What is Zoroastrian?
By: BBC
Followers of Zoroastrian are dedicated to the divine message revealed by Zarathushtra Spitama, one of the earliest prophets to teach monotheism, the belief in one God.
Zarathushtra Spitama was known to the ancient Greeks as Zoroaster and he preached a new doctrine of good, evil and retribution.
The principal and cardinal rule for his followers is to adhere to the creed of Humata, Hukhta and Havarastra - good thoughts, good words and good deeds.
Around 3500 years ago, Zarathushtra preached that there was only one god whom he called Ahura Mazda, the Lord of Wisdom.
Teachings
His teachings explain how, according to Zoroastrian, God's divine attributes are reflected in the universe and throughout the world.
He advises people to acquire and cultivate divine attributes, including:
a good mind and righteousness
to elevate themselves in harmony with God and to listen to God's voice
to be creative and progressive
to work in harmony with nature and create a better world
to establish a universal fellowship in an ideal society chosen by the people for peace and prosperity
to attain perfection and immortality
to become godlike and live in divine happiness.
Zarathustra called the religion he founded the good religion.
Initiation
When a person is initiated as a Zarathushti they declare; "I, with my appreciations and convictions, choose for myself to be a worshipper of omniscient God and a Zarathushti.
"I appreciate good thoughts, good words, and good deeds. I appreciate the good religion of worshipping omniscient God, which overthrow yokes yet sheaths swords, teaches self-reliance and is righteous."
Followers of Zoroastrian do not denounce other religions, and after initiation a Zarathushti is free to choose the religion he or she considers the best.
Zarathushtis believe light is a symbol of divine illumination, enlightenment, warmth, love and energy.
When praying to their omniscient God, Zarathushtis say their prayers before a candle, a lamp, or even the sun, moon, or even the stars.
A perpetual fire is kept in a special vase in the house of worship. And so is a light in a Zarathushti house.
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