41. World Religions: Zoroastrianism A brief introduction to the Zoroastrian tradition. http://www.interfaithcalendar.org/Zoroastrianism.htm

Families of Religions Zoroastrianism Combination Zoroaster, an Iranian religious reformer living in about 600 BCE, having received a vision from Ahura Mazda, the Wise Lord, proclaimed a kingdom of justice that promised immortality and bliss. Containing both monotheistic and dualistic features, the religion influenced Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The history of the world was seen as a drama in 3,000 year periods. The Ahura Vairya is the most sacred prayer of this religion and the Avesta is the sacred text. Zoroastrianism continues in Iran and in India where the Parsees carry on the traditions. The Fasali calendar is generally used. Links: Zoroastrianism information This unofficial page gives enough information to satisfy many viewers. Update 10-5-03 Return to Families of Religions Home Page Return to Interfaith Calendar

42. Parsis Of India,Zoroastrianism,Parsis Or Zoroastrianism,Indian Parsis,Zoroastria Parsis of India,Zoroastrian,Indian Parsis,Zoroastrian Religion,History Of Zoroastrian Religion,Basic zoroastrianism Beliefs,Holy Scriptures of http://www.culturopedia.com/Religions/zoroastrianism.html

Home Religions Of India >> Zoroastrianism Religions And Religious Thoughts Of India Hinduism Jainism Buddhism ... Famous Religious Personalities ZOROASTRIANISM IN INDIA The Parsi place of worship is called the fire temple. Five daily prayers, usually hymns or Gathas uttered by Prophet Zarathustra are said in the home or the temple, before a fire, which symbolizes the realm of truth, righteousness and order. The fire-temples and rituals of the Yasna are sacred and are necessary for the religion, such as the Nirang-din ceremony, which creates the Holy Nirang. Fire is regarded as the son of Ahura Mazda, and represents god. In Zorastriniasm, Dakhma-nashini is the only method of corpse-destruction. This involves the destruction of the dead body in the stone-enclosed Dakhma, by the flesh-eating bird or the rays of the Sun. Religious Scriptures Zenda Avesta is the religious scripture of the Parsis. It contains the teachings, sermons and prayers composed by Prophet Zoroaster himself and also by his disciples and followers. Avestha is also the name of the language in which it is composed. It is divided into five parts: the Yasna (worship with ceremony and offerings), the Videvdad (laws against demons), the Yashts (worship), the Khordeh Avestha, which comprises of selected portions of the Avestha and forms the book of daily prayers of the Zoroastrians, and the five Gathas - Ahunavaiti, Ushtavaiti, Spenta-Mainyu, Vohu-Khshathra and Vashishta-Ishti, which contain the 17 hymns of God received by Prophet Zarathushtra by way of a Divine Revelation.

43. Zoroastrianism: A Short Overview zoroastrianism is the ancient religion of Persia. It was founded about 3500 years ago by the prophet Zarathushtra. Arising out of the polytheistic http://www.accessnewage.com/articles/mystic/zoroview.htm

Zoroastrianism: A Short Overview by Hannah M.G. Shapero Links to Sectors of Creation Z oroastrianism is the ancient religion of Persia. It was founded about 3500 years ago by the prophet Zarathushtra . Arising out of the polytheistic traditions of ancient India and Iran, he was one of the first monotheists in human history. Zarathushtra preached that there was one God, whom he called Ahura Mazda. Ahura means "Lord," and Mazda means "Wise," so Zoroastrians call God the "Wise Lord." Zarathushtra has been known in the West as Zoroaster, from the Greek transliteration of his name; in Persia and India he is known as Zarthosht. No one knows exactly when Zarathushtra lived. Zoroastrian tradition places him at around 600 B.C.E., but this date is thought by modern scholars to be far too late. The modern estimate of Zarathushtra's date is anywhere from 1500 to 1000 B.C.E. The basic scripture of Zoroastrianism is a set of 5 poetic songs called the Gathas , which were composed by Zarathushtra himself and have been preserved through the millennia by Zoroastrian priests. Over the years many other scriptures have accumulated around these Gathas. Much of these scriptures were destroyed by the Greek, Muslim, and Mongol invasions, but some remain. The Gathas are still the core text of the faith.They are composed in a very ancient language known as

44. URI - United Religions Initiative - Zoroastrianism Portrait zoroastrianism is the first revealed monotheistic religion of the world. This makes zoroastrianism the first true ecological religion of the world. http://www.uri.org/Zoroastrianism_Portrait.html

Home Religions and Traditions Zoroastrianism Zoroastrianism Portrait Home About URI Cooperation Circles Peacebuilding ... Links Zoroastrianism Portrait Portrait of an Ancient Monotheistic Religion by Dr. Pallan R. Ichaporia Chair of the Research and Preservation Committee of the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America Zoroastrianism is the first revealed monotheistic religion of the world. The date of its founding is lost in antiquity, but general consensus places it between 2000 to 1800 BCE. Its founder, Zarathushtra or Zoroaster (as called by the Greeks), flourished on the East Iranian Plateau. Zarathushtra saw the God ( Ahura Mazda Gathas . One easily understands Zarathushtra by seeing the Prophet's zeal in the Gathas and the visible manifestation of his meeting the God. Primary Beliefs Zoroastrians believe in the One Supreme, Omnipotent, Omniscient God, called Ahura Mazda. He is to be understood through his six divine attributes: Vohu Mana (Good Mind), Asha (Truth, Righteousness), Spenta Armaity (Correct Thinking, Piety)

45. Religions In Canada: Zoroastrianism zoroastrianism is an ancient, monotheistic religion of Persia (Iran). It was the dominant religion of the Persian Empire, which flourished in the Middle http://www.dnd.ca/hr/religions/engraph/religions38_e.asp

Contact Us Help Search Canada Site ... Table of Contents Zoroastrianism Description Zoroastrianism is an ancient, monotheistic religion of Persia (Iran). It was the dominant religion of the Persian Empire, which flourished in the Middle East from 559 BCE to 651 CE. It was founded by the prophet Zarathustra (Zoroaster in the ancient Greek pronunciation). It is mainly practised today in India and Iran and, through immigration, has followers in many parts of the world. Zoroaster is said to have lived about 1200 BCE, though the period is disputed. In any case, his poetic hymnal messages, which he believed to be the inspired Word of God, were written in the language and style of around that time. Zoroaster’s message has been handed down faithfully, possibly over 3000 years. In this religion, God is known as Ahura Mazda, meaning “wise Lord.” Ahura Mazda is the creator of the world and is the universal force of good. He is opposed by Angrah Mainyu, a destructive spirit and force of all evil. For humanity, life is a constant struggle of choosing between good and evil. The good will be taken to heaven, while those who on balance choose evil will be cast into hell. In the end, good will triumph over evil, humanity will be resurrected, and the evil will be punished, for a time, in hell. Eventually, all will be forgiven their transgressions, purified and reunited with God. The central symbol of Zoroastrianism is fire, representing the light of God. A fire burns continually in major temples, and one is lit for religious services in other locations. The fire is the focal point of worship activities. It is a common misconception that Zoroastrians worship fire. In fact it is merely a symbol, just as images and icons are symbols in other religions.

46. Alt.religion.zoroastrianism FAQ zoroastrianism A short overview zoroastrianism is the ancient religion of Persia. It was founded about 3500 years ago by the prophet Zarathushtra. http://faqs.cs.uu.nl/na-dir/zoroastrianism/FAQ.html

Note from archiver cs.uu.nl: This page is part of a big collection of Usenet postings, archived here for your convenience. For matters concerning the content of this page , please contact its author(s); use the source , if all else fails. For matters concerning the archive as a whole, please refer to the archive description or contact the archiver. Subject: alt.religion.zoroastrianism FAQ This article was archived around: 21 May 2006 04:22:39 GMT All FAQs in Directory: zoroastrianism All FAQs posted in: alt.religion.zoroastrianism Source: Usenet Version Archive-name: zoroastrianism/FAQ Version: 1.0 Posting-Frequency: monthly

47. Zoroastrianism By Annie Besant But with regard both to Hinduism and zoroastrianism, there is an entire conflict between orientalism and occultism — a clash which does not seem likely to http://www.theosophical.ca/Zoroastrianism.htm

ZOROASTRIANISM by Annie Besant A Convention Lecture at the 21 st Anniversary of the Theosophical Society First printed in 1897 in the book Four Great Religions Reprinted in booklet form in 1935, 1959 The Theosophical Publishing House 1959 [Page 3] I propose to look at the changes of opinion through which Orientalists have passed, in order to show you how they are gradually being forced backwards, disputing, we may say, every inch of the ground, century after century, as the growing evidence points to an ever greater antiquity. Then I will take up the occult testimony [Page 4] , and see where that places the religion of the Iranian Prophet. Zendavesta, Introduction p 37. Sacred Books of the East, xxxi]. Now the Rig Veda [Page 5] If they antedate the worship of Mithra . . . there is no telling how old they may be. The decision of criticism is to refrain from conjectures too closely limiting their age." [ Then we come to the view taken by the German savant, Dr. Haug, and we find that he contends for a greater antiquity, basing himself on the destruction of the library of Persepolis by Alexander, in 329 B.C. He argues that, in order that such a vast library, such a mass of literature, should have been gathered together, you must assume a greater antiquity, to give the mere time necessary for the writing and the gathering of the books. The writing was completed, he thinks, about 400 B.C. It is not possible, he says, at the very latest, to put the time of Zoroaster after 1000 B.C., and he regards 2800 B.C. as a more likely date, while he may be very much older. [

48. Zoroastrianism - History For Kids! We don t know how it happened, but Zoroaster s followers convinced the new king of the Persians, Cyrus, to support zoroastrianism (named after Zoroaster). http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/westasia/religion/zoroastrianism.htm

Zoroastrianism for Kids - a West Asian religion Zoroastrianism Around 1000 BC (probably), about the same time that people in India were writing the Rig Veda , a man named Zoroaster (also called Zarathustra) was a priest in a small temple in the eastern part of Western Asia , in an area with a lot of small kingdoms and no major power. Zoroaster believed that he heard the voice of his chief god, Ahura Mazda , speaking to him and telling him to start a new religion. He told people that the god was speaking to him, and what the god wanted, but they didn't believe that the god was really speaking to him. The other people in the town just thought he was suffering from mental illness . They laughed at him and made fun of him. Zoroaster sadly left town and travelled around West Asia looking for somebody who would believe him. Finally he found a king who did believe him. He started to get some followers. The new religion stayed small for five hundred years, but then they had a big success. We don't know how it happened, but Zoroaster's followers convinced the new king of the Persians , Cyrus, to support Zoroastrianism (named after Zoroaster). With the support of the king, Zoroastrianism soon became very popular.

49. The Islamic World To 1600: The Caliphate And The First Islamic Dynasty (Zoroastr zoroastrianism is one of the oldest religions still practiced today. It developed in Persia around the same time as Judaism in Syria, and only an early form http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/beginnings/zoro.html

The Islamic World to 1600 An early 19th century engraving of a fire temple near Baku, Azerbaijan Courtesy of Virtual Ani www.virtualani.freeserve.co.uk/ Zoroastrianism became the state religion of Persia in 226 CE, when Ardashir I overthrew the Parthian dynasty and founded the Sassanid Empire. Throughout the Sassanid Empire's 400-year history, Zoroastrianism remained the official religion, and it also developed a distinctly Persian character. The religion was so closely integrated with the Persian identity that very few non-Persians adhered to it, while it was so intertwined with the Sassanid state that the religious bureaucracy collapsed along with the Sassanid Empire in the mid-7th century. The collapse of the Empire at that time came at the hands of invading Muslims from the Arabian Peninsula. Over several centuries, Islam began to gain converts in Persia, and under the Abbasid dynasty in the 8th century it eclipsed Zoroastrianism to become the state religion of Persia. Most Zoroastrians who did not convert to Islam fled to India, which still has the largest concentration of Zoroastrians - now known as Parsis - today. The religion also survives today in small populations in Iran and Afghanistan. Return to Ancient Persia The Islamic World to 1600 / The University of Calgary

50. Saga Of The Aryans Home Page Saga of the Aryans A Zoroastrian religious novel, based on the Aryan scriptures such as the Gathas, Yashts and Vendidad. This is a historical romance very http://saga.zoroastrianism.com/

The Saga of the Aryans Home Page About the Saga The Saga of the Aryans is a semi-fictional historical novel on the origins of the Aryan people. The Saga deals with the lives of the ancient Indo-Europeans about twenty thousand years ago, who proudly called themselves the Aryans - the Noble Ones. They were the first MazdaYasnis, the Worshippers of Ahura Mazda: God in the ancient Aryan tongue of Avestan. Volume I of the Saga describes vividly the Great Migration of the Aryan ancestors from their ancient homeland Airyanam Vaejo in the North Pole, due to the Ice Age glaciations that occurred in that ancient age. Drawing inspiration from the sacred Scriptures of the Aryan Zoroastrians, in which the great journey is authenticated; the book unfolds the trials and tribulations that befell the ancient ancestors of mankind in their great journey to the South and the South-West, towards Iran, India, Greece, Russia, Germany and the other nations of Europe. The Aryans display great heroism against the bitter cold and blizzards, the wild animals and the savage barbarians. Romance blooms among the young, as they travel onwards to IRAN. The Saga is interspersed with heroic verse, in the great Aryan tradition. In Volume II, The Advent of Asho Zarathushtra, the story takes up the life of the ancient Aryan Prophet Zarathushtra, eight thousand years ago. When the Earth-Soul cried out for a Saviour, Zarathushtra was born to redeem the ancient Aryan faith. The glorious birth of the Aryan Prophet in Iran is vividly described, followed by the many miraculous events in his early childhood. Volume III onwards continue the story of the youth and manhood of the Prophet Zarathustra, including the Divine Relevations he received from Ahura Mazda, his travels in Iran, and his tribulations in the Royal court of Iran.

51. Zoroaster Zarathustra - Crystalinks The traditional Zoroastrian date for Zarathushtra s birth and ministry is around . One question is what part of zoroastrianism derives from Zoroaster s http://www.crystalinks.com/z.html

Zarathustra - Zoroaster Zarathustra, The Persian Prophet There are many viewpoints on the timeline for Zarathustra's date of birth - vary by almost 1,000 years. At best this is all speculative. The truth will remain an enigma, but his teachings and his belief in monotheism have perpetuated throughout history. Who was this great teacher and prophet? Many scholars believe he was a priest and a prophet. He was linked to the Magi. His spiritual influences have always affected human thought and reasoning - his goals, to show human their connection a creation and their link to one source. Zoroaster's Name The name Zarathustra is a Bahuvrihi compound in the Avestan language, of zarata- "feeble, old" and usatra "camel", translating to "having old camels, the one who owns old camels". The first part of the name was formerly commonly translated as "yellow" or "golden", from the Avestan "zaray", giving the meaning "having yellow camels". A more romantic, but inaccurate, translation of the name in the past has been Bringer of the Golden Dawn, based on the mistaken assumption that the second part of the name is a variant of the Vedic word "Ushas" meaning "dawn". This last translation seems to have derived from a desire to give a more fitting meaning to the prophet's name than "owner of feeble camels."

52. Free Zoroastrianism Ecards, Zoroastrianism Greeting Cards, Zoroastrianism Cards zoroastrianism is aimed at knowing God, loving mankind, caring for the environment and binding the spiritual values of life. Its message heals the body, http://www.123greetings.com/religion/zoroastrianism/

Zoroastrianism is aimed at knowing God, loving mankind, caring for the environment and binding the spiritual values of life. Its message heals the body, mind and spirit of an individual who resides in the divine. Send these inspiring ecards to the followers of this religion to wish them eternal peace and happiness. Search Looking for an ecard ? Search for it here : Popular Categories Top Religion ecards Angels Bahai Bible Quotes Buddhism ... Thank You Zoroastrianism Religion Specials International Women's Day : Inspirational Wishes [ Mar 8 ] Happy St. Patrick's Day [ Mar 17 ] St. Patrick's Day : Irish Blessings [ Mar 17 ] Good Friday [ Mar 21 ] Happy Holi [ Mar 22 ] Easter : Religious [ Mar 23 ] Happy Easter [ Mar 23 ] Spring : Seasonal Blessings [ Mar 20 - Jun 19 ] Religious Events Check Out Our Inspirational ecards ecard Categories Anniversary At Work Birthday Cute Cards ... Wedding Free Newsletter Add your email address : Click here to unsubscribe. Home Religion Zoroastrianism Favorite ecards Bookmark Us del.icio.us Digg it Happy Navroze! Send this warm wish to all your near and dear ones. [ Postcard ] May Ahura Mazda Be With You! ... [ Postcard ] More cards for your friends/loved ones! Spirituality Friendship Blessing You Inspirational : Angels ... For Someone You Care Add our ecards to your favorite social sites Click the ' Add To Myspace ' button beside the ecard. When the window opens, click on '

53. Zoroastrianism In The 21st Century I became a Zoroastrian in 1983. Although I have since learned to understand and love both Iranian and Gujarati culture, my conversion was entirely the http://www.vohuman.org/Article/Zoroastrianism in the 21st Century.htm

A Zoroastrian Educational Institute Journal Zoroastrianism in the 21st Century Preparing Ourselves for Mass Conversions Series: Ethics Philosophy Theology Source: From a speech given at a conference at The Californian Zoroastrian Center, Westminster, CA, May 1998. Author: Alexander Bard Subtopics: Reference: Related Articles: Related Links: Ideas travel slowly. At least if we look at how ideas cross over from one field of thought to another. Counting from a scientific hypothesis, which first has to be tested and proven empirically correct within its specific field, the effects of a major scientific discovery on the rest of society can take more than a century to sink in. Even though we often feel technological change is progressing at a breakneck pace, there are few if any signs that the process of paradigm shifts is speeding up. Rather the contrary. Since many of the scientific discoveries of the 20th century challenge our old worldview in such a dramatic fashion, paradigm shifts seem to travel slower now than before. But travel they do. Therefore, there is no doubt that the implications of the scientific discoveries of the late 20th century will eventually reach every corner of our society. Science influences philosophy. Philosophy influences the arts. The arts influence popular culture and the media. And through mass media like television, film and music, we will all eventually be influenced in our every-day thinking by the major discoveries and paradigm shifts that have changed science so dramatically in the last 30 years.

54. National Geographic MapMachine: Student Atlas - Zoroastrianism History, Map The three wise men, or Magi, of the Christian Bible were probably Zoroastrian Magi means priest in Avestan, the Zoroastrian sacred language. http://www.nationalgeographic.com/studentatlas/clickup/zoroastrianism.html

Baku, Azerbaijan Religion: Zoroastrianism Photograph by George F. Mobley An ancient Zoroastrian temple stands near Baku, Azerbaijan. Based on the divine visions and revelations of Zoroaster, a Persian prophet of the sixth century B.C., this ancient one-god religion has, over the years, influenced basic ideas in Judaism Christianity , and Islam . These basic concepts include good and evil, heaven and hell, and the existence of a supreme being The three wise men, or Magi, of the Christian Bible were probably Zoroastrian: Magi means "priest" in Avestan, the Zoroastrian sacred language. The state religion of ancient Persia , Zoroastrianism is still practiced by followers in Iran, India, and North America. Sacred rituals and rites of passage are important for binding together the small Zoroastrian communities around the world, as is their holy book, the Avesta. Central to this religion is the belief that good and evil are at war with each other, but good will ultimately prevail. It is imperative for each Zoroastrian to aid the victory by practicing good words, good deeds, and good thoughts

55. Zoroastrianism Although they are not primarily doctrinal treatises, or instructional compositions, they contain much that forms the basis of the Zoroastrian religion, http://www.mystae.com/restricted/streams/gnosis/zoroaster.html

Zoroastrianism The Teachings of Zarathushtra (1) An Ancient Pedigree The old Aryan Religion "In ancient India, Iran and elsewhere, Dumezil found that the 'ideology' of a tripartite division of society parallel to a tripartite classification of the gods was prominent.... Among the Aryans, then later the Indians, Mithra and Varuna represented respectively the juridical and magical aspects of the first function, the province of priests. The second function, the martial spirit or force, was the domain of the warriors and the god Indra, while the third function, that of fecundity or growth, was the concern of farmers and husband men." "From cuneiform sources one could surmise that Aryan bands first came into Mesopotamia with the general movement of peoples after the death of Hammurabi in the seventeenth century BC. This is also the time of the expansion of the Hurrians, a people whose linguistic and ethnic affiliations are puzzling; in any case, they are not Indo-Europeans. They formed an important empire called Mitanni, and it is principally among the Mitanni that Aryan names and words occur....In a famous treaty between the Hittite ruler Suppiluliuma and the Mitanni king, Mattiwaza, about 1370 BC, the Aryan gods Mithra, Varuna, Indra and the twin Nasatyas are mentioned. Thus in the Mitanni kingdom Aryan gods were worshipped as well as Mesopotamian deities, which would indicate an Aryan element, but probably only among the rulers." "Since the Aryan bands in India fought among themselves as well as against the non-Aryans in Iran, and there must have resulted considerable mixtures of various peoples."

56. Zoroastrianism: Forerunner Of Judaism, Christianity And Islam? What Is Zoroastri zoroastrianism forerunner of Judaism, Christianity and Islam? What is zoroastrianism? http://www.godweb.org/linkszoroastrianism.htm

Bible Movies Books People ... Links Web GodWeb var sc_project=1901213; var sc_invisible=1; var sc_partition=17; var sc_security="c8afaa56"; Zoroastrianism A Small Religion which many see as a forerunner of Judaism, Christianity and Islam With a membership of about 140,000, the importance of Zoroastrianism is far greater than its numbers suggest, for several reasons. First, it has influenced Judaism, Christianity, Islam and other world religions. Second, it is one of the oldest living religions. Finally, some argue is was the first monotheistic religion; others claim this for Judaism. Zoroastrianism arose in Persia (modern Iran) prior to the appearance of Islam. It survives there in isolated areas but most modern day adherents reside in India, where the descendants of Zoroastrian Persian immigrants are known as Parsis, or Parsees. In India the religion is called Parsiism. It was founded by the Iranian prophet and reformer Zoroaster in the 6th century BC, Zoroastrianism contains both monotheistic and dualistic features. Its concepts of one God, judgment, heaven and hell likely influenced the major Western religons of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. From widely respected reference works: Zoroastrianism . The religion of the followers of the Iranian prophet Zoroaster (c.1200 BCE). The history of the religion prior to the 6th century BCE is largely unknown. Thereafter it became the state religion of three successive Iranian empires: the Achaemenids (c.549-331 BCE); the Parthians (2nd century BCE to 224 CE); and the Sasanians (224-642 CE), the boundaries of whose territories extended into what is now Afghanistan and Pakistan and westwards into what is now Iraq, and at times into Palestine and what is now Turkey. Zoroastrian Iran was finally defeated by the expansion of Islam, but for over 1,000 years Zoroastrianism was the official religion of three major world empires, making it, perhaps, the most powerful world religion of the time. The last Zoroastrian monarch was Yazedegird (d. 652 CE). The modern Zoroastrian calendar begins with his coronation and the designation

57. Zoroastrianism Does not seek converts to zoroastrianism. Today there are approximately 100000 adherents. The number of adherents is getting smaller. http://www.theologicalstudies.citymax.com/page/page/4372775.htm

Home Contact Info Book of the Month Michael J. Vlach, Ph.D. ... Newsletters Zoroastrianism ZOROASTRIANISM I. Zoroastrianism defined A religion that arose from the teachings of the poet Zoroaster Zarathustra) to ancient Iranians. II. History of Zoroastrianism A. Some say Zarathustra lived in ancient Iran sometime between 1750 and 1500 B.C. or 1400 and 1200 B.C. Older scholarship says he lived between 628 and 551 B.C. B. His religious upheaval began at age 30. C. Leaving his body, Zarathustra went to the court of heaven. D. Ahura Mazda (Wise Lord) revealed that immortality would be given to the followers of Zarathustra. E. Ahura Mazda is opposed by Angra Mainyu who is the evil counterpart to Ahura Mazda. F. Zarathustra’s visions continued for ten years. G. Zarathustra continued to teach and serve at the altar of the fire temple until he was 77. H. He died during a war when he defended the altar from enemies. I. The scriptures of Zoroastrianism were written over a period of several centuries. Avesta—book of the law. J. With the rise of Islam in Iran , Zoroastrianism decreased significantly.

58. TEMPLE OF ZOROASTER The student of zoroastrianism is confronted by several problems concerning One question is what part of zoroastrianism derives from Zoroaster s tribal http://www.sangha.net/messengers/zoroaster.htm

TEMPLE OF ZOROASTER About Zoroaster Zoroaster's Teaching Zoroastrian Texts Books ... Images of Zoroaster Old Iranian ZARATHUSHTRA, or ZARATHUSTRA (b. c. 628 BC, probably Rhages, Irand. c. 551, site unknown), Iranian religious reformer and founder of Zoroastrianism, or Parsiism, as it is known in India. (See Zoroastrianism; Parsi.) Life. A major personality in the history of the religions of the world, Zoroaster has been the object of much attention for two reasons. On the one hand, he became a legendary figure believed to be connected with occult knowledge and magical practices in the Near Eastern and Mediterranean world in the Hellenistic Age (c. 300 BC-c. AD 300). On the other hand, his monotheistic concept of God has attracted the attention of modern historians of religion, who have speculated on the connections between his teaching and Judaism and Christianity. Though extreme claims of pan-Iranianism (i.e., that Zoroastrian or Iranian ideas influenced Greek, Roman, and Jewish thought) may be disregarded, the pervasive influence of Zoroaster's religious thought must nevertheless be recognized. The student of Zoroastrianism is confronted by several problems concerning the religion's founder. One question is what part of Zoroastrianism derives from Zoroaster's tribal religion and what part was new as a result of his visions and creative religious genius. Another question is the extent to which the later Zoroastrian religion (Mazdaism) of the Sasanian period (AD 224-651) genuinely reflected the teachings of Zoroaster. A third question is the extent to which the sourcesthe Avesta (the Zoroastrian scriptures) with the Gathas (older hymns), the Middle Persian Pahlavi Books, and reports of various Greek authorsoffer an authentic guide to Zoroaster's ideas.

59. Zoroastrianism - Beliefnet Forums Book(s) to learn about zoroastrianism. Fravarane. 0215-2008 0645 AM by myheartswings Go to last post 1, 346. Welcome Introductions. BeliefnetCheryl http://community.beliefnet.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=210

60. EduNet - Religions Of The World, Zoroastrism Zoroastrian Group at Stanford zoroastrianism is the ancient religion of Traditional zoroastrianism Tenets of the Religion These are the tenets of the http://www.edunet.ie/resources/religioninfo/zoroaster.html

Zoroastrianism Zoroastrian Group at Stanford Zoroastrianism is the ancient religion of Persia. It was founded about 3500 years ago by the prophet Zarathushtra. Arising out of the polytheistic traditions of ancient India and Iran, he was one of the first monotheists in human history. Traditional Zoroastrianism: Tenets of the Religion These are the tenets of the Mazdayasni Zarathushtri religion, as accepted and preached by all the Dasturjees and religious teachers and common Zarathushtris in India. May our faith increase day by day, in these glorious tenets, that our ancestors have believed in for thousands of years. Zoroastrianism Page Zarathustra was believed to have lived during 600 B.C. in Persia, which is the region covered by modern-day Iran and Iraq. Current estimates have revised this date to anywhere between 1500 B.C. and 1000 B.C. This would make Zoaroastrianism the second oldest world religion, next only to Hiduism. Avesta Web Server The term AVESTA has two separate meanings: First, it is the name of the ancient scriptures of the Zoroastrian religion. AVESTA is also used to refer to the language in which these scriptures are written. This server gives you access to all of the extant Avesta, along with translations, and is being expanded to include information about the language, and other useful information for students of Zoroastrian religion.

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