Zoroastrianism
 | This article does not cite any sources; the information may not be accurate or reliable. |
| Zoroastrianism | |
|---|---|
 A depiction of a guardian angel, a common symbol of Zoroastrian teachings | |
| Founded in | Second millennium BC Persia |
| Founder | Zoroaster |
| Significant Scriptures | The Gathas The Avesta |
Zoroastrianism is based on the teachings of Zoroaster, a Manifestation of God from Persia. The dates of His birth and death are unknown, and are still the subject of some dispute, but He may quite possibly have lived around 900 BCE. Zoroastrianism is also called Mazdaism, from Ahura Mazda (God or the wise Lord). The Zoroastrians in India are also called Parsi or Parsees. 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.
Beliefs[edit]
Zoroaster preached the search for truth, selfless love of others, respect for nature, and moral courage. He taught that there is only one God, the Creator of the universe, that divine creation is eternal and that 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 beneficent 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 of 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 where they can eaten by crows or vultures. This has often been in a roofless building known as a "Tower of Silence". Because this practice is illegal or impossible in some areas, Zoroastrians either cremate the dead or bury them in graves lined with lime mortar.
The most important Writings[edit]
Yasna, containing the Gathas, believed to be written by Zoroaster, containing divine laws.
Visparad, a supplement to the Yasna
Yshts, a collection of hymns
The Parsees[edit]
Not wishing to be forcibly converted to Islám, a number of Zoroastrians set out to find a new home. They settled in India, on the west coast. The local ruler gave his permission, and allowed them to practise their religion. However, they had to adopt the local language. They are referred to as Parsees (Persians).
During the lifetime of Bahá'u'lláh, a Parsee known as Manakji came to Iran, to ensure better treatment for the Zoroastrians there. His secretary was a Bahá’í, and Manakji wrote to Bahá'u'lláh with questions on more than one occasion. Some of Bahá'u'lláh's replies are translated into English, in the book "Tabernacle of Unity".
Demographics[edit]
Zoroastrianism was widespread in Persia and neighbouring regions, until it was marginalized by Islam in the 7th Century. In the early twenty-first century, there are an estimated 190,000 Zoroastrians. They live in India, USA, Pakistan, Iran, Australia and are scattered all over the world. However, it is reported that, in a reaction to the theocratic régime of the Islamic Republic, a number of Iranians now regard themselves as Zoroastrians rather than as Muslims, and that the number of adherents is increasing!
