Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism was founded by Zarathushtra/Zoroaster around 1200 BC. Zoroastrianism was the religion of Ancient Persia, and is considered by many to have a major influence on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. By the 600s AD, Islam had replaced Zoroastrianism in most regions. Today, most of the current 200,000 Zoroastrians live in India, and the rest live in Iran and other parts of the world.

Zoroastrianism’s main theme is choosing good over evil, and having good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. Zoroastrianism emphasizes that people have the free will to make the choice of good over evil.

A related ideal of Zoroastrianism is the concept of Asha, a term that refers to such things as truth, wisdom, righteousness, progression, and justice.

The main deity of Zoroastrianism is Ahura Mazda, which translates to “Wise Lord” or “Lord Wisdom.” Zarathushtis often use fire as a symbol of Ahura Mazda, and many Zoroastrian rituals and ceremonies are accompanied by fire.

The Zoroastrianism’s main text is the Avesta, which is based on various texts and teachings complied and passed down for many centuries.

Zoroastrian Scripture Passages and Sayings

Make your own self pure… [Every man] can win purity for himself by cleansing his heart with good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.

Doing good to others is not a duty—it is a joy, for it increases your own health and happiness.

If someone does not perform a duty owed to another, he becomes a thief of the duty.

In the family, may discipline overcome indiscipline, peace [overcome] hostility, charity [overcome] stinginess, devotion [overcome] arrogance, and truth speaking [overcome] false speaking.

He has gained nothing who has not gained the soul. He shall gain nothing who shall not gain the soul.

Think good and be righteous.

Be good, be kind, be humane, and be charitable; love others, console the afflicted, and pardon those who have done you wrong.

In this world… may peace triumph over discord.

That nature alone is good which refrains from doing unto another whatsoever is not good unto its own itself. (From the Dadistan-i-Dinik)