for their selfish use, and that the rich were the stewards of their wealth given them by God for the amelioration of the condition of the poor. When some have not given anything from their abundance, many have always given something, and the few have given up their all.
Charity personified. The female genius of charity, grace, or alms-giving is Rata, the companion of Spenta Armaiti, with whom she is conjointly invoked in the hymns of praise.[1] Through her Ahura Mazda gives reward,[2] for he has spoken of her with express sanction to Zarathushtra, and in obedience the prophet has introduced her to humanity.[3] The faithful pray that they may win Ahura Mazda's favours through Rata.[4] She nourishes the poor.[5] Sraosha is the best protector of the poor.[6] He shelters poor men and women in his mansion.[7] Haoma exalts the mind of the poor.[8] With uplifted hands do the ill-treated poor call Mithra for help.[9] The faithful fervently pray that the spirit of charity of the religious devotee[10] may drive away the demon of stinginess from the house. If one of the faith approaches another seeking goods, or a wife, or knowledge, the man of means should help him with goods, he should arrange for the marriage of this poor co-religionist, he should pay for his instruction in religious matters.[11] It is in every man's power to practise charity, either in thoughts, or in words, or in deeds.
Akhshti
The angel of peace. This female divinity is peace personified, but even though perfectly clearly recognizable as such, she is very obscurely outlined as to traits. She is invoked in company with Vohu Manah, or Good Mind,[12] for nothing can break the inner peace in which the spirit of a man of good thought reposes. Akhshti is usually called victorious.[13]
The term ākhshti occurs also as a common noun. This peace as well as war lies in the power of Mithra to bring upon the
