Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism is a major ancient and pre-Islamic religion of Iran. For over a thousand years, from around 549 BCE to 652 CE, the religion taught by Zarathushtra flourished as the state religion of three mighty Iranian empires; the Achaemenians (549 - 330 BCE.); the Parthians (248 BCE - 224 CE); and Sasanians (224 - 652 CE). Amongst the many subjects of the Achaemenian Empire were the Jews, who adopted some of the prophet's main teachings and transmitted them in due course to Christianity and later, to Islam. Zoroastrianism is a religion founded in ancient times by the prophet Zarathushtra, known to the Greeks as Zoroaster. "Arising out of the polytheistic traditions of ancient India and Iran, he was one of the first monotheists in human history"(Boyce 1979). Zarathushtra preached that there was one God, whom he called Ahura Mazda. Ahura means "Lord," and Mazda means "Wise," so Zoroastrians call God the "Wise Lord." No one knows exactly when Zarathushtra lived. "The modern estimate of Zarathushtra's date is anywhere from 1500 to 1000 BCE" (Ibid). (A picture of Zarathushtra) The emphasis of the Zorastrian religion is based around their basic scripture, a set of 5 poetic songs called th
Vohu Manah - Good Thought - connected with Animals Asha Vahishta - Justice and Truth - Fire and Energy Zoroastrianism does not teach or believe in reincarnation or karma. Zoroastrians believe that after life on earth the human soul is judged by God as to whether it did more good or evil in its life. Those who chose good over evil go to what Zarathushtra referred to simply as the "best existence," or heaven, and those who chose evil go to the "worst existence," or hell. Zoroastrianism was one of the first religions to give the afterlife a moral dimension. Zoroastrianism also believes in the progress of sacred time, and the eventual end of time. The belief is that the collective good acts of humanity will slowly transform the imperfect material world into its heavenly ideal. This is known as the "frasho-kereti," or "making-fresh." At the end of time everything and everyone will be purified, even the souls in hell - so hell is not eternal. Unlike many other religions, however, there is no ascetic aspect of Zoroastrianism. Fasting, celibacy, and monasticism are all absent. Marriage is considered a virtue, and physical cleanliness is valued highly. This system of values is due in part to the idea that a healthy body will aid a healthy soul - in Zoroastrianism the body and soul are closely linked. One of the most unique aspects of the Zoroastrian religion involves prayers and symbolic ceremonies said before a sacred fire. Zarathushtra reformed the fire cult and made it the symbol for excellence of Ahura Mazda. In the Gatha, he speaks of fire as a bright and powerful creation of Ahura Mazda and prefers fire instead of idols as
Some common words found in the essay are:
Ahura Mazda, Zoroastrianism Fasting, Human Zoroastrianism, BCE Ibid, Zoroastrianism Zoroastrianism, Achaemenian Parthian, Shahenshahis Qadimis, Ahura Mazda's, Bounteous Immortals, Wise Lord, ahura mazda, zarathushtra preached god, 224 ce, chose evil, bce 224, zoroastrian religion, zarathushtra preached, preached god, main teachings, 652 ce, bce 224 ce,
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Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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