The Zoroastrian religious tradition and its basics

[SunAcolyte]

So I've wanted to talk a bit about my religious tradition and make resources for information more widely available on it, not to pressure anybody but just so it doesn't seem so vague. Conversion is possible (For those who aren't aware it is) and will be explained in the second paragraph.

The Zoroastrian religion as based on the original text known as the Gathas is a religious tradition that emphasises virtue (Good actions, words and thoughts in general) as the primary emphasis, this includes over what religion you follow or whether you are a theist, agnostic or atheist alike. Zoroastrianism is said to be one of the original Light orientated paths, it is Henotheistic ranging to Monotheistic depending on the practitioners with an emphasis on the worship of the god of light. The existence of other gods are not denied in this religion, as there is the concept of what we call Yazatas that will be explained further below. The religion believes in an omniscient but not omnipotent God or creator.

The non-Parsi, Kurdish and generally Iranian congregations of Zoroastrianism are the ones which generally accept converts but oppose pressuring people in any way to join. There are Iranian counterparts that do generally believe in allowing conversions, but don't do it for citizens in fear of government crackdowns if its done, or have some brave priests that may perform them for citizens in secret. The closest thing agreed upon for ‘official entry’ of the religion is you would need somebody qualified as a Mobed to perform the initiation ritual for you known as the Sudreh Pushi Ceremony but regardless you can still hold the beliefs, practices and identify as such. The religion has an emphasis on gender equality in the core of the teachings, in which men/women or boys/girls are to be equal.

Zoroastrianism has an emphasis on duality as such; light and dark, right or wrong and good or evil. Adherence to truth is also a large emphasis. What defines good and evil is essentially based on the concept of Asha, although they can be debated, talked about and agreed/disagreed upon often by practitioners. Alleviation of the world from all unnecessary suffering is said to be one of the goals, aims or purposes for those who follow this religion. Take for example also the environmental emphasis on opposing pollution.

Onto the concept of Yazatas. They are said to be any deities or spirits that are agreed by practitioners or theology to be benign, allies of and align with the side of light/good, being worthy of veneration or worship by those that may choose to do so. There are already pre-existing Persian Yazatas but veneration is generally optional. It is also possible to include deities or land spirits you are familiar with to venerate as Yazatas if you are a practitioner of this religion. Take for example there are already people who've reportedly venerated say Thor, the Greek Apollo or Astraea and possibly Amaterasu. The religion also has had its own angels which predate all Abrahamic ones we know of so far and were called upon, acknowledged or venerated for thousands of years even before.

Within Zoroastrian theology regarding the afterlife the amount of good and evil (In general) you’ve emphasized in your life decides how fast or slow you will enter ‘paradise’ and not your religion. The help/harm you've caused in this world etc. Which means for example that even an atheist or somebody who is non-religious can enter directly if an afterlife exists. All people are predestined for paradise however; either immediately, or by first going through a temporary Hell state with different levels according to theology before entering with lengths of time for cleansing varying. Hell is never a permanent state, it is longer or shorter for others with different degrees therefore.

Traditions of agreed and disagreed beliefs/practices of this religion exist, but even then are freely debated and discussed often. With different groups or ranges of people having their own agreed interpretations but of which maintain the basic principles outlined by the Gathas or the concept of Asha. Consensuses do exist among practitioners to a degree however.

In regards to holy animals. Dogs/Puppies are predominantly considered overall the main sacred animal of Zoroastrianism. Traditionally they are widely agreed upon by those who argue so to be righteous, clean, beneficent and benign animals because of their qualities. For not only the useful work if performs in the household but also for the unconditional love they embody and their healing abilities. Help or harm to a dog is exactly equated with help or harm to a human.

The holy language of the religion (Similarly to how the Catholics have had Latin) is known as Avestan and it also has its own version of holy water, of which the instructions of how to acquire can be found in books such as the Yasnas. The religious tradition also has short but intended to be effective prayers called Sirangs meant to preserve physical and mental well-being in troubled times.

Some resources:

"What is Zoroastrianism?" (Harvard University, YouTube video)

Avesta.org

r/Zoroastrianism and its faq