BABYLON AND PERSIA

ARYAN MYTHS IN THE AVESTA. 7515. Before avc examine into the nature of theAmesha-Spentas as a body and their relations totheir chief and maker, it will be well to review themindividually, specifying their original meaning andlater development.1st. Ahura-Mazda, Sperita-Mainyu, the Benefi-,cent Spirit, uncreated, "creator of all things."2nd. Vohu-Mano,the "Good Mind" or "Be¬nevolent Mind "that state of mind which is con¬ducive to peace and good-will toward men generally,and gives the wisdom of moderation, of conciliation.At a later period he became the protector of cattle,cattle-raising being an essentially peaceful and kindlyavocation, which, moreover, can prosper only intimes of peace.3rd. Asha-Vahishta," Best " or " Perfect Holi¬ness," that conforms in every particular, " in thought,in word, and in deed," to the law of Mazda, espe¬cially as regards religious observances ;later the pro¬tector of Fire, as the embodiment of Purity and Wor¬ship, of ritual and priestly functions ; in reality theLaw itself, the Order which rules the world.4th. Kiishathra-Vairya, - " Excellent Sover¬eignty," the power which comes from God, andtherefore is beneficent, merciful, and the guardian oforder and law.Becomes the protector of mctal.s,possibly because royalty has always been in the habitof reservingto itself the wealth drawn from theearth, especially gold and silver.5th. Spenta-Armaiti, " Holy Piety," patientand humble simple-mindedness. Also Earth person¬ified, or the Spirit of Earth, and that at a very early