wooed the worst as his sphere of action.[1] The better one of the two spirits told the evil one that they were by nature opposed to each other in their thoughts and teachings, understandings and beliefs, words, and deeds, selves and souls—in nothing could they twain ever meet.[2] When the two first came together in the world, they created life and non-life and established the law of reward and retribution for mankind, that the righteous will reap at the end of existence the weal of Best Thought and the wicked the woe of the Worst Existence.[3]
The Gathas variously speak of Spenta Mainyu either as the attribute of Ahura Mazda or as his vicegerent, or as his co-worker, or as identified with him or as distinct from him. It is through Spenta Mainyu that Ahura Mazda creates cattle and waters and plants and all that exist.[4] Ahura Mazda is asked to give ear to man's invocation through Spenta Mainyu,[5] and to give strength through him.[6] Through him does Ahura Mazda give Perfection and Immortality unto the pious who live a righteous and devoted life of best thoughts, words, and deeds. Ahura Mazda is implored to teach by his own mouth, on behalf of his Spirit, how the world first came into being.[7] It is through his Spirit that Ahura Mazda furthers his blessed realms.[8] He gives the best unto the righteous through Spenta Mainyu. Zarathustra asks Ahura Mazda what award will he make unto the believers and the non-believers through his Spirit.[9] Mazda will come at the final dispensation with Spenta Mainyu. Through him does one win the felicity of paradise.[10] The devout seek to be acquainted with the works of Spenta Mainyu.[11] The Spirit knows the attitude of the false speaker and the true speaker, the wise and the unwise as they are led by the promptings of their hearts and minds.[12] Spenta Mainyu is the friend of all and he protects them through Righteousness in both the worlds from transgression.[13] It is the wicked that are hurt by him.[14] Spenta Mainyu or the Holy Spirit is sometimes spoken
