Zoroastrian Beliefs
Statue of 'Ahura Mazda'
Belief in Duality of Existence:-
- Even though Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic religion, it also incorporates the concept of dualism, where it is believed that the world, and so as human beings, are controlled by two opposing powers - good and evil.
- Although Zoroastrians believe that the powers of good will eventually triumph over evil, they also believe that it is their duty to stay away from all triggers of sin and always enhance the good in themselves through the prophet Zoroaster's teachings and their religious practices and rituals.
Belief in Divinity of Creation:-
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Belief in a Spiritual Realm:-
Symbol of the 'Fravashi' and the three commandments declared by Zoroaster: "good words, good thoughts, good deeds."
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Belief in The Different Aspects of God:-
- The God Ahura Mazda has many aspects to him. The most significant being the "twin spirits" of good and evil.
- The good or holy spirit is called Spenta Mainyu, and The evil spirit is called Angra Mainyu
- Ahura Mazda, Spenta Mainyu, and Angra Mainyu are all considered a part of a sacred godly trinity (similar to christianity)
- Other than the trinity of Ahura Mazda comes the seven other aspects of God, called the "sevenfold intelligences", which some believe are God's archangels.
The Sevenfold Intelligences:
- Ahura Mazda himself. The one Lord is believed to be present everywhere, so it is no abnormality for him to be part of both the trinity and the sevenfold intelligences
- Vohu Manah, which means 'good mind'. This aspect of god combines his wisdom, love, and illumination.
- Asha Vahishta, which means 'highest truth'. It is the universal plan by which this world exists, and the order that the world follows. (associated with the element of fire)
- "Khshathra Vairya" or "Desirable Dominion" is Ahura Mazda's power and the strength of his kingdom.
- "Spenta Armaiti", meaning "Holy Devotion". It is both the devotion towards God and the quality of kindness. (associated with the element of earth)
- "Haurvatat", "Wholeness", is the state of being complete and whole as a being. (associated with the element of water)
- "Ameretat", "Immortality", is the state of immortal joy and welfare. (associated with the kingdom of plants)
Belief in Goodness of Humanity:-
- Unlike Christianity, Zoroastrianism does not believe that humans were born sinners.
- They believe that humans were born pure in nature but still sin; nevertheless, for the sole reason that they consciously chose to disobey God (therefore, they are not easily excused.)
- Even though those who excessively sin go to hell, God offers those who wish to atone for their mistakes some knowledge and instructions on how to escape from the torture of the afterlife, but his forgiveness might not be promised.
Belief in The Sanctity of Elements:-
- Zoroastrians believe that the evil powers are on constant action to try and pollute the elements of the world (fire, water, earth and air)
- It is their duty to try to protect those elements from evil and take care of the world.
- Therefore, dead Zoroastrian people are not allowed to be thrown into the water, buried in earth, or burnt.
- Dead bodies are left to disintegrate on their own and even to be consumed by scavenging birds.
Belief in The First Prophet:-
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Zoroaster, The First Prophet
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Belief in The Afterlife:-
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http://www.hinduwebsite.com/zoroastrianism/beliefs.asp
https://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/42-publications/quest-magazine/1231-zoroastrianism-history-beliefs-and-practices
-Nadia
https://www.theosophical.org/publications/quest-magazine/42-publications/quest-magazine/1231-zoroastrianism-history-beliefs-and-practices
-Nadia