Zoroastrianism Zoroastrianism ((MazdaismMazdaism ) )

II. Persian Religion Before ZoroasterII. Persian Religion Before Zoroaster

A. Most of what we know is from A. Most of what we know is from the the hostile hostile GathasGathas, hard-to-, hard-to-

interpret references in interpret references in inscriptions of inscriptions of Achaemenians Achaemenians kings and post-kings and post- Gathic Avestan Gathic Avestan textstexts

B. Popular religion was perhaps B. Popular religion was perhaps similar similar to that as reflected in the to that as reflected in the VedasVedas

C. Common people worshipped powers known as daevas

1. Usually identified with the devas or “shining ones” in

Rig Veda2. Associated with the

powers of nature

D. Priests also recognized the D. Priests also recognized the ahuras ahuras (lords)(lords)

1. Considered to be the 1. Considered to be the highest highest among the godsamong the gods

2. Located in the heavens 2. Located in the heavens and and concerned with cosmic orderconcerned with cosmic order

3. Thus, a hierarchical order 3. Thus, a hierarchical order among the godsamong the gods

E. Popular GodsE. Popular Gods

1. Indara or Intar (Vedic Indra)--1. Indara or Intar (Vedic Indra)--means means he who struck down he who struck down

Verethra,Verethra, an an obstruction that held back obstruction that held back the the rain waters (Vedic Vritraarain waters (Vedic Vritraa

2. Intar was overshadowed by Mithra 2. Intar was overshadowed by Mithra (Vedic Mitra)--a popular god who seems to (Vedic Mitra)--a popular god who seems to have been known by Aryans everywherehave been known by Aryans everywhere

a. In a Hittite document of 1400-1300 a. In a Hittite document of 1400-1300 B.C.E. found in Asia Minor, Mithra is B.C.E. found in Asia Minor, Mithra is mentioned under name of Midrmentioned under name of Midr

b. He was chief god of the Mitannia, b. He was chief god of the Mitannia, an an Aryan group in northern MesopotamiaAryan group in northern Mesopotamia

c. Mithra was known as the god of c. Mithra was known as the god of lightlight

d. In a later Avesta, he is portrayed d. In a later Avesta, he is portrayed as the as the god god to whom the princes pray to whom the princes pray when they go when they go forth to battleforth to battle

e. Mithra could mean e. Mithra could mean treatytreaty or or pact pact

3. A Hittite document refers to a god 3. A Hittite document refers to a god called Uruwana (Greek called Uruwana (Greek Ouranos; Ouranos; Vedic Varuna)Vedic Varuna)

a. He is the god of the domed a. He is the god of the domed sky sky

b. He is the lord (b. He is the lord (ahuraahura) of the ) of the moral moral order with a high ethical order with a high ethical charactercharacter

4. Vayu, the wind, a companion of 4. Vayu, the wind, a companion of IntarIntar

a. Appears under the aspect of a. Appears under the aspect of good good and bad windsand bad winds

b. He blows from the beginning b. He blows from the beginning of of timetime

5. Yima (Vedic Yama), the ruler of the 5. Yima (Vedic Yama), the ruler of the dead, the first man to diedead, the first man to die

F. Underlying world order was a F. Underlying world order was a cosmic principle calledcosmic principle called asha asha or or artaarta

1. Attributes are truth, right, 1. Attributes are truth, right, justice, justice, divine orderdivine order

2. Similar to Vedic 2. Similar to Vedic RitaRita

G. Fire WorshipG. Fire Worship

1. The divine powers were 1. The divine powers were worshiped worshiped under the open sky, under the open sky, with aid of priests, with aid of priests, fire worship, fire worship, and potion of haoma and potion of haoma (Vedic soma)(Vedic soma)

2. Fire ceremonies similar to 2. Fire ceremonies similar to Vedic Vedic IndiaIndia

3. Atar was the god invoked and 3. Atar was the god invoked and worshipped during these ritesworshipped during these rites

4. The ceremony4. The ceremony

a. The sacrificial fire is lit and a. The sacrificial fire is lit and reverencedreverenced

b. The grass around the altar was b. The grass around the altar was consecrated, sprinked with consecrated, sprinked with

haoma-haoma- juice and would be made the juice and would be made the table table upon upon which were laid which were laid portions of the portions of the sacrificesacrifice

c. Sacrifice might be animal or c. Sacrifice might be animal or cerealcereal

d. In the case of an animal, the d. In the case of an animal, the victim victim would be touched the would be touched the barsom,barsom, a a bundle of boughs bundle of boughs worshipped as worshipped as supernatural and supernatural and held before the face held before the face during the during the adoration of the sacred fire adoration of the sacred fire

The Prophet The Prophet ZoroasterZoroaster

A. His early lifeA. His early life

1. Date and 1. Date and birthplace highly birthplace highly controversialcontroversial

a. Many a. Many scholars scholars will will place his birth place his birth around 660 around 660 B.C.E.B.C.E.

b. Greek b. Greek scholars such as scholars such as Aristotle place Aristotle place him at him at 6000 6000 B.C.E.B.C.E.

c. Believing that c. Believing that certain certain features of features of Gathic Gathic language are language are older than Sanskrit older than Sanskrit and the Rig Veda and the Rig Veda being written in 1800 being written in 1800 B.C.E. cause some to B.C.E. cause some to believe that he lived believe that he lived prior to this timeprior to this time

d. Birthplace d. Birthplace according to according to

the the Avesta is on Avesta is on the the banks of the banks of the river river VaejahVaejah

e. Some believe e. Some believe that he was born that he was born in the city of in the city of Ragha, near Ragha, near modern Tehranmodern Tehran

2. Tradition has him assuming the kusti or sacred thread at the age of 15

3. At 20 he left his parents and wife to wander and seek truth

B. The RevelationB. The Revelation

1. At the age of 1. At the age of 30 he received 30 he received his revelationhis revelation

2. Legend has magnified the

initial revelation to a

series of miraculous

visions

a. First and a. First and most dramatic most dramatic vision occurs on vision occurs on the banks of the the banks of the Daitya River Daitya River near his homenear his home

b. A figure b. A figure “nine “nine times as times as large as a large as a man” man” appeared appeared to himto him

c. The figure was the c. The figure was the archangel archangel Vohu Vohu ManahManah (Good (Good Thought) who Thought) who questioned questioned Zoroaster and Zoroaster and commanded him to commanded him to lay aside the lay aside the vesture vesture of his of his mortal body and mortal body and appear before appear before Ahura Mazda Ahura Mazda (Wise (Wise Lord) as a Lord) as a disembodied souldisembodied soul

d. d. Ahura Mazda Ahura Mazda instructed him instructed him and called him and called him to become a to become a prophet of the prophet of the true religiontrue religion

e. During the next e. During the next 8 years he would 8 years he would meet the six meet the six principal principal archangels and archangels and each meeting each meeting would make the would make the revelation more revelation more completecomplete

3. In the Gathas, Zoroaster’s own words tell the revelation:As the holy one I recognzed thee, Mazda Ahura, when Good Thought (Vohu Manah) came to me and asked me “ Who art thou? to whom dost thou belong? By what sign wilt thou appoint the days for questioning about thy possessions and thyself?” Then said I to him: “To the first (question), Zarathustra am I, a true foe to the Liar, to the utmost of my power, but a powerful support would I be to the Righteous, that I may attain the future things of the infinite Dominion, according as I praise and sing thee, Mazda,”

4. After the 4. After the revelation he revelation he began to preach began to preach immediately, but immediately, but was not very was not very successfulsuccessful

a. Being a. Being discouraged he discouraged he was tempted by was tempted by the Evil Spirit the Evil Spirit Angra MainyuAngra Mainyu, , who encouraged who encouraged him to renounce him to renounce the worship of the worship of MazdaMazda

b. Zoroaster refused him with the b. Zoroaster refused him with the words, words, No! I shall not renounce the No! I shall not renounce the good religion of the worshipers of good religion of the worshipers of Mazda, Mazda, not though life, limb, and not though life, limb, and soul should part asundersoul should part asunder

5. After the revelation he began to 5. After the revelation he began to preach preach immediately, but was not very immediately, but was not very successfulsuccessful

a. Being discouraged he was a. Being discouraged he was tempted tempted by the Evil Spirit by the Evil Spirit Angra Angra MainyuMainyu, who , who encouraged him to encouraged him to renounce the renounce the worship of worship of MazdaMazda

b. Zoroaster refused him with b. Zoroaster refused him with the the words, words, No! I shall not No! I shall not renounce the renounce the good religion of the good religion of the worshipers of worshipers of Mazda, not Mazda, not though life, limb, and soul though life, limb, and soul should should part asunderpart asunder

6. The next 20 years were spent in 6. The next 20 years were spent in propagating the faithpropagating the faith

7. Two holy wars would be fought 7. Two holy wars would be fought defending the faithdefending the faith

a. The first would see the rise of a. The first would see the rise of Isfender who would rout Isfender who would rout the the

invading invading northern nomadsnorthern nomads

b. The second would led to the b. The second would led to the prophet’s death at the age of 77prophet’s death at the age of 77

C. According to the Younger C. According to the Younger Avesta,Avesta, two persons served in semi-prophetic two persons served in semi-prophetic positions before Zoroasterpositions before Zoroaster

1. Gaya Maretan--the primeval 1. Gaya Maretan--the primeval man--man-- the first mortal who hears the first mortal who hears the divine the divine tenetstenets

a. He is the first ruler of a. He is the first ruler of IranIran

b. He is the prototype of b. He is the prototype of humanityhumanity

2. Yimi (Vedic Yama)--also a king of 2. Yimi (Vedic Yama)--also a king of Iran Iran and prototype of a good rulerand prototype of a good ruler

a. His reign was associated with a. His reign was associated with justice and peacejustice and peace

b. God warned him of three b. God warned him of three consecutive cold winters that consecutive cold winters that

would would destroy all living things on destroy all living things on earthearth

c. He constructed a cave into c. He constructed a cave into which he which he took the seeds of various took the seeds of various plants, every plants, every kind of cattle, and the kind of cattle, and the best of human best of human beingsbeings

d. He ascended to the spiritual d. He ascended to the spiritual world world and returned to earthand returned to earth

The Teachings

A. The religion was one of ethical A. The religion was one of ethical monotheismmonotheism

1. The moral law required 1. The moral law required human human righteousness and righteousness and proceeded proceeded from the one good from the one good God, Ahura Mazda God, Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord)(Wise Lord)

2. His clan seemed to have 2. His clan seemed to have given this given this god special devotiongod special devotion

3. Although no longer referred 3. Although no longer referred to as to as Varuna, many scholars see Varuna, many scholars see Ahura Ahura Mazda as taking Varauna’s Mazda as taking Varauna’s placeplace

B. Final Revlation of One Supreme B. Final Revlation of One Supreme DeityDeity

1. The1. The Gathas Gathas sets forth that he sets forth that he had been called by Ahura Mazda had been called by Ahura Mazda himself and that the religion revealed to himself and that the religion revealed to him was the final and true religionhim was the final and true religion

a. Ahura stems from the root a. Ahura stems from the root Ah, Ah, meaning “to be, to exist”meaning “to be, to exist”

b. Mazda stems from Mana, b. Mazda stems from Mana, meaning wisdom and meaning wisdom and

intelligenceintelligence

c. Thus, Ahura Mazda is the c. Thus, Ahura Mazda is the Essence of Being and WisdomEssence of Being and Wisdom

2. Unlike, later followers who would create 2. Unlike, later followers who would create dualistic deities, his deity was the one dualistic deities, his deity was the one supreme ruler, creating both dark and lightsupreme ruler, creating both dark and light

3. The 3. The GathasGathas state: state: Who is by generation the Father of Right Who is by generation the Father of Right (Asha) at the first? Who determined the path (Asha) at the first? Who determined the path of sun and stars? Who is it by whom the of sun and stars? Who is it by whom the moon waxes and wanes again? . . . Who moon waxes and wanes again? . . . Who upheld the earth beneath and the firmanent upheld the earth beneath and the firmanent from falling? Who made the water and the from falling? Who made the water and the plants? Who yoked swiftness to winds and plants? Who yoked swiftness to winds and clouds?. . . What artist made light and clouds?. . . What artist made light and darkness, sleep and waking? Who made darkness, sleep and waking? Who made morning, noon, and night, that call the morning, noon, and night, that call the understanding man to his understanding man to his duty? . . . I duty? . . . I strive to recognize by these things thee, Ostrive to recognize by these things thee, OMazda, creator of all things through the holy Mazda, creator of all things through the holy spiritspirit

CC. Spenta Mainyu--Good Actions. Spenta Mainyu--Good Actions

1. Ahura Mazda used a Holy Spirit 1. Ahura Mazda used a Holy Spirit (Spenta (Spenta Mainyu) and various modes of Mainyu) and various modes of divine actions divine actions called the “Immortal Holy called the “Immortal Holy Ones or Amesha Ones or Amesha Spentas to accomplish Spentas to accomplish his deedshis deeds

2. These modes of ethical activity 2. These modes of ethical activity bear bear names such as:names such as:

a. Vohu Manah--Good Thought a. Vohu Manah--Good Thought or or SenseSense

b. Asha--Rightb. Asha--Right

c. Kshathra--Power or Dominionc. Kshathra--Power or Dominion

d. Haurvatat--Prosperityd. Haurvatat--Prosperity

e. Armaiti--Pietye. Armaiti--Piety

3. These modes appear to be 3. These modes appear to be abstract qualities or states, but abstract qualities or states, but some scholars believe he personified some scholars believe he personified themthem

D. Angra Mainyu--Evil ActionsD. Angra Mainyu--Evil Actions

1. Ahura Mazda is supreme but 1. Ahura Mazda is supreme but not not unopposedunopposed

a. Against Asha (Right) is a. Against Asha (Right) is Druji Druji (The Lie)(The Lie)

b. Against Truth is Falsehoodb. Against Truth is Falsehood

c, Against Life is Deathc, Against Life is Death

2. Zaehner believes that the2. Zaehner believes that the Gathas Gathas teach that Ahura Mazda teach that Ahura Mazda had twin had twin “sons” and gave them free choice“sons” and gave them free choice

a. One became Spenta Mainyu--a. One became Spenta Mainyu--Good Good or Holy Spiritor Holy Spirit

b. One became Angra Mainyu--b. One became Angra Mainyu--Evil Evil SpiritSpirit

c. Thec. The Gathas Gathas read: read:

Now the two primal Spirits, who revealed Now the two primal Spirits, who revealed themselves in vision as Twins, are the themselves in vision as Twins, are the Better and the Bad in thought and word Better and the Bad in thought and word and action. And between these two the and action. And between these two the wise once chose aright, the foolish not so. wise once chose aright, the foolish not so. And when these twain Spirits came And when these twain Spirits came together in the beginning, they together in the beginning, they established Life and Not-Life; and that at established Life and Not-Life; and that at the last the Worst Existence (Hell) shall be the last the Worst Existence (Hell) shall be to the followers of the Lie,but the Best to the followers of the Lie,but the Best Thought (Paradise) to him that follows Thought (Paradise) to him that follows Right. Of these twain Spirits he that Right. Of these twain Spirits he that followed the Lie chose doing the worst followed the Lie chose doing the worst things; the holiest Spirit chose Rightthings; the holiest Spirit chose Right

E. The Struggle of the SoulE. The Struggle of the Soul

1. Each human soul is the seat 1. Each human soul is the seat of a of a struggle between good and evilstruggle between good and evil

2. Mazda gave each human 2. Mazda gave each human freedom freedom to chooses between to chooses between good and evilgood and evil

3. It is necessary for each 3. It is necessary for each human to human to decide between Mazda decide between Mazda and Mainyuand Mainyu

F. Good and EvilF. Good and Evil1. The 1. The GathasGathas, devotional , devotional

hymns, do hymns, do not give a definitive not give a definitive definition of good definition of good or evilor evil

2. They do, however, give an 2. They do, however, give an indication of the practical differencesindication of the practical differences

3. The good are those who 3. The good are those who accept the accept the true religiontrue religion

4. The evil are those who reject 4. The evil are those who reject the the true religion, especially those true religion, especially those who who practiced the “old religion”practiced the “old religion”

5. The good are those who till the soil, raise 5. The good are those who till the soil, raise grain, grow fruits, root out weeds, reclaim grain, grow fruits, root out weeds, reclaim wasteland, irrigate the barren ground, and wasteland, irrigate the barren ground, and treat animals kindly, especially cowstreat animals kindly, especially cows

6. The evil have no agriculture6. The evil have no agriculture

He that is no husbandman, O Mazda, He that is no husbandman, O Mazda, however eager he be, has no part in the however eager he be, has no part in the good messagegood message

The Liar stays the supporters of Right from The Liar stays the supporters of Right from prospering the cattle in district and prospering the cattle in district and province, infamous that he is.province, infamous that he is.

7. The meandering nomads represented 7. The meandering nomads represented evil at its worstevil at its worst

G. Purification of ceremoniesG. Purification of ceremonies1. The old Aryan ritual is purged of 1. The old Aryan ritual is purged of magic and idolatrymagic and idolatry2. Orgies attendant upon animal 2. Orgies attendant upon animal sacrifices are eliminatedsacrifices are eliminated3. The ritual intoxication with 3. The ritual intoxication with Haoma-juice is condemnedHaoma-juice is condemned4. The drinking of the urine from 4. The drinking of the urine from haoma-drinking priests was haoma-drinking priests was forbiddenforbidden5. The fire ritual was retained; fire 5. The fire ritual was retained; fire was a symbol of Mazdawas a symbol of Mazda

H. Final Victory of Ahura MazdaH. Final Victory of Ahura Mazda

1. A general resurrection will take 1. A general resurrection will take place at the end of the present place at the end of the present

orderorder

2. Good and evil persons will be 2. Good and evil persons will be subjected to an ordeal of fire subjected to an ordeal of fire

and molten metaland molten metal

3. Later teachings indicate that 3. Later teachings indicate that the the righteous will go through the fire righteous will go through the fire with with no pain; the evil will suffer no pain; the evil will suffer but will exit but will exit the fire purethe fire pure

J. Final Judgment of the SoulJ. Final Judgment of the Soul1. Individual judgment follows 1. Individual judgment follows

shortly after shortly after death and the state of the death and the state of the soul remains until soul remains until the general the general resurrectionresurrection

2. Each soul must face judgment at 2. Each soul must face judgment at the the Bridge of Separator (Chinvat) Bridge Bridge of Separator (Chinvat) Bridge which which spans the abyss of hell and spans the abyss of hell and paradiseparadise

a. At the bridge the record of a. At the bridge the record of the soul the soul is readis read

b. A balance of merits and b. A balance of merits and demerits is demerits is castcast

c. If good dominates over evil, c. If good dominates over evil, the the “pointing of the hand” of Mazda “pointing of the hand” of Mazda will be will be toward Paradisetoward Paradise

d. If evil dominates over good, the d. If evil dominates over good, the hand will point to the abyss below hand will point to the abyss below the bridge:the bridge:

Their own Soul and their own self Their own Soul and their own self [[daenadaena] shall torment them when ] shall torment them when they come to the Bridge of the they come to the Bridge of the Separator. To all time will they be Separator. To all time will they be guests for the Houses of the Lie.guests for the Houses of the Lie.

e. The e. The daenadaena refers to the moral refers to the moral center of the personalitycenter of the personality

V. Development in the Later AvestaV. Development in the Later Avesta

A. Information between 300 A. Information between 300 B.C.E. to B.C.E. to 700 C.E. is scarce700 C.E. is scarce

1. It is not known whether 1. It is not known whether Zoroaster’s reform Zoroaster’s reform

made its way made its way to the main to the main Mesopotamian basin Mesopotamian basin or or whether another parallel whether another parallel reform took placereform took place

2. During the Achaemenid dynasty 2. During the Achaemenid dynasty (559-330 B.C.E.), under rulers such (559-330 B.C.E.), under rulers such as Cyrus, Darius I, and Xeres, priests as Cyrus, Darius I, and Xeres, priests (magi) predominated(magi) predominated3. Mazda would be worshiped along 3. Mazda would be worshiped along with other deitieswith other deities4. The Arsacids, Parthians, ruled 4. The Arsacids, Parthians, ruled from 250 B.C.E. to 226 C.E.from 250 B.C.E. to 226 C.E.

B. The Sassanid Revival, 226-651 B. The Sassanid Revival, 226-651 C.E.C.E.

1. Zoroaster’s name would 1. Zoroaster’s name would come to come to the forefront once againthe forefront once again

2. The2. The Avesta, Avesta, later Zoroastrian later Zoroastrian scriptures would be assembled scriptures would be assembled

3. Zoroastrianism became the 3. Zoroastrianism became the state state religion with great religion with great modificationsmodifications

C. Zoroaster elevated through mythC. Zoroaster elevated through myth

1. A worshipful attitude came to be 1. A worshipful attitude came to be taken taken toward Zoroastertoward Zoroaster

a. He became a godlike a. He became a godlike personage personage whose existence was whose existence was attended by attended by supernatural supernatural manifestationsmanifestations

b. His coming was known and b. His coming was known and foretold foretold three thousand years before three thousand years before by the by the mythical primal bull and King mythical primal bull and King Yima, Yima, in the Golden Age warned in the Golden Age warned the demons the demons of their coming demiseof their coming demise

c. The “Glory” of Ahura Mazda c. The “Glory” of Ahura Mazda united itself with Zoroaster’s future united itself with Zoroaster’s future mother at her birth and rendered her mother at her birth and rendered her fit to bear the prophetfit to bear the prophetd. Concurrently, a divinely protected d. Concurrently, a divinely protected stem of a haoma plant was infused stem of a haoma plant was infused with thewith the fravashi fravashi (genius or ideal (genius or ideal self)self) of the coming prophetof the coming prophete. At the proper time, his parents e. At the proper time, his parents drank its juices mixed with a potent drank its juices mixed with a potent milk which contained the material milk which contained the material essence (body protoplasm) of the essence (body protoplasm) of the child about to be conceivedchild about to be conceived

2. After his birth, all nature rejoiced 2. After his birth, all nature rejoiced and demons and wizards surrounded and demons and wizards surrounded himhim

a. The baby would almost be a. The baby would almost be killed in killed in his cradle, burnt in a huge his cradle, burnt in a huge fire, and fire, and trampled to death by a herd trampled to death by a herd of cattleof cattle

b. He was placed in a cave with b. He was placed in a cave with wolves whose young had been wolves whose young had been

killed--killed-- they allowed a ewe to they allowed a ewe to suckle himsuckle him

4. Greeks and Romans would be 4. Greeks and Romans would be impressed by what they heard of himimpressed by what they heard of him

5. Plato wanted to study 5. Plato wanted to study Zoroastrianism but was prevented Zoroastrianism but was prevented with the outbreak of the War of with the outbreak of the War of Sparta with Persia in 396 B.C.E.Sparta with Persia in 396 B.C.E.

D. The Sharing of Power with other D. The Sharing of Power with other DivinitiesDivinities

1. Even though Mazda was still 1. Even though Mazda was still considerred to be the supreme considerred to be the supreme

deity, old Aryan nature-gods deity, old Aryan nature-gods (whom (whom Zoroaster condemned) crept Zoroaster condemned) crept back into back into the faiththe faith

2. The early Gathas did 2. The early Gathas did recognize the recognize the existence of existence of “Immortal Holy Ones” but “Immortal Holy Ones” but they were they were regarded as “modes of regarded as “modes of divine divine action”action”

3. The later 3. The later AvestaAvesta, depicts , depicts YazatasYazatas (angels (angels or sub-deities), most of whom were Indo-or sub-deities), most of whom were Indo-Aryan in character (about 40 are named)Aryan in character (about 40 are named)

a.a. Mithra Mithra--the greatest of them all--the greatest of them all

(1) His name would be repeated (1) His name would be repeated with with Mazda in many later inscriptionsMazda in many later inscriptions

(2) Although technically (2) Although technically subordinate to subordinate to Mazda, he attained a Mazda, he attained a supreme stature supreme stature as the god of as the god of light for the masseslight for the masses

(3) He was seen as the rewarder (3) He was seen as the rewarder of of those who spoke truth those who spoke truth

(4) He was relied to help in the (4) He was relied to help in the journey journey after deathafter death

b. b. HaomaHaoma--refined from earlier use, --refined from earlier use, the intoxicant became deifiedthe intoxicant became deified

(1) Animal sacrifices were made (1) Animal sacrifices were made to himto him

(2) He became again the (2) He became again the “Averter of “Averter of Death”, as associated Death”, as associated in the in the Rig VedaRig Veda with long life and with long life and immortality of the immortality of the soulsoul

c. c. Verethragna Verethragna (Vedic Indra)--the (Vedic Indra)--the strongest and most aggressivestrongest and most aggressive

d. d. Vayu Vayu (Vedic Vayu), a winged god (Vedic Vayu), a winged god who had a double nature, a good and who had a double nature, a good and evil sideevil side

4. A group of beings called4. A group of beings called Fravashis Fravashis were also recognizedwere also recognized

a. Originally they seemed to have a. Originally they seemed to have been ancestral spirits, guarding been ancestral spirits, guarding

and and expecting worship from the livingexpecting worship from the living

b. Later, they would stand for b. Later, they would stand for “ideal “ideal selves”, who were also selves”, who were also guardian genii--guardian genii-- both of gods and of both of gods and of humanshumans

c. Each person was thought to c. Each person was thought to have a have a fravashisfravashis (eternal element) (eternal element)

E. The concept of evil would be E. The concept of evil would be intensifiedintensified

1. Concept of evil approached 1. Concept of evil approached an an almost complete dualismalmost complete dualism

2. The spirits of evil would be 2. The spirits of evil would be more more sharply defined and sharply defined and individualizedindividualized

3. In later 3. In later Avesta,Avesta, Angra Mainyu Angra Mainyu shared in the creationshared in the creation

4. Mainyu created demons to help 4. Mainyu created demons to help himhim

a. Aka Maah--Bad Thoughta. Aka Maah--Bad Thought

b. Andar (Vedic Indra)b. Andar (Vedic Indra)

c. Naohaithya (Vedic c. Naohaithya (Vedic Nasatyas)--the Nasatyas)--the heavenly twins now heavenly twins now reduced to one reduced to one beingbeing

d. Druj--the Lie, appearing in d. Druj--the Lie, appearing in the the likeness of a female demonlikeness of a female demon

e. There were also myriads of e. There were also myriads of evil evil spirits and daevasspirits and daevas

F. The development of F. The development of ZurvanZurvan (space- (space-time)time)

1. Another answer to the dualism 1. Another answer to the dualism saw saw Mazda and Mainyu springing Mazda and Mainyu springing as twins as twins from a unitary world-principle from a unitary world-principle called called Zurvan (boundless Time or Zurvan (boundless Time or Space)Space)

2. Thus, God and devil would be 2. Thus, God and devil would be co-co- equalequal

3. But the ultimate victory of 3. But the ultimate victory of good good over evil was declared to be over evil was declared to be certaincertain

G. Concepts of the Final Judgment G. Concepts of the Final Judgment grew in detailgrew in detail

1. The future life was worked 1. The future life was worked out in out in graphic graphic detaildetail

2. At death, the soul remains for 2. At death, the soul remains for four four days on earth and mediates days on earth and mediates upon its upon its good and evil deedsgood and evil deeds

3. On the fourth day the soul 3. On the fourth day the soul comes to comes to the Chinvat Bridge to the Chinvat Bridge to stand before stand before judges--Mithra, judges--Mithra, Sraosha, and RashnuSraosha, and Rashnu

4. In a Pahlevi text called the4. In a Pahlevi text called the Bundahishn Bundahishn the would walks on the bridgethe would walks on the bridge

. . . there is a sharp edge which stands like . . . there is a sharp edge which stands like a sword . . . and Hell is below the Bridge. a sword . . . and Hell is below the Bridge. Then the soul is carried to where stands the Then the soul is carried to where stands the sharp edge. Then, if it be righteous, the sharp edge. Then, if it be righteous, the sharp edge presents its broad side. . . . If sharp edge presents its broad side. . . . If the soul be wicked, that sharp end the soul be wicked, that sharp end continues to stand edgewise, and continues to stand edgewise, and does not does not give a passage . . . With three steps which it give a passage . . . With three steps which it (the soul) takes forward--which are the evil (the soul) takes forward--which are the evil thoughts,evil words, and evil deeds that it thoughts,evil words, and evil deeds that it has performed--it is cut down from the head has performed--it is cut down from the head of the Bridge, and falls headlong to Hellof the Bridge, and falls headlong to Hell

H. Final Rewards and PunishmentsH. Final Rewards and Punishments

1. A concept of world-ages 1. A concept of world-ages developed, developed, each age lasting three each age lasting three thousand yearsthousand years

2. Zoroaster appeared at the 2. Zoroaster appeared at the beginning of these agesbeginning of these ages

3. He would be succeeded by three 3. He would be succeeded by three savior-beings, each appearing at an savior-beings, each appearing at an interval of 1000 yearsinterval of 1000 years

a. Aushetar--born a thousand a. Aushetar--born a thousand years years after Zoroasterafter Zoroaster

b. Aushetarmah--born two b. Aushetarmah--born two thousand thousand years lateryears later

c. Soshyans (Saoshyant)--at the c. Soshyans (Saoshyant)--at the end end of the worldof the world

d. Zoroaster would be the father of d. Zoroaster would be the father of eacheach

(1) His seed was being (1) His seed was being miraculously miraculously preserved in a preserved in a lake lake in Persiain Persia

(2) At intervals of 1000 years, (2) At intervals of 1000 years, three three pure virgins would bathe pure virgins would bathe there and there and conceive the deliverersconceive the deliverers

e. With the appearance of Soshyans, the “final e. With the appearance of Soshyans, the “final days” will begindays” will begin

(1) All the dead would be raised(1) All the dead would be raised(2) Heaven and Hell would be emptied(2) Heaven and Hell would be emptied(3) Righteous and Wicked would be (3) Righteous and Wicked would be

separatedseparated(4) A flood of molten metal would pour out (4) A flood of molten metal would pour out

upon upon the earth and hell, purifying each reunionthe earth and hell, purifying each reunion(5) All living souls would have to walk (5) All living souls would have to walk

through the through the flaming river; to the righteous it flaming river; to the righteous it would appear to be would appear to be like warm milk, to the like warm milk, to the wicked it would bring wicked it would bring terrible agony as terrible agony as their sins are being purgedtheir sins are being purged

(6) The fate of Mainyu has several versions, (6) The fate of Mainyu has several versions, but but somehow will be destroyedsomehow will be destroyed

(7) Adults would remain forever at the age (7) Adults would remain forever at the age of 40 of 40 and children at 15and children at 15

I. The Holy ScripturesI. The Holy Scriptures

1. The size of the original Avesta is 1. The size of the original Avesta is unknownunknown

2. Two early Muslim scholars stated 2. Two early Muslim scholars stated that that the whole Avesta was written on the whole Avesta was written on 12,000 12,000 cowhides; two copies were cowhides; two copies were

written written

a. One copy was deposited in a. One copy was deposited in Persepolis and burned Persepolis and burned during during

the the invasion of Alexanderinvasion of Alexander

b. The second copy would be b. The second copy would be taken to taken to Athens where it was Athens where it was translated into translated into GreekGreek

3. This early Avesta consisted of 21 3. This early Avesta consisted of 21 volumes (volumes (nasksnasks); later reorganized ); later reorganized into three partsinto three parts

a. a. GassanikGassanik (Garthic or (Garthic or devotional devotional hymns)hymns)

b. b. Hadha MansarikHadha Mansarik (combination (combination of of spiritual and temporal teachingsspiritual and temporal teachings

c. c. Datik Datik (law)(law)

4. Contemporary Avesta is divided 4. Contemporary Avesta is divided into five partsinto five parts

a. a. YamaYama (reverence)--72 (reverence)--72 chapters chapters ((haitihaiti))

(1) Contains the two Gathas(1) Contains the two Gathas(2) Deals with the creator, (2) Deals with the creator,

revelation, eternal law, revelation, eternal law, freedom of freedom of choice, purpose of choice, purpose of life, life, immortality of immortality of soul, law of soul, law of consequences, consequences, and renovation of and renovation of the worldthe world

b. b. Vispred Vispred (revered)--Composed in (revered)--Composed in praise of the praise of the YazatasYazatasc. c. YashtYasht (all festivals)--24 chapters-- (all festivals)--24 chapters--relates to the six thanksgiving relates to the six thanksgiving festivities--the festivities--the GahanbarsGahanbarsd. d. Vendidad Vendidad (law against demons and (law against demons and false deities)--mainly rules of hygienefalse deities)--mainly rules of hygienee.e. Khordeh Avesta Khordeh Avesta is bilingual and is bilingual and contains the daily prayers, part of contains the daily prayers, part of which are in Persian--represent the which are in Persian--represent the Sassanian and post-Sassanian prayersSassanian and post-Sassanian prayers

5. The Zend Avesta is a translation 5. The Zend Avesta is a translation of the Avesta in Pahlavi with of the Avesta in Pahlavi with commentaries during the Sassanianscommentaries during the Sassanians

6 . The6 . The Gathas Gathas are considered to be are considered to be the most sacred and authentic part the most sacred and authentic part of the of the AvestaAvesta

VI. Modern ZoroastrianismVI. Modern Zoroastrianism

A. Effects of Muslim ConquestA. Effects of Muslim Conquest

1. Islamic armies conquered 1. Islamic armies conquered the the Sassanids in 651 (652)Sassanids in 651 (652)

2. For a century, the Arab 2. For a century, the Arab conquerors attempted conquerors attempted

no no wholesale pressure for wholesale pressure for conversionconversion

3. However, within a 3. However, within a hundred hundred years a great years a great number of them number of them left Persialeft Persia

4. From the eighth century onwards 4. From the eighth century onwards there was considerable migration to there was considerable migration to IndiaIndia

5. They would be called Parses in 5. They would be called Parses in IndiaIndia

B. The GabarsB. The Gabars

1. Zoroastrians in Persia would 1. Zoroastrians in Persia would be be called Gabars (infidels) by the called Gabars (infidels) by the Muslims, Muslims, they called themselves they called themselves Zardushitians or Zardushitians or Bahdinan Bahdinan (those (those of the good religion)of the good religion)

2. A series of persecution made 2. A series of persecution made them them secretivesecretive

3. They strive to maintain the 3. They strive to maintain the old old sacred rituals and ceremoniessacred rituals and ceremonies

C. Fire TemplesC. Fire Temples

1. Both in Persia and India the fire-1. Both in Persia and India the fire-temples cannot be distinguished from temples cannot be distinguished from other buildingsother buildings

2. But the sacred fire is kept inside2. But the sacred fire is kept inside

3. Various sacred fires have different 3. Various sacred fires have different qualities of holinessqualities of holiness

4. The more holy fire has to be 4. The more holy fire has to be compounded of sixteen different fires, compounded of sixteen different fires, all purified after a long and all purified after a long and complicated ritualcomplicated ritual