The History of Zoroastrianism Estimated to have originated around 1200 BCE in Iran from prophet Zarathustra At 1000 BCE Zoroastrians migrated to India to escape Islamic persecution. Spread widely through Persia by the Achaemenid Empire. Modern day population of 200,000 concentrated mostly in India and Iran.

Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainya DEFINITION OF GOD: -Ahura mazda-(wise lord) Ahura Mazda is God, he is omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient. Creator of Life -Angra Mainya- God’s adversary. Like a deity, not god. Originator of Death and all things Evil -Ahura Mazda controls Heaven, Angra Mainya controls hell. -This is where Abrahamic Religions got the ideas for heaven and hell VIEWS OF THE UNIVERSE: -Higher World is Heaven -Lower World is Hell -Middle World is Earth (Battleground between good and evil) -Humans can be influenced by either world since we live in between, so Humans must live a good and pure life to avoid the negative influences of the lower world.

Humanity’s Purpose The purpose of life is to work toward achieving the best existence we can envision. Way of life is based on the six ideals: A Good mind: stay positive gain knowledge/wisdom. Principled living: honesty and helpfulness; balance. Independence: Self-reliance and leadership. Serenity: Happiness. Wholeness: Healthy and holistic living. Have an undying spirit.

Life purpose The purpose of life is to work towards achieving the best existence we can envision. Humans are free to do good or evil, must choose the side of good. Working towards the best existence includes: Striving to achieve individual excellence, and excellence for all. Protecting the environment. Working tirelessly and diligently. Help build a better world.

Life after Death Belief that on the 4th day after death, the soul arrives at Chinvat Bridge Crossover and meet a maiden, embodies good word, thoughts, and deeds Will appear beautiful or ugly depending on how one lived their lives Judgment followed by heaven or hell. Hell is temporary until final purgation and return to Ahura Mazda

After life/Religious Practices ~Determined by good and evil, deeds, words and thoughts. *Good deeds will lead you to heaven, *evil can lead you to different levels to hell. Burial rites: *center on exposure of the dead—tower of silence, or a round structure called dakhma. *Don’t actually bury the dead, *they are left to be consumed by vultures and other wild animals and then the bones are put in to an underground vault. *Zoroastrianism does not permit the disposal of dead through burial or cremation. ~not allowed to actually touch the body, considered to be a sin.

Holy Text and Symbols Avesta (Zend-Avesta) The Avesta is the religious book of Zoroastrians that contains a collection of sacred texts. The history of the Avesta is found in many Pahlavi texts. The Faravahar, or better known in Persian as fravahr, is one of the best-known symbols of ancient Iran (Persia). It is best known as a symbol of the Zoroastrian religion. Fire and “Asha” : Fire, as a symbol of “Asha” and the “original light of God” Two sacred garments, the sudreh (shirt) and kusti (cord) are the emblems of the religion