Zoroastrianism

Before I say anything else, I absolutely love studying Zoroastrianism. I took RLG100Y in first year and I found this religion in particular to be so enlightened and just simply fascinating. The doctrines and the seven stages of evolution as a concept is captivating because it is so different than what I commonly conceive of as religion (clearly I've been far too influenced by Western religions).

The underlying customs of the religion examine similar areas of the Western religions that I have come to know. The belief is that light is good, and darkness if evil. This is clearly comparable to Genesis in the bible, as ‘...in the beginning there was light.’ I think the concepts of God, judgment, heaven and hell (darkness and light) all found within Zoroastrianism were very likely to have influenced the Western religions thereafter.

One of the most intriguing parts of this religion to me, is the idea of monotheism entrenched within dualism. Though there is one universal God, the spirits of Truth and the antithesis of this, Lies or chaos, conflict with each other, and in play out within humanity.

While the Mary Boyce article is serving mostly as a refresher, the next article on Zarathustra was almost delightful to read. The Yasnas of the Cow's Lament, the duality between the spirits represeting on one side by the 'smasher of resistance', etc. were all fascinating. I especially enjoyed examining the relationship between Zarathustra and Ahura Mazda as reflected through their dialogue. Zarathustra speaks with such high respect for Ahura Mazda and he genuinely seems to appreciate and adhere to the teachings Ahura Mazda provides. This should be so, as Ahura Mazda is this highest possible object for worship.

Zoroastrian followers are often described as fire worshippers, this is even evident on inside and out of their Avestas as there is a pit of fire on the cover.