1. ZOROASTRIANISM

2. “Zoroastrianism is the oldest of the revealed world-religions, and it has probably had more influence on mankind, directly and indirectly, than any other single faith." Mary Boyce.
Mary Boyce is one of the most renowned scholars on Zoroastrianism. This is the picture of the hall of 100 columns at the ruins of Darius’ Palace in Persepolis, seat of the Persian Empire. Foreground right is Gateway of All Lands, guarding the entrance to Persepolis. This hall is where 10,000 royal subjects of Emperor Darius and Xerxes would gather for ceremonial occasions. Only 13 columns now remain. I have used several pictures of the ruins of Persepolis in this presentation.

3. ZARATHUSHTRA
Born somewhere between 2000 B.C. to 600 B.C. During Bronze Age.
Founder of Zoroastrianism
Family of Priests. He too was a priest
Married with 6 children
30 yrs. old proclaimed he received a vision
42 yrs. old converted King Vishtaspa to his religion, Zoroastrianism spread by King
Died in his late 70’s
When he lived debated. Based on archaeological finds and linguistic comparisons point to between 1500B.C to 1200 B.C. This made him a contemporary of Moses. When 30 recd vision of Vohu Manah. In time with meditation other 6 Amesha Spentas revealed. Vision transformed his view on religion. Tried to teach his view. Priests were opposed to him. Felt their own faiths, power & rituals were threatened by him. He undermined their power. Attempts on his life. King V accepted his ideas and made them official religion.

4. SPREAD OF ZOROASTRIANISM Faith flourished through the rise and fall of many civilizations. It was the dominant religion for 1000 years (558 B.C. – 652 A.D.) in Persia Declined as a result of Alexander the Greats conquest – 330 B.C Declined as a result of Islam/Arab invasion in 652 A.D. Faith still practiced, but in secrecy, in some Muslim countries Most followers of Zoroastrianism fled to India.
Zoroastrianism reached its peak during the time of the Achaemenians – Cyrus the Great and Darius and Xerxes being the most famous kings. Those Zoroastrians who were given asylum in India came to be known as Parsees.

5. ZOROASTRIANISM AT ITS PEAK The Zoroastrian Achaemenian Empire at its greatest extent was the largest empire in recorded history at 3.0 million sq. miles (480 BC). Under Cyrus' rule it extended approximately from Macedonia (now Greece) in the West to the Indus River (India) in the East, from the Caucuses Mountains (Russia) in the North to Egypt in the South.

6. Main Beliefs
One of the first Monotheistic Religions – Belief in One Supreme God – Ahura Mazda(Wise Lord)
Conflict between Spenta Mainyu (Good) & Angra Mainyu (Evil) involves inner struggles in human soul and entire universe – cosmic struggle with human soul having to take a side
Different from Hinduism/Buddhism – No reincarnation, No Karma – each soul free to choose good or evil
Spenta Mainyu and A.mainyu are uncreated. All mortal beings are created and play a critical role in the struggle between asha (good) and druj (evil). Deeds and action are emphasised. Asceticism frowned upon. Central to Zism is emphasis on moral choice – choose responsibility & duty for which we are in the mortal world. Morality summed up in the 3 H’s, it is thru this that druj(evil) is kept in check and asha(good) prevails.

7. SACRED TEXT Five Divine Hymns (Poetic Songs) called “The GATHAS”
words come form Zarathushtra himself.
Eternal Flame – Fire symbol of One Supreme Being
VM:Z declares that man must think for himself b4 he believes. Given freedom to choose between good & evil & responsible for consequences.
Asha embodies Righteousness,Truth Wisdom, Justice & Progress. Every Z should strive to follow the path of A
K: As a soldier of God, man must actively fight evil and promote good.
ARM: is Amazda’s purity and devotion
H & Amer: are the twin rewards of a righteous life.

8. Follower using Fire to focus worship/prayers
Our rituals & prayers are performed before a sacred fire. It is kept burning in a silver urn in all Z F Temples. Fire is a symbol of the inner light, inner flame that exists within each of us. It’s a physical representation of the illumined Mind & truth. It is a symbol of light which is a symbol of God and Goodness. Zoroastrians are sometimes mistakenly referred to as Fire worshipers that is incorrect. For us it is only a symbol of the inner flame, we do not worship it. Fire is tended with frankinsense and myrrh – the same offering brought by the Magi to Jesus.

9. SYMBOL OF ZOROASTRIANISM “FAROHAR” Represents “Fravashi” or presence of Ahura Mazda (One Supreme Being) in every Soul
It is the “Divinity in Humanity”. Since God has given us humans a free will, the Fravashi will not interfere with the choice of our Soul.
Thus in spite of having the part of God within us we can go wrong, if we do not invoke the help of Fravashi or we choose not to follow its advice.

10. INTERACTIONS WITH JUDAISM & CHRISTIANITY
Zoroastrian ideas have played a vital role in the development of western religious thought. Similar theological concepts shared by Zoroastrianism with Judaism & Christianity:
Belief in one supreme God
Concept of Heaven & Hell and individual Judgment
Ultimate triumph of good over evil.
Strict moral and ethical code
Concepts of resurrection, final judgment and life everlasting
The words “Satan”, “paradise”, and “amen” are of Zoroastrian origin
The 3 Wise Men (Magi) that heralded the infant Christ were
Zoroastrians.
The inter-change of Z thought with Judeao-Christian ideology first took place when Cyrus the great defeated the Assyrians and released the Jews from Babylon. They heralded Cyrus as their Messaiah. The Old Testament is replete with references to the Persian emperors Darius, Cyrus & Xerxes.

11. Zoroastrianism First created by Aban Grant
Hebrews ppt. “Student Handout” website
Edited/Adapted by Mr. Timbol