Zoroastrianism Earliest Persian religion resembled that of the

Zoroastrianism • Earliest Persian religion resembled that of the Aryans • Zoroastrianism, emerged from teachings of Zarathustra • The Avesta is the major text of Zoroastrianism – Combining poems(Gathas) and scriptures of practices/ceremonies(Yasna) – Zoroastrian teachings, transmitted orally, many perished – Preserved later in writing, by magi

Zarathustra [Zoroaster], 6 c BCE: Good Thoughts, Good Deed, Good Words “Tree of Life”

Zoroastrianism • Zoroastrian teachings – Ahura Mazda as a supreme deity, with six helping angelic forces – Cosmic conflict between Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu (Ahriman, Shaitan) – Represents the eternal conflict between good and evil – Heavenly paradise and hellish realm as reward and punishment – Moral formula: good words, good thoughts, good deeds

Dualistic Battle of Good vs. Evil Ahura Mazda “Holy Spirit” Ahriman “Destructive Spirit”

Zoroastrianism Faravahar, or Guardian Spirit: The depiction of the human soul before birth and after death.

Zoroastrianism • Popularity of Zoroastrianism – Attracted Persian aristocrats and ruling elites – Darius regarded Ahura Mazda as supreme God – The faith was most popular in Iran – Sizable followings in Mesopotamia, Anatolia, Egypt, and other regions

Extent of Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism • Zoroastrian community suffered during Alexander's invasion • Zoroastrianism was the official religion during Sasanid Persian rule • Other faiths: Buddhism, Christianity, and Manichaeism • Influence of Zoroastrians – Influence on Jewish religion: belief in future reward and punishment – Influence on Christianity: concepts of heaven and hell – Later influenced Islam; one of Muhammad’s protected faiths

Zend-Avesta (The “Book of Law”) The “Sacred Fire” the force to fight evil.