Zoroastrianism as a religion: history, features, postulates, symbols and attributes

2024 Author: Miguel Ramacey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 06:11

Before the beginning of our era, there were several popular religious trends, about which today not everyone can say what it is. One of such trends, forgotten by the society and partly receded into the past, is Zoroastrianism. What religion is indicated by this word, not every inhabitant knows. Let's try to consider what are the features of the dogma, what is interesting about Zoroastrianism, when it appeared and how it developed.

General information

According to some scholars who study religions, Zoroastrianism originated approximately in the sixth or seventh century before the beginning of the current era (however, there are other dates). Among the creeds in which there is only one supreme deity, Zoroastrianism is rightfully considered the most ancient. However, the opinions of experts differ: some suggest classifying this trend as dualistic. HowIt is known from historical research that Zoroastrianism arose on the territory of modern Iran. In ancient times, these lands were called Persia. At the same time, a basic book of teaching was created, designed to reflect its postulates and basic dogmas. This sacred text was called the Avesta.

Rapid dissemination in society is a quality that is not inherent in every religion. Zoroastrianism turned out to be one of those that are able to actively embrace large groups of people. The Central Asian territories, the Middle Eastern countries soon became a large area of localization of adherents of Zoroastrianism. As scientists involved in the study of religion have established, in Central Asia from the beginning of the current era and up to the early stage of the Middle Ages, this particular direction was the leader in demand. However, over time the situation has changed. The three most popular religions today have gradually supplanted the faith in question. Adherents of the ancient direction can be found among the peoples of Iran and in some regions of India, but their number is incomparably smaller compared to how relevant Zoroastrianism was in previous centuries.

How it all began

Everything has a source, and religion will be no exception. Zoroastrianism, as the researchers found out, began from the sayings of the prophet Zarathustra. It is known that this man was a native of a noble family. His father was an influential official of Ancient Persia, who had a considerable fortune. As the legends that have survived to this day say, the prophet was chosen by a deity while his mother was carrying him. As followers sayreligion, the sacred child protected the parent from evil forces. When he was born, the boy immediately began to laugh. As the sacred texts say, he had unique abilities to drive away demons, and no messengers of darkness could withstand the proximity of a child. When Zarathustra reached adolescence, the supreme deity gave him wisdom. Thus it became known what is the true faith that people should follow.

In many ways, Zoroastrianism is a religion based on the sayings of Zarathustra. Of these, the most famous is what he said at the age of 42. The man delivered a sermon, and his words spread throughout the world. At this age, the prophet happened to speak to a crowd of listeners, and his words penetrated them to the depths of their souls. Officially, the moment of this sermon is the starting point for the existence of Zoroastrianism, which soon became one of the dominant religions of antiquity.

What did the prophet say?

Getting acquainted with the history and features of this religion, it is worth first of all to pay attention to its founder and main ideas. Zoroastrianism is a religion in which there was one main supreme deity - Ahuramazda. It was about him that the prophet carried the message, telling everyone around him about the divine will. Companions of the founder, disciples of Zarathustra, traveled to the nearest regions, telling everyone the good news. A distinctive feature of the new direction was its unique openness - in many respects, Zoroastrianism was the opposite of all previously existing religious trends. The priestly class was available, and this attracted the commonof people. According to historians, four centuries before the advent of our era in the Persian territories, most of the population was adherents of Zoroastrianism.

Both the founder of the religion and the basic ideas of Zoroastrianism equally attracted public attention. As this belief spread, the personality of the prophet became legendary. If initially it was a unique, intelligent person with oratorical abilities, then gradually he was turned into a kind of superman. Followers of the religion claim that during his lifetime the prophet left his mortal body many times, being called for conversations by the supreme deity himself. They say that Zarathustra was initiated into all the world's mysteries, he knew how the universe works, he perfectly understood how to distinguish between evil and good - and all this thanks to divine wisdom.

Everything is written down

The main ideas of Zoroastrianism, the religion that dominated Ancient Asia, were recorded in a special holy book. The Avesta, as it was called, is now considered one of the most ancient texts created by man to record religious revelations and commandments. It has reached our time almost unchanged, which makes it especially curious and unique. The Avesta was recorded in writing already in our era, approximately in the second century or a century later. For a whole millennium up to this point, all rituals, revelations, rules and accumulated information were transmitted from person to person orally. The priestly class, the preachers were responsible for the correctsaving information. One of the curious features of the sacred text is the language used to record it, which was called Avestan. This is a very ancient saying. Linguists attribute it to Indo-European and include it in the group of Iranian languages. By the time the book was written, he was already extinct. The sacred writings of Zoroastrianism are the only written document currently created in the defunct Avestan dialect.

Avesta is formed by three large blocks. Additionally, manuscripts were written that are not part of the main blocks, but tell about religious revelations. Quite curious is the small Avesta - a book not included in the basic religious collection, but containing those prayers that are used in practice. Some are in the extinct Avestan language, but there are also written in Middle Persian. Ordinary people can use these texts, calling on the deity in everyday life.

Key scriptures

Zoroastrianism is a religion whose main ideas are recorded in three books: Yasna, Yashty, Videvdad. The first is devoted to hymns and fixes prayer texts. For the followers of religion, it is recognized as the most significant. This includes the prayers required for the celebration of worship. In total, Yasna consists of 72 chapters, of which seventeen are Gathas. This is the name of the most significant hymns, prayers used by the followers of Zoroastrianism. It is believed that the author of these religious texts is the great prophet himself.

Yashta is dedicated to prayers. In total, there are 22 parts in the block, telling about Ahuramazda. From this block you can findabout other sacred beings, ancient heroes and prophets who existed in the past. Such hymns to some extent represent the mythological context of the religion. From them you can learn how Zarathustra appeared and lived, here is a description of the divine power, the intentions of the higher essence and its accomplishments.

The final book is Videvdad, important for all followers of Zoroastrianism. Religion (Zoroastrianism) and its features in this block are presented on the example of ritual behavior. Avesta in the third block is a collection of rituals necessary for the purification of spiritual and bodily entities. It also gives an interpretation of religious dogmas. Videvdad is recommended to study for those who would like to better understand the features of the religion in question, to understand how beliefs should be interpreted.

About dogmas

The uniqueness of the doctrine in question is that it is based on the opposition of good and bad - this is precisely the brief description of religion. Zoroastrianism became one of the first such directions in the field of belief in the supernatural. According to the adherents of this belief, goodness is represented by the supreme deity. Evil entities are controlled and inspired by another god - Angra Manyu. As can be learned from the sacred texts, these two gods are twins, born of the deity of time. Their strengths are almost equal, but the sacred texts say: one day good will prevail. When this happens, Ahuramazda will become the sole ruler of our universe.

There is not only the main god, but also his closest assistants - you can find out about thisfrom a brief description of religion. In Zoroastrianism, there is, for example, Mithra. This god symbolizes loy alty and justice. For the dead, he is a judge. Mithra is responsible for the light. Another helper of the riding essence is Anagita, responsible for fertility and water. Fravashes are no less significant. This is the name of numerous spirits that protect people from evil forces.

Like what?

To get a better idea of how and what the teaching tells about, you should familiarize yourself with the postulates declared by the founder of Zoroastrianism. Religion is largely based on his sermons, so their importance cannot be underestimated. As the prophet said, as the sacred texts say, any follower of the doctrine is obliged to ensure the purity of his soul. Every person should strive to ensure that there is more good on earth than evil, because this determines the result of the battle of divine beings. One of the main ideas of Zoroastrianism is that the soul of the believer is cleansed, and in order to achieve enlightenment and absolute purity, one must do good and do good deeds. Zoroastrianism approves of charity and recommends that each and every one increase their profits in an honest way, while simultaneously participating gratuitously in works that are useful to society as a whole. As you can learn from the rules of this religion, it is unacceptable to pollute the habitat, it is impossible to bury the dead in the ground or dump them into the water. Believers must keep their own bodies clean.

The sacred animal in Zoroastrianism is the dog. It is believed that this is dedicated to the main deity. Breeding dogs - approved by the sacreddeed texts. You can learn about this from what the founder of religion said in his sermons. Zoroastrianism pays special attention to the aspirations of a single person. Prayers, religious and ritual events fade into the background, while the actions of each individual are considered especially important and significant. What is said and done, thought by a person is a weapon of higher power in the fight against dark entities.

Fear and light

Zoroastrianism is an ancient religion, which, however, teaches people: there is nothing to fear in death. It is truly terrible for a person to commit sinful acts. The human soul is eternal, it is not threatened with death. If during the existence in the physical body the person did good deeds, Mitra will place her in paradise. Those who do evil will end up in hell after death.

Zoroastrianism is interesting not only with ideas about the afterlife and division into two zones, but also with belief in the apocalypse. Zoroastrianism is a religion of revelations, and in one of them Zarathustra spoke just about the last days of the great catastrophe. Sacred texts tell about the approach of bad times. They will be marked by numerous cataclysms, upheavals that will affect the entire planet. When this difficult stage begins, a divine son will appear in the world, called to become the tip of a spear directed at the very heart of evil. He will lead humanity, lead people to victory over darkness. When the battle is over, unquestioning goodness will reign on earth for a thousand years, and people will live without fear of death. They will be ruled by a divine son. When the millennium comes to an endit's time for the final battle. It is this that will allow the light to win the final and unquestioning victory. After it, according to the followers of the doctrine, our planet will completely change, and all those who died earlier will return to life. From now on, people will be granted eternal life and the infinite happiness of existence.

Curious to know

The emergence of Zoroastrianism, a religion so much in demand in the ancient world, is dated in some research papers approximately to the first or second millennium before the beginning of the current era. Scientists believe that this direction largely influenced the way Christianity developed, corrected the course of Judaism. Zoroastrianism is considered by many to be one of the factors that influenced Mithraism. Nietzsche, who at one time devoted a lot of energy to the study of ancient religion, admitted that it was Zarathustra who was the first to understand that the battle between good and evil forces can be a lever that allows you to control the development of the situation. From history, we know that by the age of twenty, the future world-famous man for thousands of years proved to be an impeccable warrior, a talented cattle breeder and a perfect priest.

Although today it is no secret to anyone that Zoroastrianism is a religion of the ancient world, which dominated the expanses of Central Asian territories for quite a long time, at first it was not so obvious that success was approaching. At first, the prophet did not receive due recognition in his native places. He decided to travel. It is known that Zarathustratraveled around the territories where Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan are located today, visited the lands that now belong to Pakistan. It so happened that Vishtaspa liked Zarathustra and his teachings. The ruler supported the ideas of the young preacher, and the teaching was recognized at the state level. From that moment on, the Persian empires followed Zoroastrianism, which engulfed all large western Iranian regions like a fire.

Faith and belief

Demanded and previously widespread religion of the Persians - Zoroastrianism - and today is relevant for some territories. The teaching of the prophet lives in Indian, Iranian areas. These people still believe that heat, light are created by the supreme deity, and cold and darkness are the creations of an evil force. They are firmly convinced that the fight between the twins is drawing to a close, and the day of the great battle will soon come. Many believe that a descendant of an ancient prophet will soon appear, who will help good triumph. According to people who believe in Zoroastrianism, opposites cannot come together, and our world, which is the battlefield of two brothers, will soon change. Adherents of this doctrine divide all people into servants of good and evil. Traditionally, in Zoroastrianism, it is man who is the center of belief.

As can be seen from the numerous descriptions of the religion, Zoroastrianism requires its adherents to make efforts to reduce evil in our universe. In order to be able to triumph over the darkness in your soul, you need to be clean - both spiritually and physically. Each person who follows the teachings of Zarathustra is obliged to be faithful to his family, to observe the laws of the state,strive to do good and avoid evil.

Attributes and symbols

The essence of Zoroastrianism, a religion so in demand in antiquity, is purity and the triumph of light - and for this everyone should make the best efforts they can. Since the key symbol is light, the indispensable ritual attribute in the teaching under consideration is fire. In fact, this is the embodiment of the divine essence in the physical world. Fire is a life-giving source that gives a person not only light, but also warmth. All believers treat any fire with great respect. Temples built by adherents of Zoroastrianism are often called temples of fire. Many of these structures have special sacred places where the fire is kept burning for centuries, and in some for thousands of years.

In many ways, probably because of this tradition, adherents of the doctrine in question are considered fire worshipers. At the same time, it must be remembered that Zoroastrianism - the religion of the power of the Sassanids, ancient Persians, Hindus - is a belief in which not only fire as an essence is considered good. People who adhere to this doctrine consider all the elements inviolable. It is for this reason that it is impossible to bury the deceased in the ground. Instead, the Zoroastrians leave the deceased on the tops of special towers. Today, people who adhere to this religion can be buried in concrete crypts, equipped so that the body does not come into contact with soil, water.

As scientists say, today Zoroastrianism is accessible and chosen only by those who aspire topersonal growth and spiritual development. Others perceive the direction as a way to improve themselves.

Yesterday, today, tomorrow

About why Zoroastrianism did not become a world religion, disputes among researchers have been going on for a long time, and there are many reasons. However, according to some, it is only a matter of time: in recent years, the direction has again attracted the attention of the general population. Some say that the main problem is that not everyone is able to imbue this idea of self-improvement, while others believe that it just takes a little more time. As is known from statistical reports, there are now about 200 thousand adherents of this belief on our planet. The relatively small communities that exist in Asian countries inherit the traditions of the Proto-Indo-Iranians. The currently existing branches have minor differences, while the essence remains the same.

A unique feature of Zoroastrianism is that everyone has the right to choose their side. A person can be an adherent of good or choose evil for himself. At the same time, everyone will be rewarded precisely for what he did and thought. In many ways, Zoroastrianism has become the basis of modern world religions. According to many, he enriched the cultures of different nationalities. By the way, the current New Year, celebrated in Iran, appeared precisely thanks to the teachings of Zarathustra.

What influenced?

In 637, the city of Ctesiphon was captured by the Arab military, and around 651, almost all of Iran was already under their rule. Much likescholars believe this explains the decline of Zoroastrianism. Although even today certain echoes of that teaching can be seen in everyday nuances, during the period of this conquest, new writing systems and views were imposed on the peoples of Iran. If before the attack of the Arab Caliphate, Zoroastrianism was one of the strong contenders for the role of a world-wide significant confession, such a serious damage to the culture of the bearers could not but affect the future of the doctrine. Even in Iran, fewer people, under the influence of the invaders, followed the old beliefs, emigration left its negative imprint. Gradually, marriages between representatives of different faiths began, and it so happened that children in such families mostly went to Islam.

Several centers for the preservation of traditions were able to defend their faith and their traditions. For example, in the city of Yazd, adherents of Zoroastrianism lived, always ready for raids. Each house here is like a full-fledged fortress, and they were created primarily for the sake of protecting their faith. It is worth noting that Yazd has been known for a long time: the first European travelers who got here later told their compatriots about the amazing cleanliness of the place.