Unit 1 | Zoroastrianism | Paragraph Format

Zoroastrianism

An ancient religion founded in Persia around the 6th century BCE by prophet Zarathustra, emphasizing dualism and the worship of Ahura Mazda.

Ahura Mazda

The supreme god in Zoroastrianism, representing truth, goodness, and the ultimate source of all good.

Zarathustra

The founder of Zoroastrianism who experienced a revelation from Ahura Mazda and emphasized moral values such as truth and righteousness.

The Silk Road

A network of trade routes established around the 2nd century BCE that connected China with the Mediterranean, facilitating cultural exchanges.

Amesha Spentas

Divine beings in Zoroastrianism that embody different virtues and assist Ahura Mazda.

Monotheism

The belief in a single God, as exemplified in religions like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.

Dualism

The belief in opposing forces of good and evil, prominently featured in Zoroastrianism with Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu.

Angra Mainyu

The spirit of chaos in Zoroastrianism, representing evil, lies, and destruction.

Gathas

Revered hymns that are part of the Avesta, expressing Zoroastrian teachings and used in worship.

Asha

In Zoroastrianism, it signifies truth and justice, maintaining cosmic order and harmony.

The Avesta

The holy book of Zoroastrianism, composed by Zarathustra, containing teachings and hymns.

Free will

The ability of humans in Zoroastrianism to choose between good and evil actions.

The Achaemenid Empire

An ancient Persian empire when Zoroastrianism gained prominence.

The Sasanian Empire

The later Persian empire that established Zoroastrianism as the state religion.

Ethical living

A significant concept in Zoroastrianism that emphasizes moral values such as honesty and charity.

Parsi communities

Communities in India that continue to practice Zoroastrianism and celebrate its rituals.

Haurvatat

The divine voice through which Zarathustra received revelations from Ahura Mazda.

Cultural exchanges

Interactions among different cultures facilitated by trade, including those along the Silk Road.

Moral compass

Guiding principles for ethical behavior, as represented by Asha in Zoroastrianism.

Eternal battle

The ongoing conflict between the forces of good (Ahura Mazda) and evil (Angra Mainyu) in Zoroastrian belief.

Ritual purity

The practice of maintaining spiritual and physical cleanliness in Zoroastrian rituals.

Spiritual truths

Core moral lessons conveyed through Zoroastrian teachings and rituals.

Charity

A moral value in Zoroastrianism emphasizing helping those in need.

Cultural practices

Traditions and rituals that have evolved from Zoroastrian beliefs, particularly in modern communities.

Heaven and hell

Concepts of afterlife found in Zoroastrianism, influencing other religions.

Trade goods on the Silk Road

Items such as silk, spices, tea, and precious stones that were exchanged along the trade network.

Zoroastrian merchants

Traders who played a key role in economic activities along the Silk Road.

Philosophical ideas

Concepts regarding existence and morality influenced by Zoroastrian thought.

Divine beings

Entities in Zoroastrianism that assist in the moral order of the universe.

Moral choices

Decisions individuals must make that reflect their alignment with good or evil.

Cosmic order

The principle in Zoroastrianism that details the harmony and structure of the universe, upheld by Asha.

Virtuous decisions

Actions guided by the principles of goodness as advocated in Zoroastrianism.

Wisdom

A characteristic attributed to Ahura Mazda, the supreme god in Zoroastrianism.

Destruction

Represents the conflict and chaos initiated by Angra Mainyu as a force of evil.

Influence on modern religions

The impact Zoroastrianism has had on other faiths, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Upholding truth

The practice of adhering to honesty and integrity as instructed by Zoroastrian values.

Hymns in worship

Musical or poetic forms used in Zoroastrian traditions to honor Ahura Mazda.

Ethics in daily life

The application of Zoroastrian moral teachings to everyday interactions and decisions.

Festivals in Zoroastrianism

Celebrations that commemorate significant events and beliefs within the faith.

Ahura Mazda's creations

The elements of the universe that symbolize goodness and light, as created by the supreme god.

Choosing good over evil

The moral imperative presented in Zoroastrian teachings encouraging followers.

Righteousness

One of the key moral values in Zoroastrianism, related to living ethically.

Ancient Persia

The historical context where Zoroastrianism originated and developed.

Cultural significance

The role and importance of Zoroastrian traditions in shaping community values.

Light and darkness

Symbolic representations of good (Ahura Mazda) and evil (Angra Mainyu) in Zoroastrianism.

Asha's manifestation

The embodiment of truth and justice in Zoroastrian practices and ethical decisions.

Moral guidance

Direction provided by Zoroastrian teachings to live a virtuous life.

Spiritual legacy

The enduring influence of Zoroastrianism on philosophical and religious thought.

Philosophical dualism

The representation of good and evil as opposing forces in Zoroastrianism.

Ritual practices

Ceremonies conducted to reaffirm Zoroastrian beliefs and enhance spiritual connection.

Historical empires

Civilizations like the Achaemenid and Sasanian where Zoroastrianism flourished.

Cosmic principles

Underlying truths that govern the universe in Zoroastrian philosophy.

Zoroastrian cosmology

The understanding of the universe's order and the place of good and evil within it.

Religious exchange

The sharing and blending of beliefs and practices among different religious groups.

Cultural heritage

The traditions and values passed down through generations in Zoroastrian communities.

Divine intervention

The influence exerted by Ahura Mazda in guiding moral choices and actions of believers.

Reincarnation

The concept of rebirth that varies in interpretation among different religions, including Zoroastrianism.

Historical texts

Writings that convey the teachings, history, and laws of Zoroastrianism.

Zoroastrian ethics

The principles derived from Zoroastrian teachings that guide moral conduct.

Zoroastrian holidays

Special dates recognized by Zoroastrians for celebrating significant beliefs and traditions.

Virtue

A character trait associated with moral excellence, emphasized in Zoroastrianism.

Ancient trade routes

Paths used for commerce that contributed to cultural development, including the Silk Road.

Religious pluralism

The acceptance of multiple religious perspectives that coexisted during Zoroastrianism's spread.

Symbolism in Zoroastrianism

The use of symbols to convey spiritual and moral truths within the faith.

Guiding principles

Core beliefs that direct followers' actions and choices in Zoroastrianism.

Community values

Shared beliefs that foster cooperation and morality within Zoroastrian groups.

Zoroastrianism's decline

The reduction of followers and influence of the religion over centuries.

Ethical decision-making

The process of evaluating actions based on moral principles in Zoroastrianism.

Zarathustra's legacy

The continued influence of Zarathustra's teachings on ethics and morality in societies.

Devotion to Ahura Mazda

The act of worshipping and adhering to the principles set forth by the supreme god.

Moral clarity

The understanding of right and wrong as articulated in Zoroastrian thought.

Foundation of ethics

The basis of moral behavior, emphasized significantly in Zoroastrian teachings.

Zoroastrian worldview

The comprehensive perspective that incorporates dualism and monotheism in understanding existence.

Ritual significance

The importance of rituals in reinforcing faith and community bonds among Zoroastrians.

Cultivation of virtues

The encouragement of positive character traits within Zoroastrian practice.