WHO ARE THE ZOROASTRIANS ?
Zoroastrians are members of the main religion of the ancient Persian Empire. Despite the end of the Empire, the religion has survived until today. There are around 200.000 zoroastrians around the world and the three largest communities are located in India, Iran and the United States.
FIRE: A ZOROASTRIAN SYMBOL
Fires, some of them several century old, burn in zoroastrian temples. Great bonfires illuminate open air zoroastrian celebrations. Fire is a sacred element as it symbolizes the promise of the victory of light over darkness.
AHURA MAZDA, A MONOTHEIST GOD
Zoroastrism is a monotheist religion, possibly the oldest in the world. Ahura Mazda, the "Lord of Wisdom", is the creator of the world. He brings a holy spirit, carrier of truth and knowledge, "Spenta Mainyu". Opposing this holy spirit is "Angra Mainyu", the evil spirit of darkness. Zoroastrism heralds the final victory of Ahura Mazda and of the forces of light and goodness.
WHO WAS ZOROASTER ?
Although some scholars date him back much further in history, it is traditionally estimated that Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) lived 2.600 years ago. His writings, the Gathas, are in a very ancient form of the Persian language, close to sanskrit.
Tradition says Zoroaster was born laughing and that he has always resisted any evil. The mean spirit tried unsuccessfully to seduce him. He brought the double revelation of monotheism and of the eternal blissful life.
Zoroaster opposed slavery. He preached the value of everyone's liberty and improvement. He made clear that no sacrifice, even of animals, is a way toward elevation. This opposition to any sacrifice put him at odds with the religious establishment of his time. After being forced into exile, Zoroaster benefited from the protection of the powerful king Hystapes who helped him spread the new religion.
THE ZOROASTRIAN PATH
At the core of zoroastrianism is the quest for truth. Zoroastrians assert that the world order or "Asha" can be understood in a logical, intelligent fashion and void of superstition. Zoroastrian sacred texts or The Gathas invite us to discover our own physical and spiritual values through our Good Mind (Vohumana). Zoroastrians think human beings can elevate themselves towards righteousness and happiness.
THE PARSIS, INDIA'S ZOROASTRIANS
Fleeing persecutions, a large group of zoroastrians settled in India in the 900's. They are called the "Parsis", meaning those who come from Persia, from Iran.
The legend says that the Indian king Jadi Rana first refused their settlement, arguing that his country was already densely populated. To explain his refusal he sent the parsis a jar full of milk. The zoroastrians replied by adding sugar to the milk, sugar that dissolves itself while bettering the taste. They pledged to become a discrete and useful community, which convinced the king.
The integration of zoroastrians in India was fairly easy, as they adopted the local language and some customs while keeping their faith and their way of thinking, without proselyting.
Parsis have been among the founders of the city of Mumbai, where most of them live today. The giant firm Tata, a pioneer in auto and telecommunication industries, is the zoroastrians' main contribution to India's economy.
The legend says that the Indian king Jadi Rana first refused their settlement, arguing that his country was already densely populated. To explain his refusal he sent the parsis a jar full of milk. The zoroastrians replied by adding sugar to the milk, sugar that dissolves itself while bettering the taste. They pledged to become a discrete and useful community, which convinced the king.
The integration of zoroastrians in India was fairly easy, as they adopted the local language and some customs while keeping their faith and their way of thinking, without proselyting.
Parsis have been among the founders of the city of Mumbai, where most of them live today. The giant firm Tata, a pioneer in auto and telecommunication industries, is the zoroastrians' main contribution to India's economy.
ZOROASTRIANS OF IRAN
In Iran, the former Persia, zoroastrism is part of the country's cultural background. Most holidays have zoroastrian origins. The ancient zoroastrian solar calendar of 365 days is still used today.
In the ancient city of Persepolis, visitors find 2.500 year old zoroastrian symbols. The same symbols decorate contemporary temples. The city of Yazd, located in the center of the country, is home to the oldest zoroastrian community. Local worshipers maintain century old fires in their temples.
In the country's national assembly, a seat his reserved for a zoroastrian representative.
In the ancient city of Persepolis, visitors find 2.500 year old zoroastrian symbols. The same symbols decorate contemporary temples. The city of Yazd, located in the center of the country, is home to the oldest zoroastrian community. Local worshipers maintain century old fires in their temples.
In the country's national assembly, a seat his reserved for a zoroastrian representative.
NORTH AMERICAN ZOROASTRIANS
Outside Asia, there exist zoroastrian communities in Europe, Russia, Africa and Australia, but it's in North America that their number is the most important. The largest community is located in California. For example, the Los Angeles area is home to three zoroastrian temples. The California Zoroastrian Center publishes a bilingual quarterly journal.
Zoroastrians have begun to settle in the United States and Canada in large numbers in the 1980's.
A liberal strain of zoroastrism currently develops itself in North America.
Zoroastrians have begun to settle in the United States and Canada in large numbers in the 1980's.
A liberal strain of zoroastrism currently develops itself in North America.
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