tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61368053735041535612024-02-08T06:48:39.238-08:00ZoroastrianismCompanion Page to Zoroastrian HeritageK. E. Eduljeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174607090502150406noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6136805373504153561.post-7142614555485898132011-10-17T17:22:00.001-07:002011-10-17T17:22:05.428-07:00What is Zoroastrianism?For a more detailed introduction to Zoroastrianism, please visit our main web-page page at:<br />
<a href="http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/">http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/</a>,<br />
and our Zoroastrian Heritage blog at:<br />
<a href="http://zoroastrianheritage.blogspot.com/">http://zoroastrianheritage.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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(Words in blue-gray are links)<br />
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<div style="color: #990000;"><b>What is Zoroastrianism?</b></div><ul><li>Zoroastrianism is an <a href="http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/zarathushtra/index.htm#age" title="Click to read: Age in
Which Zarathushtra Lived ">ancient</a> Iranian (Persian)* & Central Asian religion founded by <a href="http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/zarathushtra/index.htm" title="Click to open page on Zoroaster/Zarathushtra">Zoroaster</a>.</li>
<li>Zoroastrianism is possibly the oldest religion based on a belief in one <a href="http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/overview/simplified.htm#god" title="Click
& go below to The Nature of God">God</a> (commonly called monotheism) practiced today.</li>
<li>[* See <a href="http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/iranpersia/index.htm" title="Click to read: Age in Which Zarathushtra
Lived ">Iran and Persia, Are They The Same?</a> The page also introduces Zoroastrianism's Central Asian connections.]</li>
</ul><div style="color: #990000;"><b>Who was Zoroaster? </b></div><ul><li><a href="http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/zarathushtra/index.htm" title="Click to open page on Zoroaster/Zarathushtra">Zoroaster</a> is the western version of the name Zarathushtra (also spelt Zarathustra). Zarathushtra lived in <a href="http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/aryans/index.htm#homeland">Airyana Vaeja</a>, the Aryan Homeland, a kingdom in Central Asia. We do not know precisely when Zoroaster lived. Ancient Greek texts say that he lived some 8,500 years ago. One modern estimate is that he proclaimed the religion in 1737 BCE.</li>
</ul><div style="color: #990000;"><b>What are the Zoroastrian Scriptures Called?</b> </div><ul><li>Zoroastrian scriptures are called the <a href="http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/overview/simplified.htm#texts" title="Click & go to: Zoroastrian
Scriptures below">Avesta</a>. A part of the scriptures include the original hymns of Zarathushtra called the <a href="http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/overview/index.htm#teachings">Gathas</a>. The Avesta was originally memorized by priests and followers and transmitted orally.</li>
</ul><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="color: #990000;"><b>What is the Zoroastrian Creed?</b></div>"On three noble ideals be ever intent:<br />
The good thought well thought,<br />
The good word well spoken,<br />
The good deed well done."</div><br />
<div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Zoroastrian Way, Purpose and Goal of Life</span></div><div style="color: #990000; text-align: center;"><b>Way of Life</b></div><div class="text" style="margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/overview/index.htm#Amesha_Spentas" target="_blank">Amesha Spentas</a></div><div class="text" style="margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;">Eternal Enlightenment - Ageless Wisdom</div><div class="text" style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>The way of life suggested by Zoroastrianism is based on achieving six ideals:</li>
</ul><ul style="margin-left: 40px;"><li>a <b>good mind</b>: a positive attitude and gaining wisdom</li>
<li><b>principled living</b>: honesty, honest work, helpfulness, moderation and balance</li>
<li><b>independence</b>: self-reliance and leadership</li>
<li><b>serenity</b> and happiness</li>
<li><b>wholeness</b>: healthy and holistic living</li>
<li>an <b>undying spirit</b>.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Included in the ideal of independence is autonomy: not being beholden to anyone, not being a slave to any dogma, and having the sovereignty to make free and independent decisions - all within the self-elected bounds of ethical values, goodness, and not causing harm to others. The ideal of self-reliance is balanced with helping the less fortunate maintain their independence and dignity.</li>
</ul><ul><li>This way of life gives effect and meaning to the creed: to commit to a life based on good thoughts, good words and good deeds.</li>
</ul><ul><li>The effectiveness of a person's beliefs is demonstrated in one's deeds. While praying helps to reaffirm beliefs, a life based on good deeds is prayer in action. Our lives are the temples of our souls.</li>
</ul>In short:<br />
<ul><li>Zoroastrianism lights the path towards an active, meaningful life grounded in wisdom, goodness and wellness. </li>
</ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/page-edit.do?blogID=5368108081422019455&pageID=4286219988776560452" name="purpose"></a><b> <span style="color: #990000;">Purpose of Life</span></b></div><div class="text" style="margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/overview/index.htm#dichotomy" target="_blank">Living as an Ashavan</a></div><div class="text" style="margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;">Goodness in Action</div><div class="text" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;">The purpose of life is to work towards achieving the best existence we can envision. Working to achieve the best existence includes striving to achieve individual excellence and excellence for all; working tirelessly and diligently to help build a world free from want, fear, and evil; preserving and protecting the environment.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/page-edit.do?blogID=5368108081422019455&pageID=4286219988776560452" name="goal"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="color: #990000;"><b>Goal in Life</b></div></div><div class="text" style="margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/overview/index.htm#ushta" target="_blank">Ushta & Armaiti</a></div><div class="text" style="margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;">Abiding Happiness, Spiritual Resplendence, Peace & Serenity</div><div class="text" style="text-align: justify;">The goal of our lives is to achieve abiding happiness, spiritual resplendence and peace: humanity at peace with itself and an individual at peace with oneself. An expression of abiding peace is serenity. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/page-edit.do?blogID=5368108081422019455&pageID=4286219988776560452" name="goal_life"></a><b><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Goal of Life</span></b></div><div class="text" style="margin-left: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/scriptures/selections.htm#vahishtem" target="_blank">Vahishtem Anghuim</a> & <a href="http://www.heritageinstitute.com/zoroastrianism/overview/index.htm#frasho-kereti" target="_blank">Frasho-Kereti</a> <br />
The Best Existence & An Ideal Future<br />
The goal of life on earth is the best existence.</div><b><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Quotes from Zoroastrian Texts</span></b><br />
<div class="text" style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>"Happiness comes to them who bring happiness to others."</li>
<li>"Abiding happiness and peace is theirs who choose goodness for its own sake - without expectation of any reward."</li>
<li>"A thousand people cannot convince one by words to the extent that one person can convince a thousand by action."</li>
<li>Zarathushtra: "With an open mind, seek and listen to all the highest ideals. Consider the most enlightened thoughts. Then choose your path, person by person, each for oneself."</li>
</ul></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Related Pages:</span><br />
<a href="http://zoroastrianheritage.blogspot.com/2011/05/is-zoroastrianism-religion-philosophy.html">» Is Zoroastrianism a Religion, Philosophy, Way-of-Life...? The Spirit</a><br />
<a href="http://zoroaster-zarathushtra.blogspot.com/2011/10/name-zoroaster-zarathushtra-or_17.html">» The Name Zoroaster, Zarathushtra, Zarathustra</a><br />
<a href="http://zoroaster-zarathushtra.blogspot.com/p/etymology-of-name-zoroaster.html">» Etymology of the Name Zoroaster, Zarathushtra, Zarathustra</a><br />
<a href="http://zoroastrianheritage.blogspot.com/2010/06/when-does-zoroastrian-day-start.html">» When Does the Zoroastrian Day Start?</a><br />
<a href="http://zoroastrianheritage.blogspot.com/2011/07/when-does-zoroastrian-day-start.html">» When Does the Zoroastrian Day Start? Detailed</a><br />
<a href="http://zoroastrianheritage.blogspot.com/2010/04/zoroastrian-ethos.html">» Zoroastrian Ethos</a>K. E. Eduljeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09174607090502150406noreply@blogger.com0