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SOURCE: Gathas, from the Avesta
AUTHOR: Zarathustra or one of his early disciples
DATE: Sixth century B.C. or earlier, though the Avesta was not canonized until the sixth century A.D.
BACKGROUND: At the same time that one branch of Aryans invaded the Indian subcontinent, another settled into the highlands of modern-day Iran (which means the “land of the Aryans”) and became the Persian civilization. Despite similar points of origin, the Aryans of Iran produced a new religion based off of the prophecies of Zarathustra, a man from a priestly class that performed fire rituals. In a religious environment that contained three major divine beings and, Zarathustra preached that one, Ahura Mazda (Lord Wisdom), was the sole God of creation and the supreme deity of the universe. This uncreated God and source of all goodness alone was worthy of highest worship. Along with other created spirits, Ahura Mazda required all humans to join in the cosmic struggle against Angra Mainyu (or Hostile Spirit, also known as “Liar”) and his human minions.
This I ask you, tell me truly, Ahura. Who is by generation the Father of Right, at the first? Who determined the path of sun and stars? Who is it by whom the moon waxes and wanes again? This, O Mazda, and yet more, I want to know.
This I ask you, tell me truly Ahura. Who upheld the Earth beneath and the firmament from falling? Who the waters and the plants? Who yoked swiftness into winds and clouds? Who is, O Mazda, creator of Good Thought (one of the spiritual entities, along with Piety and others, created by Ahura Mazda to combat the forces of evil)?
This I ask you, tell me truly Ahura. Who created together with Dominion the precious Piety? Who made by wisdom the son obedient to his father? I strive to recognize by these things you, O Mazda, creator of all things through holy spirit. …
This I ask you, tell me truly Ahura. The Religion which is best for all that are, which in union with Right should make prosperous all that is mine, will they duly observe it, the religion of my creed, with words and action of Piety, in desire for your future good things, O Mazda?
This I ask you, tell me truly, Ahura—whether Piety will extend to those whom your Religion shall be proclaimed? I was ordained at the first by you: all others I look upon with hatred of spirit.
This I ask you, tell me truly Ahura. Who among those with whom I would speak is a righteous man, and who is a liar? On which side is the enemy? …
This I ask you, tell me truly, Ahura—whether we shall drive the Lie away from us to those who being full of disobedience will not strive after fellowship with Right, nor trouble themselves with counsel of Good Thought. …
This I ask you, tell me truly, Ahura—whether through you I shall attain my goal…and that my voice may be effectual, that Welfare and Immortality may be ready to unite according to that promise with him who joins himself with Right.
This I ask you, tell me truly, Ahura—whether I shall indeed, O Right, earn that reward, even ten mars with a stallion and a camel, which was promised to me, O Mazda, as well as through you the future gift of Welfare and Immortality.
I will speak of that which Mazda Ahura, the all-knowing, revealed to me first in this earthly life. Those of you that put not in practice this word as I think and utter it, to them shall be woe at the end of life…
I will speak of that which the Holiest declared to me as the word that is best for mortals to obey: he, Mazda Ahura said, “They who at my bidding render [Zarathustra] obedience, shall all attain Welfare and Immortality by the actions of the Good Spirit.” …
In immortality shall the soul of the righteous be joyful, in perpetuity shall be the torments of the Liars. All this does Mazda Ahura appoint by his Dominion.
QUESTIONS FOR ANALYSIS
What evidence indicates that Zarathustra saw Ahura Mazda as the sole creator of the universe?
How does each person’s life become a microcosm of the battle between Ahura Mazda and the Liar?
How do we know that Zarathustra believed Ahura Mazda would ultimately triumph over evil?
Does Zarathustra see his faith as only one of many paths to the truth, or is it the ultimate truth?
What is promised to those who serve Ahura Mazda faithfully? What about those who do not accept and serve this God?
FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION: According to this belief system, what is the meaning of life?
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