f Zarathustra, formed this doctrine, as
a reflection of the good mind, the true and wise one."

The fact will doubtless be observed that Pourutschista was not merely
a disciple of Zarathustra, but that she FORMED the doctrine which was
accepted as a "reflection of the good mind."

In the 5th Gatha it is stated that among those who "know the right
paths, the law which Ahura gave to the Profitable," is Pourutschista the
"Holy worthy of adoration among the daughters of Zarathustra.... wise
female worker of Wisdom."(112)

112) Spiegel's Translation.

Ormuzd, or Ahura Mazda, which was the essence of heat or light, was the
principle adored by the followers of the reformed religion in Persia.
Throughout the Avesta the most desirable possession, and that which is
most praised, is purity of life.

"We praise the pure man.
"The best purity praise we.
"The best wish praise we of the best purity. The best place
of purity praise we, the shining, endued with all brightness."(113)

"This Earth, together with the women, we praise
Which bears us, which are the women, Ahura Mazda
Whose wishes arise from purity, these we praise--
Fullness, readiness, questioning, wisdom."(114)

113) Vespered xxvi. Spiegel's Translation.

114) Yacna xxxviii.

Praise is offered to the "everlasting female companion, the
instructing."

The following is a part of the marriage ceremony of the Persians as it
is found in the Khorda-Avesta:

"Do you both accept the contract for life with honorable mind? In the
name and friendship of Ormuzd be ever shining, be very enlarged. Be
increasing. Be victorious. Learn purity. Be worthy of good praise. May
the mind think good thoughts, the words speak good, the works do good.
May all wicked thoughts hasten away, all wicked words be diminished, all
wicked works be burnt up.... Win for thyself property by right-dealing.
Speak truth with the rulers and be obedient. Be modest with friends,
clever, and well wishing. Be not cruel, be not covetous.... Combat
adversaries with right. Before an assembly speak only pure words. In no
wise displease thy mother. Keep thine own body pure in justice."

Confucius, the great Chinese teacher and philosopher, who lived probably
in the sixth century B.C., may be said to have been a humanitarian or
moralist instead of a mystic. Although he believed in a great first
principle, or cause, which he termed Heaven, we are