Lecture 10 Zoroastrianism

What is the meaning of "diaspora"?

Diaspora refers to the dispersion and spread of people from their original land.

Which community is considered part of the Zoroastrian diaspora, but with integrated status in India?

The Parsi community, which has integrated into Indian society to the extent that its status as a diaspora community is debated.

What are the main regions where Zoroastrians have migrated since the 1979 revolution?

• North America

• India

• Other parts of the world (e.g., UK, Australia)

What was the first association of Zoroastrians abroad, and when was it formed?

The "Religious Funds of Zoroastrians in Europe" was formed in 1861 in the UK. It is now called the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe.

Approximately what percentage of Zoroastrians live outside Iran and the Indian subcontinent today?

About 25% of the world's 125,000 Zoroastrians live outside Iran and the Indian subcontinent.

What is FEZANA, and when was it established?

The Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) was established in 1987 to connect and support Zoroastrian communities in North America.

What activities does FEZANA organize to strengthen the community?

• Biennial congresses and meetings

• Youth camps, Zoroastrian Olympics, and youth congresses

• Development of a six-level religious education curriculum

What are some contrasts between Parsis and Iranian Zoroastrians in North America?

• Linguistic and cultural differences

• Different valuation of priesthood and focus on Gathas

• Varied ritual practices

What are the primary religious challenges for Zoroastrians in North America?

• Difficulty meeting due to scattered communities

• High intermarriage rates and challenges passing on religion

• Shortage of priests and proper ritual spaces

What adaptations are made for traditional funerary practices in North America?

Bodies are cremated or buried, with fire and prayers performed in funeral parlors or designated cemetery sections.

How has the Zoroastrian community addressed the need for religious education?

• Development of youth education programs

• English translations of prayers to enhance understanding

What is the stance of Zoroastrians on conversion and intermarriage in North America?

• Conversion and intermarriage debates are more open compared to traditional practices.

• Many North American associations welcome intermarried families and their children.

How has gender equality progressed within the Zoroastrian religion?

• Modern Zoroastrian women are educated and professionally active.

• Women are increasingly participating in religious life, including becoming assistant priests.

Has the number of Zoroastrians in North America increased or decreased?

It has likely increased from the number of 16,000 obtained from the 2004 census

What contrasts exist in the North American Diaspora?

The Irani Zoroastrians are greater in number in North America than the Parsis

The Iranis tend to value priesthood less than Parsis, and tend to focus more than the Parsis on the contents of the Gathas

What challenges do Zoroastrians face in performing rituals in the diaspora?

• Shortage of priests

• Lack of consecrated spaces and ritual implements

  • Simplified rituals due to limited resources

What is a significant challenge with funerary practices in the diaspora?

The traditional practice of exposing bodies in Dakhmas cannot be performed, so adaptations like cremation or burial are used.

What are some issues with performing complex rituals in the diaspora?

• Complex rituals requiring two priests are performed with one.

• Modifications and simplifications alter the theological structure of rituals.

How are funerary rituals adapted in North America?

• Bodies are washed, dressed, and prayers are said.

• A fire is lit at the head of the body before it is taken to its final resting place.

• Some associations provide families with instructions for funerary procedures

• This is because the funeral parlours do not give enough time for the priests to