Gathic Methodology

1. Harmony in Paradox - Part I: The Paradox of the Material and the Spiritual
   McIntyre, Dina G.
   This article presents some surprising conclusions regarding Zarathushtra's notion of "mind", and how the material and the spiritual are both necessary to fulfill the purpose of life.
    
2. Harmony in Paradox - Part II: The Paradox of the Individual and the Community
   McIntyre, Dina G.
   This article demonstrates that individual responsibility and community well-being are not antithetical, but that the paradox that resolves itself into the harmony of a beneficent existence.
    
3. Harmony in Paradox - Part III: The Paradox of Being Bad to the Bad
   McIntyre, Dina G.
   This article shows us Zarathushtra's key to resolving the paradox of being bad to the bad, in a manner that is in harmony with being all that is good.
    
4. Harmony in Paradox – Part IV: The Paradox of Service and Rule
   McIntyre, Dina G.
   This article shows us that the well known Zoroastrian characteristic of community service has its roots in the Gathas,  and arrives at some surprising conclusions regarding what constitutes good rule for Mazda and man.
    
5. Harmony in Paradox – Part V: The Paradox of the Freedom to Choose and the Inevitable End
   McIntyre, Dina G.
   This article discusses an intriguing paradox generated by the freedom to choose, which is a fundament of Zarathushtra's thought, and the conclusion that good will prevail, which is also in the Gathas. Can these two ideas be reconciled?  Evidence from the Gathas shows us that they can, and in the process discloses a unique aspect of Zarathushtra's thought.
    
6. Metaphor in the Gathas, Part 1: The Natural Metaphors
   McIntyre, Dina G.
   This is Part 1 of a series of articles on Metaphor in the Gathas.  Here, the author discusses the way in which Zarathushtra uses pastoral metaphors to convey his thoughts, and his solution for the defeat of evil.  A discussion of fire in the later texts is included, and the author concludes by raising some interesting questions.
    
7. Metaphor in the Gathas, Part 2: The "Houses" of Paradise and Hell
   McIntyre, Dina G.
   In this piece, the author discusses Zarathushtra's use of "house" as a metaphor, and touches on his notions of heaven and hell.
    
8. Metaphor in the Gathas, Part 3: The Amesha Spenta as Allegories
   McIntyre, Dina G.
   In this piece, the author analyzes Zarathushtra's treatment of the amesha spenta in some detail, and his enigmatic use of the singular and the plural in addressing Ahura Mazda, and concludes with a discussion on his thoughts regarding the quality and nature of divinity.
    
9. Psychology of the Gathas A Psycho-historical view of teachings of Zarathushtra
   Anoshiravani, Dr. Ardeshir
   In this brief article, the author attempts to analyze the methodology of Gathas in light of modern theories of learning. Also, some psycho historical assumptions pertaining to the life and times of Asho Zarathushtra is discussed.
    
10. Renewal
    McIntyre, Dina G.
    In this thought provoking article, the author articulates the concept of renewal from the Gathic perspective with its foundation in individuals renewing themselves resulting in renewal for humanity. The relationship between the path to renewal and renewal itself is examined.
     
11. The Poetry of Zarathushtra
    Antolak, Ryszard J.
    This article describes the poetic nature of Zarathushtra's utterances in the Gathas -- an insightful discussion of Zarathushtra's use of poetry rather than prose in expression of his message.
     
12. The Prophet's Utterances (Part 1)
    Kerr, Dr. Sam
    This is an attempt to see if the Prophet’s divine revelations, uttered in parables, can be better understood. The author, fascinated by the devoted Sanskrit/Gathic/Avestan scholar, Irach J. S. Taraporewala’s monumental comparative study and rendering of the Prophets hymns, embarked on this essay hoping it will help stimulate further inquiry. Himself only a searching student he would have created many flaws - errors, which can always be corrected, for the benefit of others, by those who wish to read.
     
13. The Prophet's Utterances (Part 2)
    Kerr, Dr. Sam
    This article is Part 2 in the series on "The Prophet's  utterances".  Here, Dr. Sam Kerr presents another Gāthic word ‘Khratu’ and its parallel ‘Kratu’ in the Ŗg Vēdā.   The purpose of this rather time-consuming undertaking, apart from pointing towards the closeness of the Vēdic Āryānic and the Gāthic Āiryānic peoples, is to provide a ready reference to researchers and scholars of this interesting subject matter.  
     
14. The Prophet’s Utterances (Part 3)
    Kerr, Dr. Sam
    The author continues his series in his pursuit of the comparative study in ‘The Prophet’s Utterances’, pointing towards the close relationship as well as the discrepancies in the thought processes of the Vedic Aryanic and the Gathic/Avestan Airyanic peoples.  Here, he dwells on the positive and humanistic real life aspects of Maya as opposed to its other two not so good aspects. Clearly, there is a compromise between the two opposing aspects in the Vedas where as, there is vigorous antagonism in the Gathas and the Avesta. This article, incidentally, highlights the point of ‘intent’.  Clearly, in Zarathushtra’s vision the good, humanistic intent needs to be identified and distanced from the evil negative intent.