Ushta and Xwāthra: joy and comfort
Ušta is a complicated term in the studies of the Gathas which has seen many different interpretations. Zoroastrian scholars have typically taken it to mean happiness or illumination. Irach J.S. Taraporewala derived the etymology of the verbal form vas-, us- ‘to shine’ + the past participle (and noun suffix) -ta-, meaning ‘that which shines’ or ‘illumination, enlightenment’ and explained the grammar as an indeclinable. Ali Jafarey took this etymology and extended it to mean ‘radiant (happiness)’. However, via private communication with Professor Schwartz, I have been told this root is certainly actionable (usable) by the time of the Gathas.
Western scholars have typically taken this word from vas-, us- ‘to wish’ (which is an actionable root) + suffix -ta- meaning ‘the fulfillment of wishes’ or the 3rd person singular injuctive middle athematic ending -ta- meaning ‘(he) wished/desired’. Ultimately, the root is certainly vas- ‘to wish’ as can be seen in the parallel of Yasna 43.1 and 44.16 where Zarathushtra clearly uses the verb ‘to wish’ in 44.16 to reference 43.1. In my mind, ušta can both be an indeclinable noun (as seen in the young avesta), probably meaning some sort of happiness or joy, as I translate it, which results from the attainment of one’s desires, as well as the verbal form listed above. Xvāthra literally means ‘that which relates to good breath’ (/huwāthra/) and probably means comfort or something along those lines. Full article coming soon.
43.1
uštā ahmāi ẏahmāi uštā kahmāicīt̰
vasə̄.xšaiiąs mazdā̊ dāiiāt̰ ahurō
utaiiūitī təuuīšīm gat̰ tōi vasəmī
aṣ̌əm dərədiiāi tat̰ mōi dā̊ ārmaitē
rāiiō aṣ̌īš vaŋhə̄uš gaēm manaŋhō
Joy for he who wishes it for whomsoever indeed,
Would Lord Wisdom, who rules by his wish, grant
I wish for strength to come with perpetuity
In order to uphold Truth, grant that to me, Right-mindedness
That wealthy Attainment, a life of the Good Mind.
44.16
tat̰ θβā pərəsā ərəš.mōi vaocā ahurā
kə̄ vərəθrəm.jā θβā pōi sə̄ṇghā ẏōi həṇtī
ciθrā mōi dąm ahūmbiš ratūm cīždī
at̰ hōi vohū səraošō jaṇtū manaŋhā
mazdā ahmāi ẏahmāi vašī kahmāicīt̰
This I ask You, tell me truly, Lord
Who will be victorious to protect, by proclamation, those who exist?
Clearly place a world healing Modeler in my abode
And let listening come to him through the Good Mind,
O Wisdom, to him who You wish, for whomsoever