Zoroastrianism Explained

Summary

This script explores Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest religions, with a rich history influencing major belief systems. It delves into the faith's core tenets, including the worship of Ahura Mazda, the eternal struggle between good and evil, and the significance of fire. It also touches on Zoroastrian practices, rituals, and their sacred text, the Avesta. The video highlights Zoroastrianism's impact on society and its followers, such as Emperor Xerxes and Freddie Mercury, and invites viewers to support charities through Tab for a Cause.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest religions, originating in ancient Iran and influencing major religions like Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Greek philosophy.
• 🔥 The religion is named after the Prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster), who received visions from Ahura Mazda, the one true God, and taught the principles of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.
• 🏛 Zoroastrianism was the state religion of three major Iranian Empires, including the Achaemenid Empire, before declining due to invasions and persecutions.
• 🧙‍♂️ The priests known as Magi, who were thought to possess secret knowledge, played a significant role in the religion and influenced the English language with terms like 'magic' and 'magician'.
• 📚 The holy book of Zoroastrianism, the Avesta, contains the Gathas, hymns believed to be composed by Zoroaster, and is one of the oldest scriptures in the world.
• 🕊 Ahura Mazda is the supreme deity, representing wisdom, order, and creation, and is supported by six Holy Immortals known as the Amesha Spentas.
• 💀 Zoroastrians believe in an afterlife with heaven and hell, where the soul is judged based on the balance of good and evil deeds during life.
• 🔥 Fire is a sacred symbol in Zoroastrianism, representing purity and the presence of Ahura Mazda, but is not worshipped itself.
• 🌍 Zoroastrian communities are now spread worldwide, with the largest group in India, known as Parsis, who have significantly contributed to Indian society and independence.
• 🕊 The concept of Asha, encompassing truth, wisdom, and justice, is central to Zoroastrian beliefs, emphasizing the importance of following a righteous path.
• 🌳 Zoroastrianism has a unique tradition of disposing of the dead through the Tower of Silence, allowing vultures to consume bodies and avoid polluting sacred elements, though modern practices have evolved.

Q & A

What is Zoroastrianism and what does the term Mazdayasna signify?

Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest ongoing religions, originating in ancient Iran around 3,500 years ago. The term Mazdayasna, used by Zoroastrians themselves, means 'Worshipper of Mazda' and refers to the central deity of their faith, Ahura Mazda.

Who were the Magi and how did they influence the English language?

The Magi were the priests of Zoroastrianism, known to the ancient Greeks as having secret magical knowledge due to their understanding of complex astronomy. This perception led to the English words 'magic', 'mage', and 'magician'.

How did the Zoroastrian religion influence other major world religions?

Zoroastrianism influenced Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and Greek philosophy by introducing concepts such as a single all-powerful god, a cosmic battle between good and evil, angels and archangels, and a final judgment that purifies the world.

What is the significance of the 'Three Wise Men' in Zoroastrianism and Christianity?

According to the Gospel of Matthew, three Zoroastrian magi visited baby Jesus. These figures, known as the 'Three Wise Men', are celebrated by Christians worldwide on January 6th, symbolizing the recognition of Jesus by non-Christian traditions.

Why did Zoroastrians flee to India, and what is the Parsi community?

After the fall of the Sassanian Empire to Muslim Arabs in the 7th century CE, Zoroastrians faced decline and persecution in Iran. Some fled to India, forming the Parsi community, which is named after Persia, the Indian name for Iran.

What are the core beliefs of Zoroastrianism regarding Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu?

Zoroastrians believe in one uncreated and eternal God, Ahura Mazda, who represents order, goodness, and wisdom. They also believe in Angra Mainyu, the destructive spirit and embodiment of evil, who is in constant opposition to Ahura Mazda.

How do Zoroastrians view the afterlife and the concept of heaven and hell?

Zoroastrians believe in a heaven and hell where the soul's deeds are weighed on a scale after death. Depending on the balance of good to evil deeds, the soul either ascends to a paradise of infinite happiness or descends to a place of suffering and misery.

What is the significance of fire in Zoroastrianism and its rituals?

Fire is a sacred symbol in Zoroastrianism, representing purity and the presence of Ahura Mazda. It is used in rituals in front of which priests conduct ceremonies, but it is not worshipped itself.

What is the Avesta and why is it important to Zoroastrians?

The Avesta is the holy book of Zoroastrians and one of the world's oldest scriptures, written in the ancient Avestan language. It contains hymns from Zoroaster, known as Gathas, which are deeply important and form the basis of most Zoroastrian beliefs.

How does the concept of Asha in Zoroastrianism relate to the principles of Good Mind, Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds?

Asha, an ancient Avestan word, encompasses concepts such as truth, wisdom, goodness, and justice. It is the path of Ahura Mazda that Zoroastrians strive to follow. Good Mind, given by Ahura Mazda, allows humans to recognize right from wrong and leads to Good Thoughts, which in turn lead to Good Words and Good Deeds, the core of Zoroastrian belief.

What is the role of charity and good deeds in Zoroastrianism?

Charity and good deeds are central to Zoroastrianism, as they are seen as a way to fight against the forces of evil represented by Angra Mainyu. Zoroastrians are known for their support of orphanages, shelters, and charities, embodying the principle that 'Happiness comes to them who bring happiness to others.'