Basics
The basic tenet of Zoroastrianism is that there is a major battle between good and evil. With that in mind, Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic religion. It believes in two forces: the god of wisdom and light, Ahura Mazda, and the evil being, Angra Mainyu. Although Angra Mainyu is not necessary a "god", these two are seen as equally powerful. They may not necessarily be the opposite of one another, but Angra Mainyu is the prime example of destruction and evil.
Along with Ahura Mazda are his immortal spirits with different attributes, which are called Amesha Spentas.
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Our role in living is to do good deeds and fight for what is righteous. In order to do that, we must follow three basic commandments.
- good actions (spreading love and kindness, healing the sick, sharing Zoroastrianism to others)
- good speech (speaking what is true, not lying)
- good thoughts (not judging people, desiring to do good, not plotting bad events against others)
Fulfilling these duties will allow you to get to heaven.
Zoroastrianism teaches us that if we all go against what is evil, good will prevail, and we will have a life of joy and happiness in the next life.
A compilation of sacred documents are found in the Avesta, the known scriptures of Zoroastrianism.
- good actions (spreading love and kindness, healing the sick, sharing Zoroastrianism to others)
- good speech (speaking what is true, not lying)
- good thoughts (not judging people, desiring to do good, not plotting bad events against others)
Fulfilling these duties will allow you to get to heaven.
Zoroastrianism teaches us that if we all go against what is evil, good will prevail, and we will have a life of joy and happiness in the next life.
A compilation of sacred documents are found in the Avesta, the known scriptures of Zoroastrianism.
Afterlife
Zoroastrianism teaches us that we have the free will to choose to side with either good or evil. However, with this freedom comes a responsibility as well. When people choose a side in war, they do not just stand there and cheer them on. They either fight in battle or help out at home. Similarly, the way we help "our side" is through the three commandments listed above: good actions, speech, and thoughts. According to what Zoroastrianism teaches, if all these are accomplished, then we will be allowed in heaven.
After a person dies, it is believed that their destination is determined by their deeds. If their good deeds outweighs their bad ones, they will be brought to heaven. On the other hand, if their bad deeds outweighs their good deeds, they will be sent to hell. However, if they have the same number of good and bad deeds, they will arrive to a place call Hammistagan. It is a place where souls are neither joyful or sorrowful. They just simply, well, exist. Soon enough, should evil be brought to justice, those that had more good deeds will resurrect back into a physical body that is designed to be eternally youthful and immortal. |
Beliefs of Our Earthly Life
- Zoroastrians believe in marrying within the same religion. However, marriage with non-Zoroastrians are also accepted, but the marriage must simply be done with Zoroastrianism rituals. The non-Zoroastrian must believe in the Zoroastrian faith, and must learn of the essential principles and beliefs before getting married.
- A husband-wife relationship is equal. Although the husband is seen as the head, he must not do anything that mistreats his family. Husbands are taught to be respected, and the family must submit to him. In return, the husband will make the necessary actions to fulfill their family needs. Women must also fulfill their duty as a wife by taking care of the home and children. - When a baby is born, their lips are soaked in the juice of a sacred plant named haoma, as a sign of purity and divinity. When a child becomes 7, they are given the traditional sudre and kusti to wear (see symbols to learn more about this outfit). They are also required to learn several Avestan prayers and texts during this time. |
A Parsi Zoroastrian Wedding
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Comparison to Judeo-Christians and Nestorians
Similarities- They both believe in a heaven and hell.
- They both believe in the existence of angels and demons. - They both believe that a final battle between good and evil will take place, where one of them shall emerge victorious against the other to decide the fate of the afterlife. Of course, Christianity already teaches that good will win. - They both believe the people that went to heaven will resurrect again and have a new and improved physical form. |
Differences- Christianity teaches that the key to heaven is through accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, while Zoroastrianism explains that where people go in the afterlife is simply based on their works and ethics in their current life on earth. However, although Christianity suggest that heaven is through their faith, it also reminds us that our faith can be seen through what we do and how we treat other people. Thus, works and ethics are also important in the life of a Christian.
- Christianity states that you either go to heaven or hell after you die, but Zoroastrianism suggests three routes after life: heaven, hell, or a stage in between called Hammistagan. Since the deeds of the person is what determines his next life, he or she will go to Hammistagan if his or her number of good deeds and number of bad deeds are the same. - Unlike Christianity's beliefs in a God and a devil, Zoroastrianism believes in two opposite gods that are equally powerful. - Christianity teaches that the fate of the final battle is already decided, while Zoroastrianism suggest a more even battle, as both gods are equally powerful. |