7.2 Zoroastrianism: History and Core Beliefs

Zoroastrianism, founded by Zarathustra in ancient Iran, centers on the worship of Ahura Mazda, the supreme god of wisdom and goodness. This monotheistic faith emphasizes the cosmic struggle between good and evil, with humans playing a crucial role through their choices.

Core beliefs include dualism, the importance of truth (Asha), and the concept of an immortal soul (Fravarti). Zoroastrians practice their faith through sacred texts like the Avesta, rituals in fire temples, and a unique calendar with important festivals.

Origins and Key Figures

Zarathustra and the Founding of Zoroastrianism

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• Zarathustra, also known as Zoroaster, was an ancient Iranian prophet who founded Zoroastrianism around the 6th century BCE
• Believed to have received divine revelations from Ahura Mazda, the supreme god in Zoroastrianism
• Taught a monotheistic religion centered around the worship of Ahura Mazda and the rejection of the daevas, the old Iranian gods
• Emphasized the importance of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds in leading a righteous life

Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu

• Ahura Mazda is the supreme god in Zoroastrianism, representing wisdom, light, and goodness
• Created the universe and all that is good in it, including humans, animals, and the natural world
• Angra Mainyu, also known as Ahriman, is the evil spirit who opposes Ahura Mazda
• Represents darkness, destruction, and all that is evil in the world
• Humans have free will to choose between following Ahura Mazda or Angra Mainyu, and their choices determine their fate in the afterlife

Core Beliefs

Dualism and the Cosmic Struggle

• Zoroastrianism is based on a dualistic worldview, with a constant struggle between good and evil
• Ahura Mazda represents the forces of good, while Angra Mainyu represents the forces of evil
• Humans are caught in the middle of this cosmic struggle and must choose to align themselves with Ahura Mazda through good thoughts, words, and deeds
• The ultimate goal is the triumph of good over evil and the establishment of a perfect world

Asha and the Importance of Truth

• Asha is a central concept in Zoroastrianism, representing truth, order, and righteousness
• Followers of Zoroastrianism are encouraged to live in accordance with Asha by being honest, just, and compassionate
• Lying and deception are considered grave sins that align one with Angra Mainyu and the forces of evil
• Upholding Asha is seen as a way to support Ahura Mazda in the cosmic struggle against evil

Fravarti and the Afterlife

• Fravarti refers to the immortal soul or spirit of an individual in Zoroastrianism
• After death, the soul is judged based on the person's thoughts, words, and deeds during their lifetime
• Those who have lived in accordance with Asha and supported Ahura Mazda will cross the Chinvat Bridge to paradise (House of Song)
• Those who have aligned themselves with Angra Mainyu through evil actions will fall from the bridge into hell (House of Lies)
• The ultimate fate of the soul is determined by the individual's choices and actions in life

Sacred Texts and Rituals

The Avesta and Yasna

• The Avesta is the primary collection of sacred texts in Zoroastrianism, containing the teachings of Zarathustra and the Gathas, which are hymns attributed to him
• The Yasna is a central ritual in Zoroastrianism, involving the recitation of prayers and the offering of sacred substances like haoma (a plant-based drink) and bread
• The Yasna is performed by priests in fire temples and is meant to strengthen the connection between the worshippers and Ahura Mazda

Fire Temples and Sacred Fires

• Fire is a central symbol in Zoroastrianism, representing purity, light, and the presence of Ahura Mazda
• Fire temples, known as Agiaries or Dar-e Mehrs, house sacred fires that are kept burning continuously
• There are three main types of sacred fires: Atash Behram (Fire of Victory), Atash Adaran (Fire of Fires), and Atash Dadgah (Fire of the Hearth)
• Worshippers pray and meditate in the presence of the sacred fire, which is tended by priests and never allowed to go out

The Zoroastrian Calendar and Festivals

• The Zoroastrian calendar is based on the solar year and consists of 12 months of 30 days each, with an additional five days (Gatha days) added at the end of the year
• The calendar is punctuated by several important festivals, such as Nowruz (the Persian New Year) and the Gahambars (six seasonal festivals)
• These festivals celebrate important events in Zoroastrian history and mythology, as well as the changing of the seasons and the importance of nature
• Worshippers gather in fire temples and homes to pray, feast, and celebrate during these festivals, reinforcing their connection to Ahura Mazda and the Zoroastrian community