Page 41 - Perceptions papers
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ZOROASTRIANISM
Tehmasp Kelawala
Zarathustra (in Greek, Zoroaster) was a Persian prophet who at the age of 30 believed he had
seen visions of God, who is Ahura Mazda, the creator of all that is good and who alone is worthy
of worship. This was a departure from previous Indo-Persian polytheism, and Zarathustra has been
termed the first non-biblical monotheist.
Zoroastrianism became the official religion of the Persian Empire, (Cyrus the Great ) and its
followers stretched from Greece in the West to Hindukush in the East and all through Central Asia.
However, it virtually disappeared in Persia after the Muslim invasion of 637 CE. Only about
10,000 Zoroastrians survive in remote villages in Iran, but over the centuries many sought religious
freedom in India. Today, most Zoroastrians are in India, where they are called Parsis /Iranis and
number is about 60,000
Glossary of Zoroastrianism: This glossary of Zoroastrianism provides definitions of terms
related to Zoroastrianism, with links to full articles where available
Ahura Mazda ("Lord of Wisdom"): Creator God worshipped in Zoroastrianism.
Angra Mainyu:"Evil Spirit" Opponent of the good God, Ahura Mazda.
Avesta: The scripture of Zoroastrianism.
Fravahar:Symbol of ancient Persia and Zoroastrianism
Parsi (adj. "from Persia"). Name for Zoroastrians in India.
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