Zoroastrian
faith and philosophy
.
At present time there are about
200/000 Zoroastrians throughout the world. Most of the worlds Zoroastrians,
who are about 100/000, are living in India and they are called Parsis.
Due to the Arabs' invasion of Iran, which was cruel (_See Koran Sura 9
“Al Tauba “ Ayeh 5 and 29 and 123 ) , most Parsis left their own
country, and emigrated to India in the ninth century. Even, at present
time, if Iranians are asked about Zoroastrians identity, most of them will
answer, those people are fire worshipers and like Jews and other pagans
and Christians are unclean people ( See Koran Sura 9 Ayeh 28 ).
In
western countries also, the people are not quite familiar with Zoroastrian
philosophy. When they are heard of Zarathustra, they are reminded
of “Thus Spoke Zarathustra,” written by celebrated German philosopher,
Nietzsche. Therefore, it can be rightly said that Zoroastrian
philosophy, which was the main religious belief system of ancient Iranians
and for about several hundred years was the basis of the Iranian culture
and their life style, now is almost forgotten. Therefore, our purpose
is to fathom this aged Zoroastrian culture, in order to recognize the truth
of such a rich philosophical faith, which has been the foundation of the
ancient Iranian civilization, and thus try to repudiate the incorrect pre-judgements
against it.
Is
Zoroastrian Monotheism Philosophy or Religion in History?
.
It is easy to answer this question.
Inkling about zoroastrian philosophy shows that Zarathustra, never assumed
prophethood. He never claimed he had associated with the Lord of
cosmos whose width galaxy extends more than 36 milliard (36 thousand million),
light year, which lies beyond our imagination. Zarathustra, never
ordered his followers to perform certain activities, but he recommended
them to try to know the creator of the earth and heaven and adopt good
manner, on the basis of their wisdom. Therefore, Zarathustra was
neither a prophet, nor we can call his spiritual path a “religion,” rather
he was a thoughtful benevolent who recognized his God on the basis of his
wisdom and never said he had been missioned to bring any message from God
to human beings.
The
Life of Zarathustra
Due
to the invasion of Arabs, particularly Alexander of Macedonia and the destruction
of the Iranian libraries, there are no reliable sources available to indicate
the time Zarathustra lived, nor there is any detailed information about
the place where he worked. Therefore, it can be said that in
the past some researchers would believe that Zarathustra has been living
about six hundred to one thousand years before the Christ. However,
today some other researchers estimate the life of Zarathustra up to four
thousand years before the birth of Christ. The birth and living place
of Zarathustra is not also certain, but some historians suppose that he
has been living in one of the Khorasan cities, like Neishapour, Harat,
or Balkh. It can be deduced from Gatha, the Divine Songs of Zarathustra,
written by him that since he was persecuted by some of his contemporary
theologians and religious traders, he escaped his birthplace and appealed
to one of the sovereigns of his time, called King Goshtasb. The king
was impressed by Zarathustra’s teachings and followed him.
Why Zarathustra Revolted against
Mithra, the Belief System of his time and Promulgated his own Philisophy?
Considering
that Darius the Great, was affiliated with Zoroastrianism, in his
petrographies is written that Zarathustra praised Ahura Mazda (God) as
the creator of heaven and earth. Herodotus, the Greek historian also
testifies that the Iranian religion at that time has been monotheism and
they had been blaming idolatry. This is a good reason, why Zarathustra,
revolted against Mithra, that was the Iranian religion before him.
Because, in Mithra, the oneness of God was not known to the people, plus
the fact that in Mithra, sacrificing animals and also consumption of narcotics
and intoxicating beverages (called Haoma) that desist the people from good
reflection, were prevalent in Mithra and Zarathustra was against them.
For such reasons Zarathustra, rose against the Mithra belief system.
The
Basis of Zarathusta’s Teachings
Zarathusthra seems to have become
convinced that all events of the world are based on cause and effects.
He has, therefore, based his teachings on three principles: good reflection,
good word, and good deed. He was wise enough to recognize that all
the motives of human beings are based on action and reaction. Because,
the receiver of every good deed in this world will react accordingly with
the good behavior. Therefore, in the realm of interaction, if human
beings act favorably, they receive favorable reaction and vice versa.
In this regard, if a person robs another one, he should not be surprised
when some day he will be robbed as well. Zarathustra never
imagined praising a God who is a bribe taker. The one, who is bribed
by worship and then he rewards his worshiper with a part of paradise.
The Almighty God is not a dealer, he is neither a buyer nor a seller, and
does not need also to be flattered by his creatures. The almighty
God of Zarathustra, is the initiator of justice, kindness, and truthfulness
and guides his creatures to the same principles. That is why, Zarathustra,
has based his philosophy on good reflection, good word, and good
deed. In Zarathustra’s philosophy, everybody has the liberty to choose
the right way, out of his/her good reflection and since human wisdom is
more related to good reflection, thus the followers of Zoroastrianism should
precede by each other to the propagation of science and education.
In this manner, Zoroastrianism becomes the forerunner of knowledge and
enlightenment.
Faravahar
.
According to tradition, “Faravahar,”
is one the symbol of Zoroastrianism.
Briefly,
it can be said that “Faravahar,” is the spirit of human being that had
been existed before his/her birth and will continue to exist after his/her
death. It is important to know that “Faravahar,” should not be confused
or replaced by creator or Ahura Mazda. It is unfortunate, that some
writers do not want to accept the fact that contrary to many religions,
Zoroastrianism has never believed in anthropomorphism any feature for God.
In no part of Gatha, there is also any mention of the face of God.
Zarathustra says in Yasna 31:8
.
“O’ Mazda, when I was looking for you with my wisdom and speculation faculties
and tried to find you with the eye of my heart, I recognized that you are
the starter and the end of everything, you are the source of wisdom and
reflection and you are the creator of truthfulness and purity and the judge
and justice for the behavior of all the human beings.”
.
To
achieve their goals, this group of writers accuse Zoroastrians of idolatry
and to support their baseless allegation, they refer to a petrography of
a member of Sassanids, living more than one thousand years before the advent
of Zarathustra. These writers should be referred to the writings
of Herodotus, the Greek historian, who has been living about five hundred
years before Christ. Herodotus reports in the first book, section
131:
“Iranians are against making idols,
construction of temples and houses for God and those who are involved in
those activities, as considered ignorant persons. In my view, contrary
to Greeks, Iranians, were not like idols.”
Due to the fact that in Faravahar’s
figure, both “Sepanta Minu,” the symbol of goodness and “Ankareh Minu,”
the symbol of wickedness are carved, they seem to believe that Ahura Mazda
and Ankareh Minu are fighting against each other. Undoubtedly, this
attitude which is the basis of Zarvan philosophy is incorrect and does
not justify the Zoroastrian philosophy. Unfortunately, in the course
of history, sometimes we encounter some biased writers who confuse the
reality of historical events. There are some writers, who are willing
to ignore the impact of the Iranian culture in the promotion of science,
and philosophy. As an example, contrary to all the available documents,
they say that Abu Ali Sina, has been an Arab scholar, or they
do not admit that Suez Canal has been constructed by Darius, the Great.
Explanation of the Faravahar
Symbol
1.
The Faravahar’s face resembles the face of human being and therefore, indicates
its connection to mankind.
2.
There are two wings in two sides of the picture, which have three main
feathers. These main feathers indicate three symbols of “good reflection,”
“good words,” and “good deed,” which are at the same time the motive of
flight and advancement.
3.
The lower part of the Faravahar consists of three parts, representing “bad
reflection,” “bad words,” and “bad deed” which causes misery and misfortune
for human beings.
4.
There are two loops at the two sides of the Faravahar, which represent
“Sepanta Minu,” and “Ankareh Minu.” The former is directed toward
the face and the latter is located at the back. This also indicates
that we have to proceed toward the good and turn away from bad.
5.
There is a circle in the middle of the Faravahar’s trunk. This symbol
indicates that our spirit is immortal, having neither a beginning, nor
an end.
6.
One hand of the Faravahar, points upwards, showing that we have to struggle
to thrive.
7.
The other hand holds a ring. Some interpreters consider that as the
ring of covenant, representing loyalty and faithfulness which is the basis
of Zarathustra’s philosophy.
In
zoroastrianism, the Faravahar or human spirit, embodies two opposing indicators
of good and bad. This will clearly show the Zarathustra’s philosophy
that everybody should try to promote his/her Sepanta Minu (positive force)
and suppress his/her Ankareh Minu (negative force). As a result of
such a spiritual struggle toward goodness and avoiding evil, everybody
will be able to thrive in all the walks of his/her life. Since, the
ring of covenant which located in the center of the Faravahar’s trunk is
the symbol of the immortality of the spirit, it can be inferred that more
human beings try to promote their own Faravahar, more their spirit will
be elevated in the other world after they pass away. For that reason,
ancient Iranians would never mourn at the death of their beloved ones,
because they would believe that their spirit will be elevated to a higher
level in the other world. Naturally, when we believe that at the
time of death, the spirit of the dead bodies would be elevated to a higher
level, we have to joy at their departure to another world, rather than
being heartbroken, though their loss may be intolerable for us. In
this way, in zoroastrianism, on the basis of one’s Faravahar, everybody
is responsible for his/her own deed. For this reason, Cyrus the Great and
most of the other Iranian ancient kings, according to historical documents,
not only never forced anybody to be converted into zoroastrianism, they
even respected the belief system of others. In this regard, the Human
right’s Charter of Cyrus the Great at the conquest of Babel reads: “I ordered
that no one is permitted to abuse anybody or to damage the cities.
I ordered that no house should be damaged and no one’s property should
be violated and ransacked. I ordered that everybody should keep to
his/her belief system and be free to worship his/her own God. I ordered
that all the people should be free in their thoughts, choosing the place
of their residence and no one should violate the rights of others.”
Zarathustra’s Immortality Philosophy
As we know, Zoroastrianism is founded
on three elements: good reflection, good words, and good deed. Regarding
truthfulness of ancient Iranians, Herodotus writes in section 136 of the
first book:
“The Iranian boys are thought three
things, between five to twenty years of age: horsemanship, shooting, and
truthfulness.”
In section 138, Herodotus continues:
“Iranians do not use harsh words
and to them lying is considered the worst sin. Next to lying is borrowing
money. Because, when a person is debtor, sometimes he is compelled
to tell lie.”
A very interesting point in
zoroastrianism is that “good thought” is the source of human behavior and
at the same time it is subject to culture. Therefore, if any of the
Zarathustra’s sayings is against the current knowledge of the people, they
are allowed to ignore it.
According
to the historical documents and the surveys of writers, any of the Zarathustra’s
principles are confirmed by contemporary ethics, while the other religions
have not dealt with them. As an example:
1.
Equality between men and women are frequently mentioned in Gatha and we
know that in the Iranian history, women such as “Pourandokht,” has been
reigning in Iran. It is interesting that in 1944, following a long
discussion, the United Nations in its latest session at Ghahereh, finally
came to the conclusion that the only solution of birth control is the equality
of men and women.
2.
Cleanliness of water, land, air, and fire is one of the chief characteristics
of zoroastrianism and particularly, Herodotus has alluded to the cleanliness
of running water in section 138 of his first book in the ancient Iran.
3.
There is no mention of inhumane theory and practice of slavery in zoroastrianism.
4.
Another praiseworthy doctrine of Zoroastrians, which is frequently mentioned
in Gatha, is denunciation of laziness. Laziness and taking advantage
of the products of others toils is strongly reproached as the act of oppression.
Everybody should take it upon himself/herself to relieve the oppressed
people from exploitation by others. Everybody should subsist by the
fruits of his/her own labor.
5.
Idolatry, litholatry, and human made paces of worship are reproached in
zoroastrianism. “God’s house,” cannot be made by human beings with
mud and stone, it is the soul and heart of them.
6.
In Zoroastrianism not only oppression toward human beings is strongly condemned;
Gatha frequently reproaches cruelty against animals. Sacrifice of
animals by human beings is considered the criminality of mankind against
animals.
Light and Fire in Zoroastrianism
Considering that “light” and “fire,”
are the cleanest phenomena in the earth and can never be contaminated,
therefore, Zarathustra elevated and chose them as the symbol of Ahur Mazda.
Unfortunately, some people out of ignorance, wickedness or guile try to
regard zoroastrianism as a fire-worshipping religion, thus damaging its
monotheistic characteristic. Interestingly, the very same malevolent
people who try to accuse Zoroastrianism of fire worshipping, they confirm
the worthiness of light and fire and light up candles in the house of their
God.
.
Miracle
.
Miracle
or false manipulations is one of the basic foundations of various religions.
The founders and traders of such religions try to impel the people to their
creed by deceiving them through miracle, and intoxicate them to false pretensions.
It is amazing that even educated people, who are erudite in various fields
of science, easily negate their knowledge versus imposture of such people
and fall prey to their charlatanry. These peoples are so brain washed
by religious traders that although they have tremendous achievements in
various fields of science, they are enchanted by religious superstitions
and follow baseless ideas.
Regarding
the phenomenon of miracle in zoroastrianism, it should be mentioned that
Arab invaders put unbearable pressure on zoroastrians to admit that
Zarathustra has also performed miracle to label him a prophet and thereby
undermine zoroastrianism. The contents of Gatha, the only book remained
from Zarathustra’s teachings indicate that he never assumed prophethood,
moreover, his philosophical principles were so wise and strong that he
did not need to claim the existence of miracles to manipulate his followers.
The men of sagacity and knowledge, who are familiar with historical writings
and the contents of Gatha, know that miracle does not have any place in
Zoroastrianism.
Why Zarathustra’s Philosophy
was gradually Forgotten?
The answer to this question is
quite clear. Zarathustra was against bartering for gaining power
through the name of God. He was also against the inhumane sacrificing
of animals, which was a lucrative source of income for religious leaders.
Moreover, since Zarathustra’s philosophy frequently indicates that three
principles of good reflection, good words, and good deed; lead to human
exaltation, therefore, there remains no need for religious leaders to assume
the role of mediating between God and people like other religions.
The meditation between God and people then becomes a lucrative job for
clergies and will cause them to extort the fruits of their toils by promising
them heaven and scare them of hell. According to Herodotus, Zarathustra
even deprived the clergies from temples and God houses that they had made
with their own hands. As these artful clergies were deprived of their
weapon to trick the people, thus they developed animosity toward Zarathustra’s
philosophy.
After
Zarathustra passed away, the clergies of that period tried to incorporate
the doctrines of previous belief systems in zoroastrianism again, to pave
the way for their own personal profit. In this manner, after the
death of Zarathustra, the religions of Mithra and Anahita became so popular
in Iran that the King Xerxes was worshiping Mithra and Anahita next to
Ahur Mazda. Contrary to the magnanimous behavior of Darius and Cyrus,
the Great, when Xerxes prevailed over Greece, due to the recommendations
of clergies, he ordered his soldiers to set fire to palaces and temples
of Athens. This improper behavior of Xerxes, compelled Alexander
of Macedonia to follow suit and order his army to set fire to the Perspolis
( Jamshid’s throne ) and libraries after the defeat of the Achamenedae.
Alexander wrongly believed that his action could destroy the exalted Iranian
culture. On the other hand, since Alexander would like to introduce
Iranian science and philosophy in Greece, he ordered a considerable number
of books to be translated in Greek, before their destruction by fire.
After
the invasion of Iran and the defeat of the Sassanid, Arab leaders accomplished
even a more ignominious behavior, in the sense that they set fire to every
written document that they could reach and also they banned Iranians from
speaking in Farsi, because they wanted to eradicate Iranian culture and
make them subordinate to Arab language and finally to Arab culture, exactly
what they did to Egyptians and Syrians. Fortunately, before Iranian
language could fade away, Ferdosi, the great Iranian poet of all times,
caused its survival by his extraordinary literary work of Shahnameh.
To prevail over every aspect of the Iranian life, Arab leaders also imposed
Islam forcefully over Iranians and in this regard, committed genocide to
Zoroastrians. To justify themselves, accused them of fire worshipping.
Unfortunately, even after the Arab regime was thrown out in Iran, still
prosecution of Zoroastrians continued by fundamental Muslims. This
persecution continued up until Reza Shah Pahlavie, the Great came to power
and ended such a cruelty to zoroastrians and also other religious minorities.
As
a result of the hardships Zoroastrians went through, the Zarathustra’s
philosophy was transferred heart to heart and this caused many undue alterations
that were not at all in line with true Zoroastrianism. This wicked
manipulation was performed by some corrupt religious traders, who wanted
to take advantage of religious activities for their own profits and by
incorporating a lot of Mithra, Anahita, and Zarvan ideas in zoroastrianism,
they inflicted a great damage to zoroastrianism. Recent philological
studies show that many of the contents of Avesta are not genuine and have
been added to it in later periods. Obviously, the men of knowledge
and those who are familiar with Gatha and the true philosophy of zoroastrianism,
know that many of such baseless principles such as Vandidad, do not belong
to zoroastrianism and they have been added to it inimically to undermine
it. If philologists and researchers on Zoroastrianism continue their
studies on Gatha (Zarathustra’s Hymns), and also petroglyphs of Darius
and Cyrus, the Great that are remained intact, the translucence philanthropic
philosophy of zoroastianism can be rediscovered.
Why Zoroastrianis will Recover
its previous Exaltation?
Everybody knows that the development
of knowledge, education, and science are directly related to the maturity
and integrity of human beings. More knowledgeable and educated the
people, less they become prey to the deceitfulness of religious businessmen
and on the basis of their rationale they even put them to shame.
Omar Khayyam, the noted poet, philosopher, and mathematician says:
Oh, Thou, Who didst with Pitfall
and with Gin
Best the Road I was to wander
in,
Thou wilt not with predestination
round
Enmesh me, and impute my fall
to Sin?
The same philosopher says:
Said one – “Folks of a surly Master
tell,
And daub his Visage with the
Smoke of Hell;
They talk of some sharp Trial
of us – Pish!
He’s a Good Fellow, and ‘twill
all be well.”
These poems will respond par excellence
to the baseless rhetoric of religious impostors. At this point,
one may ask: “Why clergies of different religions consider themselves,
the only broker of heaven and assert that the clergymen of the other religions
are ignorant and fraudulent, their followers are aberrant whom finally
will be punished by hell.
Yet, we may here ask ourselves
why would the creator of such a vast cosmos, which is beyond human speculation,
ever need representatives on earth to guide several thousand or several
millions of people.
Undoubtedly, if we really try to
take advantage of the endowments of our intellectual faculties to liberate
ourselves from the slavery of religious brokers, we can terminate the bloodshed,
which is caused by so much religious squabbles among the human beings.
As the great Iranian philosopher and poet says:
For two-and-seventy jangling creeds
he hears,
And love-voiced Fable calls
him ceaselessly,
.
To
dope their followers, clergies of different religions have always tried
to take advantage of human potentials in order to mislead them. They
have, for example, tried to use endorphins (a neurotransmitter, such as
morphine), which is secreted from the brain and intoxicates people, indoctrination,
brain washing or the effect of placebo (an non-medicinal neutral substance
given to a patient, who thinks that it is medicine, merely to change his
feelings), to mislead the people and control their mind and their behavior.
Obviously, various religions that do not permit their followers to speculate
about the nature and properties of their principles undertake the most
wickedness and metamorphose the human beings to thoughtless and unwise
animals. As science and culture develop and as human beings's enlightenment
increases, Zoroastrian principles of (good reflection, good word, and good
behavior) will be shared again, and
Zoroastrianism will thus recover
its splendour. Having achieved such a summum bonum, it does not matter,
how and under what rubric human beings label themselves.
