Unit III: Early ReligionsZoroastrianism
• Founded by Zoroaster, a Persian priest who lived ~ 700 – 600 BC.
• He received a revelation; the world was ruled by one God, not many – Ahura Mazda.
• He spent his life preaching his revelation and converted the peoples of the Iran (Persia) and Iraq (Babylonia).
Zoroaster
Legends of Zoroaster
• Conceived in a flash of light – virgin birth.• Born laughing, not crying• Engaged wise men in debate at a young
age• Tamed wild beasts, performed healings,
drove off evil spirits• At 30, went to the desert, received his
revelation.
Beliefs
• Ahura Mazda is the creator, good.• Angra Mainyu opposes him, represents
the forces of chaos, evil (nearly as powerful)
• 12000 year battle between them• People must ally themselves with Ahura
Mazda against the forces of darkness.
Ahura Mazda
Traditional Death Rituals
• Bodies returned to nature, no burial, no cremation
• Placed in a Dakhma, a round open air tower
• The elements and scavengers destroy the body
Dakhma
Modern Practices
• They adapt to the countries they live in• Ritual washing of the body
The Soul
• The Soul is accompanied by a “guardian spirit (angel)” to the Bridge of the Separator
• Their deeds are judged. Go to heaven or hell.
Sacred Writings
• The Avestan Scriptures (Five Parts)• Hymns, prayers, laws, teachings• The Gathas are the spiritual core of the
Yasna liturgy
Symbols
• Fire• Represents the divine presence• Burns continuously in the sanctuary. A
priest maintains it
Sacred Fire
Zoroastrians today
• 140 000 world wide• India (Parsis) –mostly in Mumbai
(Bombay)• Iran• Us and Canada -- 12000
FilmThe Story of Zoroastrianism
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGRgzFLcMMQ&feature=related 8:26
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