The immortal Gathas

Zoroastrianism and Hinduism are the two oldest religions with the Gathas being as old and immortal as the Vedas. Though both were parallel developments, they were located over 2,000 miles apart and did not influence each other.
I find that many European scholars are biased and refuse to accept the fact that a reformed, rejuvenated religion around 6000 BC could be so lofty, scientific, profound, all-embracing and universal in approach and appeal as Zoroastrianism.
The Gathas reveal Ahura Mazda’s message to Zarathushtra, the creation of the twin spirits of good and evil from the very beginning and the former’s fortitude and resistance to all forms of temptation. They spell out the treasons and stratagems of those gone astray, the obstructions to foil the rejuvenated religion and the Prophet’s determination to win them over by persuasion, love and conviction, revealing the verities of light and darkness, heaven and hell, truth and perfidy. Not even once does Zarathushtra talk of force, coercion, conquest, subjugation, terror or militarism.
In the Ahunavaiti Gatha the Prophet urges that all good work should be dedicated to Ahura Mazda; that no good human should come to grief and harm. The holy verses say that one who protects the earth will reap the benefits and speaks of the polarization of the forces of good and evil. Those who seek enlightenment should tread the straight, and shun the crooked path. Ahriman the tempter ensnares, cheats, leads astray and puts the innocent on the path to perdition. Ahura Mazda says he shows you two paths; you are free to choose the one you like. He also says that these divine dispensations are "for all mankind… Thou art the first and none before thee… and thou are the last.”
The fundamental message of the Ushtavaiti Gatha is: "Happiness unto him, through whom happiness reaches others.” The power of the holy fire is equally fit to impart piety to the pious and to the impious. Only piety and truth will prevail. The Lord’s rules of justice are inviolate and his suzerainty all-prevailing.
When Spenta Mainyu shows the straight path to a devotee, the archangels shower their blessings on him, as per the third Gatha. Forsake wrath and violence, stand fast by being noble for man is worthy of paradise, is the message.
Vohu-khshathra Gatha states that the holy fire tests the actions of all and that one can attain salvation in one’s own lifetime.
Vahishtoishti Gatha underlines the message that the Mazdayasni religion is for all mankind. This religion is self-sufficient, with clean codes of conduct and will remain supreme till resurrection.
B. T. DASTUR

The editors reply:
Modern scholarship places the dates for Zoroaster between 1200 and 1000 BCE.