Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism dates back thousands of years and some say it is actually
one of the oldest prophetic religions.
Zoroastrianism was founded by the Persian philosopher and prophet Zarathustra
(also known as Zoraster) and operates on the belief that there are two equal and opposite powers at
work in the universe (good and evil). Zoroastrians believe that the conflict
between these two powers will always ultimately affect mankind. According to
the Zoroastrian faith there are two deities or gods that are perpetually at war
with each other Ahura Mazda (also known as Ohrmazd or Ohrmuzd) the good God and
Ahriman the evil God.
Zoroastrians are taught to live well and prosperously enjoying
everything that the world has to offer in moderation. Zoroastrians don’t
believe in things like fasting, celibacy and monasticism because these things
are seen as weakening the mind and the body making a person less able to combat
evil. Instead of depriving the body of what it needs Zoroastrians are
encouraged to reject pessimism and despair and embrace an industrious, active,
honest, happy and charitable lifestyle.
In his teachings
Zarathustra eludes to the fact that all events of the world occur on a cause
and effect basis and therefore he highlights the importance of three principles:
good reflection, good word and good deed. In this way it seems that Zarathustra
was trying to teach his followers to treat others as they would like to be
treated in return.
The Zoroastrian scripture
is called the Avesta and the text was written in Old Iranian. The Avesta
consists of four major sections: the Yasna (which includes the Gathas which are
songs that most Zoroastrians consider to be the oldest part of the Avesta
written by Zarathustra himself), the Yashts, The Vispered and the Videvdat.
Zoroastrians consider
light and fire to be the two cleanest phenomena on earth so these phenomena
have been chosen to represent the good God Ahura Mazda. Fires burn continuously in the temples where Zoroastrians
go to pray and share communion. These places of worship are often referred to
as ”fire temples”.
The largest Zoroastrian
communities are now concentrated in and around Mumbai, India. These
Zoroastrians are known as the Parsis (people of Persian descent).
hide
Home
