What Is Zoroastriansim?
Zoroastrianism is one of the oldest world religions and arguably the first monotheistic faith in the world. Originated in ancient Persia approximately 3500 years ago, Zoroastrianism expanded to become one of the most important religions in the ancient world. From 600 B.C.E. to 650 C.E. it was the official religion of Persia (ancient Iran).
Zoroastrianism (Persian: دین زرتشتی Dīn-e Zartoshtī), also called Mazdayasnā (Avestan) or Beh-dīn (بهدین), is an Iranian religion centred on the Avesta and the teachings of Zarathushtra Spitama, who is more commonly referred to by the name Zoroaster (Greek: Ζωροάστρις Zōroastris).
Among the world's oldest organized faiths, its adherents exalt an uncreated, benevolent, and all-wise deity known as Ahura Mazda, who is hailed as the supreme being of the universe. Opposed to Ahura Mazda is Angra Mainyu, who is personified as a destructive spirit and the adversary of all things that are good. As such, the Zoroastrian religion combines a dualistic cosmology of good and evil with an eschatological outlook predicting the ultimate triumph of Ahura Mazda over evil.
Zoroastrians believe that there is one universal, transcendent, all-good, and uncreated supreme divine entity, Ahura Mazda, or the “Wise Ahura”. Like Brahman of the Veda, Ahura Mazda is more of a divine force, and not a "God" as per Judeo-Christian understanding.
Zoroastrians believe that everyone in the world are created by Ahura Mazda and are equal. Zoroastrians are advocates of free will. Zoroastrian theology includes foremost the importance of following the Threefold Path of Asha revolving around Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds.
Asha is a Zoroastrian concept with a complex and highly nuanced range of meaning. It is commonly summarized in accord with its contextual implications of 'truth' and 'right' (or 'righteousness'), 'order' and 'right working'. It is of cardinal importance to Zoroastrian theology and doctrine. In the moral sphere, aṣ̌a/arta represents what has been called "the decisive confessional concept of Zoroastrianism". The opposite of aṣ̌a is druj (lit. 'deceit, falsehood').
Fundamental Moral Practices
The basic moral principles that guide the life of a Zoroastrian are three:
-
Humata, "Good Thoughts," the intention or moral resolution to abide by Asha, the right order of things.
-
Hukhata, "Good Words," the communication of that intention.
-
Havarashta, "Good Deeds," the realization in action of that intention.
Living these three principles is the way we exercise our freewill by following the law of Asha. These three principles are included in many Zoroastrian prayers, and children commit themselves to abide by them at their initiation ceremony, marking their responsible entry into the faith as practicing Zoroastrians. They are the moral code by which a Zoroastrian lives.
Symbols Of Zoarastrianism
Fire—along with water—are seen as symbols of purity in Zoroastrian religion. Zoroastrians believe that all the elements are pure and that fire represents Ahura Mazda’s light or wisdom. Fire is an important symbol of Zoroastrianism, as it represents light, warmth and has purifying powers. Some Zoroastrians also recognize the evergreen cypress tree as a symbol of eternal life.
Zoroastrians turn towards a flame (Atash) or a source of light when they worship. The light can come from a natural source such as the sun, an oil lamp or a wood fire. Fire is a source of light and light represents wisdom while darkness represents ignorance. Ignorance and darkness are the absence of wisdom and light. A fire temple (called Agiyari or Atash-Behram) where the holy fire is always kept burning, is the place of worship for Zoroastrians. Zoroastrian places of worship are sometimes called fire temples. Each fire temple contains an altar with an eternal flame that burns continuously and is never extinguished.