Zoroastrianism, << zawr oh AS tree uh nihz uhm, >> is a religion founded between 1200 and 1000 B.C. by a Persian prophet named Zoroaster. Zoroaster is the Greek form of the Persian name Zarathushtra (also spelled Zarathustra), which means Having Golden Camels.
Beliefs.
Zoroastrianism teaches a belief in one god, Ahura Mazda, who created all things. Devout people must seek and obey Ahura Mazda, who will judge everyone at the end of worldly time.
The heart of Zoroastrianism is the belief in a battle between good and evil. Zoroaster taught that Ahura Mazda and an evil spirit named Ahriman oppose each other in a huge, ongoing struggle. Ahura Mazda calls upon everyone to fight in this struggle. Each person will be judged on how well he or she fought. Each person should strive to fight for good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.
Zoroaster composed several hymns called Gathas. They were collected into the Avesta, the sacred book of the Zoroastrian religion. These hymns are the only record of what Zoroaster believed, in his own words.
Some scholars believe that traces of Zoroaster’s theology can be found in the concept of Satan as the personification of evil. They also find similarities between the Zoroastrian belief in Fravashirs (guardian spirits) and the angels of other religions. The idea of the end of the world and the day of judgment is another concept that may have come from Zoroastrianism.
History.
Little is known of Zoroaster’s life. Scholars believe he lived between 1200 and 1000 B.C. in what is now northeastern Iran. He left his home in search of religious truth. He wandered and lived alone for several years. Zoroastrians believe he began to have revelations at the age of 30. In a vision, he spoke with Vohu Manah, a figure who represented the Good Mind. In the vision, Zoroaster’s soul went into a holy trance and entered the presence of Ahura Mazda.
In the years after his revelations, Zoroaster composed the Gathas and spread the teachings of Ahura Mazda. Zoroaster’s conversion of a powerful ruler named Vishtaspa strengthened the new religion. According to the Avesta, Zoroaster was assassinated at the age of 77.
Zoroastrianism thrived in what is now Iran from about 550 to 330 B.C., when the religion seemed to lose some of its vitality. The Muslim conquest of ancient Persia (now Iran and Afghanistan) in the A.D. 600’s led to a further decline in Zoroastrianism. However, several groups continued to observe the religion’s traditions.
Today, Zoroastrianism has followers in Iran, India, and other countries. In India, the followers are called Parsis. Modern Zoroastrians read from the Avesta, practice traditional purification habits, and attend rituals at fire temples. Fire is important in Zoroastrianism as a symbol of purity.
