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Core Values
- Zoroastrianism is amongst the oldest monotheistic (belief in one God) religions in the world. The prophet Zarathustra (known to the Greeks as Zoroaster) taught this religion initially amongst the tribes on the Asian Steppes but it quickly became the state religion of Persia in circa 1500 BC and has been closely linked to the Persian empire ever since.
- The religion is known to the modern world for the introduction of dualism (the eternal conflict between the good and the evil), but states that Mankind has the capacity by following God or the path of truth– to always vanquish evil.
- The religion is deeply connected with nature as manifestations of the attributes of God. There are seven elements all of which are interdependent on each other and believe to embrace all creation these are: the animal kingdom, plant life, the earth, sky, water, humans and fire.
- Many written Zoroastrian prayers and religious texts have not survived centuries of strife and war. However, we do have a prayer book called the ‘Avesta’ which contains some 72 chapters of ‘Yasna’ (worship or praise). We also have the ‘Five Gathas’ which are thought provoking divine songs believed to be from Zarathustra himself which form the core of the religion.
Core Beliefs
- Without Moral conduct, no spiritual progress is ever possible.
- The core beliefs are :
- Good Thoughts (Humata) –think good thoughts
- Good Words (Hukhta) – speak good words and
- Good Deeds (Huvarashta) – perform good deeds.
- The three concepts are all intertwined and must go hand in hand. For example : speaking good words and performing good deeds are not acceptable if there was a bad intention behind them. i.e. Good Thoughts are important.
- The religion is deeply connected with nature as manifestations of the attributes of God. There are seven elements all of which are interdependent on each other and believe to embrace all creation these are: the animal kingdom, plant life, the earth, sky, water, humans and fire.
Grounds for believing
- At the end of every Zoroastrian’s life it is believed that the good and evil he/she has done in his/her life is weighed up and only the people who have done more good than bad are allowed to cross the bridge into heaven. This is why the 3 concepts of Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds are so important to Zoroastrians.
- Zoroastrianism in theory allows individuals to have a direct relationship with God. Although we have fire-temples (where fire is worshipped as a symbol of God (Ahura Mazda)) and Priests, there is no stipulation that attendance at collective prayers is compulsory or that any place is better suited for praying. Any place in the universe is suitable as the existence of Ahura Mazda is recognised in all things in nature.
- Zoroastrianism is not a prescriptive religion and there are few rules or restrictions. The only rules that do apply relate to not harming ones body or health. Most things in moderation are permitted
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