Zoroastrianism Is Vedic Heresy
\(aka Mazdaism, Avestan Religon, Parsi)
The Vedic Ceation
1. THEN was not non-existent nor existent: there was no realm of air, no sky beyond it. What covered in, and where? and what gave shelter? Was water there, unfathomed depth of water? 2 Death was not then, nor was there aught immortal: no sign was there, the day's and night's divider. That One Thing, breathless, breathed by its own nature: apart from it was nothing whatsoever. 3 Darkness there was: at first concealed in darkness this All was indiscriminated chaos. All that existed then was void and form less: by the great power of Warmth was born that Unit. 4 Thereafter rose Desire in the beginning, Desire, the primal seed and germ of Spirit. Sages who searched with their heart's thought discovered the existent's kinship in the non-existent. 5 Transversely was their severing line extended: what was above it then, and what below it? There were begetters, there were mighty forces, free action here and energy up yonder 6 Who verily knows and who can here declare it, whence it was born and whence comes this creation? The Gods are later than this world's production. Who knows then whence it first came into being? 7 He, the first origin of this creation, whether he formed it all or did not form it,nWhose eye controls this world in highest heaven, he verily knows it, or perhaps he knows not.
- Rig Veda 10.129
A QUICK LOOK AT
THE RELIGION OF
ASHU ZARATHUSHTRA
THE RELIGION OF ASHU ZARATHUSHTRA
Heresy
- claims "superstition" and "polytheism" are false
- Avesta has founder prophet
- a god with attributes created the universe
Ashu Zarathushtra, a Messenger of truth and wisdom, born in Iran on 6 th of Farvardin month,1768 B.C.
The Holy Avesta mentions "Rageh" –a place next to "Droji" river and near Lake "Chichast", as His birth
place.
Ashu Zarathushtra's father was Pourushaspa.His
mother was Doghdhova, His wife Hvavi, His 3 sons
Isadvastar, Orvatadnar and Khorshidchehr and
His 3 daughters were Triti, Frini and Pouruchista. When an adolescent, Ashu Zarathushtra realized that
superstitions and the worship of several and unreal
gods were wrong. At the age of Twenty, he chose
seclusion, pondered in nature and finally came to
know God. When 30 years old, God chose Him as a
Prophet and He made the religion of monotheism
known to the world for the very first time.
God is referred to as Ahuramazda in Ashu
Zarathushtra's message and thought. "Ahura" means
"lifegiving", "maz" means "great" and "da" comes
from the word "knowledge". In this viewpoint, God is
the “Great Wise Creator”. As such Ahura Mazda
does not consider Human being as His slave, He has
vested into human beings the virtues of
“Intelligence” and “Humanity” with the power of a
thinking Mind (Manah) and that of the
Conscience(Daena).
To Ashu Zarathushtra God is not spiteful, vengeful,
angry or one who penalizes every body. He believes
in a God who is “All good”, All wise” All judicious”.
Vecic Charm against opponents in debate, undertaken with the Pata Plant
1. May the enemy not win the debate! Thou art mighty and overpowering. Overcome the debate of those that debate against us, render them devoid of force, O plant! 2. An eagle found thee out, a boar dug thee out with his snout. Overcome the debate of those that debate against us, render them devoid of force, O plant! 3. Indra placed thee upon his arm in order to overthrow the Asuras. Overcome the debate of those that debate against us, render them devoid of force, O plant! 4. Indra did eat the pâtâ-plant, in order to overthrow the Asuras. Overcome the debate of those that debate against us, render them devoid of force, O plant! 5. By means of thee I shall conquer the enemy, as Indra (conquered) the Sâlâvrikas. Overcome the debate of those that debate against us, render them devoid of force, O plant! 6. O Rudra, whose remedy is the urine, with black crest of hair, performer of (strong) deeds,overcome thou the debate of those that debate against us, render them devoid of force, O plant! 7. Overcome thou the debate of him that is hostile to us, O Indra! Encourage us with thy might! Render me superior in debate! - Yajur Veda 2.27.8
Gods' Speech Is Devoid Of Deceptions, Rishis Give Boons (magic powers) Devoid Of Malice
I INVOCATE your Son of Strength, the Youthful, with hymns, the Youngest God, whose speech is guileless; Sage who sends wealth comprising every treasure, bringer of many boons, devoid of malice. - Rig Veda 6.5.1
Fiends Call Vedics Demonic While They Are Actually Devoid Of Demonic Nature
May Indra slay him with a mi weapon, and let the vilest ofghty all creatures perish, The fiend who says that he is pure, who calls me a demon though devoid of demon nature. - Rig Veda 7.104.16
Vedic Sons Have Wondrous Powers (superstition) and know no guile (deception)
These Sons of yours well skilled in work, of wondrous power, brought forth to life the two great Mothers first of all. To keep the truth of all that stands and all that moves, ye guard the station of your Son who knows no guile. - Rig Veda 1.159.3Vedic Knowledge Is Understood And Taught To The Simple
Slavelike may I do service to the Bounteous, serve, free from sin, the God inclined to anger. This gentle Lord gives wisdom to the simple: the wiser God leads on the wise to riches. - Rig Veda 7.86.7
Amid thy wonders this is good, yea, to the simple is it clear, When gathered round about thee, Agni, lie the herds where thou art kindled in the morn. - Rig Veda 3.9.7
Thou, Agni gainest for the loudly-praising priest the highest wealth, the object of a man's desire. Thou art called Father, caring even for the weak, and wisest, to the simple one thou teachest lore. - Rig Veda 1.31.14
”GATHAS” THE SACRED “BOOK” OF ZARTOSHTIS
HereseyGathas (Not Vedas) Are Holy Text
Gathas Are Written By One Man In Own Words, Vedas Are "Heard" By Writers
Gathas Announce "Best" Single Path For All
Gathas Break Vedic "Superstition"
Only The Wise Can Understand The Message
Those Who Deny The Aveastan Message Are Inept
Parsis Are Encouraged To Evangelize To Wipe Out Vedic "Evil" and "Superstition"
Gathas is the religious and sacred book of Zartoshtis. Being Ashu Zarathushtra's own words, it is a part of
Yasna and exists in the heart of Yasna. The other 5
parts of Avesta including "yasna", "Yashts",
"Vandidad", "visperad" and "Khordeh Avesta"
have been written by Moghan council and great
Mobeds in ancient eras. These Books are sacred to Zartoshtis, and form their Scriptures.
Ashu Zarathushtra's Messages
Ashu Zarathushtra did not need any “Mmiracles” for
conveying the Message of Asha, to the people,.
Talking with the language of wisdom, Ashu
Zarathushtra has given Ahuramazda,s message in His
hymns in an eloquent manner. The Gathas, which are,
about, the earliest written poem like hymns, talk
about the ways and means of a good life and
salvation. It makes us think deeply and wisely, also
inspiring our conscience. Gathas announces the best
& easiest pattern of behavior for everybody in every
place & time in a logical way, far from all
superstitions.
In Ashu Zarathushtra's words, Gathas has been
named "Manthra" meaning "Holy & Ahuraic
challenging words". Thus, "Gathas" meaning "Pure
hymns" is the name given by the people who have
applied Ashu Zarathushtra's message –based on their
perception & understanding.
From the point of view of the Gatha’s, material life
should be coordinated with nature & the rules
governing it – called Asha – and in the Spiritual point
of view, everybody should use Vohuman’s help to
sense the Real Light (Ushta). Only wise people can fathom the deep meanings of
the Gatha’s words, because the ignorant ones act
according to their inept feelings & do not listen to
Ahuraic messages.
When wise people learn through their good thoughts,
they should propagate their knowledge & insight to
others –especially to inept ones. In this way
superstitions and evil thoughts can be eradicated.
THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF THE RELIGION OF ASHU ZARATHUSHTRA
Heresey- Mazda Is The Only God
- One Must Have Faith In Mazda's Prophecy (Not Prophecy)
- Only Other Monotheist Faiths Comply With Mazda's Precepts (Implying Injunctions Against Polythiesm)
The religion of Ashu Zarathushtra has 9 basic
principles, as follows:
1. Faith in Ahuramazda, the only God
2. Faith in Ashu Zarathushtra's prophecy
3. Faith in spiritual world & eternity of soul
4. Faith in the law of Asha (Truth, purity &
Ahurai love)
5. Faith in equality of all humans
6. Faith in Amshaspandan & the 7 steps of
Zartoshti theosophy
7. Faith in munificence & helping poor people
8. Faith in the holiness of the 4 natural Elements
(water, air, soil & fire) & trying to keep the
environment clean
9. Faith in Frashkard (Progress & innovation)
It is clear that other, Monotheistic, Religious orders agree
with these principles as well.
THE LAW OF ASHA (RIGHTEOUSNESS)
Heresey- A God With Attributes Created The Laws Of The Universe And "HE" Demands We Comply With These Laws
Ashu Zarathushtra's ideology , is following &
reaching Asha law (meaning truth).
In His viewpoint, Almighty God has created the
world based upon a law ruling over the whole
universe. Our Iranian Prophet names this precise rule
Asha. Assistance to keep up the Consistency of the
Law Of Asha, in the universe, is what Ahura Mazda
demands from us Humans. The rule of Asha
coordinates the universe and it is the foundation of
everything – from atoms to galaxies. In Zartoshti
belief, one is truly successful that matches himself to
the law of nature and also develops good human
characteristics such as love, purity, truthfulness and
modesty.
THE TWIN SPIRITS (GOOD & EVIL)
Heresey- The World Is Made Up Of Twin Opposite Spirits (Dualism vs Monism)
- Mazda Is Not The Creator Of Evil
- Humans Are Originators Of Evil
In His message, Ashu Zarathushtra mentions the twin
opposite spirits. These two play a role in maintaining
the needed harmony within God’s creation. The
consequence of these two appears as positive &
negative energy – existing in the smallest particles
like Electron & Proton and affect the whole universe
as Push and Pull. None of these have been created
“Bad” according the rule of Asha and they exist as
“Relative” to the other. Thus, Ahuramazda is not the
creator of any evil or vice. He is the creator of all
good things. The opposition of these twins only
comes to its expression in our thoughts when
thinking about choosing good and bad. The wise
person makes use of "Spentamainyu" (Promoter of
good thoughts) in his mind and on the other hand, the
ignorant ones, merely, follow evil thoughts and
prejudice or "Angramainyu" (Devastating thoughts)
which is known as Ahriman in farsi language. Thus,
the creator of Ahriman or devastating thought is not
God but unwise person that changes devastating
thought into devastating words & deeds.
RELIGION (DEEN)
Heresy
- There Are Two Worlds, Material & Spiritual (Dualism)
Derived from Avestan word "Daenah", Deen means
Conscious Awareness; in other words the power to
distinguish between good and evil based on wisdom
and with complete freedom of choice. In this
viewpoint, a Religious person is one who thinks
deeply and with the help of his good thoughts,
chooses the Path Of Asha and, thereupon tries to
be a Spentaman (Pious). As such human beings are
responsible for their choice and deeds in both worlds
(material & spiritual) and, finally, face the result of
their deeds accordingly.
PARADISE AND HELL
Hersey
- Salvation Through Mazda, Not Liberation Through Reincarnation
Ahuramazda wants happiness and salvation for all
His creatures. So, He has shown the path of good life
to the people who utilize their conscience and
wisdom. Those who choose bad thoughts and act
against the law of Asha, bring about bad word & bad
deeds and will receive the result of their behavior
based on the law of action & reaction. From this
point of view, not only God has never created Hell
for punishment, and, also, that it is the human
behavior that creates paradise or hell for his soul..
Paradise (Vahishtem Mano) or the best spiritual place
– which is reaching happiness and spiritual serenity –
is the reflection of good thoughts, words & deeds.
Hell (Achishtem Mano) or the worst spiritual place –
is conscious suffering and spiritual depression – and
is the reflection of bad thoughts, words & deeds
coming back to that person in his material &
spiritual worlds.
DYNAMICITY AND FRESHNESS (FRASHKART)
Heresey
- Some Attributes Are Unacceptable And Have No Place (Negating The Usefulness Of The Negative)
- Avestan Religion Leads People Toward Truth
- Begging (Many Rishis Beg) Is Unacceptable
In Ashu Zaratushtra's religion & based on the rule of
Asha, in which not only retrogression is not
meritorious but also inertness & inactivity is not
satisfactory. "Frasha" is a word of Ashu Zaratushtra's
message that directs every body to freshness and
development. Human's thought, spirit, culture &
morality must move forward to development &
freshness. In His message, Ashu Zaratushtra wants
His followers to make the world novel and the life
fresh. As the prophet of ancient Iran believes, one
must try – even if in small steps to reach a better and
more useful life with peace.
vEndeavor And Effort
May we be amongst the people who make the
world novel and lead people toward truth and
piety.(Gathas)
Endeavor and effort is one of the most effective
factors leading to happiness of all world. In Gathas,
Ashu Zaratushtra requests every body to endeavor for
peace & development of human society with the help
of good thought & according to Asha rule as much as
they can. Zartoshtis believe that one of the best ways
of praying God is trying to accomplish in art,
economy & good deeds. Thus, abstinence, begging &
lazing are unappealing acts.
FRAVAHAR
In traditional Zartoshti belief, human beings are
endowed with five Powers. By their coming together
& interaction, development results. These 5 parts
include: body and life – pertaining to material world
and spirit, the power of realizing good & evil
(wisdom and conscious) and Fravahar – all
pertaining to spiritual world.
"Fravahar" is made up of two parts: "Fra" meaning
foreward & "Vahar" meaning "taking, driving".
Being a beam of Ahuramazda's glow, Fravahar is the
most valuable part of human being. It is the source of
all "Ashui" characteristics in one person. Fravahar
prevents one's spirit from tendency to lie and
incompetence. Giving humans the power of
innovation, Fravahar helps one's spirit to pass the
path of theism & become eligible to become a
Spentaman.
In Achamenid era, a picture with this name was
selected as the national symbol – respecting basic
thoughts of Ashu Zarathushtra religion. Each parts of
this symbol convey a message:
The shiny old face reminds one to use the
wisdom and experiences. of an elderly
Praying to Ahuramazda, Fravahar's hand
is upward and symbolizes upward growth
and development towards progress.
The ring in his hand is the symbol of
Mithra and reminds human's agreement
with God for following the Path of Asha.
The 3 parts of the wings recall good
thoughts, words & deeds.
The ring about Fravahar's wrist shows
eternal world & also human power to get rid
of inelegant desires and reach God.
The 2 hanging tracts, underneath , signify
the following Spentameynu (holy thought)
& refusing Angrameynu (wrong thought).
The part under Fravahar's wing – which is
also made up of 3 parts – conveys the
discarding of bad thoughts, words & deeds.
THE UNIVERSAL PEACE AND LOVE
Heresey
- Wars To Conquer Territory Or Spread Religion Is Unethical
We worship Mazdiyasni religion which remonstrates
weapons and is the religion of peace & devotion.
(Mazdiyasno Ahmi Avesta)
Ashu Zarathushtra believes that one must think for
the benefit of all humans, work for his nation and live
a life based on His religion. Thus, war – either for
conquering others to extend the country or for
spreading the religion – is unethical and a Zartoshti
must think of a world full of peace and friendship.Everyone should propagate kindness and unity by
following Asha and then world friendship will
appear. Each Zartoshti repeats his belief & promise in
Mehr (Love and kindness) and peace while, daily,
praying the "Mazdiyasno Ahmi Avesta". He follows
a religion which is against war and praises piety &
devotion.
HAPPINESS
Happiness is for that person who makes others
happy.(Gathas)
Derived from "yasna", "Jashn" means uttering
Prayers. The religion of Ashu Zarathushtra is a
religion of happiness. So, His followers have selected
happiness and avoid depression & grief. In this
Religion, happiness & celebration is one of the ways
of worshipping God. For this reason Zartoshtis have
the Gahanbar feasts, which involve acts of generosity
& munificence, the monthly celebrations – when day
& month have the same name in addition to the
Nowrooz, Mehregan & Sadeh celebrations.
The Iranian Prophet wants His followers to be happy
because this is the way through which human body
becomes strong & his spirit achieves happiness and
enthusiasm for working & endeavor increases. In
Ashu Zarathushtra's viewpoint, only real peace and
happiness brings about "benevolence according to
the rule of Asha. Otherwise, one won't reach real
happiness.
THE HUMAN RIGHTS
Heresey
- All Have Equal Rights Despite Their Religion Or Beliefs
In Ashu Zarathushtra religion, all people have equal
rights – no matter what nationality, race, skin color,
language, religion and belief they have. Following
the rule of Asha , good thoughts, words & deeds are
the only factors of predominance. Ashu Zarathushtra
believes that God has given all people wisdom &
conscience.
They are free to choose the best way of living with
complete freedom after pondering in different
suggestions & viewpoints. Just the same as people
have right of freedom in thinking, they have the
freedom in choosing their religion, too. When all
people have equal rights, man & woman have equal
rights in their material & spiritual lives.
FORCE AND FREEDOM
Hersey- We Are All Born Sinless (Do Not Inherit Sin From Ancestors Or Reincarnation)
Listen with your ears the highest truth; consider them with illuminated minds carefully. Then each
man and woman, choose personally and freely
between the two paths, good and evil.(Gathas)
Ashu Zarathushtra's religion teaches that force is a
subsidiary of the law Asha, talks about freedom in
choosing one's way. without making any mention of
"force" In Ashu Zarathushtra's belief, the theory of " force "
is rejected; and so is the theory of " initial sin ". Thus,
every body is born sinless and pure & one makes his
life and future based on the way he chooses. With
every kind of corporal, spiritual & familial efficiency,
one can acquire knowledge and thereby get to know
the forces present in the rule of Asha. Thus, by
overcoming deficiencies, insufficiencies change to
competencies.
The religion of Ashu Zarathushtra is the religion of
hope, freedom and bounty. Gathas suggests every
body to choose good thought, knowledgable leader,
wise friend and Ashu mate but does not force
anybody. This religion respects everybody as a free
person. The right of freedom of choice is amongst the
most precious Ahuraic gifts which nobody is allowed
to take it from another person.
PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT
The law of Asha expects, human beings to be
responsible for the universe & what happens in it.
One should refrain from destroying any material &
spiritual sources of the world. By applying one’s
Good Thoughts – which has been emphasized
strongly in this Religion – environmental
protection will result. Each Zartoshti must keep his
environment and the four cleansing elements
(water, fire, soil & air) clean. Polluting these
elements or misusing them is considered
unrighteous in the Zartoshti Religion.
The AMESHA SEPANTAS (THE 7 STEPS OF ZARTOSHTI THEOSOPHY)
Hersey
- God Has Attributes
- Only Understanding Mazda Bring Immortality
Knowing God, developing moral charecteristics and
trying to be a Spentaman are the main goals of living
that Ashu Zarathushtra has suggested. He believes
that if one coordinates his behaviour with the six
charecteristics emanated from God, he will reach the
7 th step & he will see only God and nothing else.
The first step for reaching Ahuramazda is "Vohuman" or good thinking. This word has been
changed to Bahman in Farsi language. Being one of
the innate charecteristics of God, good thinking is
amongst Ahurai gifts to human that every body must
develop.
The second step in reaching Ahuramazda is "Asha
Vahishta" or the best Ashui. This word has been
changed to Ardibehesht in Farsi language. Ashui is
truth, the only rule of universe & the ability of
coordination in God's nature. Developing this trait in
human is also an effort to coordinate deeds with
Asha.
"Khshatra Vairya" – which has been changed to
Shahrivar in Farsi language – means the power of
spiritual strenght & selfcontroling. This is like the
innert power of God but confined which one shall
develop. Khshatra Vairya includes the power of
controlling wrong behaviour with coordination of
feelings and wisdom, the power of following Asha’s
path, the power of defending one's right and defeating
lies, the strenght to reach freedom in thinking, the
strength of devotion & love,… .
The fourth step is love, mentioned in Gathas as "Spenta Armaiti". It has been changed to Spendarmazd or Esfand in Farsi language. Ashu Zarathushtra believes that God and human's relationship is based on friendship & love but not horror & dread. So, one must nurture love in himself. Some traits of Spenta Armaiti are: fulfilling promises, devotion, modesty and munificence. The next trait is "ha Urvatat" in Gathas and Khordad in Farsi. Getting knowledge will help one attain the step of gamut & perfection in order to be an ideal person. Khordad & "Amordad or Ameratat" (perpetuity) – the sixth step of maturity – go together It means that if one achieves perfection, he will simultaneously achieve eternity, too. Undoubtedly, Ameratat – Amordad in Farsi – which means perpetuity is the innert characteristic of God; but human being can gain eternity in another way that has been predicted in his creation. The seventh step of zartoshti theosophy in knowing Ahuramazda is being the perfect human (Spentaman) who has understood Ahura and the light of reality. Traits like effort & endeavor, purity & truth, the power of innovation and love will be increased in him so that by development of perfection he succeeds to know God.
LIGHT, THE WORSHIP DIRECTION
OF ZARTOSHTIS
Hersey
- Worship Is Conducted Only Facing Light
- Fire Is Given Special Reverence
- Parsis Are Encouraged To Evangelize
The followers of Ashu Zarathushtra religion who call
themselves Mazdiyasni (worshippers of Mazda), pray
God with a clean body and soul while facing light. In
their prayers, they wish a life full of peace for all
people with good deeds around the world. Zartoshtis
respect fire besides the other three elements (water,
soil & air) and keep "Atashkadeh" as the symbol of
love & purity. When praying, they use the light of
fire or other lights as the worship direction.
Zartoshtis believe that fire, the symbol of Asha, has
some special qualities that the inward fire of humans
– adjoining one's wisdom to God's – can learn from
them and then teach them to others, too.
Some of these qualities include the followings:
cleansing dirt, lightening darkness, always moving
upward, self burning but donating energy, light, heat
to others & making industry run. Zartoshtis respect
the "Verahram Fire" made up of 16 fires of different
jobs and the ancestors' fire and consider that as the
flag of their Religious identity, of which they are
proud of.
Atashkadeh is a complex of fire temple, library,
school & its related halls. In this complex, fire of
love, knowledge, coordination, unity & wisdom is
burning and spreads Ashui.
A SUMMERY OF ZARTOSHTIS' HISTORY
The Religion of Ashu Zarathushtra was introduced,
gradually, in Iran from Achamenid and Kianian era.
It was propagated in the Parthian Era. During the
Sasanian era, it became the formal religion of Iran .
When Arabs invaded Iran, some of the Iranians
changed their religion while some other that couldn't
tolerate the strangers' rulings, migrated to India . By
their efforts, truthfulness & assiduity these people
made great advances in industry and now are
amongst valuable & famous citizens of India .
The Zartoshtis that remained in Iran , had difficult
time in the very first reigns after Sasanians because
of the harsh vailable prejudice. After years of labor &
discomfort they took refuge in the central cities of
Iran like Yazd & Kerman making aqueducts and
doing agriculture (the work the prophet has
suggested).
Centuries later, in Ghajar era, "Manekji Limji
Hateria" succeeded to help a lot and cancel Jeziye (a
tax that Zartoshtis had to pay). When prejudice and
injustice became less, Zartoshtis managed to migrate
to other cities of Iran and with the help of some
Parsians like "Markar" could build social, cultural,
therapeutic & religious buildings in Yazd & Tehran,
which provided humanitarian services for Iran &
Iranians.
Nowadays, zartoshtis live their lives in peace along
with their other patiots. They always wish pride &
stability for their country ( Iran ) and try to play
important roles in building & developing the Ahurai
country of Iran .
The summary of Ashu Zarathushtra's message is that
one must think for the benefit of all humans, work for
his nation and live a life based on his religion. We
hope that all Zartoshtis may reach the status of
propagating good thoughts, words and deeds in the
whole world in this Ahuraic path.
Tehran Mobedan Council
No comments:
Post a Comment