Zarathustra: Difference between revisions

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Zarathustra lived in a nonliterate society, whose people did not keep records. His teachings were passed down by oral tradition, and much of what was later written down about his life and teachings has been lost or destroyed. What scholars have been able to piece together about him comes from three sources: the study of the historical milieu prior to and during the time Zarathustra is believed to have lived, tradition, and seventeen sacred hymns called Gathas. Scholars concur that Zarathustra composed these hymns. The Gathas are recorded in the Avesta, the sacred scriptures of Zoroastrianism.

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It is believed that Zarathustra was born in what is now east central Iran, but that is not certain. Zarathustra’s date of birth is even more difficult to establish. Scholars place it sometime between 1700 <small>B</small>.<small>C</small>. and 600 <small>B</small>.<small>C</small>. The consensus is that he lived around 1000 <small>B</small>.<small>C</small>. or earlier.  

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<blockquote>It is ... the ''daevas'' specifically whom Zoroaster attacks, not the ''ahuras'' whom he prefers to ignore.... In all probability he considered them to be God’s creatures and as fighters on his side. In any case he concentrated the full weight of his attack on the ''daevas'' and their worshippers who practised a gory sacrificial ritual and were the enemies of the settled pastoral community to which the Prophet himself belonged.<ref>Zaehner, “Zoroastrianism,” p. 210.</ref></blockquote>

== Spreading his message == <!--T:57-->

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<blockquote>Realize the necessary ingredients for the propagation of the faith throughout the earth. The archangels send their messenger with a gift of prophecy that is the Word of Sanat Kumara to every culture and in every age. Thus, the prophet comes forth with the vision, with the anointing and with the sacred fire. But unless the prophet find the fertile field of hearts aflame and receptive, the authority of the Word does not pass unto the people.<ref>Zarathustra, “A Moment in Cosmic History—The Empowerment of Bearers of the Sacred Fire,” {{POWref|24|13|, March 28, 1981}}</ref></blockquote>

== Ahura Mazda == <!--T:60-->

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<blockquote>Further, the kusti is tied over an inner shirt of pure white, the “sudra,” which has a little purse sewn into the throat; and this is to remind the believer that he should be continually filling its emptiness with the merit of good thoughts, words and deeds, and so be laying up treasure for himself in heaven.<ref>Boyce, ''Zoroastrians'', pp. 31–32.</ref></blockquote>

== Fire in Zoroastrianism == <!--T:104-->

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About <small>A</small>.<small>D.</small> 225, Zoroastrianism reemerged in Persia and was the state religion until around 651, when the Muslims conquered Persia. Although Zoroastrianism was officially tolerated, the Arab conquerors encouraged conversion to Islam through societal pressures, economic incentives or force. Many Zoroastrians converted or went into exile. Loyal Zoroastrians who remained in Persia were taxed for the privilege of practicing their faith. In later centuries, persecution of Zoroastrians escalated. As of 1976, there were only 129,000 Zoroastrians in the world.<ref>Ibid., p. 226.</ref>

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According to Zaehner:

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{{MTR}}, s.v. “Zarathustra.”

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