Zoroastrianism
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[edit] Zoroastrianism
is based on the teachings of Zoroaster, a Manifestation of God from Persia. Because Zoroaster lived before recorded history, the dates of His birth and death are unknown, He probably lived around 900 BCE. Zoroastrianism is also called Mazdaism, from Ahura Mazda (God or the wise Lord). Zoroastrians are also called Parsi or Parses. Zoroaster is also known by the names Zarathrustra and Ibrahim Zeradust.
Zoroaster rebelled against the priests criticizing their greed, cruelty and self-indulgence. He rejected polytheism and idolatry.
[edit] Beliefs
Zoroaster preached the search for truth, selfless love of others, respect for nature and moral courage. Zoroaster taught that there is only one God, the Creator of the universe, divine creation is eternal and God is transcendent and unknowable. He also taught that the attributes of God are reflected in the human soul. Zoroastrians promote human rights and the equality of men and women.
Although Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic religion, life is described as a battle between good and evil, between two opposing spirits, thought of as the twin children of Ahura Mazda: Spenta Mainyu (the beneficient spirit) and Angra Mainyu (the hostile spirit). Eventually a belief in the independent existence of the evil force developed. Zoroastrians believed in Ohrmazd (Ahura Mazda), the God of Light, and Ahriman, the God fo Darkness. Zoroastrian dualism was first adopted by Christian theologians in Armenia and Bulgaria (Bogomilism). Today this Zoroastrian archetype of satan has become a widely accepted Christian doctrine.
Dualism permeates Zoroastrian theology. Death is believed to be a temporary state in which the experiences acquired through a lifetime of battle against evil are incorporated into the divine entity before the individual is reincarnated and returns to an earthly existence to battle against evil. Human corpses are believed to contaminate the good creation. Zoroastrians prefer to lay corpses outside to be eaten by vultures. Because this practice is illegal or impossible in some areas, Zoroastrians either cremate the dead or bury them in graves lined with lime mortar.
[edit] The most important Writings
Yasna, containing the Gathas, believed to be written by Zoroaster, containing divine laws.
Visparad, a supplement to the Yasna
Yshts, a collection of hymns
[edit] Demographics
Zoroastrianism was widespread in Persia until it was marginalized by Islam in the 7th Century.
Today there are an estimated 190,000 Zoroastrians. They live in India, USA, Pakistan, Iran, Australia and are scattered all over the world.
