Chapter 1-6 Vocabulary: Zoroastrianism Essentials

A vocabulary set covering key people, texts, beliefs, rituals, and practices in Zoroastrianism as presented in the notes. Each card defines a term important for understanding the religion’s origins, theology, ethics, and rituals.

Zarathustra (Zoroaster)

Founder of Zoroastrianism; a 7th-century BCE prophet who received revelations from Ahura Mazda and began preaching a moral struggle between good and evil.

Avesta

Sacred scriptures of Zoroastrianism, written over centuries and including the Gathas, Visperad, Yashts, and Vendidad.

Gathas

Hymns of Zarathustra; the oldest part of the Avesta.

Vendidad

One surviving book of the Avesta (originally one of 21); contains law and ritual material important for scholars.

Visperad

Liturgical portion of the Avesta used in ceremonies to honor the Ahuras.

Yashts

Hymns of praise to the Ahuras (divine beings) in the Avesta.

Ahura Mazda

The wise lord; the supreme deity in Zoroastrianism, source of all good, worshipped as the one true god by many adherents.

Angra Mainyu (Ahriman)

The evil spirit in Zoroastrianism who opposes Ahura Mazda, driving the cosmic struggle between good and evil.

Amesha Spentas

Six divine emanations (spentas) that express divine virtues and guide human morality under Ahura Mazda.

Vohu Manah

Amesha Spenta representing the 'good mind' or benevolence.

Asha Vahishta

Amesha Spenta representing 'best truth' or righteous order.

Khshathra Vairya

Amesha Spenta meaning 'Desirable Dominion'—associated with justice and rightful rule.

Spenta Armaiti

Amesha Spenta representing 'holy devotion' and the earth/governed nurture.

Haurvatat

Amesha Spenta representing 'wholeness/health'.

Ameretat

Amesha Spenta representing 'immortality'.

Chinvat Bridge

The bridge of judgment that the soul crosses after death; rewards or punishments follow based on deeds.

Frasho Kereti (Frashokereti)

The Zoroastrian doctrine of the final renovation and defeat of evil—world renewal.

Zurvanism

A school that posited Zurvan as a primal time/space entity; an attempt to reconcile dualism, later rejected by orthodox Zoroastrians.

Manichaeism

A later dualistic religion founded by Mani (3rd century CE) emphasizing a struggle between flesh (evil) and spirit (good), influencing later thinkers.

Magi

Ancient Persian priests who played a key role in Zoroastrianism’s development and spread; referenced in biblical Matthew.

Tower of Silence (Dakhma)

Circular towers used for corpse disposal to avoid contaminating soil, fire, or water; vultures consume the remains.

Nezat

Zoroastrian initiation ceremony in which a child is vested with a sacred shirt (sudra) and a sacred thread (kusti) around age seven.

Sudra

The sacred shirt worn by initiates during Nezat.

Kusti

The sacred thread worn as part of initiation, tied and recited during prayers.

Sraosha (Srosha)

Guardian of souls after death; divine messenger associated with prophetic and moral instruction.

Gahambars

A set of seven annual feasts in Zoroastrianism celebrating creation, community, and generosity (the seventh festival is the No Roz, or New Year).

Nevruz / No Roz

New Year festival in the Zoroastrian calendar; a major turning point in the yearly cycle.

Yazd

City in Iran renowned as a cradle of Zoroastrianism; home to a sacred fire and historic presence of the community.