where it strated: Iran and Iraq
most popula in: Iran adn Iraq, a little bit in Canada, United State, Indian
symbolic: their symbolic call Farohar or Faravahar it mean "wise"
members: 140,000 members
how old: 6,000 BCE
their holy book: call Avesta
Zoroastrian Beliefs:
Beliefs include:
*A single god Ahura Mazda who is supreme. Communication between Himself and humans is by a number of Attributes, called Amesha Spentas or Bounteous Immortals. Within the Gathas, the original Zoroastrian sacred text, these Immortals are sometimes described as concepts, and are sometimes personified.
*One school of thought promotes a cosmic dualism between: An all powerful God Ahura Mazda who is the only deity worthy of being worshipped, and
An evil spirit of violence and death, Angra Mainyu, who opposes Ahura Mazda.
The resulting cosmic conflict involves the entire universe, including humanity who is required to choose which to follow. Evil, and the Spirit of Evil, will be completely destroyed at the end of time. Dualism will come to an end and Goodness will be all in all.
*Another school of thought perceives the battle between Good and Evil as an ethical dualism, set within the human consciousness.
*Asha is a form of righteous, all encompassing, natural law.
Legends, which are probably not those of Zarathushtra's original teachings are: After death, the urvan (soul) is allowed three days to meditate on his/her past life. The soul is then judged by a troika Mithra, Sraosha and Rashnu. If the good thoughts, words and deeds outweigh the bad, then the soul is taken into heaven. Otherwise, the soul is led to hell.
*The universe will go through three eras: creation;
the present world where good and evil are mixed. People's good works are seen as gradually transforming the world towards its heavenly ideal;
and a final state after this renovation when good and evil will be separated.
Eventually, everything will be purified. Even the occupants of hell will be released.
*A Saoshyant (savior) will be born of a virgin, but of the lineage of the Prophet Zoroaster who will raise the dead and judge everyone in a final judgment.
Zoroastrian Practices:
*Their worship includes prayers and symbolic ceremonies.
*The rituals are conducted before a sacred fire. Some believe that they actually worship fire. This is not true. They regard fire as a symbol of their God.
*Zoroastrians do not generally accept converts. One has to be born into the religion. This belief is disputed by some members.
*The traditional wing of Zoroastrianism discourages and does not recognize inter-faith marriages. More details.
*Members are dedicated to a three-fold path, as shown in their motto: "Good thoughts, good words, good deeds."
