Overview
This lecture covers Zoroastrianism, its founder, key beliefs, cosmic dualism, ethics, practices, and historical influence as a bridge between Eastern and Western religions.
Origins and Founder
- Zoroastrianism was founded by Zarathustra (Persian name), also known as Zoroaster (Greek name).
- Zarathustra likely lived around 1737-1660 BCE based on Zoroastrian calendars, but his exact dates are uncertain.
- He originated from the Persian region, possibly near modern-day Iran or Iraq.
- He promoted monotheism amid prevailing polytheism and claimed to receive a vision from the divine.
Core Beliefs and Theology
- Zoroastrianism teaches "duotheism": two eternal gods—Ahura Mazda (good) and Angra Mainyu (evil).
- Ahura Mazda ("the Wise Lord") is the creator god associated with truth, light, and wisdom.
- Angra Mainyu ("the Liar") embodies evil, deceit, and chaos.
- Both gods are uncreated, eternal, and locked in cosmic conflict; neither can destroy the other.
- Humans have free will and play a pivotal role in the battle by choosing good or evil.
Cosmology and Ethics
- The universe is divided into two worlds: Menog (perfect spiritual realm) and Getig (imperfect material world).
- Good and evil are absolute, with no gray area; actions align you with either side.
- Salvation is achieved by building a metaphorical bridge to heaven through good deeds.
- The core ethical mantra: good thoughts, good words, good deeds.
- Anyone, regardless of religion, can reach heaven by doing good; hypocrisy is not tolerated.
Historical Timeline and Prophecies
- Zoroastrianism outlines a 12,000-year cosmic timeline with four eras.
- Zarathustra appears at the 9,000-year mark to restore order.
- Successive saviors (Saoshyants) arise every 1,000 years.
- At the end of time, good triumphs, all souls are judged, hell is emptied, and paradise is restored.
Practices and Rituals
- Prayers are performed five times daily, often at fire altars (fire is a symbol of purity, not worship).
- Dead are traditionally left in Towers of Silence for vultures, avoiding pollution of earth, water, or fire.
- Strong environmental ethic: pollution of earth, water, or fire is strictly forbidden.
- Priests are called Magi, serving as both religious leaders and astrologers.
Influence and Legacy
- Zoroastrian beliefs influenced later Western religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) in concepts of angels, judgment, and dualism.
- Emphasized equality and the first known declaration of human rights in the Persian Empire.
- Modern Zoroastrian communities are mostly in India (Parsis) and face contemporary challenges with burial practices.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Zarathustra/Zoroaster — Founder of Zoroastrianism.
- Ahura Mazda — The supreme good god; creator and wise lord.
- Angra Mainyu — The evil god; source of deceit and chaos.
- Duotheism — Belief in two opposing, co-eternal gods (one good, one evil).
- Menog — The perfect, spiritual realm (heaven).
- Getig — The material, corrupt world (earth).
- Magi — Zoroastrian priests and astrologers.
- Towers of Silence — Structures for exposing the dead to be consumed by vultures.
- Good thoughts, good words, good deeds — Zoroastrian ethical principle.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the concept of dualism and Zoroastrian influence on Western religions.
- Prepare for the next lecture on Judaism.
- Optional: Read up on Persian history and Zoroastrianism’s impact on human rights.