The History Book Club discussion

This is a thread related to the religion - Zoroastrianism.

Zoroastrianism /ˌzɒroʊˈæstriənɪzəm/, also called Mazdaism and Magianism, is an ancient Iranian religion and a religious philosophy.

It was once the state religion of the Achaemenid Empire and Sassanid Empire. Estimates of the number of Zoroastrians worldwide varies from between 145,000 to 2.6 million.

In the eastern part of ancient Persia over a thousand years BCE a religious philosopher called Zoroaster simplified the pantheon of early Iranian gods into two opposing forces: Ahura Mazda (Illuminating Wisdom) and Angra Mainyu (Destructive Spirit) which were in conflict.

Zoroaster's ideas led to a formal religion bearing his name by about the 6th century BCE and have influenced other later religions including Judaism, Gnosticism, Christianity and Islam.

Remainder of Article:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastr...

This thread was requested by Libby.

The winged depiction of Ahura Mazda represents for Zoroastrians the source of all that is life-giving and good in the universe.

"All men and women should mutually love one another and live in peace as brothers and sisters, bound by the indestructible hand of humanity."

Zoroastrianism was founded by the prophet Zarathustra in ancient Persia around 1800 BCE and is found today mainly in western India.

Zarathustra in his Gathas or verses declared the sovereignty of the one God, Ahura Mazda or "Lord of all Wisdom," and the opposition of good and evil spiritual forces. Zoroastrian worship centers on a continually burning sacred fire.

Zoroastrianism origins

The founder Zarathustra

The Zoroastrian religion dates from its prophet Zarathustra, who is reputed to have lived around 1200 BC, though some say 600 BC. He is believed to be the author of the core texts of the Avesta, the main source of Zoroastrian teachings. An Iranian tribal prince became his follower, and so his faith took root and eventually became the state religion of the Persian Empire whose priests were the famed magi. Its doctrines influenced among others the Jews.
Imperial religion

When the Persian Empire was conquered by Alexander the Great in the fourth century BC, much of the Zoroastrian tradition was lost. But later on Zoroastrianism was resurrected as the state religion of the Sassanian Empire and organised with a strong ecclesiastic structure a priesthood, colleges and many temples. The Avesta was compiled into 21 volumes. But only a few copies were made – too few, as it turned out.

The Parsis

During the seventh century Muslim conquests, these few texts were destroyed and Islam became the state religion of Iran, gradually replacing Zoroastrianism throughout the land. Around this time, some Zoroastrians set sail for India where they founded the Parsi (Persian) community in Gujarat. They prospered as farmers and traders while the Iranian community diminished.
Modern diaspora

The Parsi community helped build up Mumbai (Bombay), where they came to form a wealthy and well-educated middle class. With the end of British rule in India, some of these Zoroastrians settled abroad and prospered in the cities of England, Canada, Australia and the USA. Zoroastrians now number only about 150,000 worldwide, of whom the majority live in Mumbai. Other notable communities are in Britain and on the west coast of North America.


Zarathustra, the founder of the Zoroastrian religion

Thank you Libby for the add and the Note.

Thank you Teri

This is another religion about which I know little to nothing. Thanks for the book recommendations, Teri.

Great Teri

Zoroastrian friends of mine read up on the finer points of their faith with this:

by R.C. Zaehner (no photo)

Teri wrote: "Iran: Empire of the Mind: A History from Zoroaster to the Present Day

by [authorimage:Michael Axworthy|131..."

More of a general cultural history of Iran than specific about Zoroastrism, however it is indeed a good way to break the stereotypes when you see how distinctive Persian culture is from Arab culture(s) in spite of religious invasion followed by a temporary forceful cultural assimilation (7th to 10th century).

Are the modern day Yizidis Zoroastrian?

Stephen wrote: "Are the modern day Yizidis Zoroastrian?"

Short answer No. For clarification, they each receive a chapter in by Gerard Russell (no photo)

Teri wrote: "Zoroastrianism in China: Seraosha & Guan Yin at the Silk Road

by Dr Jose Luis Abreu (no photo)
..."

interesting ! Most Zoroastrians are able to promote their beliefs as "having greatly influenced Christianity and Islam" but not this Chinese connection.

Good job Teri on all of the religion threads.

Thank You Teri, it seems a good start book for me. I will have a look at it.

A good introduction but just that, an introduction, with a religion per chapter. Personally, there was nothing new to learn about Zoroastrianism here...

Third Eye Awakening: 3 Best Techniques to Activate Your Third Eye Chakra: Increase Intuition, Clairvoyance, Psychic Awareness, Inner Peace

by Rana Timóteo (no photo)

Synopsis:

Feeling drained or confused? Looking for your life's purpose? Or just wanting to desperately clear your mind of clutter and toxic thoughts? Then this audiobook is for you!

The three best techniques to open your third eye encompass methods for you to have the ability to master the art of attaining inner peace, increased intuition, calmness, and most importantly, focusing on goals, and harnessing mind power!

The third eye is something we all possess. With the help of this audiobook, you can easily explore the best possibilities of attaining a better life for yourself, and the world around you. This audiobook has simplified the ways to effectively open your third eye by step-by-step guides and uncomplicated instructions.

Once your third eye has awakened, you will experience heightened sensations and increased awareness. These abilities will aid you in everyday situations. You'll attract more positive energy from your surroundings. You will be excited to have more hopes and joys, because now you know that they are all within your reach!

What you'll learn:

What is the third eye - including its relevance and connection to history, religion, science, and supernatural

Techniques to open your third eye

Signs that your third eye is now awakened

How to close your third eye

In Search of Zarathustra: Across Iran and Central Asia to Find the World's First Prophet (Paperback)

by Paul Kriwaczek

Synopsis:

Long before the first Hebrew temple, before the birth of Christ or the mission of Muhammad, there lived in Persia a prophet to whom we owe the ideas of a single god, the cosmic struggle between good and evil, and the Apocalypse.

His name was Zarathustra, and his teachings eventually held sway from the Indus to the Nile and spread as far as Britain.

Following Zarathustra’s elusive trail back through time and across the Islamic, Christian, and Jewish worlds, Paul Kriwaczek uncovers his legacy at a wedding ceremony in present-day Central Asia, in the Cathar heresy of medieval France, and among the mystery cults of the Roman empire.

He explores pre-Muslim Iran and Central Asia, ultimately bringing us face to face with the prophet himself, a teacher whose radical humility shocked and challenged his age, and whose teachings have had an enduring effect on Western thought.

The result is a tour de force of travel and historical inquiry by an adventurer in the classic tradition