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The Zoroastrian Religion

Zoroastrianism is a faith practiced by Zoroastrians primarily in Iran, India and now increasingly in the West and other parts of the world. The faith was revealed to Prophet Zarathushtra (Zoroaster in Greek) of ancient Persia more than 3000 years ago and was once the state religion of the vast Persian Empire. Zoroastrians believe in the worship of one supreme God, Ahura Mazda, and embrace the fundamental trinity: Good thoughts, Good words and Good deeds. Zarathushtra brought a message for mankind to lead a life of righteousness and to use our mental faculty, the “Good Mind,” to struggle against and overcome evil in this world. In what is perhaps the first monotheistic religion, Zoroastrianism emphasizes a positive approach to life, optimism about the future of the world, and a special emphasis on free choice. In one of his first sermons Zarathushtra preached: "Ye who seek knowledge, listen carefully to what I say, and perceive the truth in the light of reason, because it is possible for each man to have a separate creed." He also teaches us to be liberal in thinking and to respect all that is good, true and beautiful: "We reserve and love all good thoughts, words and deeds that may have been presented here or elsewhere, now or at any future period, because we are on the side of goodness."

Truth, Charity, Purity, and Dignity of Labor are among the most important Zoroastrian virtues emphasized on in Gathas of Prophet Zarathushtra. The very first prayer a Zoroastrian child learns, Ashem Vohu, is devoted to truth: "Truth is the greatest virtue. It is happiness. Happy is he who is truthful for the sake of truth." With truth as a guiding virtue, Zoroastrians have earned a reputation for honesty. Charity is another cherished Zoroastrian value. The second prayer a Zoroastrian child learns, "Yatha Ahu Vairyo," teaches "…He who give assistance to the poor acknowledges the kingdom of Ahura Mazda…" Zoroastrianism also values purity of the body as well as that of the mind, and stresses hard work and dignity of labor.

Related Links:

For more information about Zoroastrianism and Zoroastrian organizations please see the following articles and web sites:

Avesta.org

sacred-texts.com

zoroastrian.org, for Many More Articles!

Vohuman.org

zarathushtra.com

Article on Death and the Afterlife in Zoroastarianism

parsizoroastrianism.com

zoroastriankids.org

For more information on our plans and progress for the Zoroastrian Center click here.

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Zoroastrian Center & Darb-e Mehr
P.O. Box 16998
Washington DC 20041

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zoroastriancenter@earthlink.net

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