot help.

4- The Universal Law of Righteousness knows that God alone knows best the past, present and future. God can decide best how to solve the problem for good.

5- Righteousness wants Soul of the Living World, ready for a fruitful future to join to pray to God for a good living for the rightful and for the rehabilitation of the wrongful.

6- Knowing facts, God lovingly told Righteousness that it should know that it was created to know and take care of a righteous promoter and settler of the Living World.

7- Acting on the Law of Righteousness, God prepares the formula of redeeming the distress. Since this means a thorough thinking, God turns to Good Mind, another divine Principle of Life, and asks if it knows a person who could help.

8- Good Mind knows. It is Zarathushtra who alone has, through righteous intuition, comprehended the Divine Doctrine and is prepared to spread the message through the Gathas. He needs the divine blessing to preach sweetly.

9- The World, so used to "Might is Right," cannot understand how a man of mind, weak in physical force, can take care of her. She wants a powerful overlord.

10- A little pondering makes the World realize the truth. She prays to God grant Zarathushtra and his companions strength through precision and mind to usher in peace and stability. Zarathushtra is truly the foremost discovery who understands the Divine Will. She chooses Zarathushtra as her Lord and Leader.

11- Satisfied, the World wishes for Righteousness, Good Mind, and the Divine Dominion-all Principles of Life-to prevail. A new era has dawned, and she wants God to bless the new order and recognize the Great Fellowship being established by Zarathushtra.

Transliterated Text: xshmaiby� g�ush urv� gerezhd� kahm�i m� thwar�zhd�m k� m� tashat � m� a�shem� hazasc� rem� �hish�y� dereshc� tevishc� n�it m�i v�st� xshmat any� ath� m�i s�st� voh� v�stry�.

Translated Text: The Soul of the Living World lamented to You: Why did You create me? Who fashioned me this way? I am oppressed by fury, rapine, outrage, and aggression. I have no one to rehabilitate me other than You. Lead me to true civilization. (Gathas: Song 2-stanza 1)

Summary Substance: When driven to desparation by rage and rape, the Living World of ours thinks of why she was created. Knowing that the Creator alone can free her of the distress, she turns to God for rehabilitation.

Pondering Points: When desperate, don't loose hope. Turn to God for guidance.

16th Day

Transliterated Text: ad� tash� g�ush peresat ashem kath� t�i gav�i ratush hyat h�m d�t� xshaya�t� had� v�str� gaod�y� thwaxsh� k�m h�i usht� ahurem �� dregv�deb�sh a�shemem v�d�y�it.

Translated Text: Then the Creator of the Living World asked Righteousness: Who is Your leader of the World, who can offer her civilization, nourishment, and strength? Whom do you wish to be her lord; one who shall repel the fury of the wrongful? (Gathas: Song 2-stanza 2)

Summary Substance: The Universal Law of Righteousness regulates the creation. God asks it to attend to the complaint and see a leader who could rehabilitate her and find a lord who would repel the outrage oppressing her.

Pondering Points: Person in distress needs one to redeem and another to rebuild. If possible, both in one.

17th Day

Transliterated Text:ahm�i ash� n�it sarej� adva�sh� gav�i pait�-mravat ava�sh�m n�it v�duy� �� shavait� �dr��g ereshv�ngh� h�t�m hv� aojisht� �ahm�i zav��g jim� keredush�.

Translated Text: Righteousness replied: There is no authority in the world who is free from malice. Of those yonder, I know none who would activitate the noble to help the meek. Had there been one person strong enough among them, I would have hurried to his call. (Gathas: Song 2-stanza 3)

Summary Substance: The Universal Law of Righteousness sees might is right and no might is without malice. Persons with might would never help the weak. The Universal Law alone cannot help.

Pondering Points: When might is right, the weak suffer.

18th Day

Transliterated Text: mazd� saxv�r� mairisht� �� z� v�verez�i pair�-cith�t da�v�ishc� mashy�ishc� ��c� vareshait� aip�-cith�t hv� v�cir� ahur� ath� n� anghat �ath� hv� vasat.

Translated Text: The Wise God knows best what the divines and their people have been doing in the past and shall do in the future. God alone is the judge. Let it be so as He wishes us to be. (Gathas: Song 2-stanza 4)

Summary Substance: The Universal Law of Righteousness knows that God alone knows best the past, present and future. God can decide best how to solve the problem for good.

Pondering Points: Trust in God and good lies ahead.

19th Day

Transliterated Text: at v� ust�n�ish ahv� zast�ish fr�nemn� ahur�i aa m� urv� g�ushc� azy� hyat mazd�m dvaid� feras�by� n�it erezhejy�i frajy�itish n�it fshuye�t� dregvas� pair�.

Translated Text: It is better for us two, the Soul of the fruitful World and me, to raise our hands for the divine grace and ask the Wise One: Will there be no livelihood for the honest? Will there be no reformer among the wrongful? (Gathas: Song 2-stanza 5)

Summary Substance: Righteousness wants Soul of the Living World, ready for a fruitful future to join to pray to God for a good living for the rightful and for the rehabilitation of the wrongful.

Pondering Points: World future will be bright if wrong is corrected. Let us work at it.

20th Day

Transliterated Text: at � vaocat ahur� mazd� v�dv� vaf�sh vy�nay� n�it a�v� ah� vist� na�d� ratush ash�tc�t hac� at z� thw� fshuya�ta�c� v�stry�ic� thw�resht� tatash�.

Translated Text: The Wise God, the Knowing, spoke in a loving form: So you do not know any lord or leader who acts in righteousness. But, were you not fashioned by the Creator to look after the promoter as well as the settler? (Gathas: Song 2-stanza 6)

Summary Substance: Knowing facts, God lovingly told Righteousness that it should know that it was created to know and take care of a righteous promoter and settler of the Living World.

Pondering Points: God is knowing and loving, and takes care of the creation. The Law of Righteousness alone cannot do the job.

21st Day

Transliterated Text:t�m �z�t�ish ahur� m�threm tashat ash� hazaosh� mazd� gav�i xshv�demc� hv� urusha�iby� spe�t� s�snay�, kast� voh� manangh� �� � d�y�t �e�v� mareta�iby�.

Translated Text: The Wise God, of one accord with Righteousness, prepared His thought-provoking message in response to the sweet plea made by the World, because with His doctrine, He is the promoter for those who wish to be protected. He asked: Good Mind, do you know any person who can help the mortals? (Gathas: Song 2-stanza 7)

Summary Substance: Acting on the Law of Righteousness, God prepares the formula of redeeming the distress. Since this means a thorough thinking, God turns to Good Mind, another divine Principle of Life, and asks if it knows a person who could help.

Pondering Points: Law of Righteous alone is not enough. Good Mind to know how to act is essential also.

22nd Day

Transliterated Text: a�m m�i id� vist� �� n� a�v� s�sn� g�shat� zarathushtr� spit�m� hv� n� mazd� vasht� ash�ic� carekerethr� sr�vayengh� hyat h�i hudem�m dy�i vaxedhrahy�.

Translated Text: Yes I do. There is only one person who has listened to our teachings. He is Zarathushtra Spitama. Wise One, he is prepared to proclaim the message through his Songs for the sake of Righteousness. Grant him sweetness of speech. (Gathas: Song 2-stanza 8)

Summary Substance: Good Mind knows. It is Zarathushtra who alone has, through righteous intuition, comprehended the Divine Doctrine and is prepared to spread the message through the Gathas. He needs the divine blessing to preach sweetly.

Pondering Points: Right Intuition gives a good comprehension of the Divine Doctrine. Sweet tongue helps preaching and teaching it.

23rd Day

Transliterated Text: atc� g�ush urv� raost� �� ana�shem xsh�nm�n� r�dem v�cem neresh as�rahy� ��m � vasem� �sh� xshathr�m kad� �av� hv� anghat �� h�i dadat zastavat av�.

Translated Text: The Soul of the World cried again: Am I to accept a powerless man with a feeble voice as my caretaker? I want a powerful ruler. Will such a time come when he will give me his helping hand? (Gathas: Song 2 - stanza 9)

Summary Substance: The World, so used to "Might is Right," cannot understand how a man of mind, weak in physical force, can take care of her. She wants a powerful overlord.

Pondering Points: Those used to physical force may not easily understand the power of mind.

24th Day

Transliterated Text: ��zh�m a�iby� ahur� aog� d�t� ash� xshathremc� avat voh� manangh� �� husheit�sh r�m�mc� d�t az�mc�t ahy� mazd� thw�m m�ngh� paourv�m va�dem.

Translated Text: God, Grant him and his people, strength and power through righteousness and good mind, so that he leads me to peace and tranquillity. I also, Wise One, recognize him as Your foremost discovery. (Gathas: Song 2 - stanza 10)

Summary Substance: A little pondering makes the World realize the truth. She prays to God grant Zarathushtra and his companions strength through precision and mind to usher in peace and stability. Zarathushtra is truly the foremost discovery who understands the Divine Will. She chooses Zarathushtra as her Lord and Leader.

Pondering Points: Pondering over a point makes one realize the truth and act upon it.

25th Day

Transliterated Text: kud� ashem vohuc� man� xshathremc� at m� mash� ��zh�m mazd� fr�xshnen� maz�i mag�i � pait�-z�nat� ahur� n� n� avar� �hm� r�t�ish ��shm�vat�m.

Translated Text: When shall Righteousness, Good Mind, and the Divine Dominion hasten to me? Wise One, do acknowledge, with Your discernment, the order of the Great Fellowship. God, help us now. We look to Your kindness. (Gathas: Song 2 - stanza 11)

Summary Substance: Satisfied, the World wishes for Righteousness, Good Mind, and the Divine Dominion-all Principles of Life-to prevail. A new era has dawned, and she wants God to bless the new order and recognize the Great Fellowship being established by Zarathushtra.

Pondering Points: The Zarathushtrian Fellowship, based on the Principles of Life, needs consideration, recognition, and promotion towards true happiness in mind and body, spirit and matter.

Ahunavaiti Gatha

Song 3

GOOD AND EVIL

26th Day

Transliterated Text: at t� vaxshy� ishe�t� �� mazd�th� hyatc�t v�dush� staot�c� ahur�i �esny�c� vangh�ush manangh� hum�zdr� ash� �ec� �� raoc�b�sh daresat� urv�z�.

Translated Text: Now I shall speak to those who wish to hear of the two principles, which are of importance even to the wise. I shall also, with reverence for good mind and the good consideration of righteousness, have praises for the Lord, so that you may see brilliant happiness. (Gathas: Song 3 - stanza 1)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra opens a new chapter in his Divine Doctrine -- Good and Evil, two important principles which have even perplexed the wise. To understand the problem, he keeps in view good mind and the approach to the problem through the Universal Law of Righteousness, of precision -- two important points to solve the problem. And as usual, he has his praises for God, the guide who leads us by means of our good mind and righteousness to radiant happiness.

Pondering Points: Good and Evil, two ever-posing problems, can be solved through clear thinking and understanding of the Universal Law of precise regulation.

27th Day

Transliterated Text: sraot� g�ush�ish vahisht� ava�nat� s�c� manangh� �varen� v�cithahy� nar�m narem xvaxy�i tanuy� par� maz� ��ngh� ahm�i n� sazdy�i baoda�t� pait�.

Translated Text: Hear the best with your ears and ponder with a bright mind. Then each man and woman, for his or her self, select either of the two. Awaken to this Doctrine of ours before the Great Event of Choice ushers in. (Gathas: Song 3 - stanza 2)

Summary Substance: Freedom of choice is for all, men and women. Zarathushtra is about to expound his doctrine of good and evil. He wants every person to hear the best, not superfluous and superstitious sayings. Although the best, it must be studied with a clear mind and then the choice be made between the two. He recommends that before the great choice for the way of life is made, one should take into consideration the Divine Doctrine presented by him and his companions. The choice of good as presented by him would eventually mean choosing the Good Religion.

Pondering Points: Even the best sayings must be studied and that too clearly. Freedom of considerate choice is for all. Man and woman are equal. Zarathushtra does not force his Doctrine. He only proposes.

28th Day

Transliterated Text: at t� mainy� pouruy� �� ��m� hvafen� asrv�tem manahic� vacahic� shyaothan�i h� vahy� akemc� �sc� hud�ngh� eresh v�shy�t� n�it duzhd�ngh�.

Translated Text: Now, the two foremost mentalities, known to be imaginary twins, are the better and the bad in thoughts, words, and deeds. Of these the beneficent choose correctly, but not so the maleficent. (Gathas: Song 3 - stanza 3)

Summary Substance: Good and Evil are mentalities, not entities. The talk about their being twins is pure imigination. One is good, getting better day by day. It is the progressive good. The other is bad. Both are thought in mind and then translated into words and deeds. Beneficence leads one to choose good, and maleficence takes one towards evil.

Pondering Points: It is human mind which creates good thoughts, words and deeds or otherwise. Not mythical entities. Think good, get better. Think evil, see evil.

30th Day

Transliterated Text: ay� maniv� varat� �� dregv� acisht� verezy� ashem mainyush sp�nisht� �� xraozhdisht��g as�n� vast� �a�c� xshnaoshen ahurem haithy�ish shyaothan�ish fraoret mazd�m.

Translated Text: Of these two mentalities, the wrongful mentality chose worst actions, and the most progressive mentality, as steadfast as rock, chose righteousness. Therefore, those who would please the Wise God, may do so by choosing true actions. (Gathas: Song 3 - stanza 5)

Summary Substance: A wrongful mentality chooses worst deeds. It wavers. But the most progressive mentality stands firm in its choice of righteousness. It does not waver at all. Choice is free but God is pleased when one chooses good to end in good deeds.

Pondering Points: Wrong wavers. Right is firm. Choose right and please God.

31st Day

Transliterated Text: ay� n�it eresh v�shy�t� da�v�cin� hyat �sh �-debaom� peresman��g up�-jasat hyat veren�t� acishtem man�, at a�shemem h��dv�re�t� �� b�nayen ah�m maret�n�.

Translated Text: Between these two, the seekers of false gods did not decide correctly, because delusion came to them in their deliberations. Therefore, they chose the worst mind, rushed in wrath, and afflicted the human existence. (Gathas: Song 3 - stanza 6)

Summary Substance: Friends of falsehood do not decide correctly. They are deluded when discussing because of their blind faith and lack of consideration. Choosing wrong means instigating an evil thinking mind to resort to wrath and consequently harm and hurt human life.

Pondering Points: Falsehood misguides. Misguidance results in frustration, fury, force, and destruction.

32nd Day

Transliterated Text: ahm�ic� xshathr� jasat manangh� voh� ash�c� at kehrp�m utay�it�sh dad�t �rmaitish �nm� a�sh�m t�i � anghat �ath� ayangh� �d�n�ish pouruy�.

Translated Text: But to the person who chooses correctly, comes endurance of body and steadfast serenity through strength, good mind, and righteousness. Of all these, such a person shall be Yours, because he has come fully out of the fiery test. (Gathas: Song 3 - stanza 7)

Summary Substance: The person who makes the right choice, gets endurance and lasting stability through strength, good mind and righteousness. It is a very difficult work, a hard ordeal to pass through. But it means to belong to God. It is a hard-won blessing.

Pondering Points: Right choice, hard to make, has a great reward -- God.

33rd Day

Transliterated Text: atc� �ad� a�sh�m ka�n� jamait� a�nangh�m at mazd� taiby� xshathrem voh� manangh� v�iv�d�it� a�iby� sast� ahur� ��i ash�i daden zastay� drujem.

Translated Text: And when the sinners undergo their punishment, then, O Wise One, the dominion will be realized for them through good mind. God, then they shall be taught how to deliver the wrong into the hands of righteousness. (Gathas: Song 3 - stanza 8)

Summary Substance: Wrong choice has its evil consequences, but as soon as one becomes wise enough to realize the folly, it is over. One is thereafter safe to learn how to replace wrong with right.

Pondering Points: Evil consequence is temporary. Be wise, give it up, and right is yours.

34th Day

Transliterated Text: atc� t�i va�m xy�m� ��i �m ferash�m keren�un ah�m, mazd�sc� ahur�ngh� � m�yastr� baran� ash�c� hyat hathr� man� bavat �athr� cistish anghat ma�th�.

Translated Text: And may we be among those who make this life fresh! You, lords of wisdom, who bring happiness through righteousness, come, let us be single-minded in the realm of inner intellect. (Gathas: Song 3 - stanza 9)

Summary Substance: A solemn prayer, an earnest desire to be among those who renovate life here in this world on rightful basis. It means continuous progress, ever-fresh happiness. Happiness comes when one is not only a master wise but also agrees in full with other masters of wisdom.

Pondering Points: Continuous renovation comes through cooperation of good master minds. It is ideal.

35th Day

Transliterated Text: ad� z� av� dr�j� av� bavait� ske�d� spayathrahy� at asisht� �aoja�t� � hushit�ish vangh�ush manangh� mazd� ashaxy�c� ��i zaze�t� vangh�u sravah�.

Translated Text: Then, indeed, the power of wrong shall be shattered. Then those who strive with good name shall immediately be united in the good abode of good mind and righteousness of the Wise One. (Gathas: Song 3 - stanza 10)

Summary Substance: Continuous renovation of life means removal of wrongful in power. It means instant unity and close cooperation in a divine state where good mind and righteousness work.

Pondering Points: Refresh to remove wrong and live wisely and rightly with God.

36th Day

Transliterated Text: hyat t� urv�t� sashath� �� mazd� dad�t mashy�ngh� xv�tic� �neit� hyatc� dareg�m dregv�deby� rash� savac� ashavaby� at aip� t�ish anghait� usht�.

Translated Text: If you understand the two principles of prosperity and adversity established by the Wise One, which are a long suffering for the wrongful and a lasting good for the righteous; you shall, then, enjoy radiant happiness. (Gathas: Song 3 - stanza 11)

Summary Substance: The Divine principle is that Good and Evil mean properity and adversity. The wrongful suffer long and the rightful enjoy eternal good. If one understands this simple point, he or she will be happy and radiate happiness to others.

Pondering Points: Evil sets suffering. Good gives joy. Joy brings joy to self and others.

Song 4

GUIDANCE

37th Day

Transliterated Text: t� v� urv�t� mare�t� agusht� vac� s��gh�mah� a�iby� ��i urv�t�ish dr�j� ashahy� ga�th� v�mere�cait� atc�t a�iby� vahisht� ��i zarazd� anghen mazd�i.

Translated Text: Keeping the two principles of Yours in mind, we shall teach the hitherto unheard words to those who destroy the righteous world by their wrongful doctrines. No doubt, the two principles will prove the best for those who are devoted to the Wise One. (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 1)

Summary Substance: With the two principles of Good and Evil in view, Zarathushtra and his companions embark on teaching an entirely new doctrine, never heard before. The teachings are particularly meant for those who prove destructive to the life based on righteousness. For those who are already on the right track, the two principles should prove highly useful.

Pondering Points: The Zarathushtrian Doctrine is novel, aimed at correcting the wrongful, and providing best lead to the righteous.

38th Day

Transliterated Text: �ez� �ish n�it urv�n� adv� aib�-deresht� vaxy� at v� v�sp��g �y�i �ath� rat�m ahur� va�d� mazd� ay� �say� �� ash�t hac� jv�mah�.

Translated Text: Since it is not easy for the soul to find the better course, I, whom the Wise Lord knows, come to you all as the leader of the two parties, so that we may all live in accordance with righteousness. (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 2)

Summary Substance: In spite of the wisdom to choose, one needs a lead. Zarathushtra, who has discovered the Wise Lord, Mazda Ahura, and the Principles of Life, offers to lead both the wrongful and the rightful to live a righteous life.

Pondering Points: A novice, although wise, needs good guidance. Zarathushtra's divine experience provides that to all and every person who wants it.

39th Day

Transliterated Text: ��m d� mainy� athr�c� ash�c� c�ish r�n�iby� xshn�tem hyat urvatem cazd��nghvadeby� tat n� mazd� v�dvan�i vaoc� hizv� thwahy� �ngh� �� jva�t� v�sp��g v�uray�.

Translated Text: The happiness You grant, has been promised to the two parties through Your mental fire and righteousness. It is a matter of principle for the discerning. Wise One, for our knowledge, speak with the very words of Your mouth. It will help me guide all the living to choose aright. (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 3)

Summary Substance: One should understand this point. God has granted happiness for all, the rightful and the wrongful. It only comes through mental enlightenment and righteous conduct. It is this enlightenment which Zarathushtra asks God to grant so that he guides humanity to the right course of life.

Pondering Points: Happiness is for all. Get enlightened and you have it.

40th Day

Transliterated Text: �ad� ashem zev�m anghen mazd�sc� ahur�ngh� ashic� �rmait� vahisht� ishas� manangh� maiby� xshathrem aoj��ghvat �ehy� vered� vana�m� drujem.

Translated Text: When righteousness is to be invoked, may the wise lords be with reward and serenity. I seek through my best mind the powerful dominion for my people, so that we can overcome wrong by promoting it. (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 4)

Summary Substance:When one wishes to be righteous, the wise will be at hand to guide him or her to what one wants. It is the reward sought and also the serene satisfaction after obtaining it. And Zarathushtra, always lead by his illuminated mind, wants a dominion powerful enough to have its very expansion eliminate wrong.

Pondering Points: Want righteousness, ask the wise. It comes with serenity. And illumination eliminates evil.

41st Day

Transliterated Text: tat m�i v�cidy�i vaoc� hyat m�i ash� d�t� vahy� v�duy� voh� manangh� m��c� daidy�i �ehy�-m� ereshish t�c�t mazd� ahur� �� n�it v� anghat anghait� v�.

Translated Text: Speak to me so that I can discern what has been made better with righteousness, and know and realize through good mind what has been granted to me as a seer. Also, Wise God, the things that will and will not happen. (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 5)

Summary Substance: Already enlightened, Zarathushtra continues to seek more divine guidance to fully realize his part as a seer determined to lead the living. He wants enough knowledge and experience to be able to foresee the future -- possibilities and impossibilities.

Pondering Points: Increasing enlightenment is needed to foresee events -- what to undertake and what not to embark in.

42nd Day

Transliterated Text: ahm�i anghat vahishtem �� m�i v�dv� vaoc�t haith�m m�threm �im haurvat�t� ashahy� ameret�tasc� mazd�i avat xshathrem hyat h�i voh� vaxshat manangh�.

Translated Text: The best shall come to the wise person who will propagate my true thought-provoking message. It leads to righteousness for wholeness and immortality. Thus the dominion of the Wise One will, through good mind, increase for him. (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 6)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra's thought-provoking teachings lead to perfection and eternity. He blesses the person who embarks on the mission of spreading his divine message. That person, enlightened by good mind, will also enhance his own divine dominion.

Pondering Points: Zarathushtra's thought-provokers grant eternal bliss. Spread them and be blessed.

43rd Day

Transliterated Text: �ast� ma�t� pouruy� raoc�b�sh r�ithwen xv�thr� hv� xrathw� d�mish ashem �� d�rayat vahishtem man�, t� mazd� mainy� uxshy� �� � n�r�mc�t ahur� h�m�.

Translated Text: He, Who thought first that the lights emanate with bliss, is, through His wisdom, the creator of righteousness, which holds the best mind. Wise Lord, stimulate my mind through Your creative mentality, because so far it has remained the same. (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 7)

Summary Substance: God created the universe, blended with light and bliss, with wisdom. He is the creator of the Universal Law based on the best wisdom, the progressive mentality. Zarathushtra wants the divine mentality to stimulate his mind, a mind which had remained inactive.

Pondering Points: Mind is not to stagnate. It must be provoked to progress, innovate, create.

44th Day

Transliterated Text: at thw� m��gh� pourv�m mazd� �ez�m st�i manangh� vangh�ush patar�m manangh� hyat thw� h�m cashmain� h��grabem haith�m ashahy� d�m�m angh�ush ahurem shyaothana�sh�.

Translated Text: Wise One, I realized You as the first and the latest, and the patron of good mind, when I grasped You in my vision as the true creator of righteousness and the Lord of life's actions. (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 8)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra realizes, by his searching sight, that God is the first and the latest -- above time and age. He created both Good Mind and the Universal Law of Precision -- two principles that wisely regulate the universe. He also watches over actions in one's life.

Pondering Points: A thorough search is needed to truly realize God, time, timelessness, the universe, and the principles which regulate it.

45th Day

Transliterated Text: thw�i as �rmait�sh thw� � g�ush tash� as xrat�sh many�ush mazd� ahur� hyat ah'y�i dad� path�m v�stry�t v� �it� �� v� n�it anghat v�stry�.

Translated Text: I also realized, Wise Lord, that serenity is Yours, and O Creator of the Living World, that wisdom of mind is Yours, which has given the world the choice to go either to a settled person, or to the one who is not. (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 9)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra further realizes that Mazda created our living world. He also created serenity and good mind, two principles that enable the world to make a wise decision to choose between the people who are usefully settled and those who wander in vain.

Pondering Points: Freedom, serene atmosphere and good wisdom help make the right choice.

46th Day

Transliterated Text: at h� ay� fravaret� v�str�m ah'y�i fshuya�tem ahurem ashavanem vangh�ush fsh��gh�m manangh� n�it mazd� av�stry� dav�scin� humeret�ish baxsht�.

Translated Text: Of the two, it has chosen the prospering settler and the promoter of good mind as its righteous lord. Wise One, the deceitful nomad has not shared in this good tradition. (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 10)

Summary Substance: The living world prefers people who are settled and are prospering. They are wise and therefore can lead. Wandering hordes do not grasp the advantage of a settled life and resort to cheating.

Pondering Points: Prospering settlers are worthy of righteous leadership. Wasteful wandering promotes deceit.

47th Day

Transliterated Text: hyat n� mazd� paourv�m ga�th�sc� tash� da�n�sc� thw� manangh� xrat�shc� hyat astva�tem dad� ushtanem hyat shyaothan�c� s��gh�sc� �athr� varen��g vas� d�yet�.

Translated Text: O Wise One, at the beginning, You, through Your mind, fashioned for us the living world, conceptions and intellects, put life in the physical frame, and gave deeds and words, so that one makes his choice through free will. (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 11)

Summary Substance: When at the beginning, the Wise One made, through his mental faculty, our world, He granted us conception and intellect as He put life into our bodies. He also gave ability to talk and act -- all to grant freedom of choice to us.

Pondering Points: Life, body, mind, speech and action are divine grants to enjoy freedom of choice.

48th Day

Transliterated Text: athr� v�cem barait� mithahvac� v� ereshvac� v� v�dv� v� ev�dv� v� ahy� zered�c� manangh�c� �nush-haxsh �rmait�sh mainy� peres�it� �athr� ma�th�.

Translated Text: Therefore, whether one speaks truth or not, whether one is wise or otherwise, one expresses in words what is in one's heart and mind. Accordingly, one enjoying serenity, may ask himself: Where will the two mentalities lead? (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 12)

Summary Substance: All -- truthful, liar, wise, and stupid -- express themselves in words of what their minds guide or their emotions dictate. It is then that one, cool and calm, may well understand where the good or the retarding mentality would lead.

Pondering Points: Mind engages in thoughts. Heart throbs with emotions. Two ways of expression. Cool consideration decides which one to choose.

49th Day

Transliterated Text: �� fras� �v�shy� �� v� mazd� peres�it� tay� �� v� kas�ush a�nangh� � mazisht�m ayamait� b�jem t� cashm��g thwisr� h�r� aib� ash� aib� va�nah� v�sp�.

Translated Text: Wise One, whether inquiries are made in open or in secret, or a person of small offense suffers a very grave consequence,You watch all these with Your sharp eyes through righteousness. (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 13)

Summary Substanc: God is, through the Universal Law of Precision, precisely watching all -- problems faced in open or secret and great harm suffered by men of small offense.

Pondering Points: God is watching. Are we watching ourselves?

50th Day

Transliterated Text: t� thw� peres� ahur� ��-z� �it� j��ghatic� �� ishud� dade�t� d�thran�m hac� ash�un� ��sc� mazd� dregv�deby� �ath� t� anghen h��keret� hyat.

Translated Text: God, I ask You this: What is happening and what will happen? What holds in future as compensation for the righteous, and Wise One, what for the wrongful? How do they stand when their performance is complete? (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 14)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra wants to be clear on present conditions and future happenings. What does future hold for the righteous and what for the wrongful? What when all is done and complete? The questions are self-answering. Eternal good for the righteous, corrective justice for the wrongful, and happy eternity for all.

Pondering Points: Do it right, get it quick. Play it wrong, linger behind.

51st Day

Transliterated Text: peres� avat �� mainish �� dregv�it� xshathrem hun�it� dush-shyaothan�i ahur� �� n�it jy�t�m hanare v�nast� v�stryehy� a�nangh� pas�ush v�r�atc� adrujya�t�.

Translated Text: God, I ask You this: What is the punishment for him who promotes the rule of the wrongful with evil actions, and for him who has no other work in life than to commit crime against the cattle and the men of a harmless settler? (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 15)

Summary Substance: The questions are as to what happens to one who, with his evil actions, helps to support a wrongful person and what happens to one whose only object is to harm and hurt peaceful people and their cattle. The answer, provoked by the questions, is: evil consequences.

Pondering Points: Helping evil and hurting innocent does not pay.

52nd Day

Transliterated Text: peres� avat �ath� hv� �� hud�nush demanahy� xshathrem sh�ithrahy� v� dah'y�ush v� ash� fradath�i asperezat� thw�v�s mazd� ahur� �ad� hv� anghat ��-shyaothanasc�.

Translated Text: I ask this: How does a munificent person, who strives for promoting the power of house, district, or land with righteousness, becomes, Wise Lord, like You, and by what deeds? (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 16)

Summary Substance: Who but the person who promotes house, district or land -- uniting units of human society -- with his and her righteous acts, grows into a godlike being? Again an answering question!

Pondering Points: Promotion of human society makes one divine.

53rd Day

Transliterated Text: kat�r�m ashav� v� dregv� v� verenvait� mazy�, v�dv� v�dush� mraot� m� ev�dv� aip�-d�b�vayat, zd�-n� mazd� ahur� vangh�ush fradaxsht� manangh�.

Translated Text: Which of the two courses is greater, the one the righteous person chooses for himself, or the one the wrongful takes? Let the wise one tell the knowing, so that the ignorant does not continue his work with deception. Wise Lord, be the revealer of good mind to us. (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 17)

Summary Substance: The course which a righteous person chooses is better than the one taken by a wrongful person. This point should be made clear by the wise who teach seekers of truth. It would consequently stop the ignorant leader from deceiving people.

Pondering Points: Teach truth to defeat deception.

54th Day

Transliterated Text: m�-cish at v� dregvat� m�thr�sc� g�sht� s�sn�sc�, � z� dem�nem v�sem v� sh�ithrem v� dah'y�m v� �d�t dushit�c� maraka�c� ath� �sh s�zd�m snaithish�.

Translated Text: Therefore, let none of you listen to the messages and teachings of the wrongful, because he brings danger and destruction to the house, settlement, district, and land. Correct him with weapons. (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 18)

Summary Substance: The wrongful deceives and therefore one should not listen to his misguiding words. It is his teachings which bring destruction to various units of society -- from house to country. Such a person must be corrected even if one has to use force.

Pondering Points: Stop destruction, even if by force, only to correct it into construction.

55th Day

Transliterated Text: g�sht� �� ma�t� ashem ah�mbish v�dv� ahur� erezhuxdh�i vacangh�m xshayamn� hizv� vas� thw� �thr� suxr� maz d� vangh�u v�d�t� r�nay�.

Translated Text: Lord, one who listens and realizes the truth, becomes a life-healing wise person. He controls his tongue to express the right words when he wills. He, O Wise One, through Your radiant light, proves good to both parties. (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 19)

Summary Substance: A person who listens to good teachings and understands truth becomes wise and can heal social ills. He becomes a master wise who knows what to say and when to say. It is this enlightened person who promotes the righteous and corrects the wrongful. (Zarathushtra is such a person. He first listened to the best, realized God, understood the ills that plagued humanity, rose to heal the society with his thoughtful, thought-provoking message.)

Pondering Points: Listen, learn, acquire knowledge, understand ills, heal humanity.

56th Day

Transliterated Text: �� �yat ashavanem divamnem h�i aparem xshy� dareg�m �y� temangh� dushhvareth�m ava�t�s vac� t�m v� ah�m dregva�t� shyaothan�ish hv�ish da�n� na�shat.

Translated Text: Whoever goes over to the righteous, enjoys a bright future. But the wrongful lives a long life of darkness, evil splendor and woeful words, because it is on account of his deeds, that his conscience leads him to it. (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 20)

Summary Substance: Bright future awaits the person who chooses righteousness. A long period of suffering with dark thoughts and hard words meets the wrongful. His awakening conscience tells that this is because of his evil deeds.

Pondering Points: Choose right, feel bright. Go wrong, enter darkness, sense dejection.

57th Day

Transliterated Text: mazd� dad�t ahur� haurvat� ameret�tasc� b�r�ish � ashaxy�c� xv�paithy�t xshathrahy� sar� vangh�ush vazdvar� manangh� �� h�i mainy� shyaothan�ishc� urvath�.

Translated Text: God Wise grants wholeness, immortality, abundance of righteousness, independence in dominion, and a lasting good mind to him, who is His friend in mind and action. (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 21)

Summary Substance: God gives perfection, eternity, much righteousness, independence, and an ever-guiding good mind to the person who lovingly follows God in thoughts, words and deeds.

Pondering Points: Befriend God by acting godlike, enjoy divine blessings.

58th Day

Transliterated Text: cithr� � hud�ngh� �athan� va�demn�i manangh� voh� hv� xshathr� ashem vacangh� shyaothan�c� hapt� hv� t�i mazd� ahur� v�zisht� anghait� astish!

Translated Text: These principles are clear to the beneficent person, who works for the realization of good mind and dominion, and serves righteousness with his words and actions.Such a man, Wise Lord, is the most helpful person. (Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 22)

Summary Substance: The principles of good life are clear to one who wants to prove helpfully gracious to others by promulgating the message, promoting righteousness, acquiring good mind, and cultivating good dominion. He or she is the most efficient helping hand.

Pondering Points: Helping others understand the divine message and promote good life makes one the most useful person.

59th Day

Song 5

ABBERATION

Introduction: This song is, in fact, an exposure of the fraud and abberation practiced by the priests and princes of the old cult. The daevas, false gods and their worship were the creation of evil mentality and deceit by the priestly profession. It is superstitions that deviate a person from thinking right. However, they become a good source of income for the cunning, who continue to haord what they can extract from the simple people. These cunning persons are the ritualistic priests, called "karapan" by Zarathushtra. The word actually means "arrangers of rituals," but it also means "chatterers" and "mumblers" which they were indeed. They were the only priests Zarathushtra knew. In fact, in his Songs, he does not see and mention any good priest. The karapans were not alone. There were the rulers, turned into luxury lovers through the spoils they had accumulated. The two, having a common vested interest of exploiting the people, had joined hands. They kept the people in darkness and ignorance. Their increasing lust for wealth had turned them into tyrants, an action that earned them people's hatred. However, they forgot that God was watching them and a day would dawn when a thought-provoker genius would rise and lead the people out of their clutches. How true is this situation alive today in many parts of the world, the readers is free to consider and judge.

Transliterated Text: ax'y�c� xva�tush ��sat ahy� verez�nem mat airyamn� ahy� da�v� mahm� man�i ahurahy� urv�zem� mazd�, thw�i d�t�ngh� �ngh�m� t��g d�ray� ��i v� daibishe�t�.

Translated Text: O false gods beware, the family, the community, and the fellowship, all pray to the Wise God for bliss in the manner I do, and they say: May we be Your messengers to control those who are Your antagonists. (Gathas: Song 5- stanza 1)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra warns the priests of old cult that their days are over. All, from the family to the world fellowship, have become enlightened enough to join him in becoming missionaries of the Divine Message that will curb the exploiting activities of the professionalist and create a new world.

Pondering Points: Recognize priestly pranks, understand the Message, radiate it to others and cleans the community.

60th Day

Transliterated Text: a�iby� mazd� ahur� s�remn� voh� manangh� xshathr�t hac� pait�-mraot ash� hush-hax� xv�nv�t�, spe�t�m v� �ramait�m vanguh�m varemaid� h�-n� anghat.

Translated Text: The Wise God, an ally through good mind and a good friend through the glorious righteousness, has responded to them: "We have chosen the good and progressive serenity for you." (And they say:) "May it be ours!" (Gathas: Song 5-stanza 2)

Summary Substance: God loves and supports those who use their good mind and act according to the universal law of righteousness, and work as messengers of the divine doctrine. God grants them a serene and calm life to progress. Happy, they pray to have it for ever.

Pondering Points: Think good, act right, befriend God, spread the message, and enjoy progress in peace.

61st Day

Transliterated Text: at ��sh da�v� v�sp�ngh� ak�t manangh� st� cithrem �asc� v� mash �azait� dr�jasc� pairimat�ishc� shyaom�m aip� daibit�n� ��ish asr�d�m b�my� haptaith�.

Translated Text: But you deceptive gods, and those who vehemently venerate you, are the creations of evil mind, wrong, and disdain. You are notorious for your deceitful deeds in the inhabited part of the Earth. (Gathas: Song 5 - stanza 3)

Summary Substance: False gods are creation of evil mind, wrongful thoughts, words and deeds, and contempt for free people by zealots of religiosity. It is they who are known to be engaged in deceiving and exploiting simple people.

Pondering Points: Evil mind, vested interest, and exploitation create false gods.

62nd Day

Transliterated Text: ��t ��sht� fram�math� �� mashy� acisht� da�t� vaxshe�t� da�v�-zusht� vangh�ush s�zhdyamn� manangh� mazd� ahurahy� xrat�ush nasya�t� ash�atc�.

Translated Text: Because you have, with your actions, made the mortals do the worst, only to be called as daeva-devotees, who give up good mind, and run away from the Wise God's intelligence and from righteousness. (Gathas: Song 5 - stanza 4)

Summary Substance: Deceptive priests make people do for them even the worst acts only to make them feel that they are devotees of the so-called gods. These people are thus kept away from using their God-given intelligence and o not act righteously.

Pondering Points: Deprivation of good thinking deviates one from righteous acts.

63rd Day

Transliterated Text: t� debenaot� mash�m hujy�t�ish ameret�tasc� hyat v� ak� manangh� ���g da�v��g akasc� mainyush ak� shyaothanem vacangh� �� fracinas dregva�tem xshay�.

Translated Text: Thus you have deprived mankind of good life and immortality. But in fact, you, who are but deceptive gods, have deceived yourselves with your evil mentality, deed, and speech by providing the wrongful with power. (Gathas: Song 5 - stanza 5)

Summary Substance: Belief in false gods has misguided human beings not to lead a good life and therefore not to attain immortality. But his very action is self-defeating because when these beliefs are translated into evil thoughts, words and deeds, the result is chaos caused by the wrong persons in power.

Pondering Points: False beliefs bring chaos.

64th Day

Transliterated Text: pour�-a�n� �n�xsht� ��ish sr�vahyeit� �ez� t�ish ath� h�t�-mar�n� ahur� vahisht� v�ist� manangh� thwahm� v� mazd� xshathr�i ash�ic� s��gh� v�d�m.

Translated Text: However, even if this power makes a great offender attain fame, You, Wise Lord, remember well the fact by the best mind that in Your dominion and under righteousness, Your doctrine will prevail. (Gathas: Song 5-stanza 6)

Summary Substance: Even if a criminal becomes famous for the wrong power used by him, it will not last long. Eventually, the divine doctrine, through best thinking, will be established in the divine dominion, chosen by the righteous in accordance with the Universal Law.

Pondering Points: Wrong power and fame do not last. Divine Doctrine does.

65th Day

Transliterated Text: a�sh�m a�nangh�m na�c�t v�dv� aoj�i h�dr�y� �� j�y� s��ghait� ��ish sr�v� xva�n� ayangh� �a�sh�m t� ahur� irixtem mazd� va�disht� ah�.

Translated Text: Regarding these offenses, no wise person has ever attained power which could be called life, a life, said to be achieved by the force of flowing metal. Of such, You, Wise Lord, know best the consequences. (Gathas: Song 5-stanza 7)

Summary Substance: Power attained through brute force cannot be called life. It is living. A wise person will never do it. God knows best the end of that living.

Pondering Points: Living achieved by ruthless force is no life.

66th Day

Transliterated Text: a�sh�m a�nangh�m v�vanghush� sr�v� �imasc�t �� mashy��g cixshnush� ahm�k��g g�ush bag� xv�remn� a�sh�mc�t � ahm� thwahm� mazd� v�cith�i aip�

Translated Text: Regarding these crimes, it is said that Yima son of Vivanhan also sounded himself the god of our world. For such a crime too, as far as I am concerned, the final judgement lies with You. (Gathas: Song 5-stanza 8)

Summary Substance: Among those who have committed crimes, Yima (King Jamshid) is reported to have declared himself the "god of the world." But as far as Zarathushtra is concerned, he leaves it to God to be the final judge. He has nothing to state.

Pondering Points: Do not pass judgement on an act you are not a witness.

Note: King Jamshid's reign and feats symbolize the period during which the Indo-Iranians migrated fromnorthern steppes to the Iranian Plateau and then survived a severe spell of the ice age. His period also symbolizes many advances made in social comforts. When Jamshid felt that it was he who had provided his people with prosperity, he became proud and arrogant and declared himself, in words of Ferdowsi's Shahnameh (the epic of Book of the Kings), "the Creator of the World." The boast brought his downfall at the hands of Azhi Dahaka (Zahhak or Zohak of the Shahnameh). Incidently Jamshid is the only legendary subject mentioned in the Gathas and that too casually. The Gathas are free of myth and legend.

67th Day

Transliterated Text: dush-sastish srav� m�re�dat hv� jy�t�ush s��ghan�ish xrat�m ap� m� �sht�m apaya�t� berexdh�m h�it�m vangh�ush manangh� t� uxdh� many�ush mahy� mazd� ash�ic� ��shmaiby� gerez�.

Translated Text: The evil teacher destroys with his teachings the doctrine of the wisdom of life. He prevents people from the precious acquisition of good mind. I appeal to You, Wise Lord, and to Righteousness, expressing my mind in words. (Gathas: Song 5-stanza 9)

Summary Substance: An evil teacher will not teach how to live a thoughtful life. He has to keep people in ignorance and away from knowledge attained through good mind. Zarathushtra wants God to help him, through righteousness, to express the truth in understandable words so that people are awakened.

Pondering Points: Evil teaching retains ignorance. Good teaching enlightens to good life.

68th Day

Transliterated Text: hv� m�-n� srav� m�re�dat �� acishtem va�nangh� aoged� g�m ashiby� hvarec� �asc� d�th��g dregvat� dad�t �asc� v�str� v�v�pat �asc� vadar� v�izhdat ash�un�.

Translated Text: Indeed, he destroys the doctrine who considers it the worst to look at the world and the sun with plain eyes, who sets the just against the wrongful, who destroys settlements, and who hurls a deadly weapon at the righteous. (Gathas: Song 5-stanza 10)

Summary Substance: Four types of people destroy the Doctrine of Zarathushtra. (1) The superstitious who do not see the world and the sun as plain creations but imagine them to be deities with mythical tales; (2) who connive to have a just person confront a wrongful person; (3) the aggressors who destroy human habitation; and (4) who hurt the righteous.

Pondering Points: Only superstition and aggression go against the divine doctrine.

69th Day

Transliterated Text: ta�c�t m� m�re�den jy�t�m ��i dregvat� mazib�sh cik�iteresh anguh�shc� anghvasc� apayeit� ra�xenangh� va�dem ��i vahisht�t ash�un� mazd� r�reshy�n manangh�.

Translated Text: Also they destroy life who highly regard the wrongful as lords and ladies, rob people of their property, and try hard to distract the righteous from their best mind. (Gathas: Song 5-stanza 11)

Summary Substance: People who regard the wrongful rich as lords and ladies, who exploit people to deprive them of their belongings, and who, through various means, try to distract the righteous people to give up thinking as good as they can, are also among those who disturb and destroy life.

Pondering Points: Appeasing, exploiting and distracting are among destructive acts.

70th Day

Transliterated Text: �� r�nghayen sravangh� vahisht�t shyaothan�t maret�n� a�iby� mazd� ak� mraot ��i g�ush m�re�den urv�xsh-uxt� jy�t�m ��ish ger�hm� ash�t varat� karap� xshathremc� �shan�m drujem.

Translated Text: It is through such teachings that they try to distract mortals from excellent deeds. For them, the Wise One has decreed ill consequences, because they destroy worldly life in luxury. It is for this reason that seizing priests have chosen the wrong dominion of the wealthy instead of righteousness. (Gathas: Song 5- stanza 12)

Summary Substance: It is through exploitation of the poor by the rich that good life on earth is disturbed and destroyed. The priests also side the rich instead of the righteous persons because it pays them well in return. The consequences for these wrong teachings and doings is bad. That is the divine justice.

Pondering Points: Exploitation does not pay. Righteous life does.

71st Day

Transliterated Text: �� xshathr� ger�hm� h�shasatacishtahy� dem�n� manangh� angh�ush maraxt�r� ahy� �a�c� mazd� j�gerezat k�m� thwahy� m�thr�n� d�t�m �� �sh p�t dares�t ashahy�.

Translated Text: It is through such teachings that they try to distract mortals from excellent deeds. For them, the Wise One has decreed ill consequences, because they destroy worldly life in luxury. It is for this reason that seizing priests have chosen the wrong dominion of the wealthy instead of righteousness. (Gathas: Song 5- stanza 13)

Summary Substance: It is through exploitation of the poor by the rich that good life on earth is disturbed and destroyed. The priests also side the rich instead of the righteous persons because it pays them well in return. The consequences for these wrong teachings and doings is bad. That is the divine justice.

Pondering Points: Exploitation does not pay. Righteous life does.

72nd Day

Transliterated Text:ahy� ger�hm� �-h�ith�i n� k�vayasc�t xrat�sh n� dadat varec� h�c� fraidiv� hyat v�s��t� dregva�tem av� hyatc� g�ush jaidy�i mrao� �� d�raoshem saocayat av�.

Translated Text: Seizing such spoils, even the sagacious princes have long been devoting their minds and efforts. They have, thus, resorted to help the wrongful. Fired by the wisdom-wasting drink, they have declared that the world must be destroyed. (Gathas: Song 5 - stanza 14)

Summary Substance: The Kavi princes, although men of knowledge, were cooperating with the practicing priests in exploiting people. The two had a common interest-exploitation. Thus the rulers were helping the wrongful. Addicted to "haoma," the instant intoxicating drink, their aggressive mood was destroying the world.

Pondering Points: Rule by the robbing rich is ruinous.

73rd Day

Transliterated Text: an�ish � v�-n�n�s� �� karap�t�sc� kev�t�sc� av�ish aib� ���g dai�t� n�it jy�t�ush xshayamn��g vas� t�i �by� bairy��t� vangh�ush �-dem�n� manangh�.

Translated Text: It is with such actions that the ritualistic priests and princes are annihilated through the very people, whom they have deprived of the power to live as they wish. Of these two parties, the latter will be taken to the house of good mind. (Gathas: Song 5- stanza 15)

Summary Substance: Once the truth exposed by Zarathushtra is understood, the priests and princes are overthrown by the very people who are deprived of their rightful freedom to live. It is the free people who ultimately enjoy the blessings of good mind.

Pondering Points: Realize truth, gain freedom, live wise and happy.

74th Day

Transliterated Text: ham�m tat vahisht�c�t �� ushuruy� syasc�t dahmahy� xshay�s mazd� ahur� �ehy� m� aith�shc�t dva�th� hyat a�nangh� dregvat� �e�n� ishy��g anghay�.

Translated Text: All the teachings of the talented are the best to listen to. Wise Lord, I am powerful enough to meet the two-fold threats, and restrain the crime of the wrongful directed against friends. (Gathas: Song 5- stanza 16)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra the genius declares his teachings the best to listen to. He is confident that he will be able to meet the threat posed by the priests and the princes. He is sure to stop the cruelty done to his companions.

Pondering Points: Talent and truth triumph, crime and cruelty crash.

75th Day

Song 6

DEVOTION TO DUTY

Transliterated Text: �ath�ish ith� vareshait� �� d�t� angh�ush paouruyehy� rat�sh shyaothan� razisht� dregvata�c� hyatc� ash�un� �exy�c� h�memy�sait� mithahy� ��c� h�i �rezv�.

Translated Text: According to the Primal Principles of Life the leader shall do full justice to the wrongful and to the righteous, as well as to the person whose falsity is combined with his probity. (Gathas: Song 6- stanza 1)

Summary Substance: The leader, chosen by people, shall be impartial. He shall base his justice on the Primal Principles of Life and then deal with the wrongful, the righteous, and the person who is both. It is this impartiality that brings true justice and wins all over to righteousness.

Pondering Points: Justice, based on sound principles, is impartial and ... wins.

76th Day

Transliterated Text: at �� akem dregv�it� vacangh� v� at v� manangh� zast�iby� v� vareshait� vangh�u v� c�ithait� ast�m t�i v�r�i r�de�t� ahurahy� zaosh� mazd�.

Translated Text: And whoever foils the wrongful by word , thought, or action, or if approached by a visitor, teaches him good things, advances in his convictions to the satisfaction of the Wise God. (Gathas: Song 6- stanza 2)

Summary Substance: Wrong must not succeed and survive. One should correct it through thinking over the problem, and speaking to and dealing with the wrongful, especially if approached by a visiting person. One should be teacher and preacher. Such a person would, at the same time, promote his/her conviction and faith, and also please God.

Pondering Points: Good thoughts, words and deeds turn wrongful into righteous.

77th Day

Transliterated Text: �� ash�un� vahisht� xva�t� v� at v� verez�ny� airyamn� v� ahur� v�d�s v� thwaxshangh� gav�i at hv� ashahy� anghat vangh�ushc� v�str� manangh�.

Translated Text: Whoever is very good to the righteous whether a relative, or a member of the community, or, O Lord, a member of the fellowship, or serves the living world with zeal, lives indeed in the domain of righteousness and good mind. (Gathas: Song 6- stanza 3)

Summary Substance: He/she lives a life of righteousness and good mind who sincerely serves another righteous whoever he/she be -- a relative, a community member, a fellowship member or a world citizen.

Pondering Points: Discard discrimination, serve the righteous, and enjoy a well-thought righteous life.

78th Day

Transliterated Text:�� thwat mazd� asrusht�m akemc� man� �az�i ap� hva�t�ushc� tar�mait�m verez�nah'y�c� nazdisht�m drujem airyamanasc� nade�t� g�ushc� v�str�t acishtem ma�t�m.

Translated Text: Wise One, I am one who venerates away inconsideration and evil mind from You; perverse-mind from the family; related wrong from the community; revile from the fellowship; and extremely evil counseling from the world settlements. (Gathas: Song 6- stanza 4)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra vows to revolutionize society by eliminating all evil and superstitious conceptions of the Wise One, improper thinking among family members, wrong practice within the community, abuse and hatred among kindred human beings, and very harmful recommendations ruling high in the world -- a thorough ethical cleansing.

Pondering Points: Remove evil at all levels, establish a fresh, sound and healthy society.

79th Day

Transliterated Text: �ast� v�sp�-mazishtem seraoshem zbay� avangh�n� ap�n� dareg�-jy�it�m � xshathrem vangh�ush manangh� ash�t � erez�sh path� �a�sh� mazd� ahur� sha�t�.

Translated Text: I shall listen to Your Inspiring Voice, the greatest of all voices, to reach my final goal: a long life in the dominion of good mind, and a straight walk along the paths of righteousness to the serene abode of the Wise God. (Gathas: Song 6- stanza 5)

Summary Substance: To remove social ills and reach his final goal, Zarathushtra listens to the Divine Voice, the greatest of all inspirations, for guidance. The result -- a long life of good wisdom in peace and order, and a straight, unwavering walk on the righteous path to reach Mazda, God Wise.

Pondering Points: Inspiration guides good to God.

80th Day

Transliterated Text: �� zaot� ash� erez�sh hv� many�ush � vahisht�t kay� ahm�t av� manangh� �� verezyeidy�i ma�t� v�stry� t�-t�i izy�i ahur� mazd� darsht�ishc� h�m-parsht�ishc�.

Translated Text: I am the true invoker who, through righteousness, perceives You with the best mind. It is with such mental satisfaction that I wish to work as an adviser for the settled people. Therefore, Wise Lord, I am longing to have Your vision and communion. (Gathas: Song 6- stanza 6)

Summary Substance: As against the mumbling ritualistic priests, Zarathushtra is simple and sincere in invoking and perceiving God through righteousness and his best mind. This gives him mental satisfaction that stimulates him to guide the people who are settled with positive and productive activities. That makes him more desirous of perceiving Mazda for further inspiration.

Pondering Points: Sincere prayer gives mental satisfaction, stimulates to serve mankind.

81st Day

Transliterated Text: � m� �id�m vahisht� � xvaithy�c� mazd� dareshatc� ash� voh� manangh� �� sruy� par� mag�un�, �vish-n� a�tare h��t� nemaxvait�sh cithr� r�tay�.

Translated Text: Come to me, O Best One, O Wise One, in person and in sight through righteousness and good mind so that I am heard beyond the Fellowship. Let our reverential offerings be clearly manifested among us. (Gathas: Song 6- stanza 7)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra is now invoking Mazda, his best support, to come in his vision through righteousness and good mind -- a true mental perception. The reason: He wants clear guidance to spread his Message beyond the then small circle of his companions. And he wants his prayers answered in shape of his success in propagating his divine mission.

Pondering Points: A short prayer to begin a long journey, a great mission.

82nd Day

Transliterated Text: fr�-m�i frav�izd�m areth� t� �� voh� shyav�i manangh� �asnem mazd� xshm�vat� at v� ash� staomy� vac� d�t� v� ameret�sc� utay�it� haurvat�s draon�.

Translated Text: See for Yourself my intentions which I am pursuing through good mind. They are, Wise One, reverence and praising words for You through righteousness. Grant me the steadfastness of immortality and the substantiality of wholeness. (Gathas: Song 6- stanza 8)

Summary Substance: Having defined his mission, Zarathushtra continues his invocation. He has his intentions which he pursues through good mind. All he intends is to properly venerate and praise the Wise. He prays for stable immortality and true perfection.

Pondering Points: Immortality and perfection come when the mission is accomplished.

83rd Day

Transliterated Text:at t�i mazd� t�m mainy�m asha-oxshaya�t� saredyay� xv�thr� ma�th� may� vahisht� baret� manangh� ay� ar�i h�kurenem �ay� haci�t� urv�n�.

Translated Text: Wise One, it is Your intention that these two promoters of righteousness be the refreshing splendid goals achieved through the best mind. The growth of these two associates make souls harmonize. (Gathas: Song 6- stanza 9)

Summary Substance: Wholeness and immortality, as twin goals, promote righteousness. They are the wonderful objects which can be achieved by using our best of thoughts. It is these twin goals which unite our souls to achieve them. And this is what God wishes us to attain.

Pondering Points: Good common goals unite souls.

84th Day

Transliterated Text: v�sp� st�i huj�tay� �� z� �nghar� ��sc� he�t� ��sc� mazd� bavai�t� thwahm� h�sh zaosh� �baxsh�hv� voh� uxshy� manangh� xshathr� ash�c� usht� tan�m.

Translated Text: Wise One, make all those enjoying a good life, who have been, who are, and who shall be, share Your pleasure. Promote our physical enlightenment through good mind, dominion, and righteousness. (Gathas: Song 6-10)

Summary Substance: Person of past, present, and future who enjoy a good productive life are, in fact, sharing divine pleasure, because their physical illumination is promoted through good mind, self-reliance, and righteousness. And Zarathushtra prays to Mazda for this very favor for all of us.

Pondering Points: Enjoy good life, share God's love.

85th Day

Transliterated Text: �� sevisht� ahur� mazd�sc� �ramaitishc� ashemc� fr�dat-ga�them manasc� voh� xshathremc� sraot�-m�i merezhd�t�-m�i �d�i kahy�ic�t pait�.

Translated Text: Most powerful Wise God, Serenity, world-promoting Righteousness, Good Mind, and Dominion, listen to me, be gracious to me for whatever rewards You grant. (Gathas: Song 6- stanza 11)

Summary Substance: The Wise God, the most-powerful, awards (wholeness and immortality) through the Principles of Life -- serenity, world-promoting righteousness, good mind and dominion. Still praying with poetical fervor, Zarathushtra addresses all and prays for grace and blessing.

Pondering Points: Good deeds have awards. Prayer adds bliss

86th Day

Transliterated Text: us m�i uz�reshv� ahur� �ramait� tev�sh�m dasv� sp�nisht� mainy� mazd� vanghuy� zav� �d� ash� haz� �mavat voh� manangh� feserat�m.

Translated Text: Lord Wise, rise within me, grant me courage through serenity, good gifts of prayers through the most progressive mentality, full vigor through righteousness, and felicity through good mind. (Gathas: Song 6 - stanza 12)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra is meditating. He wants to feel Mazda filling his *self* by granting him courage through peace of mind and body, inspiration to move forward through his best thinking faculty, full strength through proper and precise acts, and the joy at the resulting success through good mind. A sincere prayer to succeed in his mission and enjoy the result -- a wish Zarathushtra, the last Gatha Vahishta Ishti shows, happily experienced at the end of his divine duty.

Pondering Points: Success comes through inspiration, serenity, clear understanding, and planned precision. Result: utmost mental happiness.

87th Day

Transliterated Text: rafedhr�i vourucash�n� d�ish� m�i �� v� abifr� t� xshathrahy� ahur� �� vangh�ush ashish manangh� fr� spe�t� �rmait� ash� da�n� fradaxshay�.

Translated Text: To support me, Wide-watching Lord, reveal to me the force of Your sovereignty, the blessings of good mind. Show me through progressive serenity, righteous conceptions. (Gathas: Song 6 - stanza 13)

Summary Substance: The meditation continues: God who watch all, show me your dominion that would bless and enlighten my good mind with vision, and feeling calm and serene, I gain right conceptions.

Pondering Points: Dominion and serenity help enlighten mind with true conceptions.

88th Day

Transliterated Text: at r�t�m zarathushtr� tanvasc�t xvaxy� ushtanem dad�it� paurvat�tem mananghasc� vangh�ush mazd�i shyaothanahy� ash�i ��c� uxdhaxy�c� seraoshem xshathremc�!

Translated Text: Now as a dedication, I, Zarathushtra offer to the Wise One the very life-breath of myself and the first fruits of my good mind, deeds and words, gained through righteousness, with my ear to the divine voice; in fact, my whole strength. (Gathas: Song 6 - stanza 14)

Summary Substance: At the end of his meditating prayers, Zarathushtra makes an offering to Mazda: His very life; fruits of his thoughts, words and deeds based on wise righteousness; listening to divine guidance; and all the power he has -- to serve his divine mission.

Pondering Points: Devoted life, the best offering to Mazda.

89th Day

Song 7

RENOVATION

Transliterated Text: �� shyaothan� �� vacangh� �� �asn� ameretat�tem ashemc� ta�iby� d�ngh� mazd� xshathremc� haurvat�t� a�sh�m t�i ahur� �hm� pourutem�ish dast�.

Translated Text: The deed, the word, and the veneration by which I give immortality, righteousness, and the motive for wholeness to the people, are very much offered by us, Wise Lord, to You. (Gathas: Song 7 - stanza 1)

Summary Substance: The message of Zarathushtra leads to mental veneration, words and deeds that give righteousness, power to move towards wholeness, and immortality. And these very things are what he and his companions offer to Mazda Ahura.

Pondering Points: Offer the Wise One what wisely we achieve. What a veneration!

90th Day

Transliterated Text: atc� �-t�i manangh� mainyushc� vangh�ush v�sp� d�t� spe�taxy�c� neresh shyaothan� �ehy� urv� ash� hacait� pairiga�th� xshm�vat� vahm� mazd� gar�b�sh st�t�m.

Translated Text: Moreover, all these offerings are made to You alone through thoughts of good mind and actions of a progressive man, whose soul is in accord with righteousness. Wise One, he goes singing everywhere songs of glory and praise for You. (Gathas: Song 7 - stanza 2)

Summary Substance: The offerings of all the achievements of Zarathushtra are made to Mazda alone. No one else. They are made through good thoughts and actions by a person who is progressive, not statically traditional, a person whose soul, self, is in harmony with truth. He sings his songs -- the Gathas -- praises for Ahura and guidance for mankind.

Pondering Points: Progressive songs praise God to promote humanity.

91st Day

Transliterated Text: at t�i myazdem ahur� nemangh� ash�ic� d�m� ga�th� v�sp� � xshathr�i �� voh� thraosht� manangh� �r�i z� hud�ngh� v�sp�ish mazd� xshm�vas� sav�.

Translated Text: Therefore, we make a humble offering to You and to Righteousness. The living beings in Your dominion are those who promote good mind. Indeed, it is in the rise of a beneficient person, Wise One, that there lies gain for all those belonging to You. (Gathas: Song 7 - stanza 3)

Summary Substance: The offering of veneration, words and deeds -- a solemn dedication to serve the Creator and the creation --are made by Zarathushtra and companions. True living persons in the divine dominion are those who promote good mind to acquire useful knowledge. Feeling a rise, a surge in himself because of the dedication, Zarathushtra foresees the gain awaiting the dedicated to Mazda.

Pondering Points: Dedication to serve returns in gain.

92nd Day

Transliterated Text: at t�i �tr�m ahur� aoj�nghva�tem ash� us�mah� as�sht�m �mava�tem st�i rapa�t� cithr�-avanghem at mazd� daibishya�t� zast�isht�ish deresht�-a�nanghem.

Translated Text: Therefore, Lord, we yearn for Your fire,which is strong through righteousness. It is very swift and forceful, and clearly and strongly helps the supporters. But, Wise One, for an enemy daring to harm, it has the power of arms to stop him. (Gathas: Song 7 - stanza 4)

Summary Substance: The divine "fire" is the zeal that derives its strength from righteousness -- precision. It is forceful and swift in clearing and opening the way for the promotion of the mission. It is also strong enough in stopping those who want to harm the cause.

Pondering Points: Righteous zeal speeds progress, stops mischief.

93rd Day

Transliterated Text: kat v� xshathrem k� �sht�sh shyaothan�i mazd� �ath� v� haxm� ash� voh� manangh� thr�y�idy�i drig�m ��shm�kem par�-v� v�sp�ish par� vaoxem� da�v�ishc� xrafstr�ish mashy�ishc�.

Translated Text: What is Your dominion, what is Your power, Wise One, for us to follow in action through righteousness and good mind in order to protect the oppressed person of Yours? For You, we have renounced all the false gods and the barbarian people. (Gathas: Song 7 - stanza 5)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra is seeking to know the divine dominion and power so that one acts according to the universal law of precision and good mind and provide a social order in which those oppressed and deprived of their rights are protected and rehabilitated. Zarathushtra and his companions have renounced all false gods and the cruel people whose superstitious cult is the cause of all exploitation and oppression.

Pondering Points: Order and power, well thought and well done eliminate oppression.

94th Day

Transliterated Text: �ez� ath� st� haith�m mazd� ash� voh� manangh� at tat m�i daxshtem d�t� ahy� angh�ush v�sp� ma�th� �ath� v� �azemnasc� urv�idy� stavas ayen� pait�.

Translated Text: If indeed, You are so, Wise One, through righteousness and good mind, then grant me guidance through all the goals of this life, so that I happily return to You with veneration and praise. (Gathas: Song 7 - stanza 6)

Summary Substance: Through good thinking and righteousness, Zarathushtra has all false gods and their worshipers completely out of his mind. Mazda is the only Ahura -- the only Guide. He prays to achieve all the goals of his present life -- his mission to spread his message so that he successfully returns to Mazda with more praises of love and adoration.

Pondering Points: Mission accomplished ends in happy reunion.

95th Day

Transliterated Text: kuthr� t�i aredr� mazd� ��i vangh�ush va�den� manangh� s��gh�sh ra�xen� asp��c�t s�dr�c�t caxray� usheur� na�c�m t�m any�m ��shmat va�d� ash� ath� n� thr�zd�m.

Translated Text: Wise One, where are Your devotees who comprehend good mind, and despite retrogression and failure, attend to inherited doctrines with wisdom? I have none besides You. Therefore, protect me and my people through righteousness. (Gathas: Song 7 - stanza 7)

Summary Substance: Once dedicated to the cause and comprehending the circumstances with good mind, one is not deterred by initial failures. One continues to wisely work for the mission one feels is his/her inheritance. Zarathushtra knows no one else except Mazda. He prays for support for himself and his companions as they work on right basis.

Pondering Points: Failures fail to deter the dedicated.

96th Day

Transliterated Text: t�ish z� n� shyaothan�ish bye�t� �a�sh� as pair� pouruby� ithyej� hyat as aojy� n�idy�nghem thwahy� mazd� �st� urv�tahy� ��i n�it ashem mainya�t� a�iby� d�ir� voh� as man�.

Translated Text: Indeed, they are afraid of our actions just as a weakling is afraid of a stalwart, because these actions constitute a danger to many. Wise One, those who are antagonistic to Your principle, do not think of righteousness, and are at a distance from good mind. (Gathas: Song 7 - stanza 8)

Summary Substance: The days when ritualistic priests and exploiting princes were in power appear to be disaapearing. They are now as afraid of the Zarathushtrian mission as a weakling fears a strong person. The reason is simple. They do think of righteousness and and do not use their good mind, and therefore remain antagonists to the Divine Doctrine.

Pondering Points: Wrong, when not strong, fears the rising right just because of not consulting good mind.

97th Day

Transliterated Text: ��i spe�t�m �rmait�m thwahy� mazd� berexdh�m v�dush� dush-shyaothan� avazazat vangh�ush evist� manangh� a�iby� mash ash� syazdat �avat ahmat aurun� xrafstr�.

Translated Text: Wise One, he forsakes progressive serenity, esteemed by your wise one, with his evil deeds solely because of his lack of good mind. He avoids them much on account of their righteousness, just as the disheveled barbarians keep far from us. (Gathas: Song 7 - stanza 9)

Summary Substance: Progressive serenity and stability is valued by the wise one who devoted to Mazda. But the person lacking good mind forsakes serenity because of his evil actions. Just as uncivilized people shun our company, such a person would avoid good people because of their righteousness.

Pondering Points: Evil actions isolate one from stability valued by wise community.

98th Day

Transliterated Text: ahy� vangh�ush manangh� shyaothan� vaocat gereb�m huxratush spe�t�mc� �ramait�m d�m�m v�dv� haith�m ashahy� t�c� v�sp� ahur� thwahm� mazd� xshathr�i � v�yathr�.

Translated Text: The person of good intellect says that the deeds of good mind must be maintained. He knows that progressive serenity is the true product of righteousness. All these, Lord Wise, are means of promotion in Your dominion. (Gathas: Song 7 - stanza 10)

Summary Substance: A wise person wants that one should maintain deeds done with good mind, because he knows that progressive serenity and growing stability is the right result of proper procedure. These deeds promote the divine dominion [chosen and established by righteous people].

Pondering Points: Good deeds increase growing stability, promote good order.

99th Day

Transliterated Text: at t�i ub� haurv�sc� xvareth�i � ameretat�sc� vangh�ush xshathr� manangh� ash� mat �rmaitish vaxsht utay�it� tev�sh� t�ish � mazd� v�dva�sh�m thw�i ah�.

Translated Text: Both wholeness and immortality lead to Your splendor. The sovereignty of good mind and serenity with righteousness promote steadfast strength and courage. These, Wise One, constitute our strength against antagonists. (Gathas: Song 7 - stanza 11)

Summary Substance: Wholeness and immortality lead to divine splendor. For that goal, a self-reliant good mind, enjoying stability and rightness, gives one the lasting strength and courage to overcome antagonism.

Pondering Points: Good mind, stability, and righteousness, when combined, give courage to win.

100th Day

Transliterated Text: kat t�i r�zar� kat vash� kat v� st�t� kat v� �asnahy� sr�idy�i mazd� fr�vaoc� y� v�d�y�t ash�sh r�shn�m s�sh� n� ash� path� vangh�ush hva�t��g manangh�.

Translated Text: What is Your guidance and what is Your wish? Is it for praise, or is it for veneration? Wise One, declare it while we listen, and the reward for following Your guidance. Show us, through righteousness, the paths to self-reliance of good mind. (Gathas: Song 7 - stanza 12)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra asks and then supplies the subtle answer: The paths leading through righteous to the goal -- self-reliance that enjoys good mind. This is what the guidance is for, what the Wise One wishes. God does not want praise and veneration. All Mazda wishes is that we are guided to our goal. It is us who praise and venerate God out of love.

Pondering Points: The goal guided by Mazda: Self-reliance based on good mind.

101st Day

Transliterated Text:

t�m adv�nem ahur� ��m m�i mraosh vangh�ush manangh� da�n� saoshya�t�m �� h�-karet� ash�c�t urv�xshat hyat civisht� hud�by� m�zhdem mazd� �ehy� t� dathrem.

Translated Text: God, this is the same road of good mind You have shown me. It is the religion of the benefectors by which good deeds lead only through righteousness to happiness, the promised reward for the beneficent, a reward, Wise One, solely given by You. (Gathas: Song 7 - stanza 13)

Summary Substance: Proceeding towards the goal, Zarathushtra sees that it is very path he has divinely realized. It is the religion of benefactors, a religion in which good deeds, done precisely according to the universal law, lead to happiness, eternal bliss. It is the reward promised and granted by Mazda to those who promote goodness.

Pondering Points: Deeds done to benefit all have divine bliss in reward.

102nd Day

Transliterated Text: tat z� mazd� vair�m astvait� usht�n�i d�t� vangh�ush shyaothan� manangh� ��i z� g�ush verez�n� azy� xshm�k�m hucist�m ahur� xrat�ush ash� fr�d� verez�n�.

Translated Text: Indeed, Wise One, this reward is given to those, who, in their choice of physical life, truly serve the community of the fruitful world with their deeds of good mind, and God, promote Your plan of wisdom through communal righteousness. (Gathas: Song 7 - stanza 14)

Summary Substance: The reward of eternal bliss is for those who choose, through their free will, to serve humanity on this earth of ours as best as they can. This world is very productive and rewarding. Serving it with good mind and close cooperation means promoting the divine plan so wisely prepared.

Pondering Points: Joining others in wise service is to make life more fruitful, more blissful.

103rd Day

Transliterated Text: mazd� at m�i vahisht� srav�sc� shyaothan�c� vaoc� t�-t� voh� manangh� ash�c� ishudem st�t� xshm�k� xshathr� ahur� ferash�m vasn� haithy�m d� ah�m.

Translated Text: And in response to my request in praises, Wise One, tell me now the best words and deeds through good mind. Make life truly renovated with Your sovereignty as You wish. (Gathas: Song 7 - stanza 15)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra concludes his Ahunavaiti Gatha with this stanza. In his concluding wish, he prays, in fact, prepares himself for best words and deeds that issue from good mind and clear thinking. It is these words and deeds that continue to renovate --update -- our life with divine support because that is what Mazda wishes us to accomplish.

Pondering Points: Continuous renovation of life is the Divine wish.

Ushtavaiti G�th�

Song 8

THE SONGS LEADING TO RADIANT HAPPINESS

REALIZING-SELF, NATURE, GOD

NOTE: The second collection of four songs is called "Ushtavaiti," possessing Usht�, the first word of the first song. Usht�, mentioned eight times in the Gathas and many more times in the Later Avesta, carries a subtle meaning. Derived from "ush" to shine, it carries a notion of "health and happiness" that is RADIATED around to make others healthy and happy. It is used as "hailing" salute also -- Usht�!, Hail!, Usht� te, usht� to thee, Ushta no, usht� to us!

* * *

104th Day

Transliterated Text: usht� ahm�i �ahm�i usht� kahm�ic�t vas�-xshay�s mazd� d�y�t ahur� utay�it� tev�sh�m gat t�i vasem� ashem deredy�i tat m�i d� �rmait� r�y� ash�sh vangh�ush ga�m manangh�.

Translated Text: May the Wise, Ruling-at-will God grant radiant happiness to the person who radiates happiness to any other person at large. I pray for steadfast strength and courage in order to uphold righteousness. Grant me through serenity the blessings of a rich life of good mind. (Gathas: Song 8.1)

Substance Summary: The Wise God rules at his will, a will that grants radiant happiness to whosoever gives radiating happiness to others without discrimination. All joining to create a healthy healthy and happy happy world. Zarathushtra wants steadfast strength and courage not for physical power but to serve righteousness. And he wants stability that produces a rich life based on good mind -- a blessing to live, a life to spread happiness, a happiness that is shared by all.

Pondering Points: True happiness radiates happiness, enriches life.

105th Day

Transliterated Text: atc� ahm�i v�span�m vahishtem xv�thr�y� n� hv�threm daid�t� thw� c�c�thw� sp�nisht� mainy� mazd� �� d� ash� vangh�ush m�y� manangh� v�sp� ay�r� dareg�jy�t�ish urv�dangh�.

Translated Text: Moreover, may the best of blessings come to the person who gives blessings to others. Wise One, may his knowledge grow throughout the days of his long life of joy, through Your most progressive mentality, the wondrous wisdom of good mind which You created by means of righteousness. (Gathas: Song 8.2)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra's guiding benediction continues: The best blessings go to the very person who blesses others. The blessings are the knowledge one imparts to others. Teaching increases knowledge and one enjoys the long days of life. This increasing knowledge is a divine gift through the progressive mentality which is but the super-wisdom of good mind, a faculty created by Mazda through the Universal Law of Precision.

Pondering Points: Teaching increases knowledge, prolongs joyful life.

106th Day

Transliterated Text: at hv� vangh�ush vahy� n� aib�- jamy�t �� n� erez�sh savangh� path� s�sh�it ahy� angh�ush astvat� mananghasc� haithy��g �st�sh ���g �-sha�t� ahur� aredr� thw�v�s huz��tushe spe�t� mazd�.

Translated Text: And may that person get much good who teaches us the straight paths of progress. May he, in his physical and mental life, truly attain the existence where God dwells, for, Wise One, he is like You; sincere, noble, and progressive. (Gathas: Song 8.3)

Summary Substance: Continuing his guiding benediction, Zarathushtra goes further: The person who teaches straight paths of progress gets more than good in reward. He/she mentally and physically experiences the very presence of Ahura. In fact, he/she becomes like Mazda -- sincere, noble and above all, progressive.

Pondering Points: Teach others to truly progress, feel progressively godlike.

107th Day

Transliterated Text: at thw� m��gh�i taxmemc� spe�tem mazd� hyat t� zast� �� t� hafsh� av� �� d� ash�sh dregv�it� ash�una�c� thwahy� garem� �thr� ash�-aojangh� hyat m�i vangh�ush haz� jimat manangh�.

Translated Text: Wise One, I realize You to be powerful and progressive because You help with Your own hand. You give rewards to both the wrongful and the righteous by means of the warmth of Your fire which is mighty through righteousness, and through which strength of good mind comes to me. (Gathas: Song 8.4)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra realizes Mazda, Super-Intellect, to be powerful and progressive when he finds God directly helping both the wrongful and the righteous. He realizes that the divine help comes through loving enlightenment, firmly based on the Universal Law of Precision -- the very enlightenment that gives strength to Zarathushtra through his good mind, good thinking.

Pondering Points: Warm enlightenment helps and strengthens all who think for themselves.

108th Day

Transliterated Text: spe�tem at thw� mazd� m��gh� ahur� hyat thw� angh�ush z�th�i daresem paourv�m hyat d� shyaothan� m�zhdav�n ��c� uxdh� ak�m ak�i vanguh�m ash�m vanghaov� thw� hunar� d�m�ish urva�s� ap�m�.

Translated Text: I realized You, God Wise, to be progressive when I saw You at the birth of life, and found that You have ordained that actions and words should have consequences: bad for the bad, and good for the good. It shall be so through You excellence until the final turn of the creation. (Gathas: Song 8.5)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra now relates his enlightenment experiences in the following stanzas of the song: He realizes Mazda to be progressive because he sees full justice in the divine action. It begins with the birth of life. Thoughts when turned into words and deeds have their consequences. Bad brings bad and good brings good consequences. This law shall last through divine excellence until the final turn of creation for the ultimate goal.

Pondering Points: Consequences -- bad for bad and good for good -- begin when life begins.

109th Day

Transliterated Text: �ahm� spe�t� thw� mainy� urva�s� jas� mazd� xshathr� ahm� voh� manangh� �ehy� shyaothan�ish ga�th� ash� fr�de�t� a�iby� rat�sh s��ghait� �rmaitish thwahy� xrat�ush ��m na�cish d�bayeit�.

Translated Text: At that turn, in which I exist, You, Wise One, come with Your progressive mentality, dominion, and good mind, through the actions of which the living worlds are promoted by righteousness. Serenity explains to them the proper laws of Your intelligence which none can deceive. (Gathas: Song 8.6)

Summary Substance: The final turn towards the goal begins with Zarathushtra explaining the Principles of divine progressive mentality, the good dominion chosen and established by the people, and good mind which help to promote the living worlds through righteousness, and the worlds enjoying serenity and stability get the opportunity to understand the Divine Intelligence which watches every move and nothing ever escapes its attention.

Pondering Points: The final turn to goal begins the day when good mind, righteousness, divine dominion, stability, and creative mentality begin to work and progress together.

110th Day

Transliterated Text: spe�tem at thw� mazd� m��gh� ahur� hyat m� voh� pair�-jasat manangh� peresatc� m�, cish ah� kahy� ah� kath� ay�r� daxsh�r� ferasay�i d�sh� aib� thw�h� ga�th�h� tanushic�.

Translated Text: I realized You, God Wise, to be progressive when I was encircled by it (enlightenment) through good mind, and it asked: "Who are you? To whom do you belong? How would you, in these days of questioning, explain the directives to the living and to yourself?" (Gathas: Song 8.7)

Summary Substance: The enlightenment experience now turns to self. Zarathushtra realizes Mazda to be progressive when enlightenment encircles him through his own good mind. It asks: Who are you? Whom do you belong to? You stand questioning and do not have all the answers yet. How would you explain what the directives are, what the entire message is -- to yourself and to others? It makes him reflect more.

Pondering Points: Understand your self first to fully realize God and the divine purpose.

111th Day

Transliterated Text: at h�i aoj� zarathushtr� paourv�m haithy� dva�sh� hyat is�y� dregv�it� at ash�un� rafen� xy�m aoj��ghvat hyat �b�sht�sh vasase xshathrahy� dy� �avat � thw� mazd� st�um� ufy�c�!

Translated Text: Then I said to it first: "I am Zarathushtra. I am, as far as I can be, a true opponent of the wrongful, and a strong supporter of the righteous. In order to establish the adorations of the Ruler-at-will, I shall continue to praise and glorify You, Wise One. (Gathas: Song 8.8)

Summary Substance: In reply to the enlightenment, Zarathushtra dedicates himself to, as far as he can, the wrongful people and strongly support the righteous persons. In addition, he dedicates himself to continue to weave songs of praise to Mazda who rules at will, songs which are simultaneously guidance for mankind.

Pondering Points: Self-realization means self-dedication to oppose wrong and help right.

112th Day

Transliterated Text: spe�tem at thw� mazd� m��gh� ahur� hyat m� voh� pair�-jasat manangh� ahy� feras�m kahm�i v�v�duy� vash� at � thwahm�i �thr� r�t�m nemangh� ashahy� m� �avat is�i many�i.

Translated Text:I realized You, God Wise, to be progressive when I was encircled by it through good mind. To its question: "For what purpose do you want to acquire knowledge;" I said: "With the gift of homage to Your fire, I shall meditate, as long as I can, in quest of righteousness." (Gathas: Song 8.9)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra realizes Mazda to be progressive when enlightenment encircles him through his own good mind. It asks him: Why do you want to acquire knowledge? He says that with the guidance of the divine FIRE -- light, warmth and strength -- he will continue to concentrate how to gain knowledge to better proceed on the path of righteousness.

Pondering Points: Knowledge enlightens the way to Truth.

113th Day

Transliterated Text: at t� m�i d�ish ashem hyat m� zaozaom� �ramait� hacimn� �t �rem peres�c� n� �� t�i �hm� parsht� parsht�m z� thw� �athan� tat �mavat�m hyat thw� xshay�sh a�shem dy�t �mava�tem.

Translated Text: So, show me righteousness which I continue to invoke. I am well accompanied by serenity. Ask us what we want to ask you. An inquiry by you amounts to an inquiry by the strong, because the Ruler makes one strong and powerful through you (the enlightenment). (Gathas: Song 8.10)

Summary Substance: Praising and adhering to righteousness, Zarathushtra wants to see more about it His adherence to righteousness has given him serenity and stability. In his search and research, he wants to know what is the divine will, the will of the Ruler-at-will (see stanza 8.8). The knowledge of the divine will, gained through enlightenment to which Zarathushtra is directing his searching questions, certainly makes him feel more strong and enlightened.

Pondering Points: Adhering to righteousness and enjoying stability gives strength to search more for divine will.

114th Day

Transliterated Text: spe�tem at thw� mazd� m��gh� ahur� hyat m� voh� pair�-jasat manangh� hyat xshm� uxdh�ish d�daingh� paourv�m s�dr�-m�i s�s mashya�sh� zarazd�itish tat verezyeidy�i hyat m�i mraot� vahishtem.

Translated Text: I realized You, God Wise, to be progressive when I was encircled by it through good mind, and when I first learned from Your words that it would be difficult for me to teach people the devotion to practice what You told me is the best. (Gathas: Song 8.11)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra realizes Mazda to be progressive when enlightenment encircles him through his own good mind. He comprehends the divine message and also realizes that it would be difficult to teach people, so used to their old-age cultic beliefs, to accept and practice what Zarathushtra has learned to be the best religion.

Pondering Points: Blind faith bars one from seeing light. Enlighten them to help them see.

115th Day

Transliterated Text: hyatc� m�i mraosh ashem jas� fr�xshnen� at t�-m�i n�it asrusht� pairyaoghzh�uzeredy�i par� hyat m�i �-jimat seraosh� ash� m�z�-ray� hacimn� �� v� ash�sh r�n�iby� sav�i v�d�y�t.

Translated Text: And You said: "You have come to understand righteousness, and have not paid attention to disobedience." I would, therefore, set myself so that revelation comes to me in company of a splendid reward, and rewards both the factions (good and bad) with gain. (Gathas: Song 8.12)

Summary Substance: With enlightenment, Zarathushtra realizes that he has understood righteousness and ignored things worthy of not listening to. He prepares himself to be in constant communion so that he obtains what he wants -- a wonderful reward of guiding both the righteous and the wrongful to gain the final goal.

Pondering Points: Full attention to the divine voice guides one to guide others.

116th Day

Transliterated Text: spe�tem at thw� mazd� m��gh� ahur� hyat m� voh� pair�-jasat manangh� areth� v�izdy�i k�mahy� t�m m�i d�t� daregahy� ��ush ��m v� na�c�sh d�resht it� vairy� st�ish �� thwahm� xshathr�i v�c�.

Translated Text: I realized You, God Wise, to be progressive when I was encircled by it through good mind, so that I attain my desired goals. Grant me a long life which no one has dared to ask for, the chosen existence, said to exist only in Your dominion. (Gathas: Song 8.13)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra realizes Mazda to be progressive when enlightenment encircles him through his own good mind. The reason: He wants to reach his desired goals. Not an easy task to accomplish in a short time. So he prays for a long life, a life he has chosen to serve in the divine dominion of Mazda Ahura -- the Super-Intellect Being.

To that day, when polytheism and superstitions ruled minds and bodies, no one had dared to ask for a long life to be dedicated to serve an entirely new cause. And we know Zarathushtra lived 47 years after his enlightenment to reach his goals.

Pondering Points: Live long to serve in the divine dominion chosen by and for mankind.

117th Day

Transliterated Text: hyat n� fry�i va�damn� isv� daid�t maiby� mazd� tav� rafen� fr�xshnenem hyat thw� xshathr� ash�t hac� fr�sht� uzereidy�i az�m saredan� s��ghahy� mat t�ish v�sp�ish ��i-t�i m�thr� mare�t�.

Translated Text: Just as a wise and powerful man helps his friend, Wise One, give me Your enlightening support, ensuing from righteousness through Your dominion. I shall, then, motivate and lead those loyal to the teachings and all those who remember Your thought-provoking message. (Gathas: Song 8.14)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra knows Mazda as his wise and powerful friend, and asks for enlightening support -- a support that comes from righteousness, the universal law of precision and the divine dominion of order and peace. Enjoying the blessings, Zarathushtra wants to lead his companions and every person who comprehends the Divine Message to the ultimate goal.

Pondering Points: Our support Mazda, our friend. Our guide, Zarathushtra, our companion.

118th Day

Transliterated Text: spe�tem at thw� mazd� m��gh� ahur� hyat m� voh� pair�-jasat manangh� daxshat ushy�i tushn� maitish vahisht� n�it n� pour�sh dregvat� h'y�t cixshnush� at t�i v�sp��g a�gr��g ash�un� �dar�.

Translated Text: I realized You, God Wise, to be progressive when I was encircled by it through good mind, and it showed that silent meditation is the best. One should never try to please wrongful people because they hold the righteous as being totally bad. (Gathas: Song 8.15)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra realizes Mazda to be progressive when enlightenment encircles him through his own good mind. It showed that the best way to meditate and concentrate thoughts was to do in silence. It also cleared another point. One must not appease and please wrongdoers. It does not change them. They continue to consider the righteous as totally bad people.

Pondering Points: (1) Want to get the best, think deep in silence. (2) Appease and change the hating wrongful? Impossible.

119th Day

Transliterated Text: at ahur� hv� mainy�m zarathushtr� vere�t� mazd� �ast� cishc� sp�nisht� astvat ashem xy�t usht�n� aoj��ghvat xv��g dares�i xshathr�i xy�t �ramaitish ash�m shyaothan�ish voh� daid�t manangh�.

Translated Text: Therefore, Wise God, I, Zarathushtra choose for myself the very mentality of Yours, which is the most progressive. May righteousness breath a strong life in body. May serenity prevail in the sun-bathed dominion. May the reward for actions be given through good mind. (Gathas: Song 8.16)

Summary Substance: Enlightened by the divine progressive mentality -- the creative faculty, Zarathushtra chooses it for his self. He prays: May righteousness infuse his body with strong life. May serenity and stability prevail in the bright dominion chosen and established by the righteous. And may people be rewarded by their good mind with radiant happiness for good actions done through the very good mind.

Pondering Points: Choose the progressive mentality, see the reward in body and mind - health, happiness, satisfaction, and serenity.

Song 9

Answering Questions

120th Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh-m�i vaoc� ahur�, nemangh� � �ath� nem� xshm�vat� mazd� fry�i thw�v�s sah'y�t mavait� at n� ash� fry� dazdy�i h�kuren� �ath�-n� � voh� jimat manangh�.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. How shall I reverently pay You Your homage? Teach this to a friend like me, Wise One. Let us all be given, through loving righteousness, help so that it comes to us through good mind. (Gathas: 9-1)

Summary Substance: We start on another master piece of a song by Zarathushtra on enlightenment through *meditating* questions that turn into answers! In the first stanza, he asks as to how he should pay his reverence and homage to Ahura - "The Being". He wants Mazda to teach a friend like Zarathushtra. He wants to be helped through the Universal Law which is made of "loving" precision. That help comes only when one uses his or her good mind. The answer: The very stanza is the best loving homage one can pay! No rule for running rituals, no directive for dragging dramas.

Pondering Points: Commune with God and search your good mind for answers.

121st Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh-m�i vaoc� ahur�, kath� angh�ush vahishtahy� paourv�m k�th� s�idy�i ��-� d�y�t paitish�t hv� z� ash� spe�t� irixtem v�sp�iby� h�r� mainy� ah�mbish urvath� mazd�.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. How shall one who, from the very beginning, seeks the best life, prosper? Indeed, such a person is, through righteousness, a great promoter and a treasure for all. He is, Wise One, a guardian, a mental life-healer, and a friend. (Gathas: 9-2)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra wants to be fully enlightened. He asks that how can a person become prosperous just because he seeks it. The answer: Just because he seeks. It is such a prosperous person who understands the value of promoting others through righteousness. He is, therefore, of great value to all. He is a guardian, a friend and one who improves life through his mental healing and psychological counselling.

Pondering Points: Seek prosperity, get it and then sincerely make others prosperous.

122nd Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh-m�i vaoc� ahur� kasn� z�th� pat� ashahy� pouruy� kasn� xv��g star�mc� d�t adv�nem k� �� m� uxshyeit� nerefsait� thwat t�c�t mazd� vasem� any�c� v�duy�.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. Who is the foremost creator and parent of righteousness? Who made the sun and the stars in their paths? Who makes the moon wax and wane? I am, Wise One, eager to know all this and more. (Gathas: 9-3)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra wants to be fully enlightened. He asks: Who is the originator of the universal law of precision? Who has fixed the paths for the sun and the stars. How the moon phases change within the month? All these questions show he had a good knowledge of astronomical science and yet was seeking to know more - a science which made him realize the continuous creative and sustenance aspects of God.

Pondering Points: Knowledge must not stop at any point, continue to seek more.

123rd Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh-m�i vaoc� ahur� kasn� deret� z�mc� ad� nab�sc� avapast�ish k� ap� urvar�sc� k� v�t�i dv�nmaibyasc� �aoget �s� kasn� vangh�ush mazd� d�mish manangh�.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. Who holds the earth below, who keeps the sky from breaking away? Who creates the waters and who the plants? Who lends the wind and clouds speed? Who is the creator, Wise One, of good mind? (Gathas: 9-4)

Summary Substance: Answering questions and searching knowledge continue about who controlls the earth below and the sky above; who created water and vegetation; and who moves the wind and clouds. Ahura, the Being. And who created good mind? Mazda, the Super-intellect.

Pondering Points: Master poet, Thought-provoker Zarathushtra sees power to create and sustain in God as Ahura, and good thinking in God as Mazda.

124th Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh m�i vaoc� ahur� k� hv�p� raoc�sc� d�t tem�sc� k� hv�p� xvafnemc� d�t za�m�c� k� �� ush� ar�m-pithw� xshap�c� �� manaothr�sh cazd��ghva�tem arethahy�.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. Which artist fashioned the light and the darkness? Which artist planned sleep and awakening? Who made the dawn, day, and dusk that remind the wise of the ultimate goal? (Gathas: 9-5)

Summary Substance: Turning more artistic, Zarathushtra wants to know the "artist" who created both light and darkness, sleep and awakening, dawn, day and dusk - the entire day and night with its contrasting beauties - only to remind the wise among us of their duty to promote life and enjoy living.

Pondering Points: Enjoying beauties around the clock makes one serve better. Transliterated Text:

125th Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh-m�i vaoc� ahur� �� fravaxshy� �ez� t� ath� haithy� ashem shyaothan�ish deb�zait� �ramaitish taiby� xshathrem voh� cinas manangh� ka�iby� az�m r�ny�-skeret�m g�m tash�.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. Are the things I speak forth indeed true? Does serenity, by its actions, promote righteousness? For whom has dominion been arranged through good mind? For whom did You create the fruitful, joy-bringing world? (Gathas: 9-6)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra's questions are now focussed on a new angle. He wants to be sure that his realizations are true. Does peace and stability promote a righteous environment? Who are entitled to benefit from a dominion established by the wise based on sound knowledge? For whom is the living world which, through good thoughts, words and deeds, bears fruit and brings happiness, been created? The answer: We human beings.

Pondering Points: True joy lies in good, wise, stable, orderly, and righteous life.

126th Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh-m�i vaoc� ahur� k� berexdh�m t�sht xshathr� mat �ramait�m k� uzem�m c�ret vy�nay� puthrem pithr� az�m t�ish thw� fraxshn� av�m� mazd� spe�t� mainy� v�span�m d�t�rem.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. Who fashioned precious serenity with dominion? Who made the child lovingly attentive to the parent? It is by these questions, Wise One, that I am able to recongnize You as the Creator of all by Your progressive mind. (Gathas: 9-7)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra wants to know who made valuable serenity and stability and at the same time order and discipline. Who made the child love and at the same time learn from the parent? It is such continuous queries which lead Zarathushtra to recognize God as the Creator of the universe through the divine mental faculty of progress and promotion.

Pondering Points:

Peace and order in the world, love and attention in the family are but two manifestations of the divine progressive creativity.

127th Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh-m�i vaoc� ahur� me�daidy�i �� t�i mazd� �dishtish ��c� voh� uxdh� frash� manangh� ��c� ash� angh�ush ar�m va�dy�i k� m� urv� voh� urv�shat �gemat t�.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. In order to bear Your directives in mind, Wise One, the words which I ask through good mind and the facts about life to be correctly understood through righteousness are: What shall my soul ultimately attain? (Gathas: 9-8)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra wants to precisely carry out the principles of life he has realized through his good mind and righteousness so that his soul finally attains its goal - to be godlike (see the following answering question).

Pondering Points: Principles of life lead to the final goal.

128th Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh m�i vaoc� ahur� kath� m�i ��m �aosh da�n�m �aosh d�n� ��m hud�n�ush paitishe saxy�t xshathrahy� ereshv� xshathr� thw�v�s as�sht�sh mazd� hadem�i ash� vohuc� shy�s manangh�.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. How shall I enliven for myself the religion the Master of Beneficent Sovereignty teaches me? How to be prompt, like You, Wise One, with lofty rules and live in the same abode with righteousness and good mind? (Gathas: 9-9)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra contemplates to know how to promote the religion being taught to him by the good and sovereign God; how to be as quick in adhering to subtle principles as Mazda, the Super-Intellect is; and how to live in an environment that enjoys good thinking and precise exercise? Answer: Be promptly godlike by living with lofty rules of clear thinking and the universal law.

Pondering Points: Lofty rules prompt to be godlike.

129th Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh-m�i vaoc� ahur� t�m da�n�m �� h�t�m vahisht� ��-m�i ga�th� ash� fr�d�it hac�mn� �ramat�ish uxdh�ish shyaothan� eresh daidyat max'y� cist�ish thw� �sht�sh us�n mazd�.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. That religion is the best for the living which promotes the world through righteousness, and polishes words and actions in serenity. Therefore, the yearnings of my mind are for You, Wise One. (Gathas: 9-10)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra wishes to know as to which religion is the best for mankind. Is it the one which promotes the world through righteousness? Is it the one which improves words and deeds in a serene and tranquil atmosphere? The answer: YES. If so then he dedicates all his thoughts - ideals - to Mazda, because he has the best religion - the true way of life in mind and matter.

Pondering Points: Religion is progress in thoughts, words and deeds.

130th Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh m�i vaoc� ahur� kath� t��g � v�j�my�t �ramaitish �a�iby� mazd� thw�i vashyet� da�n� az�m t�i �ish pouruy� frav�iv�d� v�sp��g any��g many�ush spasy� dva�shangh�.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. How does serenity come to those to whom, Wise One, Your religion is taught? I recognize You to be the beginning. All others I consider mental repugnants. (Gathas: 9-11)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra asks to be sure that serenity and tranquility come to those who have learned the best religion, the one which promotes the living world. Considering all the points mentioned in the preceding stanzas of the song, Zarathushtra recognizes Mazda, the Super-Intellect to be the beginning. All other conceptions of god/gods are seen by him as strong mental antagonism.

Pondering Points: Best religion brings peace of mind and matter. Intellectual mind sees Super-Intellect as foremost. Inconsiderate thinking breeds harmful fancies.

131st Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh m�i vaoc� ahur� k� ashav� ��ish peres�i dregv� v� kat�r�m � a�gr� v� hv� v� a�gr� �� m� dregv� thw� sav� pait�-eret� cyanghat hv� n�it ay�m a�gr� manyet�.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. Who, among those I confer, is righteous, who wrongful? Who sides with evil, and who is evil himself? Why should I not consider the person, who is wrongfully set against Your gains, to be evil? (Gathas: 9-12)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra is seeking divine help in knowing the persons he is conferring with. Who is righteous and who is wrongful? Who does evil and who is evil personified? And if this be the case, why should he not consider one who is working to frustrate the progress made on the divine path as evil?

Pondering Points: Beware of the wrongful in righteous garb!

132nd Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh-m�i vaoc� ahur� kath� drujem n�sh ahmat � n�sh n�sh�m� t��g-� av� ��i asrusht�ish peren�ngh� n�it ashahy� �d�vyei�t� hac�mn� n�it frasay� vangh�ush c�xnar� manangh�.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. How shall we thoroughly remove wrong from us, and keep away from those who are full of disobedience, who do not seek to care for and unite with righteousness, and who do not delight in communion with good mind? (Gathas: 9-13)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra goes further after recognizing the wrong and wants to concentrate on how to remove wrong and the wrong among the people he is conferring with. He wants to keep away from those who violate the Principles of Life and who do utilize their good mind and are driven by their "unthought" emotions.

Pondering Points: Use your good mind to keep at safe distance from wrong and wrongful.

133rd Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh m�i vaoc� ahur� kath� ash�i druj�m dy�m zastay� n� h�m mer�zhdy�i thwahy� m�thr�ish s��ghahy� �mavait�m sin�m d�v�i dregvas� � �sh dvafsh��g mazd� an�sh� �st�sc�.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. How shall I deliver wrong into the hands of righteousness so that it is cleansed by Your thought-provoking teaching, and thus introduce a strong movement among the wrongful, which would, Wise One, remove their afflictions and evils? (Gathas: 9-14)

Summary Substance: Comprehending what to do, Zarathushtra now turns to start spreading his message and searches for solutions. He wants to teach, through his thought-provoking message, how to replace wrong by righteousness. The mission will gain momentum, he is confident, among the wrongful and they shall be cured of their wrong doings and the consequences. They shall deliver wrong into the hands of righteousness.

Pondering Points: Thought-provoking teaching, thought reflecting mission, is the best to change the wrongful into righteous.

134th Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh m�i vaoc� ahur� �ez� ahy� ash� p�i mat xshayeh� hyat h�m sp�d� anaocangh� jama�t� av�ish urv�t�ish ��-t� mazd� d�derezh� kuthr� ay� kahm�i vanan�m dad�.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. If You rule this world through righteousness, then when the two opposing teams come together, keeping in view the rules which You, Wise One, have ordained, where and to which of the two, will You grant victory? (Gathas: 9-15)

Summary Substance: The question to is the clear answer: Ahura rules the world through the principle of preciseness. When the two parties, the righteous and the wrongful, come face to face in life, the victory of winning the other side over goes to the righteous.

Pondering Points: Right shall win wrong over.

135th Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh-m�i vaoc� ahur� k� verethrem-j� thw� p�i s��gh� ��i he�t� cithr� m�i d�m ah�mbish rat�m c�zhd� at h�i voh� seraosh� ja�t� manangh� mazd� ahm�i �ahm�i vash� kahm�ic�t.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. Of those who exist, who is the victor who protects the world with Your doctrine? Show me clearly the life-healing leader so that the inspiration comes through good mind to that person as well as to any other person to whom You, Wise One, wish. (Gathas: 9-16)

Summary Substance: With victory going to the righteous for wining over the wrongful, who else will the victor except the person who protects the world by spreading the Divine Message. With his thought-provoking words, he heals life suffering from exploitation and injustice. To such a person, or anyone else, the divine inspiration comes through good thinking. That is what God wishes.

Pondering Points: Use your mind, feel inspired, spread the Message, heal life, and save the world.

136th Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh m�i vaoc� ahur� kath� mazd� zarem car�n� hac� xshmat �sket�m xshm�k�m hyatc� m�i xy�t v�xsh a�sh� sar�i b�zhdy�i haurv�t� ameret�t� av� m�thr� �� r�them� ash�t hac�.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. How shall I, Wise One, carry the invocation from You, in Your company, so that my voice becomes forceful and ultimately guides to wholeness and immortality in accordance with the thought-provoking message which is a gain from righteousness. (Gathas: 9-17)

Summary Substance: The Gathas are simultaneously prayers to God and guidance to mankind. Here Zarathushtra wants to make sure how his Songs - the Thought-provoking Message -- resound in increasing force to lead humanity to wholeness and immortality, blissful perfection and eternity.

Pondering Points: The Subtle Songs soar to guide to Good Goal.

137th Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh-m�i vaoc� ahur� kath� ash� tat m�zhdem han�n� das� asp� arshnavait�sh ushtremc� hyat m�i mazd� apivait� haurv�t� ameret�t� �ath� h� ta�iby� d�ngh�.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. How shall I earn through righteousness the reward of ten *mares with their stallions and a camel,* which would make me know, Wise One, how to give them both -- wholeness and immortality. (Gathas: 9-18)

Summary Substance and Note: Well-determined and well-prepared to spread his message to mankind, Zarathushtra takes a bold step. He has ten couples -- wives and their spouses and another person -- to be won over to lead the mission. They are the ones with *aspa* (horse) and *ushtra* (camel ) as a part of their names and here the Master Poet (himself with *ushtra* a part of his name) masterly presents them, in one stroke, all in half a line! King Vishtaspa, Jamaspa, Fereshaushtra and wives are among the team. With them as the pioneer missionaries, we know the Message spread far and wide. Converts were well on the path to wholeness and immortality.

Pondering Points: Wanted strong pioneers to spread the Message!

138th Day

Transliterated Text: tat thw� peres� eresh m�i vaoc� ahur� �astat m�zhdem hane�t� n�it d�it� �� �t ahm�i erezhuxdh� n� d�it� k� t�m ahy� mainish anghat pouruy� v�dv� av�m �� �m anghat ap�m�.

Translated Text: This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord. What is the primary punishment for the person who does not give reward to the deserving when approached with true words? However, I know what will befall him later. (Gathas: 9-19)

Summary Substance: The answering question makes Zarathushtra know for sure what consequences will befall the person who is approached and given the Divine Message and he does not reward the person by joining him in the Fellowship. Ill consequences until one corrects himself to become righteous and promote life..

Pondering Points: True words warrant positive rewards - acceptance.

139th Day

Transliterated Text: cithen� mazd� huxshathr� da�v� �nghar� at �t peres� ��i pishyei�t� a�iby� k�m ��ish g�m karap� usixshc� a�shem�i d�t� ��c� kav� �nm�n� ur�d�yat� n�it h�m m�z�n ash� v�strem fr�daingh�.

Translated Text: How could false gods be good rulers? I ask this because those who indulge in lust, with which the mumbling priests, particularly the sacrificing Usigs ( a famous family), have delivered the world to fury, and the princes, in their stubbornness, have forced it to lament, and do not reward it through righteousness so as to promote a settled life. (Gathas: 9-20)

Summary Substance: When priests and princes, worshippers of "daevas", false gods, join hands to exploit people, they make life miserable. They are driven by greed and lust for wealth. Among those who were opposed to the Message, were these ritualistic priests, especially the Usig family of the Rig Vedic fame for their sacrificial rites, and the ruthless princes. Yet they propagated that their exploiting actions were in the name of good gods. Zarathushtra, advocate of peaceful settled life, questions their legitimacy. He has his own plan to spread his Divine Doctrine and promote a stable life of righteousness.

Pondering Points: Ritualism and tyranny do not make a peaceful prosperous community.

Song 10

PROCLAMATION

140th Day

Transliterated Text: at fravaxshy� n� g�sh�d�m n� sraot� �a�c� asn�t �a�c� d�r�t ishath� n� �m v�sp� cithr� z� mazd�ngh�d�m n�it daibit�m dush-sastish ah�m mer�shy�t ak� varan� dregv� hizv� �veret�.

Translated Text: Now, I shall proclaim, hear and listen, you who have come from near and far as seekers. Now, clearly bear these in mind. Let not the evil teacher, the wrongful, with his evil choice and perverted tongue, destroy life for a second time. (Gathas: 10-1)

Summary Substance: Feeling fully confident of how to spread his message, Zarathushtra calls a conference. People flock in from far and near to hear him. He addresses them. He wants to make one point clear. He wants them to bear in mind that evil teachers have chosen evil and use perverse language to seduce them back -- a trick that would destroy their life now being built on a new, fresh standard.

Pondering Points: Once guided should never get misguided.

141st Day

Transliterated Text: at fravaxshy� angh�ush mainy� pouruy� �ay� spany� �it� mravat ��m a�grem n�it n� man� n�it s��gh� n�it xratav� na�d� varan� n�it uxdh� na�d� shyaothan� n�it da�n� n�it urv�n� hacai�t�.

Translated Text: Now, I shall proclaim the two foremost mentalities of life. Of these, the more progressive one told the retarding one thus: Neither our thoughts, nor teachings, nor intellects, nor choices, nor words, nor deeds, nor consciences, nor souls agree. (Gathas: 10-2)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra proclaims a second important point. The two mentalities play a foremost part in our lives. They are the good and evil mentality in human mind. One is more progressive and the other is the retarding one. They have nothing in common. They differ in thought, teaching, wisdom, choice, words, deeds, reflection and their very basis.

Pondering Points: Good and evil, two opposite mentalities in human mind, share nothing in common.

142nd Day

Transliterated Text: at fravaxshy� angh�ush ahy� pourv�m ��m m�i v�dv� mazd� vaocat ahur� ��i �m v� n�it ith� m�threm vareshe�t� �ath� �m m�n�ic� vaocac� a�iby� angh�ush av�i anghat ap�mem.

Translated Text: Now, I shall proclaim the foremost point of this life, which the Wise God, the Knowing told me: Those of you who do not practice the thought-provoking doctrine the way I understand and explain it, shall experience a woeful end of life. (Gathas: 10-3)

Summary Substance: The third important point proclaimed by Zarathushtra is a warning. He has realized through his divine communion with the Wise One, a doctrine which stimulates mind to clearly think and decide to follow the Primal Principles of Life. If one does not use discretion and blindly follows what he/she is taught and told, he/she would experience a woeful life.

Pondering Points: Hear good, think clear, avoid disaster.

143rd Day

Transliterated Text: at fravaxshy� angh�ush ahy� vahishtem ash�t hac� mazd� va�d� �� �m d�t patar�m vangh�ush varezaya�t� manangh� at h�i duged� hushyaothan� �rmaitish n�it diwzhaidy�i v�sp�-hishas ahur�.

Translated Text: Now, I shall proclaim the best in this life, which, I know through righteousness, the Wise One gave. He is the patron of active good mind, and the good-working serenity is His creation. The all-watching God cannot be deceived. (Gathas: 10-4)

Summary Substance: The fourth point, the best one to know in this life, is that Mazda is the creator of both good mind and serenity - two principles which are essential to promote a righteous way of life. Zarathushtra realized the fact through the Universal Law of Righteousness. And Zarathushtra reminds us that Ahura is watching all and is in full contact with the creation. Nothing can go undetected. It is futile on part of some who think they can deceive God -- a practice among polytheists.

Pondering Points: Mazda established the Primal Principles of Life to watch us be honest in our acts.

144th Day

Transliterated Text: at fravaxshy� hyat m�i mraot spe�t�tem� vac� sr�idy�i hyat mareta�iby� vahishtem ��i m�i ahm�i seraoshem d�n cayasc� up�-jimen haurv�t� ameret�t� vangh�ush many�ush shyaothan�ish mazd� ahur�.

Translated Text: Now, I shall proclaim the word which the Most Progressive One told me. It is the best to be heard by mortals. Those who pay it attention and observance, shall have wholeness and immortality, and reach the Wise God through their actions of good mind. (Gathas: 10-5)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra proclaims the Message he has realized through his communion with God who is the most progressive. The Message is, therefore, very progressive. It is the best to be heeded by mankind. If given the attention and the observance it deserves, and then followed wisely by good actions, it surely will lead to perfection and immortality.

Pondering Points: Progressive message means progress to perpetual perfection.

145th Day

Transliterated Text: at fravaxshy� v�span�m mazishtem stavas ash� �� hud� ��i he�t� spe�t� mainy� sraot� mazd� ahur� �ehy� vahm� voh� frash� manangh� ahy� xrat� fr� m� s�st� vahisht�.

Translated Text: Now, I shall proclaim the Greatest of all. I shall praise Him through righteousness. He is beneficent to those who exist. May Wise God hear me through the progressive mind. I have taken counsel with good mind in His glory. May He, with this wisdom, guide me best. (Gathas: Song 10-6)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra now makes his most important proclamation. It is Mazda Ahura, the Super-Intellect Being, his greatest discovery, his best realization. He vows to praise Mazda through righteousness and precision in action. The first praise is that Mazda is beneficent to all that exist. He wants the Wise One to communicate to him through the progressive mentality, the creative and promoting faculty. While glorifying God, Zarathushtra is consulting his good mind so that he is guided good to perform his duties in the best way.

Pondering Points: The Super-Intellect Being, as against man-imagined deities, is the greatest discovery. It is the best impetus to think, speak and do good.

146th Day

Transliterated Text: �ehy� sav� ish��t� r�dangh� ��i-z� jv� �ngharec� bva�tic� ameret�it� ash�un� urv� a�sh�utay�t� �� ner�sh s�dr� dregvat� t�c� xshathr� mazd� d�mish ahur�.

Translated Text: The living, the departed, and the yet-to-be-born seek their great successes from Him. The souls of the righteous shall eternally be strong. The wrongful shall experience repeated failures. The Wise God has, through His sovereignty, established these principles. (Gathas: 10-7)

Summary Substance: Having made his most important proclamation, Zarathushtra states that all - living, departed or to be born, will succeed in their life only if they follow the Divine Principles of Consequences. Righteous people will enjoy eternal strength and the wrongful will face failures until they amend their behavior.

Pondering Points: You ARE responsible for your action. Do right, enjoy success, do wrong, suffer failure.

147th Day

Transliterated Text: t�m n� staot�ish nemangh� � v�varesh� n� z�t cashmain� vy�daresem vangh�ush many�ush shyaothanahy� uxdhahx�c� v�dush ash� ��m mazd�m ahurem at h�i vahm��g dem�n� gar� nid�m�.

Translated Text: I shall seek to turn Him towards us with praises of reverence, because I have now conceived Him with my eyes of good thoughts, words, and deeds, and perceived Him through righteousness as the Wise God. Let us, then, offer our glorifications to Him in the House of Song. (Gathas: 10-8)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra is in communion with God. He is venerating God because he has realized the Supreme Being with the eyes of his good thoughts, words and deeds and that too through comprehending the Universal Law of Precision. He feels enchanted and wishes all of us, those who have heard his proclamations, to glorify Mazda Ahura in the state where all is song for soul, all music for mind.

Pondering Points: Want to conceive God? Easy! See through your good thoughts, words and deeds, and through the precise order around you.

148th Day

Transliterated Text: t�m n� voh� mat manangh� cixshnush� ��-n� us�n c�ret sp�nc� asp�nc� mazd� xshathr� verez�ny� dy�t ahur� pas�sh v�r��g ahm�k��g fradath�i � vangh�ush ash� haoz�thw�t � manangh�.

Translated Text: I shall seek to please Him for us with good mind, for He has granted us the will to choose between progress and retrogress. May the Wise God, through His sovereignty, grant us the excercise to promote our cattle and men with the cooperation of good mind through righteousness. (Gathas: 10-9)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra realizes that the Wise God has granted human beings to choose between progress and retrogress - a freedom of choice that guides him to praise Mazda through his good thoughts, words and deeds. He prays for strength to work for the promotion of people and their flocks - their livelihood. And he wants to continue his work through good mind and precision - the perfect way to work positive.

Pondering Points: Freedom of choice is divine. Choose progress and promote the world.

149th Day

Transliterated Text: t�m n� �asn�ish �rmat�ish mimakhzh� �� �nm�n� mazd� sr�v� ahur� hyat h�i ash� vohuc� c�isht manangh� xshathr�i h�i haurv�t� ameret�t� ahm�i st�i d�n tev�sh� utay�it�.

Translated Text: I shall seek to exalt Him for us with praises of serenity, Who, by a new name, is known as the Wise God. He grants, through righteousness and good mind, wholeness and immortality in His dominion. May He grant us steadfast strength and endurance. (Gathas: 10-10)

Summary Substance: Serene and satisfied, Zarathushtra glorifies God because Him is no more the old conception of a deity. He is the Super-Intellect Being, a new name that defines Him the best. He has established Primal Principles of Life according to which one achieves immortal perfection in the divine dominion. May He grant us lasting strength and endurance!

Pondering Points: Super-Intellect, Master Mind that kindly creates, carefully maintains, and pleasingly promotes.

150th Day

Transliterated Text: �ast� da�v��g apar� mashy�sc� tar�-m�st� ��i �m tar�-manya�t� any��g ahm�t �� h�i ar�m many�t� saoshya�t� d��g pat�ish spe�t� da�n� urvath� bar�t� pat� v� mazd� ahur�.

Translated Text: He who denies the false gods and their men, just as they deny him, and unlike others, acknowledges Him in good spirit, is, through his progressive conscience, the beneficent and master of house, rather a friend, brother, and father, O Wise God. (Gathas: 10-11)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra is explicit about Mazda Ahura. One has to catagorically deny false gods. One has to completely use one's mind to undertand, and that too in good spirit, the Being, the Essence, Zarathushtra is describing as the Super-Intellect. Such a person, because of his/her progressive conscience, progressive insight, becomes a benefector, a leader, in fact a friend, brother/sister, and parent for the community. (Note: words for brother and father, when used in neuter gender stands for both sexes in Avesta and Sanskrit)

Pondering Points: Forget gods to comprehend God - Mazda Ahura. Then act sincerely to benefit the world fellowship.

Song 11

FROM SUFFERING TO SUCCESS

NOTE: This song is a master-piece in telling us of the two phases of Zarathushtra's life: (1) The early frustrating opposition by the priests and princes of the old cult in eleven stanzas, and (2) the later turn to success with the help of the Turanians, the conversion of the king Kavi Vishtaspa, and the joining of others - both relatives and friends - in seven stanza. Only nineteen stanzas to give us a glimpse in his life, from suffering to success, to stimulate us to ponder how a what seems to be an utter failure can well be surmounted to become a moving, motivating success through good thinking and precise planning -- VOHU MANAH and ASHA. This is what every Zarathushtrian should bear in mind in learning, practicing, teaching and preaching the Divine Message. Zarathushtra is the best example to follow.

151st Day

Transliterated Text: k�m nem�i z�m kuthr� nem�i ayen� pair� xva�t�ush airyamanasc� dadait� n�it m� xshn�ush �� verez�n� h�c� na�d� daxy�ush ��i s�st�r� dregva�t� kath� thw� mazd� xshnaosh�i ahur�.

Translated Text: To what land should I turn? Where should I turn to go? They hold me back from my folks and friends. Neither the community I follow pleases me, nor do the wrongful rulers of the land. How can I please You, Wise God? (Gathas: 11-1)

Summary Substance: The opposition to Zarathushtra's mission mounts. He is isolated from folks and friends. The community is hostile and so are the rulers of the land. The person who had prayed and asked "for support through progressive mentality [so that] I may perform all my actions, based as they are on the wisdom of good mind, precisely according to the laws of righteousness so that I please You and the soul of the Living World" (Song 1.1), now does not know what to do next. A frustrated Zarathushtra seeks guidance from God as where to go and how to go.

Pondering Points: Frustrated, seek divine guidance. And see how it helps!

152nd Day

Transliterated Text: va�d� tat �� ahm� mazd� ana�sh� m� kamnafshv� hyatc� kamn�n� ahm� gerez�i t�i �-�t ava�n� ahur� rafedhr�m cagv� hyat fry� fry�i daid�t �xs� vangh�ush ash� �sht�m manangh�.

Translated Text: I know, Wise One, that I am powerless. I have a few cattle and also a few men. I appeal to You. Please, Lord, see to it. Lend me the help a friend gives a friend. Grant, through righteousness, the riches of good mind. (Gathas: 11-2)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra realizes that he does not wield any physical power, that he is not rich, and that he does not have many companions. He appeals to God to help him, a help only a friend gives a friend [note the word "frya" rendered "friend" means both "lover" and "beloved".] But the help Zarathushtra wants is a rich good mind that works with precision -- deeper good thoughts through righteousness - two gifts that would give him what he wants to accomplish for his "beloved' - spread the divine message to have a lively life of love for all the living.

Pondering Points: Love gives true help - a bright mind with a precise plan.

153rd Day

Transliterated Text: kad� mazd� ��i uxsh�n� asn�m angh�ush darethr�i fr� ashahy� fr�re�t� verezd�ish s��gh�ish saoshya�t�m xratav� ka�iby� �th�i voh� jimat manangh� maiby� thw� s�str�i veren� ahur�.

Translated Text: When, Wise One, shall those days dawn which will, for the maintanance of the righteous world, motivate the wisdom of the benefactors with advanced teachings. To whom shall this wisdom come with good mind to help? For myself, Lord, I choose Your teachings. (Gathas: 11-3)

Summary Substance: Prayer works. Frustration turns into hope. Zarathushtra is looking forward to the days when blessed with wisdom through good mind, beneficent persons will teach people how to promote and maintain the world. It is that Divine Teaching which Zarathushtra chooses in order to carry out his mission.

Pondering Points: Good mind gives advanced teaching to maintain the world.

154th Day

Transliterated Text: at t��g dregv� ���g ashahy� vazhdr��g p�t g� fr�ret�ish sh�ithrahy� v� daxy�ush v� duzhaz�b� h�s hv�ish shyaothan�ish ah�must� �as t�m xshathr�t mazd� m�ithat jy�t�ush v� hv� t��g fr�-g� pathm��g hucist�ish car�t.

Translated Text: Now, the wrongful prevents those, who support righteousness, from promoting the living world, whether of a district or land. It is hard to challenge him because he is hostile in his actions. However, Wise One, he who opposes him with power and life, leads the people as a leader along the paths of good plan. (Gathas: 11-4)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra weighs his opponents. They prevent the righteous from promoting our living world, whether it is on the smaller scale of a district or a larger one covering the entire country. It is hard to confront them through peaceful means. They are violent in action. One has, therefore, to show powerful resistance, even stake one's life to promote the Cause. Such a person becomes the pioneer in implementing the good plan of spreading the Message.

Pondering Points: Aggression retreats when opposed with power and determination.

155th Day

Transliterated Text: �� v� xshay�s ad�s dr�t� aya�tem urv�t�ish v� huz��tush mithr�iby� v� rashn� jv�s �� ashav� dregva�tem v�cir� h�s tat fr� hva�tav� mruy�t uz�ithy�i �m mazd� xr�ny�t ahur�.

Translated Text: A powerful person, a noble man, as a rule of a contract, welcomes a new comer. He, as a righteous person, is a man of principle. The other (new comer) is a wrongful man. He should, therefore, decide and share the matter with his family. This will, Wise Lord, save him from any violation. (Gathas: 11-5)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra relates an experience. A person of principle, who enjoys enough power, is approached by some one. He is received as a guest, and hospitality is extended to him. It turns out that the guest is a wrongful person. That creates an awkward situation with a possibility of violence. The best way to solve the awkward situation is to share the matter with family members and to arrive at a peaceful solution.

Pondering Points: When at crossroads, consult companions.

156th Day

Transliterated Text: at �ast�m n�it n� isemn� �y�t dr�j� hv� d�m�n ha�thahy� g�t hv� z� dregv� �� dregv�it� vahisht� hv� ashav� �ahm�i ashav� fry� hyat da�n� paouruy� d� ahur�.

Translated Text: But, if an able person does not come to help, he shall himself fall into the binding trap of wrong. He indeed is wrongful who is very good to the wrongful, and he is righteous to whom the righteous is dear. These are the foremost rules of conscience established by You. (Gathas: 11-6)

Summary Substance: If one is in trouble because of a wrongful person, he who is able to help, should hasten to do so. If not, he too will eventually fall into the trap laid by the wrongful. One cannot turn a blind eye when another righteous is wronged by someone. In fact, it means helping the wrongful. He who sides the wrongful, is wrongful himself and he who is a friend and companion of the righteous is righteous too. One cannot have double standards. Simple rules one can realize by one's own conscience - so simple and so divine.

Pondering Points: If good, be on the good side. If not, one is not good.

157th Day

Transliterated Text: k�m-n� mazd� mavait� p�y�m dad�t hyat m� dregv� d�dareshat� a�nangh� any�m thwahm�t �thrasc� mananghasc� �ay� shyaothan�ish ashem thraosht� ahur� t�m m�i d�stv�m da�nay�i fr�vaoc�.

Translated Text: Who will, O Wise One, give me protection when the wrongful threatens to harm me, other than Your Fire and Mind? It is through the working of these two that, O God, righteousness thrives. Do enlighten my inner-self with this doctrine. (Gathas: 11-7)

NOTE: When a person is faced with a any adversity, he or she, often in desperation, turns to God or a favorite divinity for help. This is quite natural. But a desperate move makes one lose one's balance of mind and allow the adversity to have its own way.

Zarathushtra gives a manthra, a thought-provoking advice: Turn to God but remember that God has already granted us two acquisitions -- Divine Fire which gives light, warmth, and strength to our spirit, and Good Mind which makes us think clearly. One lights the way and the other leads us to safety.

The two make us feel cool, calm, conscious, considerate, and confident. The Manthran gives a further lasting touch to his advice: One should not turn to Fire and Faculty only at difficult times but at all times. Let us understand this point -- rather a doctrine -- that it is these two favors, two enlightenments, that help us in performing good acts that serve God and the creation.

*Kem-na Mazda* is the name of this Gathic stanza. It is one of the very few stanzas of the Gathas placed in the Khordeh Avesta, the popular daily prayer book which has practically supplanted the Gathas, teaches us to believe in God, have faith, keep cool, stay warm, think bright, feel light, and steer clear.

Pondering Points: "God helps those who help themselves."

158th Day

Transliterated Text: �� v� m�i �� ga�th� dazd� a�nangh� n�it ahy� m� �thrish shyaothan�ish fr�sy�t paityaoget t� ahm�i jas�it dva�shangh� tanv�m � �� �m hujy�t�ish p�y�t n�it duzhjy�t�ish k�c�t mazd� dva�shangh�.

Translated Text: The person who undertakes to harm my people shall not have his fiery actions reach me. In fact, they shall recoil with his hatred to him, and shall keep him far from a good way of life. Wise One, hatred does not save one from a bad way of life. (Gathas: 11-8)

Summary Substance: With the Divine Fire which gives light, warmth, and strength to our spirit, and Good Mind which makes us think clearly, one can be sure that those who come to harm the righteous, fail in their attempts. Their hatred recoils and they suffer from it. Those filled with hatred simply cannot enjoy a good life.

Pondering Points: Hatred does not save. It drowns.

159th Day

Transliterated Text: k� hv� �� m� aredr� c�ithat pouruy� �ath� thw� zev�sht�m uzem�h� shyaothan�i spe�tem ahurem ashavanem �� t�i ash� �� ash�i g�ush tash� mraot ishe�t� m� t� t�i voh� manangh�.

Translated Text: Who is that devotee who shall first teach me to regard You as the most worthy of invocation, as the progressive, righteous Lord of actions? People want to know the things that are Yours through righteousness, things You, the Creator of the world has told righteousness, things which are Yours through good mind. (Gathas: 11-9)

Summary Substance: With antagonists at bay, now Zarathushtra wants to know the result of his teaching. He wants a devotee who would come forward to retell what he/she has learned. To come and say how to regard God the most worthy of invocation, and how Ahura is progressive, righteous and master of actions. All this to spread the word, because people are now paying attention. They want to know how every thing is regulated by the Universal Law of Asha, righteousness, and how God, the Creator, has created this very law and good mind which help one to belong to God.

Pondering Points: Teach a devotee and see the message spread.

160th Day

Transliterated Text: �� v� m�i n� gen� v� mazd� ahur� d�y�t angh�ush ��-t� v�ist� vahisht� ash�m ash�i voh� xshathrem manangh� ��sc� haxsh�i xshm�vat�m vahm�i � fr�-t�ish v�sp�ish cinvat� frafr� peret�m.

Translated Text: Wise God, whoever, man or woman, shall give me what You know to be the best in life, rewards for righteousness, power through good mind, I shall accompany him and her in glorifying such as You are, and shall, with all of them, cross over the sorting bridge. (Gathas: 11-10)

Summary Substance: Praying to Mazda with increasing confidence, Zarathushtra watches as men and women come over to him and offer the very best of their life, a help which strengthens the mission in its righteous plans and good consultation. It is with such companions that Zarathushtra wants to truly glorify God and cross over the "sorting bridge" that separates the righteous from the wrongful.

Pondering Points: Men and women joining the righteous mission create their own identity and entity.

161st Day

Transliterated Text:xshathr�ish ��j�n karapan� k�vayasc� ak�ish shyaothan�ish ah�m mere�geidy�i mash�m ���g xv� urv� hva�c� xraodat da�n� hyat aib�-gemen �athr� cinvat� peretush �av�i v�sp�i dr�j� dem�n�i astay�.

Translated Text: Priests and princes yoke people under duress to destroy life with their evil actions. But their souls and their consciences shall upbraid them when they approach the sorting bridge, because they have been all the time dwelling in the house of wrong. (Gathas: 11-11)

Summary Substance: Priests and princes, in their greed for exploitation put pressure on people, an evil act that destroys their life. When these exploiters come at the "sorting bridge" of the righteous and the wrongful, they stand rebuked by their own conscience. It recounts their evil deeds, deeds they have been committing all through their life, a life lived in wrong and with wrong.

Pondering Points: One can pose righteous to all but never to one's own conscience.

162nd Day

Transliterated Text: hyat us ash� naptya�sh� nafshuc� t�rahy� uzj�n fry�nahy� aojya�sh� �ramat�ish ga�th� fr�d� thwaxshangh� at �sh voh� h�m aib�-m�ist manangh� a�iby� rafedhr�i mazd� sast� ahur�.

Translated Text: Since through righteousness, the powerful children and grandchildren of the Turanian Fryana have risen to promote their world through serenity with zeal, Wise God has united them with good mind, in order to teach them what concerns their help. (Gathas: 11-12)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra has his first major breakthrough. The Turanian - non-Aryan -- tribe of Frayana join the Zarathushtrian Fellowship. They, a warrior people, become ardent followers of promoting the world through peace and stability. Using their good mind, they learn how to help the mission.

Pondering Points: The Good Religion turns warriors into peaceful missionaries.

NOTE: Yoisht Frayana, a member of the tribe, is noted for his profound knowledge of the Religion and his victory in debate with an Old Cult High Priest has grown into a legend.

163rd Day

Transliterated Text: �� spit�mem zarathushtrem r�dangh� mareta�sh� xshn�ush hv� n� ferasr�idy�i eredhw� at h�i mazd� ah�m dad�t ahur� ahm�i ga�th� voh� fr�dat manangh� t�m v� ash� m�hmaid� hushhax�im.

Translated Text: Whoever among men pleases me, Zarathushtra Spitama with care, becomes worthy of fame as an earnest person. Wise God shall grant him life, and promote his world through good mind. We shall regard him as a good associate of Your righteousness. (Gathas: 11-13)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra blesses the people pleasing him by joining the Fellowship. He/she becomes noted for his/her earnest. Mazda Ahura grants him/her a new life that promotes his/her world and that too through his/her good mind - good thoughts that translate into good words and deeds. He/she becomes a good associate of righteousness, a good ally of what is proper and right. That is the recognition Zarathushtra and Zarathushtrians accord to such a worthy person.

Pondering Points: The Good Religion gives new sight, new life, new recognition - - a new identity.

164th Day

Transliterated Text: zarathushtr� kast� ashav� urvath� maz�i mag�i k� v� ferasr�idy�i vasht� at hv� kav� v�sht�sp� ��h� ���gst� mazd� hadem�i minash ahur� t��g zbay� vangh�ush uxdh�ish manangh�.

Translated Text: Who is my, Zarathushtra's righteous companion? Who wishes fame for the Great Fellowship? He, on this great event of initiation, is Kavi Vishtaspa. I shall invoke, with words of good mind, those whom You, Wise God, have established in Your abode. (Gathas: 11-14)

Summary Substance...

It is a great event, the turning point since the Good Religion was founded 12 years ago. After two years of deliberation, King Vishtaspa decides to convert to the Good Religion. Zarathushtra is officiating at the Initiation. In his opening words, he calls Vishtaspa as his righteous companion, a person who wishes the Religion to be known and spread far and wide. Zarathushtra blesses all those who join the Fellowship, the Divine Abode, where good mind guides.

The following is the eulogy in honor of King Vishtaspa, the only one in honor of a celebrity other than Zarathushtra who has two:

"We venerate the Choice of Religion by Kavi Vishtaspa, the righteous,

The hero, thought-provocation personified,

The sharp-sighted, divine,

Who sought, for the first time, glory for Righteousness,

Who gave, for the first time, glory to Righteousness,

Who was the arm and protection

Of the Divine and Zarathushtrian Religion,

Which had stood stagnant until then.

He freed it and helped it progress,

Made it central and ruling high;

The resolute, righteous Religion,

Which rejoices with life and prosperity,

Which delights in life and prosperity.

(Farvardin Yasht.99)

Pondering Points:Good mind, good merits, good means win over frantic fanaticism, and pave the path to progress and prosperity.

165th Day

Transliterated Text: ha�cat-asp� vaxshy� v� spitam�ngh� hyat d�th��g v�cayath� ad�th�sc� t�ish ��sh shyaothan�ish ashem xshmaiby� daduy� ��ish d�t�ish paouruy�ish ahurahy�.

Translated Text: I shall tell you, descendants of Haechataspa Spitama, how to distinguish between the just and the unjust. By such actions, you shall earn righteousness for yourselves, actions which correspond with the Primal Laws of Lord. (Gathas: 11-15)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra is now addressing his own family members, the Haechataspa Spitamas. He teaches them how to distinguish between those who are just and those who are not. He says, once one knows how to draw a line between the two, one knows how to act according to the Divine Primal Principles to lead a righteous life.

Pondering Points: Distinguish between good and evil and turn good.

166th Day

Transliterated Text: ferashaoshtr� athr�-t� aredr�ish id� hv�-gv� t�ish ���g usvah� usht�-st�i �athr� ash� hacait� �rmaitish �athr� vangh�ush manangh� �sht� xshathrem �athr� mazd� varedem�m sha�it� ahur�.

Translated Text: Ferashaoshtra Hvagva, go with your companions there where, as we both wish, radiant happiness pervades, where serenity accompanies righteousness, where the rule of good mind prevails, where the Wise God dwells in progress. (Gathas: 11-16)

Summary Substance: In a master piece of poetry, Zarathushtra speaks to Ferashaoshtra, a prominent companion and a great teacher, to usher the companions in the world that the Good Religion presents. A place where Ushta, radiant happiness makes all happy and healthy, where serenity and tranquillity provide a righteous life, where it is only and only good mind that guides, and where one feels the presence of Mazda Ahura, who is the most progressive. It is the ideal world created by the thought-provoking Message of Zarathushtra through well-thought, well-said, and well-done thoughts, words and actions.

Ferashaoshtra is reported by Pahlavi writers to have become, along with his brother Jamaspa, ministers of King Vishtaspa. The two truly deserved those counseling assignments.

Pondering Points: God is progressive and so should we. That will create our ideal world.

167th Day

Transliterated Text: �athr� v� afshm�n� s��gh�n� n�it anafshm�m d�j�m�sp� hv�gv� had� v�st� vahm��g seraosh� r�dangh� �� v�cinaot d�themc� ad�themc� da�gr� ma�t� ash� mazd� ahur�.

Translated Text: Here, Sage Jamaspa Hvogva, I teach you my message in a poetic and not in an unpoetic language, so that it shall always stay with you as prayers of glorification with the divine inspiration. Whoever distinguishes between the just and the unjust, Wise Lord, is, through righteousness, a wonderful counselor. (Gathas: 11-17)

Summary Substance: Zarathushtra now instructs his prime pupil - - Jamaspa Hvogva, a sage of youth, younger brother of Ferashaoshtra. He is being taught the Gathas - - the Divine Message in poetry so that it stays unadulterated. Song lasts unaltered. It is prose pieces that are paraphrased every time they are repeated. The Gathas have, because of the insight and foresight of the Master Poet, the Divine Thought-provoker, has remained untouched - - fresh to sing, glorify God, and be inspired to think, understand, practice, and preach. The Gathas guide people to distinguish between the just and the unjust. And whoever succeeds, he/she becomes a wonderful counselor, a genius adviser, a leading guide.

Pondering Points: Sing the Songs, save the Message, praise Mazda, and gain wisdom to promote the world.

168th Day

Transliterated Text: �� maiby� �aosh ahm�i asc�t vahisht� mah'y� isht�ish voh� c�ishem manangh� �st��g ahm�i �� n� �st�i daid�t� mazd� ash� xshm�kem v�rem xshnaoshemn� tat m�i xrat�ush mananghasc� v�cithem.

Translated Text: Whoever is united with me, I promise him the best through good mind, my only riches. But I oppose him who places himself in opposition to us. Wise One, I want to please You, because this is the discernment of my intellect and mind. (Gathas: 11-18)

Summary Substance: Joining Zarathushtra in the Fellwoship brings one the best in life by being guided by one's enlightened good mind. This is the only reward he can promise mankind. But those who oppose the Fellowship, are opposed by Zarathushtra. No compromise. It only encourages the wrongful.

Zarathushtra wants to please Mazda, that is what his wisdom leads him to. And pleasing God, as stated in the first stanza of the Gathas - Song 1.1 - is to please and promote the living world.

Pondering Points: Join the Fellowship, reap the riches of good mind. Oppose it, expect opposition.

169th Day

Transliterated Text: �� m�i ash�t haith�m hac� vareshait� zarathushtr�i hyat vasn� ferash�temem ahm�i m�zhdem hane�t� par�h�m man� vist�ish mat v�sp�ish g�v� az� t�c�t m�i s�s tv�m mazd� va�disht�.

Translated Text: Whoever truly accomplishes through righteousness the complete renovation of life for me, Zarathushtra, as is the will of God, deserves the desired future-life in a fruitful living world as a reward. This is what You, the most-knowing Wise One, have taught me. (Gathas: 11-19)

Summary Substance: The mission, earlier endangered by priests and princes, is satisfactorily successful. The number of Zarathushtra's companions is swelling. He wants them to undergo a complete change. Leave superstitions. Leave prescriptive bonds that check progress. Renovate life. Keep righteously modern. That is what Mazda, the most-knowing Being, wishes them to accomplish. It means the ideal life one desires. It is a reward in a world which is laden with fruit of good deeds. It is this God-willing renovation that Zarathushtra has learned through his divine inspiration.

Pondering Points: Renovate life, and ensure a fine future.