History

Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest extant religions, holds a significant place in the annals of human spirituality. Its profound influence, complex beliefs, and storied history make it a fascinating subject of study.

Zoroastrianism began with the teachings of Zoroaster, also known as Zarathustra. Zarathustra's dates of birth and death are uncertain, but he is traditionally believed to have lived between 1500 and 1000 BCE, though some scholars suggest these dates may be too late. The location of his birth is also a subject of debate, with both eastern Iran and southwestern Afghanistan proposed as his possible birthplace.

Zoroaster's religious ideas were revolutionary for his time. He conceived of a monotheistic faith centered on Ahura Mazda, the wise lord, who represented everything good and just in the world. This was a significant departure from the pre-Zoroastrian Iranian religion, which was polytheistic.

Zoroaster's teachings were collected in the form of hymns known as the Gathas, which form part of the Zoroastrian sacred scripture, the Avesta. The Gathas reveal a dualistic cosmology of the forces of good, led by Ahura Mazda, and evil, personified by Angra Mainyu (also known as Ahriman). The religion holds that human beings have a free choice between these forces and that their actions in life determine their fate in the afterlife.

The Achaemenid Empire (c. 550-330 BCE), which included Cyrus the Great and Darius I among its rulers, was the first Persian Empire to adopt Zoroastrianism as the state religion. The faith continued to prosper under the succeeding Parthian and Sassanian Empires, influencing other religions, notably Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

The arrival of Islam in Persia in the 7th century CE posed a significant challenge to Zoroastrianism. Conversion, sometimes voluntary but often forced, led to a considerable decline in the number of Zoroastrians. However, some adherents managed to flee to India, where they found refuge and became known as the Parsis.

In the centuries that followed, Zoroastrianism survived in pockets of Iran and India, despite facing significant challenges. Today, Zoroastrians are a small community, with the majority residing in Iran and India, and smaller communities in North America, Europe, and Australia.

Zoroastrian theology is characterized by its focus on ethical dualism. It emphasizes that good and evil exist independently and that individuals have a moral obligation to align themselves with the good, represented by Ahura Mazda, and to resist evil, represented by Angra Mainyu. This dualistic worldview extends to the belief in an afterlife, with heaven and hell as destinations for the souls of the righteous and wicked, respectively.

Zoroastrianism's key rituals and practices include the use of fire and water as symbols of purity. Fire Temples hold a central role in the community as places of worship. The religion also prescribes a set of purity laws that dictate many aspects of daily life, from dietary habits to funeral rites.

Despite its small numbers today, Zoroastrianism has left an indelible mark on the history of world religions. Its monotheistic concept influenced Abrahamic religions, and its focus on the individual's moral choice between good and evil has had a lasting impact on ethical thought. It serves as a powerful testament to the enduring legacy of ancient spiritual traditions and their capacity to adapt and endure in the face of historical change.

Influence on other religions

Geography

Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, has had a profound influence on the world's major faiths, particularly those that emerged from the Middle East.

Judaism: Zoroastrianism significantly influenced Judaism, especially during and after the period of the Babylonian Exile when the Jewish people came into close contact with the Persian Empire. The concepts of a messiah, heaven and hell, resurrection, final judgment, the immortality of the soul, and angels and demons entered Judaism under the influence of Zoroastrianism. The monotheistic focus on a single, all-powerful God may have also been bolstered by Zoroastrian thought.

Christianity: Many of the ideas that entered Judaism during the Babylonian Exile later became integral parts of Christianity. The idea of Satan as a personification of evil, the apocalyptic vision of a final battle between good and evil, and the belief in a future savior or messiah are all concepts shared between Zoroastrianism and Christianity. Furthermore, the Three Wise Men who visit Jesus after his birth in the Gospel of Matthew are described as magi, a term used in ancient Persia to refer to priests, suggesting a Zoroastrian influence.

Islam: Zoroastrian influence on Islam is seen in elements such as the concepts of heaven and hell, the day of judgment, and the bridge of the separator, all of which feature in both religions. Like Zoroastrianism, Islam is strictly monotheistic and emphasizes ethical responsibility. The Islamic prayer times and the practice of praying five times a day may have been adopted from the Zoroastrian faith.

Buddhism and Hinduism: While the influence on eastern religions like Buddhism and Hinduism is less direct, there is evidence of Zoroastrianism's presence in the Indian subcontinent and its potential influence on these faiths. For example, the figure of Asura, initially a positive deity figure in the Rigveda, undergoes a transformation similar to the Zoroastrian conversion of the word "daeva" from gods to demons. The Buddhist and Hindu concept of a future enlightened teacher (Maitreya in Buddhism, Kalki in Hinduism) may have been influenced by the Zoroastrian concept of the Saoshyant, a future savior.

Gnosticism and Manichaeism: The Gnostic faith, a diverse set of ancient belief systems that stressed dualism, may have been influenced by Zoroastrian thought, as could Manichaeism, another strongly dualistic religion founded in the 3rd century CE by the prophet Mani, who lived in the Persian Empire and was likely exposed to Zoroastrian teachings.

Concepts

Zoroastrianism introduced several religious concepts that would go on to influence other major faiths. Here's a closer look at these concepts:

Dualism: Zoroastrianism presented one of the earliest forms of religious dualism, a belief in two cosmic forces. This dualistic cosmology was represented by Ahura Mazda (the supreme deity embodying goodness, truth, and light) and Angra Mainyu (also known as Ahriman, embodying evil, falsehood, and darkness). This cosmic dualism influenced later religious and philosophical systems, like Gnosticism and Manichaeism, which also posited an eternal struggle between the forces of good and evil.

Satan: The Zoroastrian figure of Angra Mainyu or Ahriman is a precursor to the Judeo-Christian concept of Satan. Angra Mainyu was believed to be the source of all sin and misery in the world. Judaism likely adopted and transformed this figure into Ha-Satan during the Babylonian exile. In turn, Christianity inherited this concept and expanded it, with Satan becoming the personification of evil and a fallen angel.

Resurrection and Judgment: Zoroastrianism features a clear belief in the resurrection of the dead and a final judgment. These notions are apparent in the Frashokereti, the final renovation of the universe, when evil will be destroyed, and everything else will be in perfect unity with God. This concept profoundly influenced Jewish apocalypticism, and, through it, Christian and Islamic beliefs in the resurrection of the dead at the end of the world.

Monotheism: Zoroastrianism's emphasis on Ahura Mazda as the single supreme deity may have influenced the development of monotheism in Judaism during and after the Babylonian Exile. This monotheistic view would subsequently become a core aspect of Christianity and Islam.

Eschatology: Zoroastrianism's developed eschatology, the study of the end times, also influenced other religions. The faith posits a final savior (the Saoshyant) who will raise the dead and judge all souls. This belief system profoundly influenced the eschatological views of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which also feature end times prophecies involving resurrection, judgment, and the coming of a messiah or savior.

Angels and Demons: Zoroastrianism proposes a complex angelology and demonology, featuring good spirits (Yazatas) that serve Ahura Mazda and evil spirits (Daevas) that serve Angra Mainyu. This belief system impacted later Jewish, and consequently Christian and Islamic, angelology and demonology.

Diaspora

The Zoroastrian diaspora has had a significant influence on the societies in which it's found, and it continues to play an important role in preserving and promoting Zoroastrian traditions and culture. The diaspora is largely the result of the Islamic conquest of Persia in the 7th century, which led to the decline of Zoroastrianism in its homeland and caused many followers to flee to other regions, notably India.

Here are the key impacts of the Zoroastrian diaspora:

Influence on Indian Society: Zoroastrians, known as Parsis in India, have been highly influential despite their small numbers. They have made significant contributions to India's economic, social, and political life. Parsis have excelled in various fields including business, science, arts, and more. Some of the prominent Parsis include the Tata family (founders of the Tata Group, one of India's largest conglomerates) and Freddie Mercury (lead vocalist of the rock band Queen, born to Parsi parents).

Preservation of Zoroastrianism: The diaspora has helped keep Zoroastrian traditions, rituals, and teachings alive. The Zoroastrian community in India, in particular, has played a critical role in preserving Zoroastrian literature and practices. For instance, they've preserved the sacred texts of Zoroastrianism, the Avesta, and maintained the sacred fire temples.

Global Influence: The Zoroastrian diaspora has also spread to other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the UK. Zoroastrian communities in these countries have become part of the multicultural fabric of these societies and have contributed to the awareness and understanding of Zoroastrian faith and culture globally.

Interfaith Influence: The presence of Zoroastrians in multi-religious societies has fostered interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding. Zoroastrian ideals, particularly the faith's emphasis on good thoughts, good words, and good deeds, have found resonance in many interfaith discussions.

Teachings

Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest monotheistic religions, was founded by the Prophet Zarathustra (also known as Zoroaster) in ancient Persia around the 6th century BCE. The teachings of Zoroastrianism are encapsulated in the religion's holy book, the Avesta, which includes the words and songs of Zarathustra himself, recorded in the Gathas.

Here are some of the core teachings of Zoroastrianism:

Monotheism and Dualism: Zoroastrianism is monotheistic and worships a single god, Ahura Mazda, who is the supreme deity and creator of the universe. Ahura Mazda represents all that is good. However, Zoroastrianism also believes in a dualistic cosmology, where Angra Mainyu, or Ahriman, is the destructive spirit and the source of all evil in the world. The struggle between good (Ahura Mazda) and evil (Angra Mainyu) is a central theme in Zoroastrianism.

Principle of Asha: The concept of Asha, which means truth, order, and righteousness, is paramount in Zoroastrianism. Asha is the principle of life, the order of the universe, which is continuously under threat from its opposite, druj (falsehood and chaos). Living in accordance with Asha means living a life of truth, purpose, and duty.

Free Will and Ethics: Zoroastrianism stresses the importance of individual responsibility and teaches that humans have free will and can choose between right and wrong. The faith emphasizes three primary virtues: good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. Zoroastrians believe that the choices made in life will affect their fate in the afterlife.

Eschatology and Judgment: Zoroastrianism holds a belief in an afterlife and the end of time. Upon death, a person's soul crosses the Chinvat Bridge where it is judged based on the person's deeds during life. This doctrine of individual judgment, heaven, and hell, and a final apocalypse was unique to Zoroastrianism in its time.

Respect for Nature: Zoroastrianism respects and reveres the elements of nature, which are seen as manifestations of divine power. Fire, in particular, is regarded as a symbol of Ahura Mazda's wisdom and purity, and Zoroastrian temples maintain a sacred fire.

Social Equality and Justice: Zarathustra's teachings emphasize social equality and justice. He preached against slavery, and for the betterment of the conditions of women and the poor in society.

In conclusion, Zoroastrianism's teachings form a faith of monotheism, ethical dualism, and a strong emphasis on moral choice. Its doctrines have significantly influenced other major religions, particularly the Abrahamic traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Texts

The sacred texts of Zoroastrianism constitute a vast literature that dates back over many centuries. They reflect the religion's rich history and include scriptures, commentaries, prayers, and religious laws. Here are the most significant texts:

1. The Avesta: This is the most important text of Zoroastrianism and the primary source of present-day knowledge about the religion. It is divided into several parts:

• The Yasna: It includes the Gathas, which are 17 hymns thought to be composed by Zoroaster himself. They are at the core of the Zoroastrian liturgy. The rest of the Yasna is liturgical and includes invocations, blessings, and prayers.
• The Visperad: A liturgical extension of the Yasna, it is composed of homages and blessings, to be recited during particular religious ceremonies.
• The Vendidad: Also known as the Vidēvdat, it is a code of purification laws and rituals, and it includes myths and legends.
• The Yashts: They are hymns dedicated to various deities, heroes, and other figures respected in the Zoroastrian tradition.
• The Khorda Avesta: Known as the "Small Avesta", it is a collection of daily prayers of the Zoroastrians.

1. The Zend (or Zand): This is a body of commentary on the Avesta, interpreting and explaining its teachings. It is written in Middle Persian and also contains some original compositions. The Zand is particularly important for understanding the Vendidad.
2. The Denkard: This is a 9th-century compendium of Zoroastrian beliefs and customs. It is one of the most valuable sources for studying the religion, containing summaries of lost Avestan texts and detailed theological expositions.
3. The Bundahishn: It is a Zoroastrian account of creation completed in the 11th or 12th century. The text describes the creation of the universe by Ahura Mazda and the battle between the forces of good and evil.
4. The Menog-i Khrad: It is a spiritual and philosophical treatise in Middle Persian, addressing ethical questions and the nature of God, humans, and creation.
5. The Arda Viraf Namag: It is a visionary journey to the next world, which presents Zoroastrian views of ethics, eschatology, and soteriology.

Rituals and Practices

Zoroastrianism is a religion that is deeply rooted in ritual practice, with ceremonies and rites that connect the individual and the community with the divine. The rituals and practices of Zoroastrianism are intended to promote the principles of Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds, and to combat the forces of evil and chaos. Here are some key practices:

1. Prayer: Zoroastrians pray several times a day, usually five times, corresponding to the five divisions of the day in the Zoroastrian calendar. The prayers often include recitations from the Avesta, the holy scriptures of Zoroastrianism. One of the most commonly recited prayers is the Ahuna Vairya, which speaks about the power of righteousness and is considered by Zoroastrians to be a powerful weapon against evil.
2. Fire Temples: Fire is seen as a symbol of purity and the presence of Ahura Mazda, and it plays a central role in worship. Fire temples house a sacred fire that is kept continually burning by priests. The highest grade of fire temples contain fires that are a combination of sixteen different types of fire, including fire from a lightning bolt.
3. Yasna: This is the primary liturgical ceremony of Zoroastrianism, and involves the recitation of large parts of the Yasna texts of the Avesta. It includes the offering of the sacred drink, Haoma, to the deities. The ritual is conducted by a priest and his assistant and takes place in a special room in the fire temple, where the fire is kept separate from the place where the Yasna is celebrated.
4. Ritual Purity: Zoroastrians place a high emphasis on purity and purification. These include both physical and ritual purifications, such as washing oneself before prayer, and more complex rituals to cleanse oneself from pollution. One such purification ritual is the Barashnom, which lasts several days and involves washing with bull urine, which is considered to have purifying properties.
5. Navjote: This is the initiation ceremony for Zoroastrian children, which usually takes place at the age of seven or nine. The child is given the sacred shirt (Sudreh) and the girdle (Kusti), which they are to wear their whole life. The child also makes a formal declaration of faith.
6. Festivals: Zoroastrians celebrate several festivals throughout the year. These include Nowruz, the New Year festival, which is the most important festival and is a time for celebration and renewal. Other festivals include the Jashan ceremonies, which give thanks for specific events, and the Gahambars, which are seasonal festivals held to celebrate and give thanks for the seven creations (sky, waters, earth, plants, cattle, humans, and fire).
7. Funerary Practices: Upon death, a corpse is considered a source of pollution. Therefore, traditional Zoroastrian funerary practices involve placing the body in a Tower of Silence, or dakhma, where it is exposed to the sun and to scavenging birds. This practice is less common today and has been replaced by burial or cremation in many Zoroastrian communities.

These rituals and practices serve to uphold the Zoroastrian ideals of truth, purity, and righteousness, and they strengthen the community's connection to Ahura Mazda and the divine forces of order and justice.

Cosmology

Zoroastrian cosmology, which is rooted in the ancient teachings of the prophet Zoroaster and depicted in the sacred Avesta texts, presents an intricate and profound understanding of the universe. It outlines a view of the universe that is marked by a deep sense of dualism, a structured cosmological order, and a comprehensive narrative of the creation and end of the world.

1. Dualistic Universe: At the heart of Zoroastrian cosmology lies a fundamental dualism. This is not a dualism of equal and opposite forces, but one of a supremely good deity, Ahura Mazda, and an evil spirit, Angra Mainyu. Ahura Mazda, the wise lord, is the supreme deity who is uncreated and eternal. In contrast, Angra Mainyu is the destructive spirit who opposes Ahura Mazda's creation with chaos and disorder.
2. Creation Story: According to Zoroastrian cosmology, Ahura Mazda first created the spiritual world and then the material world, which is a reflection of the spiritual one. In Zoroastrian literature, this is referred to as the 'Seven Creations', which includes the Sky, Water, Earth, Plants, Animals, Humans, and Fire. Each of these creations has a spiritual counterpart in the invisible world.
3. Temporal Cosmology: Zoroastrian cosmology also includes a detailed view of time. Time is divided into four ages each of 3,000 years. The first age was a golden era without conflict, but at the start of the second age, Angra Mainyu attacked the world, bringing evil into it. The remaining ages involve the struggle between good and evil, culminating in the final renovation.
4. Frashokereti (Final Renovation): This is the end-time in Zoroastrian eschatology. It is believed that, in the final age, a savior (Saoshyant) will come and lead humanity in a last battle against the forces of Angra Mainyu. Good will finally defeat evil; the dead will be resurrected, and a final judgement will take place. After this, Ahura Mazda will renew the universe; everything will be purified, and truth (asha) will reign, marking the end of the separation between heaven (the spiritual world) and earth (the material world).
5. Intermediary Existence: The idea of Chinvat Bridge is another crucial aspect of Zoroastrian cosmology. After death, the soul is believed to journey to the Chinvat Bridge (the Bridge of Separation), where it is judged based on the person's deeds in life. Depending on the soul's actions in life, it would then move on to heaven, hell, or a middle place (Hamistagan) if the deeds were balanced.
6. Cosmic Elements: The elements of fire, water, and earth have a significant role in Zoroastrian cosmology. Fire is especially sacred, seen as the visible presence of Ahura Mazda, representing wisdom and righteousness. Water and earth are also venerated for their life-sustaining qualities.

This rich cosmology provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the world, human existence, and the cosmic struggle between good and evil that Zoroastrians believe defines life. It portrays an ultimately optimistic view of the world, where good will eventually triumph over evil, and truth, order, and righteousness will be restored.

Ethics

Zoroastrian ethics, like its cosmology and theology, is built on the belief in the struggle between good and evil, and the role of humanity within this cosmic conflict. At the core of Zoroastrian ethics are three guiding principles: "Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds" (Humata, Hukhta, and Hvarshta in Avestan), which are considered the bedrock of moral life.

1. Good Thoughts (Humata): This principle emphasizes the importance of positive thinking. It signifies that ethical conduct begins with a righteous mindset. Zoroastrians believe that individuals must strive to cultivate an outlook of optimism, righteousness, and goodness. Good thoughts are seen as a shield against the influence of evil and an essential step towards moral and spiritual purity.
2. Good Words (Hukhta): This underlines the significance of truthful and kind speech. Zoroastrians are encouraged to use their words wisely and kindly, refraining from lies, gossip, slander, or any form of harmful speech. This aligns with the Zoroastrian emphasis on Asha (truth and righteousness), and the belief that truthful words can counteract the forces of Druj (deceit and falsehood).
3. Good Deeds (Hvarshta): This principle upholds the importance of virtuous actions. Zoroastrians believe that ethical living requires more than right beliefs and words; it also necessitates the consistent practice of virtuous deeds. Good deeds include acts of charity, kindness, justice, respect for nature, and devotion to one's religious and social responsibilities.

Beyond these primary ethical principles, several other key concepts shape Zoroastrian moral thought:

1. Free Will: The Avesta repeatedly emphasizes the role of human free will. Zoroastrians believe that Ahura Mazda has given humans the freedom to choose between good (truth, righteousness) and evil (falsehood, wickedness). The moral responsibility lies on individuals to choose the path of good, contributing to the cosmic battle against evil.
2. Individual Responsibility and Judgment: Zoroastrians believe in personal responsibility for one's actions. Each individual will face divine judgment after death based on their thoughts, words, and deeds during their lifetime. This belief encourages ethical living and accountability for one's actions.
3. Respect for the Environment: The Zoroastrian faith has a strong focus on environmental stewardship. The natural world is seen as a reflection of the divine and is deeply respected. Protection of the elements – earth, water, air, and especially fire – is a significant part of Zoroastrian ethics.
4. Charity and Community Service: Zoroastrians are encouraged to contribute to their community's welfare, showing kindness and charity towards others. This is not only seen as an act of goodwill but also as a means to combat evil in the world.

The ethical principles of Zoroastrianism provide a moral framework that encourages the cultivation of a good mind, the speaking of truth, the performance of righteous deeds, the respect of the natural world, and service to the community, thereby actively promoting the cause of goodness in the cosmic struggle against evil.

Afterlife

The concept of the afterlife in Zoroastrianism is one of the religion's most profound and intricate aspects. It is deeply connected to the fundamental Zoroastrian doctrines of morality, personal accountability, and the cosmic battle between good and evil.

According to Zoroastrian beliefs, upon death, the soul (uruva) remains in the body for three days and nights, recollecting its past life. During this time, rituals are performed to ensure a safe passage to the spiritual realm.

After the third day, the soul is believed to journey to the Chinvat Bridge, also known as the Bridge of the Requiter or the Bridge of Judgment. The Chinvat Bridge, described as a razor-thin pathway, is a critical stage in the Zoroastrian afterlife.

This bridge is said to be wide and easy to cross for the righteous, who have led a life filled with good thoughts, words, and deeds, in accordance with the Zoroastrian ethical code. For them, the bridge appears broad and easy to traverse, leading them to the House of Song (Garothman), the realm of eternal light, peace, and joy, where they are united with Ahura Mazda, the Supreme God.

On the other hand, for those who have led a wicked life, the bridge becomes narrow and precipitous. If the soul's bad deeds outweigh the good, it falls into the abyss of the House of Lies, a place of punishment and suffering where it endures torments as retribution for its sins.

The Zoroastrian concept of afterlife reflects the religion's emphasis on personal responsibility, morality, and the eternal consequences of one's thoughts, words, and deeds. It also illustrates Zoroastrianism's dualistic cosmology, the ongoing struggle between good (represented by Ahura Mazda) and evil (represented by Angra Mainyu).

At the end of time, Zoroastrian eschatology describes a final renovation (Frashokereti) of the world, where good will ultimately triumph over evil. A savior figure (Saoshyant) is expected to raise the dead and judge all souls. The righteous will pass into a perfected world, while the wicked will be purged of their sins through a river of molten metal. After this purification, even the most wicked souls will join the rest in the House of Song, and Ahura Mazda's rule will be absolute, marking the end of the cosmic battle between good and evil. This belief in universal salvation sets Zoroastrianism apart from many other religious traditions with concepts of eternal damnation.

In conclusion, the Zoroastrian view of the afterlife is tied closely to its ethical and cosmological teachings, underscoring the significance of personal morality, the consequences of one's actions, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil.