The Preceding Stanzas of "Thoughts":

A THOUGHT A DAY, TO PRACTICE, SAY AND PRAY

1st Day

��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.

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2nd Day

ASHEM VOHU, THE MAIN MOTTO

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.

Pondering Points: Righteousness radiates health and happiness.

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3rd Day

YATHA AHU

The Principle of Choice

Transliterated Text:

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.

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.

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4th Day

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. 

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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. 

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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.  

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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.

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8th Day

Transliterated Text:

(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.

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(Gathas: Song 1 stanza 7)

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

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 11th Day

Transliterated Text: 

Translated Text: 

(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.

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12th Day

Transliterated Text:

Translated Text: 

(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.

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13th Day

Transliterated Text:

Translated Text: 

(Gathas: Song 1 stanza 10)

Pondering Points: Love sincerely to receive love in reward.

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14th Day

Transliterated Text: 

Translated Text: 

(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.

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Song 2
Humbly I pray
Humbly I pray

THE CHOICE OF ZARATHUSHTRA
as
THE LORD AND LEADER
of
THE LIVING WORLD 

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 Spit�ma. 

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. 

15th Day

Transliterated Text:

Translated Text: 

(Gathas: Song 2-stanza 1)

Summary Substance: 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. 

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

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16th Day

Transliterated Text:

  Translated Text:

(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.

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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 activate 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. 

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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.

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 the 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.

22rd 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.

23th 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.

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 that 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 [following] two.
Awaken to this Doctrine of ours
before the Great Event of Choice ushers in.

(Gathas: Song 3 - stanza 2)

  Summary Substa nce: 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. 

28th Day

Transliterated Text: 

at t� mainy� pouruy�
�� ��m� khvafen� 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 imagination. 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.

29th Day

Transliterated Text: 

atc� hyat t� h�m mainy�
jasa�tem paourv�m dazd�
ga�mc� ajy�it�mc�
�ath�c� anghat ap�mem anghush
acisht� dregvat�m
at ash�un� vahishtem man�. 

Translated Text:

  Now, when the two mentalities
first got together,
they created "life" and "not-living."
Until the end of existence,
the worst mind shall be for the wrongful,
and the best mind shall be for the righteous.

(Gathas: Song 3 - stanza 4)

Summary Substance: When the two mentalities begin functioning, the good creates true life but the other disrupts it into a wretched living.  It makes one live without enjoying life. An evil mind turns one to think, talk and do wrong, and grow worse.   A brilliant mind builds one into a righteous person.  This is the Universal Law. Only a return to the better mentality can save one.

  Pondering Points: Life is for living and not wasting.  Wrong deludes to ever-worse misery. Right leads to good, better, best.

30th Day

Transliterated Text: 

  Translated Text:

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.

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

31st Day

(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 difficult task, 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.

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 prosperity 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.

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.

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 by promoting it, we can overcome wrong.

(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 provides the power to eliminate 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:

Translated Text: 

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:

Translated Text: 

(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 axvy�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. 

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:

Translated Text: 

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 to.

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:

Translated Text: 

(Gathas: Song 4 - stanza 13)

Summary Substance: 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: 

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.  

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 hoard 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 reader is free to consider and judge.

59th Day

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.

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.

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 do not act righteously. 

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 this 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 judgment 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 judgment on an act you are not a witness. 

Note: King Jamshid's reign and feats symbolize the period during which the Indo-Iranians migrated from northern 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 devastates 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. 

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 devastate 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 devastate worldly life in luxury.
 It is for this reason that grabbing 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 are bad. That is the divine justice.

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

71st Day

Transliterated Text: 

�� xshathr� ger�hm� h�shasat
 acishtahy� 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 because of such power
that the grabbers of this life
wish to gain their spoils in the house of worst mind.
And they, Wise Lord, who, in their lust,
growl about the message of Your thought-provoker,
lust, in turn, prevents them from seeing righteousness.

(Gathas: Song 5- stanza 13) 

Summary Substance: Spoils grabbed by the priests has given them power.  It provides them with a gainful living.  It is a life of lust lived with the worst mind.  And their lust does not allow them to see righteousness, the Truth.  It makes them create an uproar against the thought-provoking message of Zarathushtra.

Pondering Points: Spoils spoil mind to lie low, leave logic, live in lust, and lash the Divine Message.

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 prepared ceremoniously to give �pep�, 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:

Every teaching of the talented
is 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 all 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.

DEVOTION TO DUTY 

75th Day

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.

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 fellowship;
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.

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

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: Persons 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. 

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. 

87th

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.

Song 7

RENOVATION 

89th

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 beneficent 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: 

Translated Text:

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: 

Translated Text:

(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 disappearing.  They are now as afraid of the Zarathushtrian mission as a weakling fears a strong person.  The reason is simple.  They do not 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 �ramait�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 is 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: 

Translated Text: 

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: 

Translated Text: 

(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 benefactors
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�mastvait� 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 Gatha

Song 8

THE SONGS LEADING TO RADIANT HAPPINESS

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� t�, usht� to thee, Ushta n�, usht� to us! 

Realization--Self, Nature, God    

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) 

Substance Summary: 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) 

Substance Summary:  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) 

Substance Summary: 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) 

Substance Summary: 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) 

Substance Summary:  In reply to the enlightenment, Zarathushtra dedicates himself to, as far as he can, oppose 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) 

Substance Summary: 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) 

Substance Summary: 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.   

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