Introduction
Understanding Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrism teaches a moral choice between *asha*, truth and just order, and *druj*, lies and disorder. Its famous maxim calls for good thoughts, good words and good deeds.
Zarathustra reformed older Iranian traditions.
To be retained
Four essential principles
- Zoroastrism teaches a moral choice between *asha*, truth and just order, and *druj*, lies and disorder.
- Zarathustra reformed older Iranian traditions.
- Ahura Mazda works with the Amesha Spenta, expressions or benefactory powers.
- human moral freedom is an active contributor to the renewal of the world.
Small timeline
A tradition shaped by history
Origins and training
Zarathustra reformed older Iranian traditions.
Historical developments
The exact place of Zoroastrianism under the Achemenids was debated; it became an imperial religion organized under the Sassanids.
Ritual life and teachings
Ahura Mazda works with the Amesha Spenta, expressions or benefactory powers.
A living and plural tradition
After the Arab conquest, the communities decreased.
History and development
Zarathustra reformed older Iranian traditions. The exact place of Zoroastrianism under the Achemenids was debated; he became an imperial religion organized under the Sassanids.
After the Arab conquest, the communities decreased, and groups moved to India, where they were known as Parsis.
Worldview, beliefs and practices
Ahura Mazda works with the Amesha Spenta, expressions or benefactory powers. Angra Mainyu represents the destructive spirit in a cosmology whose ancient and late forms differ. Humans participate in the ultimate triumph of good through their choices.
Prayers before the fire, wearing the "sudreh" and "kusti" (the "Kusti" and "purification" rituals) and seasonal festivals structure life. Fire is not worshipped as a god: it makes visible purity, light and truth.
Texts, symbols and transmission
Avesta, Yasna, Gathas, Vendidad and Middle-Perse literature like the Bundahishn. Symbols: fire, cypress and Faravahar; the latter is ancient Iranian but its use as a Zoroastrian religious emblem is relatively modern.
What research can and cannot say
The rapprochements with Judaism, Christianity and Islam on angels, judgment or resurrection are plausible in a context of exchanges, but direct borrowings are difficult to demonstrate on a case-by-case basis.
References