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