For this talk I want to share a brief paraphrase of the original translation from the link above and then discuss it and the questions it raises. Zarathushtra points out:
Now let us talk of the two principles. These are important for even the wise to understand thoroughly. I have praises for the Divine through reverence of the Good Mind and consideration of righteousness, so that you may see the shining happiness of the Divine and Divine principles.
Pay attention! Ponder this with your divine mind: each man and woman, for his or her self, must select either of the two (or else they select NOT to select and thereby neither choose one or the other and likewise therefore reap the consequences in a haphazard manner). Become aware of this reality before you make your choice of lifestyle to reap the beneficence of the one and avoid the consequences of the other.
Think of these mental processes as imaginary twins. One is "better choice" and the other is "bad choice" when it comes to thoughts, words or deeds. Beneficence describes someone or something that results in good, charity, or well-being. Producing good. It is from Latin words literally meaning to do (facere) well (bene)–benefacere. The intent of beneficent choices is usually positive, and the result of the beneficent choices is generally positive, though it may take a long to time realize them.
Maleficent describes someone or something that results in harm, evil, or mischief; or producing harm, mischief or disaster. It is from Latin words literally meaning to do (facere) male (ill or badly)– malefacere. The intent of maleficent choices is usually negative and the result of maleficent choices is generally negative.
The point is: these are mentalities and not entities. It is your choice that leads to one or the other results. The key is your choice. Focusing on "good" and striving to do "good" daily, ever improving and growing is more likely to lead to "good" than to "bad."
When the two mentalities first got together they made "life" and "not-living". The word life, when used of water or stone, describes something that is constantly flowing (in the case of water) or in its original state and place (in the case of stone). The word life is from Latin vivus.
The "good mind" is consistently flowing to its original state and place. It is alive. The mind making "bad choices" is stagnant (sluggish, inert, inactive) and not in its original state, nor is it seeking a return to its original state and place. Until the end of existence, the worst mind shall be for the wrongful, and the best mind shall be for the righteous. The wrongful chose poorly. The living and maturing choose rightly as steadfastly as a rock. Choosing true actions is preferable to choosing false actions.
The seekers of false actions do not decide correctly because of the delusions of their thinking. Therefore they chose the worst mind, rush in wrath and afflict others with their delusions and non-living states of thought.
But to the person who chooses correctly comes endurance of body and steadfast serenity through strength (power) of good mind, and righteousness because they have come through the tests of fire and maintain their original state and flow. But the tests of fire for the wrongful result in wrongful choices and negative consequences. This is how they will learn to make good choices, by experiencing the consequences of poor choices.
Wisdom brings happiness through righteousness and makes life fresh. Let us be single-minded in the realm of inner intellect and be united in the good abode of good mind and righteousness of the Wise One.
Zarathushtra in this Gatha says "now let us talk of the two principles" and "Think of these mental processes as imaginary twins. Being twins, sometimes it is difficult to tell one from the other. One is 'better choice' and the other is 'bad choice' when it comes to thoughts, words or deeds."
I find this illustrative of the biblical Cain and Abel. Abel made a "better choice" and deliberately brought the firstborn and the best portions of the animals he shepherded to present to his God. Cain made a "bad choice" and simply brought “some of the fruit of the ground,” with no indication it was the first fruits or the choicest produce. The description found in the Bible merely highlights Abel’s intentional, heart-felt devotion to his God versus a more casual gift offered out of ritual.
There are many deeper investigations that may be had in this example, but let's stay focused just on the intention. God "took notice" or "had regard" for Abel's offering, but for Cain's offering God metaphorically gave a shrug and little more. In response Cain revealed the true nature of his inner space. He refused correction, and refused to learn the lesson. Instead he became angry and eventually killed his brother. This confirms that Cain's root problem was internal. Cain and Abel is an early example of "good choice/bad choice" from which we may learn.
Zarathushtra notes that when the two mentalities begin to function, the mentality for good created a fulfilling life. But the mentality for harm degrades it into a wretched living without joy in life. An evil mind turns one to think, talk and do wrong stimulating life to grow worse. A brilliant, shining, i.e. divine, mind builds one into a righteous person. This is the Universal Law.
Only a return to the better mentality can save one from a life of malfeasance. Freedom of choice is for all–men and women alike. Choice is free to everyone. The Divine does not force one to make "good choices". Neither does the Divine force Zarathushtra's Message upon anyone; Zarathustra only proposes his ideas to illustrate the choice for the people.
Wrong choice has its harmful (evil) consequences, but as soon as one becomes wise enough to realize the folly of choosing badly, thereafter it is safe to learn how to replace wrong with right, or benevolence over malevolence.
Falsehood misguides. Misguidance results in frustration, fury, brute force, and destruction, Zarathushtra points out.
The person who makes the right choices earns endurance and lasting stability through ordeal. To get through Enlightenment is a hard-won blessing and one that requires continuing endurance for life.
To those who worry about "eternal punishment" Zarathushtra points out that:
There is no eternal punishment for wrongdoing when one realizes the mistake and understands the consequences of wrong actions of the past. It only requires one to submit to rehabilitation by way of choosing the right path.
True and everlasting fulfillment and happiness are achieved by continuous renovation, which is made possible through cooperation with all the wise masters in the world.
Zarathushtra notes an earnest desire to be among those who renovate life here in this world on a rightful basis. It means continuous progress, ever-fresh joy. Happiness comes when one is not only a wise master, but who also agrees in full with other masters of wisdom.
Continuous renovation of life means removal of the wrongful people with power in your life. This will result in increased unity and close cooperation in a divine state where the good mind and righteousness work together.
You reap what you sow: ‘Beneficence begets good’, ‘harmfulness begets harm’, and selfless good deeds bring joy to oneself and to others.
Choose wisely.
POTENTIAL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Zarathushtra points out two principles to choose from: good/bad; helpfulness/harmfulness; benevolence/malevolence; beneficial/detrimental. Is a choice "not to choose" a choice? What, if any, other choices between the extremes of beneficial/detrimental or good/bad are there?
- If one chooses "good/beneficence/helpfulness/benevolence" 100% of the time what percentage of "predictably good results" are probable (generally)?
- If one chooses "bad/harmfulness/malevolence/detrimental" 100% of the time what percentage of "predictably harmful results" are probable (generally)?
- If one chooses between "good/bad" haphazardly, say 50/50%, what are the predictable results?
- If one chooses to make "no choice" what control over ones life does one have? What predictable results, if any, to be seen?
- Are "tests of fire" a good thing or a bad thing? Why?
- Zarathushtra calls for, in his words, "You, lords of wisdom, who bring happiness through righteousness, come, let us be single-minded in the realm of inner intellect." Who might a ”lord of wisdom” or a “wise master” in the world be? How would one know if another was a wise master or a lord of wisdom?
- What other questions or insights can you propose?
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