What do Zoroastrians believe?
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The winged Fravashi is the symbol of the Zoroastrian faith. They are the divine guardians who are believed to accompany each human being and keep the world in motion. |
The struggle between good and evil
Zarathustra taught that God – called Ahura Mazda – is a being wholly wise, good and just. He is in perpetual conflict with a twin primal being – called Angra Mainyu, the evil spirit. God created this world as the place where Angra Mainyu would be defeated. This world is therefore a battleground where good and evil meet.
The seven creations
This world is made of the Seven Bounteous Creations – sky, water, earth, plant, animal, human and fire. God’s Holy Spirit dwells in humans, and other divine Spirits reside in the other creations. However, the evil spirit Angra Mainya also enters this world and attacks these creations.
Fire
Zoroastrians regard fire as an embodiment of the Creator Ahura Mazda. It not only reminds them of Ahura Mazda himself, who is described as radiant and lustrous, but it also reminds them of the primal Light from which all spirit, matter and energy were fashioned. The jashan ceremony, which incorporates fire, is the central Zoroastrian form of worship, carried out in their Fire Temples. It is a thanksgiving which recreates the perfect moment of creation when all was in harmony.
The role of humanity
According to Zarathustra, the role of humanity is not only to serve the Creator but also to honour the Seven Creations – through recreating the primeval unity of a perfect world. In helping to perfect the Seven Creations, Zarathushtra wanted his followers to tread an ethical and righteous path.
Zoroastrians believe that Ahura Mazda is wise but vulnerable. And humans are therefore called to be his assistants to restore harmony in a world broken by evil.
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