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Kathleen MacNabb. Zoroastrianism. The Basic History. Religion of Persian Empire Founded c.1500-1000 BCE in Persia? Prevalent until rise of Islam Zoroastrianism = Mazdaism Emperor was leader Magi lead locals. Fundamental Principles. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Kathleen MacNabb
The Basic History
Religion of Persian Empire Founded c.1500-1000 BCE in Persia? Prevalent until rise of Islam Zoroastrianism = Mazdaism Emperor was leader Magi lead locals
Fundamental Principles
Cosmic battle between the one god and the one devil
Good Words, Good Thoughts, Good Deeds
"A thousand people cannot convince one by words to the extent that one person can convince a thousand by action.“- Avesta
"There is a remedy for everything but death, a hope for everything but wickedness, and everything will lapse except righteousness." -Avesta
Fundamental Principles Salvation for all Do not believe in reincarnation Does not limit earthly pleasures Believe in karma Revered the number 3
"[there is] No reincarnation as far as our religion is concerned, because if there is reincarnation, then there cannot be the idea of resurrection…”- magi of Widea Fire Temple
“Zoroaster was wise enough to recognize that all the motives of human beings are based on action and reaction. Because, the receiver of every good deed in this world will react accordingly with the good behavior. Therefore... if human beings act favorably, they receive favorable reaction and vice versa. In this regard, if a person robs another one, he should not be surprised when some day he will be robbed as well.”-Mary Boyce, professor at Cambridge
Literature: The Avesta A portion of the book is Zoroaster’s words Transmitted orally for centuries Original copies destroyed 1/3 of the message survives to today
Literature: The Avesta
YastaDaily rituals Gathas (hymns about Zoroaster’s life and
exultation of Ahura Mazda
Where and which part of land shall I go to succeed? They keep me away from the family and the tribe. The community that I wish to join does not gratify me, nor do the deceitful tyrants of the lands. How shall I gratify you, O Mazda Ahura?
I approach you with good thought, O Mazda Ahura, so that you may grant me (the blessing) of two existences, the material and that of thought, the blessing emanating from Truth, with which one can put (your) support in comfort.
Symbol
Faravahar
Role of Women
Crucial to battle between evil and good
Seen as weaker and more easily tempted
Female adulterers punished more harshly then males
Art, Science ,Technology and Education
HolidaysNaw-Ruz (March 21): New Year
Khordad Sal (March 26): Birth of Zoroaster
Yalda (December 21): Winter Solstice
Zarathust No Diso (December 26): Death of Zarathustra
•Church sponsored schools for secular and spiritual enlightenment•“Hellenistic style” art with Zoroastrian subjects after the retreat of Alexander
Major Contributers Zoroaster (Zarathustra):
Left worship based on animal sacrifice
10 year journeyVisions from Ahura Mazda
Darius I & Xerxes I forcibly promoted Zoroastrianism across Persian Empire
Other emperors collected and copied Avesta
Influence on other Religions
Influence of Judaism is disputed because Zoroastrianism can not be easily dated.
Influences on Christianity and Islam:
Duality (battle between good and bad)ResurrectionHeaven and HellFinal Judgment
Influence on Political and Economic Structures Xerxes I and Darius I increased Persian
Empire to save people from the temptation of Ahrima
Centralized government of the Persian Empire = more internal trade
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