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World Religion Unit 1 Early Religions.notebook
1
September 27, 2016
Sep 712:30 PM
Zoroastrianism• 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 Iran (Persia) and Iraq (Babylonia).
Zoroaster ->
Sep 72:15 PM
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.
World Religion Unit 1 Early Religions.notebook
2
September 27, 2016
Sep 72:18 PM
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 ->
Sep 72:19 PM
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
• When only bones are left, they are swept into a hole in the center of the Dakhma
Dakhma ->
World Religion Unit 1 Early Religions.notebook
3
September 27, 2016
Sep 72:19 PM
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.
Sep 82:25 PM
Sacred Writings• The Avestan Scriptures (Five Parts)
• Hymns, prayers, laws, teachings
• The Gathas are the spiritual core of the Yasna liturgy
World Religion Unit 1 Early Religions.notebook
4
September 27, 2016
Sep 82:25 PM
Symbols• Fire
• Represents the divine presence
• Burns continuously in the sanctuary. A priest maintains it
Sep 82:26 PM
Zoroastrians today• 140 000 world wide
• India (Parsis) –mostly in Mumbai (Bombay)
• Iran
• Us and Canada -- 12000
cMMQ&feature=related https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuWMDDsJ-Sg