The Gāthās of Zarathushtra

The worshipful thought, the worshipful word, the worshipful deed of righteous Zarathustra: let the Immortal Bounteous Ones receive the Gāthās. Homage to you, righteous Gāthās.

28.1. With outstretched hands, in homage, I first ask this of you, Mazda, through the Bounteous Spirit, for help: all deeds through Asha, and the wisdom of Vohu Manah, by which you may satisfy the soul of the Cow as well. (twice) With outstretched hands, in homage, I first ask this of you, Mazda, through the Bounteous Spirit, for help: all deeds through Asha, and the wisdom of Vohu Manah, by which you may satisfy the soul of the Cow as well.

28.2. I who would approach you, Ahura Mazda, with Vohu Manah—grant me the gifts of both existences, the bodily and that of mind, those attained through Asha, by which one may place your supporter in well-being.

28.3. I who would praise you through Asha, and Vohu Manah beyond all others, and Mazda Ahura—for whom enduring Dominion is increased by Ārmaiti: come at my call, bringing help.

28.4. I who, knowing, shall set my soul to guard with Vohu Manah, together with the rewards of deeds, for as long as I have power and strength, shall seek after the teachings of Asha.

28.5. Through Asha, when shall I see you, knowing Vohu Manah, and the path to the mightiest Ahura Mazda—to attentive hearing? Through this mantra, greatest of all, may we turn the predators aside with the tongue.

28.6. Come with Vohu Manah; give, through Asha, the gift of long life. Through your true words, Mazda, give Zarathustra forceful aid—and to us, Ahura—by which we may overcome the hostilities of the hostile.

28.7. Give, through Asha, that reward—the attainments of Vohu Manah. Give, through Ārmaiti, vitality to Vīštāspa and to me. Grant, Mazda, that through your Dominion we may hear your mantras far and wide.

28.8. You, the Best, I ask for the best: in accord with Best Asha, Ahura. I ask it as a boon for the man Frašaoštra and for me, and for those to whom you may grant it for the whole span of life in the radiance of Vohu Manah.

28.9. By these petitions may we not anger you, Ahura Mazda, nor Asha, nor Best Mind—we who stand arrayed in the offering of praises. You are the swiftest bringers of vigor and the Dominion of life-giving power.

28.10. Those whom you know through Asha and through the laws of Vohu Manah to be worthy, Mazda Ahura—fulfill their desire with abundant attainments. For I know that effective words of prayer directed to you do not go unanswered.

28.11. You who guard Asha and Vohu Manah for all time, you, Mazda Ahura, teach me plainly from your own mouth, from your Spirit, by what means the first existence came to be.

28.12. With outstretched hands, in homage, I first ask this of you, Mazda, through the Bounteous Spirit, for help: all deeds through Asha, and the wisdom of Vohu Manah, by which you may satisfy the soul of the Cow as well. (..) With outstretched hands, in homage, I first ask this of you, Mazda, through the Bounteous Spirit, for help: all deeds through Asha, and the wisdom of Vohu Manah, by which you may satisfy the soul of the Cow as well. As the Ahū is to be chosen, so is the Ratu, by virtue of Asha itself. The deeds of Vohu Manah are assigned to Mazda, and Dominion over existence to Ahura, whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. As the Ahū is to be chosen, so is the Ratu, by virtue of Asha itself. The deeds of Vohu Manah are assigned to Mazda, and Dominion over existence to Ahura, whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. As the Ahū is to be chosen, so is the Ratu, by virtue of Asha itself. The deeds of Vohu Manah are assigned to Mazda, and Dominion over existence to Ahura, whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. As the Ahū is to be chosen, so is the Ratu, by virtue of Asha itself. The deeds of Vohu Manah are assigned to Mazda, and Dominion over existence to Ahura, whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. Asha is good; it is best. Radiant happiness is, radiant happiness belongs to the one who embodies Asha for Best Asha. (..) Asha is good; it is best. Radiant happiness is, radiant happiness belongs to the one who embodies Asha for Best Asha. Asha is good; it is best. Radiant happiness is, radiant happiness belongs to the one who embodies Asha for Best Asha. We worship the Ahyāsā-hāiti. Whose beings Mazda Ahura knows, according to Asha, to be better in worship—those, both male and female, we worship.

29.1. To you the soul of the Cow cried her lament: “For whom did you fashion me? Who shaped me? Fury and violence, bondage, oppression, and brute force hold me fast. I have no pastor other than you; therefore reveal to me good pasturage.”

29.2. Then the Fashioner of the Cow asked Asha: “What Ratu have you for the Cow, that you, ruling together, may give her care and a cattle-tending pastor? Whom do you will as Ahura for her, one who may drive back Fury together with the deceitful?”

29.3. Asha answered him: “There is no unhostile lord known to the Cow. Among these, no one is known who understands what moves the lowly by right. Of beings, that one is strongest to whom I may come when called.”

29.4. Mazda is the best rememberer of the judgments already enacted by daēvas and mortals, and of those that shall be enacted hereafter. He, Ahura, is the discerner; so let it be for us as he wills.

29.5. Then with our souls and with outstretched hands we two prayed to Ahura—my soul and the Cow’s—when we urged Mazda with questions: “No passage forward is found for the truthful, nor for the cattle-tender among the deceitful.”

29.6. Then Ahura Mazda, knowing the designs in his discernment, spoke: “No Ahū has been found by the world, nor any Ratu according to Asha. For the Fashioner fashioned you for the cattle-tender and the herdsman.”

29.7. In accord with Asha, Ahura Mazda fashioned for the Cow this mantra of milk and fat, he, the Bounteous One, for the needy through his teaching: “Who is there for you through Vohu Manah, who may give these things to mortals?”

29.8. “This one alone has been found here for me, who has listened to our teachings: Zarathustra Spitāma. He wills, Mazda, to make our message and Asha heard abroad. May I give him sweetness of speech.”

29.9. Then the soul of the Cow lamented: “Must I accept the powerless word of a feeble man as my support, when I want one who commands with strength? When will there be one who gives him strong-handed aid?”

29.10. You, Ahura, give them strength through Asha and Dominion through Vohu Manah, by which one may establish good dwelling and peace. I, too, Mazda, recognize you as the first to possess these.

29.11. Where are Asha and Vohu Manah, where Dominion? Now acknowledge me, Mazda—you—with insight, for the great fellowship. Ahura, now come down to us with the gift of those who are like you.

29.12. With outstretched hands, in homage, I first ask this of you, Mazda, through the Bounteous Spirit, for help: all deeds through Asha, and the wisdom of Vohu Manah, by which you may satisfy the soul of the Cow as well. (..) With outstretched hands, in homage, I first ask this of you, Mazda, through the Bounteous Spirit, for help: all deeds through Asha, and the wisdom of Vohu Manah, by which you may satisfy the soul of the Cow as well. As the Ahū is to be chosen, so is the Ratu, by virtue of Asha itself. The deeds of Vohu Manah are assigned to Mazda, and Dominion over existence to Ahura, whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. As the Ahū is to be chosen, so is the Ratu, by virtue of Asha itself. The deeds of Vohu Manah are assigned to Mazda, and Dominion over existence to Ahura, whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. As the Ahū is to be chosen, so is the Ratu, by virtue of Asha itself. The deeds of Vohu Manah are assigned to Mazda, and Dominion over existence to Ahura, whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. As the Ahū is to be chosen, so is the Ratu, by virtue of Asha itself. The deeds of Vohu Manah are assigned to Mazda, and Dominion over existence to Ahura, whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. Asha is good; it is best. Radiant happiness is, radiant happiness belongs to the one who embodies Asha for Best Asha. (..) Asha is good; it is best. Radiant happiness is, radiant happiness belongs to the one who embodies Asha for Best Asha. Asha is good; it is best. Radiant happiness is, radiant happiness belongs to the one who embodies Asha for Best Asha. We worship the living soul of your Cow. Whose beings Mazda Ahura knows, according to Asha, to be better in worship—those, both male and female, we worship.

30.1. Now I shall proclaim to those who seek the things even the knowing should hear: praises for Ahura and acts of worship through Vohu Manah, and the good reflections of Asha, and those joys that shall be seen in the lights.

30.2. Hear with your ears what is best; with a lucid mind look upon it. Each man, each woman, choose between the two courses for your own body. Before the great event, awaken to this teaching of ours.

30.3. Now the two Spirits at the beginning, twins who were heard in a vision, are the Better and the Bad—in thought, in word, in deed. Between them the beneficent discerned rightly, but not the maleficent.

30.4. And when these two Spirits came together, at the beginning they established life and nonlife, and how existence shall be at the end: the worst existence for the deceitful, but Best Mind for the righteous.

30.5. Of these two Spirits, the deceitful one chose to accomplish what is worst; but the most bounteous Spirit chose Asha—he who clothes himself in the hardest stones—and so did those who, with truthful deeds, gladly satisfy Ahura Mazda.

30.6. Between these the daēvas did not discern rightly, for delusion came over them as they deliberated. Since they chose Worst Mind, they rushed together into Fury, by which mortals afflict existence.

30.7. But to that one came Dominion, with Vohu Manah and Asha; and Ārmaiti gave enduring form and breath. Among these, he shall be yours, as the first in the testing by metal.

30.8. And when retribution for their offenses comes, then, Mazda, through Vohu Manah, Dominion shall be found for you—for those, Ahura, who deliver Deceit into the hands of Asha.

30.9. And may we be among those who make this existence fresh and new. Mazda and the Ahuras, come here with protection and with Asha, so that our minds may become one where insight stands in doubt.

30.10. Then indeed the destruction of Deceit’s flourishing shall come down; and the swiftest shall be yoked to the good dwelling of Vohu Manah, of Mazda, and of Asha—those who win a good name.

30.11. When you understand those ordinances that Mazda has given to mortals—both happiness and suffering, the long harm for the deceitful and saving power for the righteous—then through these radiant happiness shall follow.

30.12. With outstretched hands, in homage, I first ask this of you, Mazda, through the Bounteous Spirit, for help: all deeds through Asha, and the wisdom of Vohu Manah, by which you may satisfy the soul of the Cow as well. (..) With outstretched hands, in homage, I first ask this of you, Mazda, through the Bounteous Spirit, for help: all deeds through Asha, and the wisdom of Vohu Manah, by which you may satisfy the soul of the Cow as well. As the Ahū is to be chosen, so is the Ratu, by virtue of Asha itself. The deeds of Vohu Manah are assigned to Mazda, and Dominion over existence to Ahura, whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. As the Ahū is to be chosen, so is the Ratu, by virtue of Asha itself. The deeds of Vohu Manah are assigned to Mazda, and Dominion over existence to Ahura, whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. As the Ahū is to be chosen, so is the Ratu, by virtue of Asha itself. The deeds of Vohu Manah are assigned to Mazda, and Dominion over existence to Ahura, whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. As the Ahū is to be chosen, so is the Ratu, by virtue of Asha itself. The deeds of Vohu Manah are assigned to Mazda, and Dominion over existence to Ahura, whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. Asha is good; it is best. Radiant happiness is, radiant happiness belongs to the one who embodies Asha for Best Asha. (..) Asha is good; it is best. Radiant happiness is, radiant happiness belongs to the one who embodies Asha for Best Asha. Asha is good; it is best. Radiant happiness is, radiant happiness belongs to the one who embodies Asha for Best Asha. We worship the At̰-tā-vaxšyā-hāiti. Whose beings Mazda Ahura knows, according to Asha, to be better in worship—those, both male and female, we worship.

31.1. Keeping these ordinances in mind, we proclaim words unheard by those who, through the ordinances of Deceit, destroy the living world of Asha—but best for those who are faithful to Mazda.

31.2. If by these words the better path is not plainly visible to the soul, I shall come before you all as the judge whom Ahura Mazda knows for the two factions, so that we may live according to Asha.

31.3. That satisfaction which you give through Spirit and fire, and through Asha, to both factions, and the ordinance for those with understanding—tell that to us who would know, Mazda, with the speech of your mouth, so that I may bring all the living to choose.

31.4. When Asha is invoked—and Mazda and the Ahuras, and Reward and Ārmaiti—then, through Best Mind, I shall seek mighty Dominion for myself, through whose increase we may overcome Deceit.

31.5. Tell me, so that I may discern what is better for me, and know what has been given through Asha. Let me keep in mind, through Vohu Manah, what must be remembered—what shall be and what shall not be, Mazda Ahura.

31.6. The best shall belong to the one who, knowing, tells me the true mantra of the wholeness and immortality of Asha. To Mazda belongs such Dominion as shall increase for him through Vohu Manah.

31.7. He who first conceived that the radiant spaces should be filled with lights—he, through wisdom, is the creator of Asha, by which he upholds Best Mind. By your Spirit, Mazda, make these grow—you who even now remain the same, Ahura.

31.8. Then I recognized you first, Mazda, in my mind, as the beginning and father of Vohu Manah, when I grasped you with my eyes as the true creator of Asha, the Ahura of existence in its deeds.

31.9. Yours was Armaiti; yours the Fashioner of the Cow, the insight of Mainyu, Ahura Mazda—when you gave her paths, whether toward the herdsman or toward one who would be no herdsman.

31.10. Then, from these, she chose for herself the herdsman, the cattle-tending lord of Asha, the fosterer of Vohu Manah. Not the non-herdsman, Mazda, though he shared in eloquent speech.

31.11. Since in the beginning, Mazda, you fashioned for us living beings and Daēnās through your Mind, and understanding with life-breath embodied; since you made actions and teachings, so that one may make one’s choices freely—

31.12. There each raises a voice, false-speaking or truth-speaking, knowing or unknowing, according to heart and mind. Armaiti, following close, questions the two Mainyus where uncertainty remains.

31.13. Whatever open matters one seeks to know, Mazda, and whatever secret matters; or if one incurs the greatest penalty for a small offense—you watch all these with radiant eyes, beholding them through Asha.

31.14. These things I ask you, Ahura: what now comes, and what shall come; what recompenses are appointed from the gifts for the follower of Asha, and what, Mazda, for the deceitful—how these shall stand at the completion.

31.15. This I ask: what penalty is for the one who breeds dominion for the deceitful, for one of evil action, Ahura—who finds no livelihood except by harming the herdsman’s livestock and people, though they have done him no deceit?

31.16. This I ask: how shall that generous one, seeking dominion over house, settlement, or land, further it through Asha, becoming like you, Ahura Mazda? When shall he be, and with what actions?

31.17. Which chooses the greater good—the follower of Asha or the deceitful? Let the knowing speak to the knowing. Let the unknowing no longer deceive. Be for us, Ahura Mazda, the revealer of Vohu Manah.

31.18. Let none of you listen to the formulas and teachings of the deceitful, for he will deliver house, clan, settlement, and land to misery and destruction. Therefore cut them down with the weapon.

31.19. Let one listen who has conceived Asha—the knowing healer of existence, Ahura, commanding his tongue at will for words rightly spoken. By your red fire, Mazda, let the destinies of the two parties be decided for the good.

31.20. Whoever comes to the follower of Asha shall have splendor hereafter. But long life in darkness, foul food, and cries of woe—to such an existence shall your own actions and your Daēnā lead you, deceitful ones.

31.21. Ahura Mazda grants fullness and immortality, abundance through Asha, independence in Dominion, and the enduring strength of Vohu Manah to the one who is his ally in Mainyu and in actions.

31.22. These things are clear to the generous one, to the one who understands through Vohu Manah. By Dominion he upholds Asha in word and action. He shall be your most vigorous servant, Ahura Mazda.

31.23. With reverence I seek first the help of your Spenta Mainyu, Mazda—through Asha, all actions; through Vohu Manah, the insight by which you may satisfy the soul of the Cow.:: (..) With reverence I seek first the help of your Spenta Mainyu, Mazda—through Asha, all actions; through Vohu Manah, the insight by which you may satisfy the soul of the Cow.:: As the Lord is to be chosen, so is the Judge, in accord with Asha. Establish the actions of existence through Vohu Manah, and the Dominion for Mazda and Ahura, whom they appoint as herdsman for the poor.:: As the Lord is to be chosen, so is the Judge, in accord with Asha. Establish the actions of existence through Vohu Manah, and the Dominion for Mazda and Ahura, whom they appoint as herdsman for the poor.:: As the Lord is to be chosen, so is the Judge, in accord with Asha. Establish the actions of existence through Vohu Manah, and the Dominion for Mazda and Ahura, whom they appoint as herdsman for the poor.:: As the Lord is to be chosen, so is the Judge, in accord with Asha. Establish the actions of existence through Vohu Manah, and the Dominion for Mazda and Ahura, whom they appoint as herdsman for the poor.:: Asha is good; it is best.:: Radiance is; radiance belongs to the one for whom Asha is for the best Asha.:: (..) Asha is good; it is best.:: Radiance is; radiance belongs to the one for whom Asha is for the best Asha. Asha is good; it is best.:: Radiance is; radiance belongs to the one for whom Asha is for the best Asha. We worship the Tā Və Urvātąm section.:: Whose among existing beings Ahura Mazda knows as better in worship, according to Asha—those, both male and female, we worship.

32.1. His household seeks this, his community together with the fellowship; even the daēvas, in my mind, seek the favor of Ahura Mazda. We would be your messengers: restrain those who are hostile to you.

32.2. To them Ahura Mazda, united with Vohu Manah, answered from his Dominion, as Asha, the good companion, flourished: “We choose your beneficent, good Armaiti. May she be ours.”

32.3. But you daēvas, all of you, are the seed of an Evil Mind; and whoever worships you is born of the Lie and of arrogance. By your actions of deception you have become notorious throughout the seventh region of the earth.

32.4. For you have ordained those things by which mortals, doing the worst, prosper as favorites of the daēvas, recoiling from Vohu Manah, straying from the insight of Ahura Mazda and from Asha.

32.5. By these you defraud mortals of good life and immortality, since the Evil Mainyu, together with the daēvas and Evil Mind, teaches you through evil action and speech, declaring the deceitful to be sovereign.

32.6. Though the sinner prospers through many offenses for which he is renowned—if, Ahura, I keep these in remembrance as they are, you know best through Vohu Manah. In your Dominion, Mazda, I am aware of the judgments of Asha.

32.7. None of these offenses has a knowing champion who can stand openly for the things declared in fiery trial—yet you, Ahura Mazda, know best the final account of these.

32.8. Among these offenses is heard even that of Yima, son of Vīvaŋhuš, who, wishing to satisfy our mortals, gave them portions of the Cow to eat. At your discernment, Mazda, I too shall be reckoned among these.

32.9. The teacher of evil corrupts the teaching; by his pronouncements he destroys the insight of life. He robs me of the cherished, true possession of Vohu Manah. With these words of my Mainyu I lament to you, Mazda, and to Asha.

32.10. That man corrupts the teaching who declares the Cow and the sun the worst things to behold with the eyes; who sets the righteous among the deceitful; who lays waste the pastures; who raises his weapon against the follower of Asha.

32.11. These indeed destroy my livelihood: those who esteem the deceitful as magnates; who deprive mistresses and masters of their inheritance; who, Mazda, turn the deceitful away from the best Mind of the follower of Asha.

32.12. Those whose teaching turns mortals away from the best action—Mazda has called them evil: those who ruin the life of the Cow with cries of delight; the Karapans, through whom Grə̄hma chooses Dominion over Asha and seeks the Lie.

32.13. The Dominion Grə̄hma desired has bound him in the dwelling of the worst Mind, together with the destroyers of this existence. And he who, Mazda, complains at the desire for your messenger’s formula—which shall keep them from seeing Asha.

32.14. For this purpose the Karapan’s insight and even the Kavi’s has long been fixed: whenever they approach the deceitful for aid, and whenever it is said that the Cow must be killed, so that she may kindle help that keeps death far away.

32.15. By these shall the Karapans and Kavis be destroyed, together with those whom they place in power over life against their will. These two shall be borne into the dwelling of Vohu Manah.

32.16. Complete indeed is this, and the best: the teaching proclaimed for the knowing. Rule them, Ahura Mazda—those who threaten me with enmity. Let me restrain the persecutions of the deceitful and deliver them to destruction.

32.17. With reverence I seek first the help of your Spenta Mainyu, Mazda—through Asha, all actions; through Vohu Manah, the insight by which you may satisfy the soul of the Cow.:: (..) With reverence I seek first the help of your Spenta Mainyu, Mazda—through Asha, all actions; through Vohu Manah, the insight by which you may satisfy the soul of the Cow.:: As the Lord is to be chosen, so is the Judge, in accord with Asha. Establish the actions of existence through Vohu Manah, and the Dominion for Mazda and Ahura, whom they appoint as herdsman for the poor.:: As the Lord is to be chosen, so is the Judge, in accord with Asha. Establish the actions of existence through Vohu Manah, and the Dominion for Mazda and Ahura, whom they appoint as herdsman for the poor.:: As the Lord is to be chosen, so is the Judge, in accord with Asha. Establish the actions of existence through Vohu Manah, and the Dominion for Mazda and Ahura, whom they appoint as herdsman for the poor.:: As the Lord is to be chosen, so is the Judge, in accord with Asha. Establish the actions of existence through Vohu Manah, and the Dominion for Mazda and Ahura, whom they appoint as herdsman for the poor.:: Asha is good; it is best.:: Radiance is; radiance belongs to the one for whom Asha is for the best Asha.:: (..) Asha is good; it is best.:: Radiance is; radiance belongs to the one for whom Asha is for the best Asha. Asha is good; it is best.:: Radiance is; radiance belongs to the one for whom Asha is for the best Asha. We worship the Xvaētumaiϑiia section. Whose among existing beings Ahura Mazda knows as better in worship, according to Asha—those, both male and female, we worship.

33.1. Just as it is now to be carried out, according to the laws of the first existence, the Judge shall judge by actions most straightly—the deceitful and the follower of Asha alike—and whoever mixes in himself what is false and what is straight.

33.2. But whoever works evil against the deceitful, by word or by Mind or with both hands, or turns his dependent toward the good—they fulfill your desire, to the satisfaction of Ahura Mazda.

33.3. Whoever is best toward the follower of Asha—whether kinsman, member of the community, fellow of the fellowship, or one who diligently tends the Cow, Ahura—he shall stand in the pasture of Asha and Vohu Manah.

33.4. I who worship you, Mazda, would drive from the household disobedience and Evil Mind; from the community, contempt; from the fellowship, the Lie nearest at hand; and from the pasture of the Cow, the worst counselor.

33.5. I invoke your all-surpassing Sraosha, that I may reach the prize: long life, Dominion through Vohu Manah, and the straight paths of Asha on which Ahura Mazda dwells.

33.6. I, the libation-pourer straight through Asha, coming from the best Mainyu, with that Mind by which I have conceived the pasture-work to be done—I seek these things from you, Ahura Mazda, through vision and consultation.

33.7. Come to me—come, you best ones, Mazda, manifestly and in person, with Asha and Vohu Manah—so that I may be heard beyond the fellowship. Let the offerings of reverence be manifest among us.

33.8. Make known to me the purposes I shall pursue through Vohu Manah. Mazda, the worship of one like you; and the words of praise through Asha. Grant your gifts of immortality, and the offerings of fullness through enduring vigor.

33.9. Mazda, through your most beneficent Mainyu, bring to me the power of discernment that advances Asha, with the bliss of wisdom and the best Mind—for this aid, through which souls travel together.

33.10. All good lives that have been, that are, and that shall be—Mazda, distribute them in your favor. Through Vohu Manah let the body flourish in radiance, through Dominion and Asha.

33.11. You who are mightiest Ahura—Mazda and Armaiti, Asha who furthers living creation, Vohu Manah and Dominion—hear me; be merciful to me when each one’s recompense is given.:: (..) You who are mightiest Ahura—Mazda and Armaiti, Asha who furthers living creation, Vohu Manah and Dominion—hear me; be merciful to me when each one’s recompense is given.:: You who are mightiest Ahura—Mazda and Armaiti, Asha who furthers living creation, Vohu Manah and Dominion—hear me; be merciful to me when each one’s recompense is given.::

33.12. Rise up for me, Ahura; through Armaiti give me strength. Through the most beneficent Mainyu, Mazda, give the vigor of the good reward; through Asha, force rich in might; through Vohu Manah, powerful abundance.

33.13. For help, reveal to me the far-seeing powers that are yours—the protections of your Dominion, Ahura, the rewards of Vohu Manah. Through Spenta Armaiti, advance the Daēnās by Asha.

33.14. Now Zarathushtra gives as a gift even the life-breath of his own body, the foremost portion of his thought to Mazda and Vohu Manah, the obedience of his action and of his word to Asha, and his Dominion.::

33.15. With this reverence I implore you, hands outstretched: first, Mazda, for the aid of Spenta Mainyu through Asha; for all the deeds of Vohu Manah, and for the wisdom by which you may satisfy the soul of the Cow. (..) With this reverence I implore you, hands outstretched: first, Mazda, for the aid of Spenta Mainyu through Asha; for all the deeds of Vohu Manah, and for the wisdom by which you may satisfy the soul of the Cow. As the Lord is to be chosen, so is the judge, by virtue of Asha. Let the deeds of existence be assigned to Mazda through Vohu Manah, and Khshathra to Ahura—whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. As the Lord is to be chosen, so is the judge, by virtue of Asha. Let the deeds of existence be assigned to Mazda through Vohu Manah, and Khshathra to Ahura—whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. As the Lord is to be chosen, so is the judge, by virtue of Asha. Let the deeds of existence be assigned to Mazda through Vohu Manah, and Khshathra to Ahura—whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. As the Lord is to be chosen, so is the judge, by virtue of Asha. Let the deeds of existence be assigned to Mazda through Vohu Manah, and Khshathra to Ahura—whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. Asha is good; it is best. Radiance is; radiance belongs to the one whose Asha is for best Asha. (..) Asha is good; it is best. Radiance is; radiance belongs to the one whose Asha is for best Asha. Asha is good; it is best. Radiance is; radiance belongs to the one whose Asha is for best Asha. We worship the second chapter of the Yasna. Whose among beings Ahura Mazda knows as good in worship by virtue of Asha—these, both male and female, we worship.

34.1. The deeds, the words, the acts of worship through which you establish immortality and Asha for them, Mazda, and Khshathra together with wholeness—these offerings, Ahura, are set in your hand by us in foremost abundance.

34.2. And all these have been given you through mind and through Vohu Manah, and through the life-giving deeds of the man whose soul keeps company with Asha. Around your dwelling, Mazda, let them stand in praise, celebrated with songs.

34.3. Then to you, Ahura, and to Asha, with reverence I bring an offering: all the living creations within Khshathra, those Vohu Manah has fostered. For I mean to approach you, Mazda, with all the blessings of the beneficent.

34.4. Then, Ahura, we seek your fire—strong through Asha, swift and mighty in its aid, a manifest help to the one who supports it, but, Mazda, with the powers of its hands, a visible wound to the hostile.

34.5. What is your Khshathra? What is your power, Mazda, for the deed through which I might be united with you—through Asha and Vohu Manah—to protect the poor? We proclaim you above all, above the daēvas, the predatory creatures, and mortal men.

34.6. If you truly are thus, Mazda, with Asha and Vohu Manah, then give me a sign of it through all the turning-points of this existence, so that, worshiping and praising you, I may come before you with rejoicing.

34.7. Where are your righteous ones, Mazda, who possess the insight of Vohu Manah? Though deprived of prosperity and even of gain, I shall awaken understanding with inspired words. I know no other than you; therefore protect us through Asha.

34.8. For by those deeds they frighten us—those among whom many are marked as assailants—because of the powerful pride of those who are weak, because of their enmity toward your covenant, Mazda. Vohu Manah is far from those who do not keep Asha in mind.

34.9. Those who, though knowing, abandon through evil deeds Spenta Armaiti, the cherished one belonging to you, Mazda, because they lack Vohu Manah—from them Asha withdraws far away, as wild beasts withdraw from us.

34.10. The wise one has proclaimed that the deeds of Vohu Manah are to be grasped, and Spenta Armaiti the beneficent, knowing the true foundations of Asha. All these, Ahura Mazda, are messengers within your Khshathra.

34.11. Both wholeness and immortality are yours for nourishment; through the Khshathra of Vohu Manah, Armaiti grows together with Asha. Through these, through enduring life and strength, Mazda, you are the foe of the foes.

34.12. What is your ordinance? What do you desire? What praise, or what act of worship, is to be heard? Proclaim it, Mazda, so that the rewards of your ordinances may be discerned. Teach us through Asha the well-traveled paths of Vohu Manah.

34.13. That path, Ahura, which you told me belongs to Vohu Manah—the path of the daēnā of the benefactors, along which a deed well made flourishes through Asha: the reward promised to the beneficent, Mazda, whose giver you are.

34.14. For that desirable reward, Mazda, you have given to embodied life: the deeds of Vohu Manah, for those who labor in the working-place of the Cow. By your good understanding, Ahura, they advance the works of wisdom through Asha.

34.15. Mazda, now declare to me the best words and deeds, so that through Vohu Manah and Asha I may praise them. Through your Khshathra, Ahura, by your will, make existence fresh and true. (..) Mazda, now declare to me the best words and deeds, so that through Vohu Manah and Asha I may praise them. Through your Khshathra, Ahura, by your will, make existence fresh and true. Mazda, now declare to me the best words and deeds, so that through Vohu Manah and Asha I may praise them. Through your Khshathra, Ahura, by your will, make existence fresh and true. Mazda, now declare to me the best words and deeds, so that through Vohu Manah and Asha I may praise them. Through your Khshathra, Ahura, by your will, make existence fresh and true.

34.16. With this reverence I implore you, hands outstretched: first, Mazda, for the aid of Spenta Mainyu through Asha; for all the deeds of Vohu Manah, and for the wisdom by which you may satisfy the soul of the Cow. (..) With this reverence I implore you, hands outstretched: first, Mazda, for the aid of Spenta Mainyu through Asha; for all the deeds of Vohu Manah, and for the wisdom by which you may satisfy the soul of the Cow. As the Lord is to be chosen, so is the judge, by virtue of Asha. Let the deeds of existence be assigned to Mazda through Vohu Manah, and Khshathra to Ahura—whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. As the Lord is to be chosen, so is the judge, by virtue of Asha. Let the deeds of existence be assigned to Mazda through Vohu Manah, and Khshathra to Ahura—whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. As the Lord is to be chosen, so is the judge, by virtue of Asha. Let the deeds of existence be assigned to Mazda through Vohu Manah, and Khshathra to Ahura—whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. As the Lord is to be chosen, so is the judge, by virtue of Asha. Let the deeds of existence be assigned to Mazda through Vohu Manah, and Khshathra to Ahura—whom they appoint as pastor for the poor. Asha is good; it is best. Radiance is; radiance belongs to the one whose Asha is for best Asha. (..) Asha is good; it is best. Radiance is; radiance belongs to the one whose Asha is for best Asha. Asha is good; it is best. Radiance is; radiance belongs to the one whose Asha is for best Asha. We worship the chapter of deeds. We worship the Asha-filled Ahunavaiti Gāthā as the measure of Asha. We worship the sections of the Ahunavaiti Gāthā. Whose among beings Ahura Mazda knows as good in worship by virtue of Asha—these, both male and female, we worship.

Homage to you, Gāthās filled with Asha.

43.1. Radiance to that one through whom radiance may come to anyone. May Ahura Mazda, ruling at will, grant it. I seek from you enduring life and strength: through Armaiti grant me power to uphold Asha, the splendor of reward, and the life of Vohu Manah. (..) Radiance to that one through whom radiance may come to anyone. May Ahura Mazda, ruling at will, grant it. I seek from you enduring life and strength: through Armaiti grant me power to uphold Asha, the splendor of reward, and the life of Vohu Manah.

43.2. And to that person may one grant the best of all—a man’s well-being within well-being. May you teach me, Mazda, through your most life-giving Mainyu, through Asha, the wondrous powers of Vohu Manah, with joy throughout every day of a long life.

43.3. May that man reach what is better than good—the one who teaches us the straight paths of benefit in this embodied existence and in the existence of mind: the true dwellings where Ahura abides, righteous, like you, well-knowing, Spenta Mazda.

43.4. Then shall I recognize you as forceful and life-giving, Mazda, when you hold in those hands the rewards you give to the follower of the Lie and to the follower of Asha—through the heat of your fire, strong with Asha—when the might of Vohu Manah comes to me.

43.5. Then I recognized you as life-giving, Mazda Ahura, when I first saw you at the birth of existence; when you appointed deeds and words to bear their reward—evil reward for evil, good reward for good—through your skill, at creation’s final turning.

43.6. At that turning where you come with Spenta Mainyu, Mazda, with Khshathra and Vohu Manah, there the living world shall prosper through deeds of Asha. For them Armaiti shall proclaim the judgments of your wisdom, which no one can deceive.

43.7. Then I recognized you as life-giving, Mazda Ahura, when Vohu Manah came around me and asked me: “Who are you? Whose are you? By what sign will you mark the days for questioning, concerning your herds and your own person?”

43.8. Then first I said to him: “I am Zarathushtra. So far as I am able, a true enemy to the follower of the Lie, but to the follower of Asha I would be a powerful ally, so that I may gain the wishes of Khshathra, as long as I praise and hymn you, Mazda.”

43.9. Then I recognized you as life-giving, Mazda Ahura, when Vohu Manah came around me. To his question, “For whose sake do you wish to discern?” I answered: “For your fire I shall offer the gift of reverence to Asha, as long as I am able and keep it in mind.”

43.10. Then show me Asha, which I invoke. Accompanied by Armaiti, ask us what must be asked concerning those of your company. For what is asked of you by the mighty must be asked with power, when one who rules through you can make the furious powerless.

43.11. Then I recognized you as life-giving, Mazda Ahura, when Vohu Manah came around me—when I was first instructed by your words. My trust among mortals brought me suffering, yet I shall do what you told me is best.

43.12. And when you tell me, “You have come to know Asha,” then do not command me with words unheard: rise before Obedience comes to me, accompanied by reward rich in splendor—the reward that shall distribute benefit among the contending sides.

43.13. Then I recognized you as life-giving, Mazda Ahura, when Vohu Manah came around me, so that I might discern the goal of desire. Give me that long span of life which no one has dared ask of you—the chosen existence declared within your Khshathra.

43.14. As a knowing man gives to a friend who seeks it, so give me, Mazda, your sustaining insight: through your Khshathra, the power arising from Asha, so that I may rise and go forth with the leaders of your proclamation, together with all who remember your sacred words.

43.15. Then I recognized you as life-giving, Mazda Ahura, when Vohu Manah came around me. The best insight taught me in silence: “Let no man seek to satisfy the many followers of the Lie.” For they count all followers of Asha as enemies.

43.16. Therefore Zarathushtra chooses that Mainyu, Ahura Mazda, which is yours and most life-giving. May embodied Asha be strong with enduring life; may Armaiti dwell in Khshathra, radiant as the sun; may she grant reward through deeds joined with Vohu Manah.

43.17. Radiance to that one through whom radiance may come to anyone. May Ahura Mazda, ruling at will, grant it. I seek from you enduring life and strength: through Armaiti grant me power to uphold Asha, the splendor of reward, and the life of Vohu Manah. (..) Radiance to that one through whom radiance may come to anyone. May Ahura Mazda, ruling at will, grant it. I seek from you enduring life and strength: through Armaiti grant me power to uphold Asha, the splendor of reward, and the life of Vohu Manah. Asha is good; it is best. Radiance is; radiance belongs to the one whose Asha is for best Asha. (..) Asha is good; it is best. Radiance is; radiance belongs to the one whose Asha is for best Asha. Asha is good; it is best. Radiance is; radiance belongs to the one whose Asha is for best Asha. We worship the third chapter of the Ushtavaiti. Whose among beings Ahura Mazda knows as good in worship by virtue of Asha—these, both male and female, we worship.

44.1. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura: how shall my reverence be offered to one like you? Mazda, may one such as you declare it to a friend such as me. Through Asha, may a friend give us friendly aid, so that Vohu Manah may come to us.

44.2. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura: how may one win the foremost good of the best existence? The life-giving one who upholds it through Asha is the healer of existence for all, an ally understanding the worlds, Mazda.

44.3. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura: who by generation was the first father of Asha? Who set the path of the sun and stars? Through whom does the moon wax, and through whom wane? These things, Mazda, and others, I desire to know.

44.4. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura: who held the earth below and the skies from falling? Who made the waters and the plants? Who yoked swift motion to wind and clouds? Who, Mazda, is the fashioner of Vohu Manah?

44.5. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura: what master craftsman made light and darkness? What master craftsman made sleep and waking? Who made dawn, noon, and night, which call the mindful person to his purpose?

44.6. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura, whether what I now proclaim is indeed true: does Armaiti, through deeds, strengthen Asha? For whom have you fashioned Khshathra through Vohu Manah? For whom did you shape the joy-bringing Cow, rich in pasture?

44.7. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura: Who fashioned the blessings together with Khshathra and Armaiti? Who made the son mindful of the father in discernment? By these questions I seek to recognize you, Ahura Mazda, as the creator of all through Spenta Mainyu.

44.8. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura: so that I may keep in mind the teachings that are yours, Mazda, and the words I seek through Vohu Manah, and so that through Asha I may rightly understand existence—by what shall my soul come to delight and reach that?

44.9. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura: How shall I bring to flourishing that Daena which the beneficent master of Khshathra taught me as a saving vision—the master dwelling with you, Mazda, in the same abode with Asha, vigorous through Vohu Manah?

44.10. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura: that Daena which is best for those who exist, which, moving with Asha, shall make my living world thrive, and through the words and deeds of Armaiti shall set things rightly through discerning insight—toward you rise my desires, Mazda.

44.11. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura: How shall Armaiti come to those, Mazda, for whom your Daena is proclaimed? I was established by you as the first among these. All others I regard with the hostile spirit’s hatred.

44.12. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura: Who is aligned with Asha among those whom I question, and who with the Lie? Is the hostile one this man, or is that man hostile—the liar who strives against your saving power? Why is he not regarded as the hostile one?

44.13. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura: How shall we drive the Lie away from us, down and away—to those who, swollen with refusal to hear, do not strive to join Asha and do not take delight in the counsel of Vohu Manah?

44.14. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura: How shall I deliver the Lie into Asha’s hands, to crush her through the mighty formulas of your teaching, to work a violent breaking among the lie-bound, Mazda, and bring anguish and ruin upon them?

44.15. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura: If through Asha you hold protection and mastery for me, when the two opposing hosts come together in conflict under those bonds you, Mazda, have established—where, and to whom, will you grant victory?

44.16. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura: Who, through your teaching, is the victory-winner who protects all who live? Reveal clearly to me the healer of existence, the one appointed to judge. Let Sraosha come to him through Vohu Manah, Mazda—to whomever you wish, whoever he may be.

44.17. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura: How, Mazda, may I reach the goal with you and attain full union with you, so that my voice may be powerful, awakening through Haurvatat and Ameretat by that formula which offers abundance in accord with Asha?

44.18. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura: How through Asha shall I win that reward—ten mares with a stallion and a camel—which, Mazda, shall come to me together with Haurvatat and Ameretat, as you have established them for these?

44.19. This I ask you—tell me truly, Ahura: The one who will not give that reward to the winner who, as an upright-speaking man, earns it for himself—what shall be his first recompense for this? I know the final one that shall be his.

44.20. Were the Daevas ever good rulers, Mazda? I ask this of those who take counsel on their behalf—those through whom the Karapan and the Usij give the cow over to Wrath, and through whom the Kavi makes it cry out in lamentation. They do not tend her through Asha, to make the pasture thrive.

44.21. Radiance for the one through whom radiance comes to anyone at all. Ruling at will, may Ahura Mazda grant it. Enduring strength, together with life-force, I desire from you; I desire to uphold Asha. Give me this, Armaiti: the rewards of splendor, a life in Vohu Manah. (repeat) Radiance for the one through whom radiance comes to anyone at all. Ruling at will, may Ahura Mazda grant it. Enduring strength, together with life-force, I desire from you; I desire to uphold Asha. Give me this, Armaiti: the rewards of splendor, a life in Vohu Manah. Asha is good; it is best. Radiance is; radiance for the one whose Asha is for the Best Asha. (repeat) Asha is good; it is best. Radiance is; radiance for the one whose Asha is for the Best Asha. Asha is good; it is best. Radiance is; radiance for the one whose Asha is for the Best Asha. We worship the “This I Ask You” chapter. We worship those beings, male and female, whom Ahura Mazda knows to be better for worship in accordance with Asha.

45.1. Now I shall proclaim—now listen, now hear, you who come from near and you who seek from far. Now mark all this clearly in your minds. Let not the teacher of evil destroy existence a second time, the lie-bound man, chosen by his evil preference and his tongue.

45.2. Now I shall proclaim the two primal Mainyus of existence. Of these two, the more beneficent spoke thus to the hostile one: “Neither our thoughts, nor teachings, nor understandings; neither our choices, nor words, nor deeds; neither our Daenas, nor our souls agree.”

45.3. Now I shall proclaim the first teaching of this existence, which Ahura Mazda, knowing, declared to me. Those of you who will not enact this formula as I shall conceive and proclaim it—to them the end of existence will be ruin.

45.4. Now I shall proclaim what is best in this existence. Through Asha I know Mazda, who created it, to be the father of active Vohu Manah. His daughter is Armaiti, rich in good deeds. Ahura, who beholds all, is not to be deceived.

45.5. Now I shall proclaim what the Most Beneficent told me—the word best for mortals to hear: “Those who grant me Sraosha and reverence shall come to Haurvatat and Ameretat through the deeds of Vohu Manah”—so spoke Ahura Mazda.

45.6. Now I shall proclaim the greatest of all, praising through Asha the beneficent one whom those who exist call Spenta Mainyu. Let Ahura Mazda hear. In his praise I questioned him through Vohu Manah. Through his insight may he teach me what is best.

45.7. Those who live, those who have lived, and those who shall live seek the saving powers of his abundance. In Ameretat the soul of the one aligned with Asha shall flourish, but lasting anguish shall be the lie-bound man’s. By his Khshathra Ahura Mazda established these things.

45.8. With praises and reverence I shall turn toward him, for now I have seen him with my own eyes: Ahura Mazda, knowing through Asha, through the deed and the word of Vohu Manah. We shall establish his praises in the House of Song.

45.9. We seek to satisfy him together with Vohu Manah—he who, by his will, made prosperity and adversity for us. May Ahura Mazda, through Khshathra, grant vigor to our communities, so that our herds and people may thrive through the good discernment of Asha and Vohu Manah.

45.10. We seek to magnify him with the worship of Armaiti—him who is renowned in the community as Ahura Mazda, since through Asha and Vohu Manah he assigned Haurvatat and Ameretat to his Khshathra, and strength and enduring life-force to his dwelling.

45.11. Whoever hereafter scorns the Daevas and the mortals who scorn him—all others except the one who thinks of him as rightful—that one, through his beneficent Daena, is ally, brother, or father to the future savior of the house, Ahura Mazda.

45.12. Radiance for the one through whom radiance comes to anyone at all. Ruling at will, may Ahura Mazda grant it. Enduring strength, together with life-force, I desire from you; I desire to uphold Asha. Give me this, Armaiti: the rewards of splendor, a life in Vohu Manah. (repeat) Radiance for the one through whom radiance comes to anyone at all. Ruling at will, may Ahura Mazda grant it. Enduring strength, together with life-force, I desire from you; I desire to uphold Asha. Give me this, Armaiti: the rewards of splendor, a life in Vohu Manah. Asha is good; it is best. Radiance is; radiance for the one whose Asha is for the Best Asha. (repeat) Asha is good; it is best. Radiance is; radiance for the one whose Asha is for the Best Asha. Asha is good; it is best. Radiance is; radiance for the one whose Asha is for the Best Asha. We worship the “Now I Shall Proclaim” chapter. We worship those beings, male and female, whom Ahura Mazda knows to be better for worship in accordance with Asha.

46.1. To what land shall I go to escape? Where shall I go to escape? They cast me out from family and community. The fellowship I serve gives me no satisfaction, nor do the lie-bound rulers of the land. How, Mazda Ahura, shall I satisfy you?

46.2. I know why I am powerless, Mazda: I possess few herds, and I have few men. I lament before you. Look upon it, Ahura. Grant me the support that one friend gives a friend. Through Asha, teach me the powerful aid of Vohu Manah.

46.3. When, Mazda, will the dawns rise—days advancing to sustain existence through Asha—when the understandings of the future saviors shall come forward with powerful teachings? To whom will Vohu Manah come for aid? For myself, Ahura, I choose you as teacher.

46.4. The lie-bound man keeps those who bear Asha’s cattle from advancing—whether through district or province—he, hard to challenge and entrenched by his own deeds. Whoever deprives him of power or life, Mazda, shall go before and lead those cattle into the pastures of good understanding.

46.5. If a person of power receives a petitioner who comes under the bonds of hospitality, or receives him through good lineage and under agreements, living in accordance with right judgment—if, aligned with Asha, he recognizes the lie-bound man as such, he shall declare it to his household and kindred, Mazda Ahura, so that they may keep him from destruction.

46.6. But if an able man does not come to that petitioner, he himself shall enter the bonds of the Lie. For lie-bound is the one who is best to the lie-bound, and aligned with Asha is the one who is dear to the one aligned with Asha—since, Ahura, you established the primal Daenas.

46.7. Whom, Mazda, have you appointed as protector for one like me, when the lie-bound man sets himself to injure me? Who else but your Fire and your Manah, through whose deeds Asha has flourished, Ahura? Proclaim that teaching fully to me, for my Daena.

46.8. Whoever seeks to place my living world in harm—may no harm from his deeds come upon me. Let it recoil upon him in hostility and keep him from good life, not from wretched life—through hostility, Mazda.

46.9. Who is the man who, as the first, recognized me as worthy, since by deed we invoke you as the greatest—Spenta Ahura, aligned with Asha? What the Fashioner of the Cow declared to you through Asha and for Asha—this I wish to hear from you through Vohu Manah.

46.10. Whoever—man or woman—shall give me, Mazda Ahura, what you know to be best in existence: the reward for Asha and Khshathra through Vohu Manah—and all whom I shall lead in praise of those like you—with all of them I shall cross the Chinvat Bridge.

46.11. Karapans and Kavis yoke mortals to their dominions, through evil deeds, to destroy existence. Their own soul and their own Daena shall torment them when they reach the Chinvat Bridge, to remain forever as guests in the House of the Lie.

46.12. When Asha arose among the descendants and lineage of Turanian Fryana, through the vigor of Armaiti his living world flourished. Then Vohu Manah brought them together. Ahura Mazda teaches them for aid.

46.13. The mortal who satisfies Spitama Zarathushtra with generous gifts shall be renowned as upright. Ahura Mazda shall grant him existence, and through Vohu Manah shall make his living world thrive. Through Asha we regard him as a good companion.

46.14. “Zarathushtra, who is your companion aligned with Asha for the great Magā? Who wishes to become renowned?” “It is Kavi Vishtaspa at the offering. Those whom you, Mazda Ahura, have joined with me in one purpose—I invoke with the words of Vohu Manah.”

46.15. O Haecat-aspa Spitamas, I shall declare to you how you are to distinguish the lawful from the lawless. By these deeds you shall establish Asha for yourselves, through the primal laws of Ahura—???

46.16. Frashaoshtra, go there with the upright, where those whom you choose may dwell in radiance—where Armaiti accompanies Asha, where Khshathra is possessed through the desired power of Vohu Manah, where Ahura Mazda dwells in increasing splendor.

46.17. There I shall proclaim to you measured teachings, not unmeasured ones, O wise Jamaspa. Dwell with them, hearing the praises of saving power. Let Ahura Mazda, through Asha, discern with clear insight what is lawful and what is lawless.

46.18. Whoever keeps faith with me—to him, through the powers of my purpose, I assign what is best through Vohu Manah. But hostility to the one who seeks hostility against us. Mazda, satisfying your choice through Asha—this is the judgment of my understanding and Manah.

46.19. Whoever shall truly fulfill for Zarathushtra what accords with Asha, according to his will—the making-fresh of existence—for him, as the winner’s reward, shall be an existence beyond thought, with all possessions and cattle. Teach me these things, you who know best, Mazda.

46.20. Radiance for the one through whom radiance comes to anyone at all. Ruling at will, may Ahura Mazda grant it. Enduring strength, together with life-force, I desire from you; I desire to uphold Asha. Give me this, Armaiti: the rewards of splendor, a life in Vohu Manah. (repeat) Radiance for the one through whom radiance comes to anyone at all. Ruling at will, may Ahura Mazda grant it. Enduring strength, together with life-force, I desire from you; I desire to uphold Asha. Give me this, Armaiti: the rewards of splendor, a life in Vohu Manah. Asha is good; it is best. Radiance is; radiance for the one whose Asha is for the Best Asha. (repeat) Asha is good; it is best. Radiance is; radiance for the one whose Asha is for the Best Asha. Asha is good; it is best. Radiance is; radiance for the one whose Asha is for the Best Asha. We worship the Kamnamaeza chapter. We worship the Uštavaiti Gatha, aligned with Asha, as the guiding judgment of Asha. We worship the sections of the Uštavaiti Gatha. We worship those beings, male and female, whom Ahura Mazda knows to be better for worship in accordance with Asha.

Homage to you, O Gathas aligned with Asha.

47.1. Through Bounteous Spirit and Best Mind, through Asha, through deed and through word, may Ahura Mazda grant that one Wholeness and Immortality, through Dominion and Armaiti.:: (..) Through Bounteous Spirit and Best Mind, through Asha, through deed and through word, may Ahura Mazda grant that one Wholeness and Immortality, through Dominion and Armaiti.::

47.2. Of this most bounteous Spirit, one shall fulfill the best with the tongue, with words of Vohu Manah, with the hands of Armaiti, through deeds—by this insight: he is the Father of Asha, Mazda.

47.3. Of this Spirit you are the bounteous one, you who fashioned for us the joy-bringing Cow. When, for her pasture, you gave peace-bringing Armaiti, then, Mazda, you took counsel with Vohu Manah.

47.4. From this Spirit the followers of the Lie fall away, Mazda—not so the followers of Asha. Even a man of little means shall be dear to the follower of Asha; even one of great power shall be evil to the follower of the Lie.

47.5. And through Bounteous Spirit, Mazda Ahura, you have apportioned to the follower of Asha whatever is indeed best—and even what the follower of the Lie, by his deeds, receives from your will, through the evil understanding of his mind.

47.6. These things you give through Bounteous Spirit, Mazda Ahura, through Fire: the decisive allotment to the two parties, through the support of Armaiti and Asha. For this shall turn many who seek it.

47.7. Through Bounteous Spirit and Best Mind, through Asha, through deed and through word, may Ahura Mazda grant that one Wholeness and Immortality, through Dominion and Armaiti.:: Through Bounteous Spirit and Best Mind, through Asha, through deed and through word, may Ahura Mazda grant that one Wholeness and Immortality, through Dominion and Armaiti.:: Asha is good; it is best.:: Radiance is; radiance is for the one for whom Asha is for the best.:: (..) Asha is good; it is best.:: Radiance is; radiance is for the one for whom Asha is for the best. Asha is good; it is best.:: Radiance is; radiance is for the one for whom Asha is for the best. We worship the third chapter, “Bounteous Spirit.”:: Whichever beings Ahura Mazda knows to be good for worship according to Asha—those, both male and female, we worship.

48.1. If, through these gifts, Asha shall overcome the Lie—when what the deceivers proclaimed shall be revealed as false among daēvas and mortals—then, with your saving powers, praise shall increase for you, Ahura.

48.2. Tell me what you, knowing, know, Ahura, before the encounter that I foresee comes upon me: shall the follower of Asha, Mazda, overcome the follower of the Lie? For this is known as the good shaping of existence.

48.3. For the one who knows, the best of teachings is what the beneficent, knowing, bounteous Ahura teaches through Asha—even the secret declarations, Mazda, through the wisdom of Vohu Manah.

48.4. Whoever makes his mind better, Mazda—or worse—also makes his conscience so, through deed and through word. His desires, choices, and preferences follow it. In your wisdom, his end shall be distinct.

48.5. Let good rulers rule us; let no evil rulers rule us. Through deeds born of good insight, Armaiti, let purification be worked for the mortal after birth. Let the Cow be tended best; let her be cultivated for our nourishment.

48.6. For she shall give us good dwelling; she shall give us endurance and vigor, through the thriving of Vohu Manah. Through Asha, Mazda shall make the plants grow for her, Ahura, from the first generation of existence.

48.7. Let Wrath be cast down; let violence be cast down. Stand against cruelty; stand against bloodshed, you who desire to hold fast to Vohu Manah. Let Asha come to the clans whose man is bounteous; then, Ahura, I shall place his settlements in your domain.

48.8. What is your power of Vohu Manah’s Dominion, Mazda? What is your reward of Asha for me, Ahura? What manifest help is to be sought from you through Asha for the deeds of the Bounteous Spirit?

48.9. When shall I know, Mazda, whether you rule through Asha over the one whose threat terrifies me? Let the true pattern of Vohu Manah be clearly revealed to me. Let the future bringer of benefit know how his reward shall be.

48.10. When, Mazda, shall men turn away from the intoxicant? When shall you strike down the filth of this drink, through which the Karapans wickedly delude, and the evil rulers of the lands in deliberate purpose?

48.11. When, Mazda, shall Armaiti come with Asha? When shall peaceful, pasture-rich dwelling come with Dominion? Who shall bring peace against the bloodthirsty followers of the Lie? To whom shall the insight of Vohu Manah come?

48.12. Then they shall be the benefit-bringers of the lands: those who, through Vohu Manah, follow understanding with deeds in accord with Asha and with your teaching, Mazda. For they are appointed adversaries of Wrath.

48.13. Through Bounteous Spirit and Best Mind, through Asha, through deed and through word, may Ahura Mazda grant that one Wholeness and Immortality, through Dominion and Armaiti.:: Through Bounteous Spirit and Best Mind, through Asha, through deed and through word, may Ahura Mazda grant that one Wholeness and Immortality, through Dominion and Armaiti.:: Asha is good; it is best.:: Radiance is; radiance is for the one for whom Asha is for the best.:: (..) Asha is good; it is best.:: Radiance is; radiance is for the one for whom Asha is for the best. Asha is good; it is best.:: Radiance is; radiance is for the one for whom Asha is for the best. We worship the chapter “If, through these gifts.” Whichever beings Ahura Mazda knows to be good for worship according to Asha—those, both male and female, we worship.

49.1. All my life Bendva, the greatest obstructer, has blocked me—he who seeks to satisfy the crooked through resistance to Asha. Come to me, Mazda, with good reward; come to my aid. Through Vohu Manah, find protection for me from his hostility.

49.2. Bendva’s false doctrine dismays me—the follower of the Lie who, deceitful, turns away from Asha. He has not fostered bounteous Armaiti for his own being, nor, Mazda, has he consulted Vohu Manah.

49.3. Yet for this choosing, Mazda, it has been established: Asha for the one who advances it, the Lie for the false teacher. Therefore I choose fellowship with Vohu Manah, and renounce all fellowship with the follower of the Lie.

49.4. Those of evil understanding who, with their tongues, increase Wrath and violence; who are non-herders among herders; whose evil deeds prevail, not their good deeds—they establish the daēvas: such is the conscience of the follower of the Lie.

49.5. But whoever, Mazda, has joined his conscience with Vohu Manah shall receive both vitality and abundance. Through Armaiti he is of good lineage in Asha, and through all these, Ahura, he is in your Dominion.

49.6. I ask you both, Mazda and Asha, to proclaim what is in your purpose, that we may discern it truly through your Mind, and so make heard that vision of faith which belongs to one like you, Ahura.

49.7. Let Vohu Manah hear this, Mazda; let Asha hear it. Hear it yourself, Ahura. Who, by the ordinances, shall be a member of the community? Who a clansman? Who shall give good renown to the fellowship?

49.8. For Frashaoshtra grant the most joyful union with Asha. This I ask of you, Mazda Ahura—and for me the same in your good Dominion. Through every age may we be your foremost messengers.

49.9. Let the fashioned herdsman hear the teachings for well-being. Let no one of crooked speech, gazing upon the follower of the Lie, destroy their aim. Let the consciences be yoked to the best reward, yoked with Asha—O Jamaspa, in your appeal.

49.10. And this, Mazda, I entrust to your house for safekeeping: Vohu Manah, the souls of the followers of Asha, reverence and Armaiti, vitality and abundance—through Dominion, enduring strength.

49.11. But the souls of evil rulers, evil doers, evil speakers, those of evil conscience and evil mind—the followers of the Lie—return to meet them with foul nourishment. Truly, they shall be guests in the House of the Lie.

49.12. What help have you through Asha for Zarathushtra when he invokes you? What have you through Vohu Manah—you whom I would delight with praises, Mazda Ahura, asking for what you desire as best?

49.13. Through Bounteous Spirit and Best Mind, through Asha, through deed and through word, may Ahura Mazda grant that one Wholeness and Immortality, through Dominion and Armaiti.:: Through Bounteous Spirit and Best Mind, through Asha, through deed and through word, may Ahura Mazda grant that one Wholeness and Immortality, through Dominion and Armaiti.:: Asha is good; it is best.:: Radiance is; radiance is for the one for whom Asha is for the best.:: (..) Asha is good; it is best.:: Radiance is; radiance is for the one for whom Asha is for the best. Asha is good; it is best.:: Radiance is; radiance is for the one for whom Asha is for the best. We worship the chapter “All my life.”:: Whichever beings Ahura Mazda knows to be good for worship according to Asha—those, both male and female, we worship.

50.1. Does my soul command any help? Whose help is found? Who is known as protector of my herd and of me, if not Asha and you, Mazda Ahura, and the Best Mind openly invoked?

50.2. How, Mazda, shall one seek the joy-bringing Cow—one who desires her to have pasture? Living rightly through Asha among the many who watch the sun, set me no law among the unknowing; place me among those who know.

50.3. And through Asha, Mazda, that shall belong to the one for whom, through Dominion and Vohu Manah, you have promised it: the man who, through the strength of Asha, furthers the nearest living world, which the follower of the Lie would seize.

50.4. Praising, I shall worship you, Mazda Ahura, together with Asha, Best Mind, and Dominion, through which one may stand upon the path of desire, manifestly helping in the House of Song.

50.5. For I shall reach you, Mazda Ahura, through Asha, when you incline yourselves to your inspired speaker. May I, with clear sight, reveal myself through help, with outstretched hands—the help that may set us in well-being.

50.6. Zarathushtra is the one who, through the inspired thought, bears the word, Mazda, a companion of Asha in reverence. May the Creator of wisdom direct my tongue’s course, that I may guide through Vohu Manah.

50.7. Then I shall yoke for you the swiftest steeds, broad-ranging in their victories, for your praise—Mazda, with Asha, strong through Vohu Manah. With these, come here to my help.

50.8. With the steps renowned in vitality I shall circle around you, Mazda, with uplifted hands; then around you with Asha and the reverence of rectitude; then around you with the skill of Vohu Manah.

50.9. With these acts of worship I shall come before you, praising you, Mazda, with Asha and with the deeds of Vohu Manah. When I rule at will over my reward through Asha, then may I, beneficent, be powerful in my seeking.

50.10. Whatever deeds I have performed, and those that, through Vohu Manah, seem worthy to the eyes—the lights of the sun, the radiant dawns of the days—all are for your praise through Asha, Mazda Ahura.

50.11. Then I shall call myself your praiser, Mazda, and shall be so as long as I have strength and power through Asha. May the Creator of existence advance through Vohu Manah what, according to his will, is most renewing and truly fulfilled.

50.12. Through Bounteous Spirit and Best Mind, through Asha, through deed and through word, may Ahura Mazda grant that one Wholeness and Immortality, through Dominion and Armaiti.:: Through Bounteous Spirit and Best Mind, through Asha, through deed and through word, may Ahura Mazda grant that one Wholeness and Immortality, through Dominion and Armaiti.:: Asha is good; it is best.:: Radiance is; radiance is for the one for whom Asha is for the best.:: (..) Asha is good; it is best.:: Radiance is; radiance is for the one for whom Asha is for the best. Asha is good; it is best.:: Radiance is; radiance is for the one for whom Asha is for the best. We worship the chapter “Does my soul?”:: We worship the Gatha of Spenta Mainyu, follower of Asha, the model of Asha.:: We worship the recitations of the Gatha of Spenta Mainyu.:: Whichever beings Ahura Mazda knows to be good for worship according to Asha—those, both male and female, we worship.

Reverence to you, O Gathas, followers of Asha.::

51.1. Good Dominion, worthy of choosing—the most prize-bearing portion—comes with vitality to the one who moves within Asha through discerning deeds. Mazda, let us now perform this best thing.:: (..) Good Dominion, worthy of choosing—the most prize-bearing portion—comes with vitality to the one who moves within Asha through discerning deeds. Mazda, let us now perform this best thing.::

51.2. These things first, Mazda Ahura, reveal to me through Asha, both for you and for Armaiti. Through Vohu Manah grant me your Dominion with power, for praise and saving strength.

51.3. Let those who serve you through deeds draw near to you with hearing, Ahura, through Asha—with words of the tongue born of Vohu Manah. Of these you are the first promoter, Mazda.

51.4. Where is the one who finds gain? Where does mercy dwell? Where is protection? Where shall renown be? Where is Asha? Where is bounteous Armaiti? Where is Best Mind? Where, Mazda, is your Dominion?

51.5. I ask all these things: how, following Asha, the herdsman shall care for the Cow—upright in deeds, endowed with good wisdom and reverence; how, ruling with insight, he shall recognize the true judgment for the two parties.

51.6. Whoever sets what is better than good for the one who fulfills his choice—to him Ahura Mazda comes through Dominion. But what is worse than evil comes to the one who does not discern for him, at the final turning of existence.

51.7. Grant me, you who fashioned the Cow, the waters, and the plants, Wholeness and Immortality through the most bounteous Spirit, Mazda—vigor and endurance through Vohu Manah, for the proclamation.

51.8. For I shall declare to you, Mazda—let a man tell it to one who knows: ill fortune for the follower of the Lie, radiance for the one who has upheld Asha. For happy is the inspired speaker who speaks to one who knows.

51.9. The satisfaction you assigned to the two parties through your red Fire, Mazda, through molten metal—you will establish it among living beings as a sign: ruin for the follower of the Lie, saving power for the follower of Asha.

51.10. But the man who seeks to destroy me otherwise than by this, Mazda—he is an offspring of the Lie’s creation, one of those who are evil. For myself I invoke Asha, coming with good Reward.

51.11. What man is a covenant-partner to Spitama Zarathushtra, Mazda? Who has consulted with Asha? With whom is bounteous Armaiti? What upright one, through Vohu Manah, is known for the fellowship?

51.12. The Kavi’s disciple did not satisfy him—Spitama Zarathushtra—at Winter’s Gate, when he was halted there: though both his team and his draft animals shivered, he did not grant him passage.

51.13. Thus the Daena of the deceitful destroys the straight one’s reality; his soul openly laments at the Chinvat Bridge—aware that by his own deeds and tongue he has lost the paths of Asha.

51.14. Neither through covenants nor through ordinances do the Karapans rightly care for the cattle and pasture. By their own deeds and teachings, their doctrine at last has lodged them in the House of the Lie.

51.15. The reward Zarathushtra promised to the companions of the Maga in the House Beyond—Ahura Mazda came first to it. That reward I now promise you through Vohu Manah and through the life-giving powers of Asha.

51.16. King Vishtaspa attained that insight through the Dominion of the Maga, along the paths of Vohu Manah—the insight Spenta Mazda Ahura conceived through Asha. So may it be established for us according to our desire.

51.17. Frashaoshtra of the Hvogvas has shown me the precious form belonging to the good Daena. May sovereign Ahura Mazda grant him the object of his desire, that I may proclaim the abundance of Asha.

51.18. Wise Jamaspa of the Hvogvas chooses that insight, through splendor and Asha, for attainment: that Dominion of Vohu Manah. Grant me this, Ahura Mazda, as a support from you.

51.19. That man, Maidhyoi-Mangha the Spitaman, devotes himself to him, knowing through the Daena. Seeking life, he declares Mazda the creator; through the deeds of life, he declares what is better.

51.20. May all of you, of one will with us, grant this life-giving Asha through Vohu Manah—with words by which, worshiping Armaiti in reverence, Mazda is made a ready support.

51.21. The man of Armaiti is beneficent. Through insight, through words, through deeds, through the Daena, he makes Asha flourish. Ahura Mazda grants good Dominion through Vohu Manah. For that good reward I pray.

51.22. Whoever—from Asha—I know to be best in worship, Ahura Mazda knows them: those who have been and those who are. I shall worship them by their own names, and I shall approach them with honor.

51.23. Vohu Xshathra—the Desirable Dominion—the portion most choice-bearing for those who discern, even amid invigorating offering: through Asha it moves among deeds, Mazda, as the best. That, even now, may we bring about.

(..)

Vohu Xshathra—the Desirable Dominion—the portion most choice-bearing for those who discern, even amid invigorating offering: through Asha it moves among deeds, Mazda, as the best. That, even now, may we bring about.

Asha is good, is best.Radiance is; radiance for the onewho, for best Asha, is of Asha.

(..)

Asha is good, is best.Radiance is; radiance for the onewho, for best Asha, is of Asha.

Asha is good, is best.Radiance is; radiance for the onewho, for best Asha, is of Asha.

We worship the Vohu Xshathra chapter.We worship the Vohu Xshathra Gāthā, possessing Asha, as the measure of Asha.We worship the verses set together in the Vohu Xshathra Gāthā.

Whosever beings Ahura Mazda knows as good in worship, according to Asha—those men and those women we worship.

Homage to you, Gāthās possessing Asha.

53.1. The best wish has been proclaimed for Zarathushtra Spitama, because Ahura Mazda granted him attainments from Asha for all enduring time: a good and happy life—and also for those who practiced and learned the words and deeds of the good Daena. (Twice.)

The best wish has been proclaimed for Zarathushtra Spitama, because Ahura Mazda granted him attainments from Asha for all enduring time: a good and happy life—and also for those who practiced and learned the words and deeds of the good Daena.

53.2. And now may they serve him with mind, with words and deeds, for Mazda’s satisfaction and praise. King Vishtaspa, Zarathushtra Spitama, and Frashaoshtra have openly chosen the worship and the straight paths of the Daena that Ahura established for the life-renewing ones.

53.3. And you, Pouruchista—youngest daughter of Zarathushtra, of the Haechataspa and Spitama line—Mazda has appointed for you, as companion, one devoted to Vohu Manah, to Asha, and to Mazda. Therefore take counsel with your own understanding; work with the most beneficent Armaiti, and act with generous wisdom.

53.4. Him, then, I shall cherish and choose—the one who, as father and husband, is appointed for the pastoral people, and also for the household: an Asha-possessing woman among those who possess Asha. May the radiant inheritance of Vohu Manah come to me. May Ahura Mazda grant it for the good Daena, for all enduring time.

53.5. I shall speak to the maidens being married, and to you bridegrooms, giving warning: hold these things in mind; understand them through your Daenas. Let each contend to surpass the other through Asha and Vohu Manah—for that shall bring a good gain.

53.6. So it is in truth, men—and likewise, women. The Lie brings an evil preference upon the one who comes to embrace it. His soul’s own joy is lost to those borne away by passing breath. Bad food shall come to the deceitful; misery to those who scorn Asha. By these acts you destroy your mindful life.

53.7. And the reward of this Maga shall be yours as long as your deepest zeal remains firmly joined—beyond what is spoken and heard—where the Mainyu of the deceitful is powerless. But if you abandon this Maga, then at the final word: grief shall be yours.

53.8. Through these things may the evildoers be exposed to mockery, all of them to derision. Under good rulers let there be restraint upon the violent and the bloodthirsty; through these let peace be established for settled communities and clans. Let the greatest bind them in fetters of death—and let it come swiftly.

53.9. Through evil choices the crooked servant seeks to corrupt your true men, scorning them and defiling their bodies.

Where is an Asha-possessing lord who will deny them life and freedom of movement? This, Mazda, is your Dominion: through it may you give what is better to the upright poor.

(..)

Through evil choices the crooked servant seeks to corrupt your true men, scorning them and defiling their bodies.

Where is an Asha-possessing lord who will deny them life and freedom of movement? This, Mazda, is your Dominion: through it may you give what is better to the upright poor.

Through evil choices the crooked servant seeks to corrupt your true men, scorning them and defiling their bodies.

Where is an Asha-possessing lord who will deny them life and freedom of movement? This, Mazda, is your Dominion: through it may you give what is better to the upright poor.

53.10. The best wish has been proclaimed for Zarathushtra Spitama, because Ahura Mazda granted him attainments from Asha for all enduring time: a good and happy life—and also for those who practiced and learned the words and deeds of the good Daena.

The best wish has been proclaimed for Zarathushtra Spitama, because Ahura Mazda granted him attainments from Asha for all enduring time: a good and happy life—and also for those who practiced and learned the words and deeds of the good Daena.

Asha is good, is best.Radiance is; radiance for the onewho, for best Asha, is of Asha.

(..)

Asha is good, is best.Radiance is; radiance for the onewho, for best Asha, is of Asha.

Asha is good, is best.Radiance is; radiance for the onewho, for best Asha, is of Asha.

We worship the Vahishtoishti chapter.We worship the Vahishtoishti Gāthā, possessing Asha, as the measure of Asha.We worship the verses set together in the Vahishtoishti Gāthā.

Whosever beings Ahura Mazda knows as good in worship, according to Asha—those men and those women we worship.