Zoroastrianism
From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Zoroastrianism is a religion. The founder of Zoroastrianism was Zoroaster, who lived in Persia around 1000 BC. Other names for Zoroastrianism are Mazdaism and Parsiism.
Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic religion. The Zoroastrian god is called Ahura Mazda. It was not always a monotheistic religion. Long ago, Zoroastrians believed there were more gods. The holy book of Zoroastrianism is the Avesta.
Zoroastrianism is also dualist. Zoroastrians believe Ahura Mazda created two spirits, a good one (Spenta Mainyu) and a bad one (Angra Mainyu). Zoroastrians believe people are free to choose between good and bad, but that choosing good will lead to happiness, and that choosing bad will lead to unhappiness. So it is the best to choose good. Therefore, the motto of the religion is "Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds".
Zoroastrianism was the state religion of the Sassanid dynasty of Persia. In the 7th century, Persia was conquered by Islamic Arabs, and most Persians became Muslims too. Nowadays, there are about 250,000 Zoroastrians. Most of them live in Iran or India (in India, they are called Parsis).
[edit] Famous Zoroastrians
- Alexander Bard, Swedish musician and philosopher
- Darius I, Persian shah (many other shahs were also Zoroastrists)
- Homi Bhaba, Indian |philosopher and scientist
- Freddie Mercury, English singer (Queen)
- Zubin Mehta, Indian violinist
- Rohinton Mistry, Canadian author
- Dadabhai Naoroji, British politician
- Emomali Rahmonov, Tajik president
- Sooni Taraporevala, Indian Screenwriter
- J.R.D. Tata, Indian businessman
Some historians believe that the Three Wise Men or Magi who visited Jesus after he was born were Zoroastrian priests.
[edit] Bibliography
- Kulke, Eckehard: The Parsees in India: a minority as agent of social change. München: Weltforum-Verlag (= Studien zur Entwicklung und Politik 3), ISBN 3-8039-00700-0
- Ervad Sheriarji Dadabhai Bharucha: A Brief sketch of the Zoroastrian Religion and Customs
- Dastur Khurshed S. Dabu: A Handbook on Information on Zoroastrianism
- Dastur Khurshed S. Dabu: Zarathustra an his Teachings A Manual for Young Students
- Jivanji Jamshedji Modi: The Religious System of the Parsis
- R. P. Masani: The religion of the good life Zoroastrianism
- P. P. Balsara: Highlights of Parsi History
- Maneckji Nusservanji Dhalla: History of Zoroastrianism; dritte Auflage 1994, 525 p, K. R. Cama, Oriental Institute, Bombay
- Dr. Ervad Dr. Ramiyar Parvez Karanjia: Zoroastrian Religion & Ancient Iranian Art
- Adil F. Rangoonwalla: Five Niyaeshes, 2004, 341 p.
- Aspandyar Sohrab Gotla: Guide to Zarthostrian Historical Places in Iran
- J. C. Tavadia: The Zoroastrian Religion in the Avesta, 1999
- S. J. Bulsara: The Laws of the Ancient Persians as found in the "Matikan E Hazar Datastan" or "The Digest of a Thousand Points of Law", 1999
- M. N. Dhalla: Zoroastrian Civilization 2000
- Marazban J. Giara: Global Directory of Zoroastrian Fire Temples, 2. Auflage, 2002, 240 p, 1
- D. F. Karaka: History of The Parsis including their manners, customs, religion and present position, 350 p, illus.
- Piloo Nanavatty: The Gathas of Zarathushtra, 1999, 73 p, (illus.)
- Roshan Rivetna: The Legacy of Zarathushtra, 96 p, (illus.)
- Dr. Sir Jivanji J. Modi: The Religious Ceremonies and Customs of The Parsees, 550 Seiten
- Mani Kamerkar, Soonu Dhunjisha: From the Iranian Plateau to the Shores of Gujarat, 2002, 220 p
- I.J.S. Taraporewala: The Religion of Zarathushtra, 357 p
- Jivanji Jamshedji Modi: A Few Events in The Early History of the Parsis and Their Dates, 2004, 114 p
- Dr. Irach J. S.Taraporewala: Zoroastrian Daily Prayers, 250 p
- Adil F.Rangoonwalla: Zoroastrian Etiquette, 2003, 56 p
- Rustom C Chothia: Zoroastrian Religion Most Frequently Asked Questions, 2002, 44 p
