41. Religious Movements Homepage: Zoroastrianism This zoroastrianism Page is your gateway to accessing comprehensive webbased, as well as print, resources about this ancient faith tradition that is currently http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/Zoro1.html

Zoroastrianism See also a page about The Zarathushtrian Assembly , a group that encourages conversion to Zoroastrianism, and a page that presents the counterargument against conversion offered by conservative Zoroastrians. I. Group Profile Name: Zoroastrianism, named after the prophet Zoroaster. The proper name of the prophet is Zarathushtra; "Zoroaster" and "Zoroastrianism" are the Greek versions of the names. I have chosen to use for the religion itself the term more familiar to westerners, "Zoroastrianism," while referring to Zarathusthra by his original name. Founder: The prophet Zarathushtra, of the Spitama family (Boyce, 19). Date of Birth: There is considerable debate as to when Zarathushtra lived. Religious sources put the date between 6000 to 600 BCE, while scholarly sources narrow the range considerably. According to Boyce, elements of Zarathushtra's writings place him between 1700 and 1500 BCE (Boyce, 18). Herzfeld disagrees, saying historical sources place him in the 6th century BCE (Herzfeld, 30). Birth Place: Zarathushtra was born somewhere along the Oxus river, in (modern-day Iran) Persia.

42. Zoroastrianism - Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia zoroastrianism. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. zoroastrianism Overview. zoroastrianism combines elements of monotheism and dualism. Some http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Zoroastrianism (also sometimes known as Mazdaism ) was adapted from an earlier, polytheistic faith by Zarathushtra Zoroaster ) in Persia between 1400 and 1200 BC (although, in the lack of written records, some scholars estimate as late as 600 BC). Table of contents 1 Overview 2 Adherents 3 Famous Zoroastrians 4 History ... edit Overview Zoroastrianism combines elements of monotheism and dualism . Some modern scholars believe that Zoroastrianism had a large influence on Judaism and Manichaeism , and thus indirectly influenced Christianity and Islam The holy book of Zoroastrianism is the Avesta . Of the Avesta only the Gathas (the hymns ) are attributed to Zoroaster Ahura Mazda (literally: "the Wise Lord" like the Sanskrit "Asura Medha"; later transcription: Ohrmazd Ormazd or Ormus ) is revered and worshipped by Zoroastrians as the good God . Opposed to Ahura Mazda stands Ahriman Angra Mainyu ), who in some traditions is Ohrmazd's twin brother, in others the twin of Spenta Mainyu ; modern Zoroastrianism considers itself monotheistic and looks upon Spenta Mainyu and Angra Mainyu as allegorical personifications. According to Zoroastrianism, the earth was created by Ormazd as a battlefield to fight Ahriman (where Ohrmazd is destined to win approximately 3000 years after

43. New Page Parsis zoroastrianism zoroastrianism was founded in the 6th century BC by the Persian prophet Zoroaster; at the time of Buddha. http://religion-cults.com/Eastern/Zoroastrianism/parsis.html

Parsis- Zoroastrianism: Zoroastrianism was founded in the 6th century BC by the Persian prophet Zoroaster; at the time of Buddha. It was the official religion of the Persian Empire until it was conquered by Alexander the Great in 330 AC; if the battles at Marathon and Salamis would have been won by the Persians, today we would have in the Western Zoroastrianism, instead of Christianity... finally the Muslims defeated them in the 7th century AC... the Zoroastrians were scattered, and today there are left 115,000 around Bombay, in India; 7,000 in the United States. The PARSIS: In India the Zoroastrians are called the Parsis (persians), they acquired vast fortunes, in the cotton and steel industries, they have the highest literacy rate in India, and their cultural and economic importance is far out of proportion to their small numbers. Zoroastrianism is "monotheistic", but with a "dualistic" System: Only one loving God, Ahura Mazda, the creator, who had 2 sons: One choose "Good", the other choose "Evil" (Angra Mainya, Ahriman), the destructive principle of greed, anger, and darkness (the Satan of Christianity)... there is a constant fight between Good and Evil, but at the end, in the year 2,600 AC Good will triumph, there will be a "Final Judgment", the dead will be resurrected, and there will be a Paradise on earth. The "AVESTA":

44. Zoroastrian And Parsis In Science Fiction List of references to zoroastrianism and Parsis in mainstream science fiction novels. http://www.adherents.com/lit/sf_zor.html

Zoroastrians and Parsis in Science Fiction Bud absorbed more than he wanted to know about the Parsis, their... religion, their tendency to wander around, even their... cuisine, which looked weird but made his mouth water anyway. - Neal Stephenson The Diamond Age This annotated bibliography list, a subset derived from the Adherents.com Religion in Literature database, is intended as a resource for literary research. It lists mainstream science fiction and fantasy novels, short stories and movies (speculative fiction) which contain references to Zoroastrianism. These include references to Parsis and to Zarathustra/Zoroaster. This list is not comprehensive, but it does list all Hugo- and Nebula-winning novels with Zoroastrian references. This list does not include every reference to Zoroastrianism within each work. Each novel or story is listed only once, with a brief explanation or sample quote. Most works include only one reference, which is given. If a work contains multiple references, this is noted in the listing. Zoroastrianism is mentioned rarely within science fiction, and when it is mentioned, it is usually only in passing. The Adherents.com sf/f index has only three works which have extensive references to Zoroastrians (titles in bold).

45. Zoroastrianism And Teachings Of Zarathushtra Hinduism, Hindu Scriptures, Hindu way of life, Beliefs Practices. HINDUWEBSITE.COM. zoroastrianism. http://hinduwebsite.com/zoroastrianism/zoraindex.htm

HINDUWEBSITE.COM Zoroastrianism Home Page Hinduism Upanishads Saivism ... Self-Devt Do you Know ? The ancient and sacred Iranshah fire that was brought by the Parsis when they fled Iran to escape persecution in A.D.936 is presently established about 120 kilometers north of Bombay at a place called Udwada. Teachings of Zarathushtra Links to Sites on Zoroastrianism Zoroastrian Scriptures Zend Avestha Contents of this site cannot be copied or reproduced in any manner without prior permission. However links to this site can be established . HINDUWEBSITE.COM Shopping Center Home Page Hinduism Self-Devt. attached hereto.

46. Index A personal comparative journey from a Zoroastrian point of view through 6000 years covering taboo, totemism, primal religions, animism, Sumerian myths, Egyptian myths, Mithraism, zoroastrianism, Sabianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. http://www.geocities.com/spenta_mainyu/

SPENTA MAINYU 's HOME PAGE ENTER Last Revision: July 21, 2003 - Total hits as of May: “When Marduk kills Tiamat gods build him a temple in Esagila. Similarly following his victory over Yam-Nahar, Baal complains that he has no house like the other gods. Baal and his sister Anath beg the Lady Asherah of the Sea to intercede with El and obtain permission for the building of Baal's house. Asherah accordingly saddles her ass and journeys north to Mount Zaphon, to the pavilion of El.” Can you imagine a goddess saddling her ass and travelling north? Ask the right questions and seek the right answers, so that you don't have to carry the products of your creative imagination on your back like Ashera’s ass. Bakkah / Baqa / Baka / Bakka Found - The New Story of Islam (NEW) Spenta Mainyu Responds Spenta Mainyu Responds-2 About this site Animism ... Spenta Mainyu Suggests

47. Zorastrianism Links To Sites On Zoroastrianism zoroastrianism Hinduwebsite brings comprehensive information on Zorastrianism, life and teachings of Zarathushtra, links to sites on Zorastrianism. http://hinduwebsite.com/zoroastrianism/zoralinks.htm

HINDUWEBSITE.COM Zoroastrianism Links to Zoroastrianism Home Page Hinduism Upanishads Saivism ... Zorastrianism - India Heritage A Living portrait of India Home Culture Creative Arts Travel Religion History Performing Arts Cuisine Rendezvous Science Newsletter Feedback Contributed Articles Site Map Advertising Enquiries Discussion Groups Hinduism Christianity Sikhism Islam... http://www.indiaheritage.com/ Zorastrianism - Sigmanet.net Newsgroups Web Mail Services Support Site Map Home IAOL now provides Local Access Numbers in over 600 cities across the United States. IAOL : Religion : Zorastrianism AVESTA Zoroastrian Archives FAQAvesta Zoroastrian Archives This site is dedicated. http://admin.sigmanet.net/ Persian History World Civilization to 1550 C.E. World Civilization 1550 to the present World Civilization Interactive Journey HIST 4130/5130 The Middle Ages HIST 4950/5950 Medieval Monasticism HIST 4140/5140 Renaissance and Reformation HIST 4280/5280: Intellectual. http://www.faculty.de.gcsu.edu/

48. San Diego Zoroastrian Community - SDZC.ORG News concerning zoroastrianism and Zoroastrian people across the globe. http://www.Verahram.org

Click here to see Norouz' Pictures You will be notified by word of mouth of E-mail only. Therefore if you hear of any function please contact your zoroastrian friends and family and let them know about it.

49. Traditional Zoroastrianism: Tenets Of The Religion Traditional zoroastrianism The Tenets of the Mazdayasni Zarathushtri religion, as believed in by thousands of faithful Parsis/Irani Zoroastrians. http://tenets.zoroastrianism.com/

Traditional Zoroastrianism: Tenets of the Religion These are the tenets of the Mazdayasni Zarathushtri religion, as accepted and preached by all the Dasturjees and religious teachers and common Zarathushtris in India. May our faith increase day by day, in these glorious tenets, that our ancestors have believed in for thousands of years. All our Scriptures are sacred, including the Gathas, Yashts, and the Vendidad. We pray all of them in our Fire temples, before the Sacred Fire, and they have immense spiritual power, their very utterance in the sacred Avestan language serving to further righteousness and fight evil. All our fire-temples and rituals of the Yasna are sacred and are necessary for the religion, such as the Nirang-din ceremony, which creates the Holy Nirang. The spiritually powerful Nirang forms the foundation of many other sacred rituals, that when performed, increase the power of good in this world and decrease the power of evil. Dakhma-nashini is the only method of corpse-destruction for a Zarathushtri, as enjoined in the Vendidad: this is the destruction of the dead body in the stone-enclosed Dakhma, by the flesh-eating bird or the rays of the Sun, the most spiritually powerful method as commanded by Ahura Mazda to Zarathushtra. Dakhma-nashini is also very hygienic and ecologically-sound, because it prevents the world from being spiritually or materially polluted by decaying dead matter. For more information on Dakhma-nashini, select

50. Zoroastrian Association Of Metropolitan Chicago Details the Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Chicago, and gives some general info on zoroastrianism http://www.zac-chicago.org/

Home Board of Directors Committees History Religion Classes ... Links to Other Sites Updated News and Items June Newsletter Youth Camp Registration Form Nomination Forms for 2004-2005 Board of Directors 2004 Scholarship Information Information Sheet Application 2004 Annual General Meeting Agenda Upcoming Activities Jun 5 th, Sat Deh Maas Jashan Jun 20 th, Sun Father’s Day Picnic Jun 27 th, Sun AGM/Monthly Mtg. Jul 11 th, Sun Board Mtg./Monthly Mtg. Jul 18 th, Sun Religion Classes th th th Annual ZAC Youth Camp We now take Visa, MasterCard, and Discover for donations and memberships Forms will be available at the ZAC and online. Membership payments are available online, donations will be available soon. I f you have any suggestions, or would like to be placed on our Email list, fill out our FEEDBACK form. If we have your Email address we can keep you informed on upcoming events, or late breaking news. VISITOR s="na";c="na";j="na";f=""+escape(document.referrer) Last Updated:

51. Stanford University Zoroastrian Group Other Zoroastrian Information Pages at Stanford. Events Related to zoroastrianism in the Bay Area A list of Zoroastrianrelated events in Northern California. http://www.stanford.edu/group/zoroastrians/

Stanford University Zoroastrian Group Faravahar (or Farohar) from the ruins of Persepolis Since November 16, 1996, this page has been visited times. We have been rated a Welcome to the Stanford University Zoroastrian Group's World Wide Web home page. Our first year of re-existance at Stanford was a very interesting one. The high point, of course, was the Seventh North American Zoroastrian Youth Conference (ZYC '95). Held here at Stanford over the 4th of July weekend, the congress was attended by more than 300 Zoroastrian youths (age 13 - 45) from the US and Canada; youths from a few other countries outside North America, including England and Australia, were also able to join us. You can find more information on the congress in the Sunday, July 2nd edition of the San Jose Mercury News. This year we plan to be a bit more active on campus. We'd also like to increase our interaction with other student groups. If you'd like to contact us, please email Maneck Bhujwala at: maneck_bhujwala@mentorg.com If you have any questions or comments in general, please feel free to send us a note. Other Zoroastrian Information Pages at Stanford Events Related to Zoroastrianism in the Bay Area A list of Zoroastrian-related events in Northern California.

52. Zoroastrianism Hub Many different articles on zoroastrianism and Yezidism, among other things. http://www.knowdeep.org/zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism is the ancient religion of Persia (Iran). It was founded by Zarathushtra. According to Zoroastrianism, the unique human spiritual quest is linked to the preservation and promotion of the seven creations of Ahura Mazda, namely the sky, waters, earth, plants, cattle, human beings and fire. In this site, you will find the most informational and up-to-date links about Zoroastrianism. Overviews - General resources The Good Religion and The Institutionalized Zoroastrianism - by Ali A. Jafarey. An Introduction to Zoroastrianism by Dr. Meredith Sprunger - contains a brief history of Zoroastrianism and an outline of basic Zoroastrian beliefs. Zoroastrianism: From Ancient Roots to Visions of the Last Days Zoroastrianism by Sri Swami Sivananda Zoroastrianism by the Interfaith Center of New York The History of Zoroastrianism - from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library at Calvin College. Zoroastrianism and Judaism: The Genesis of Comparative Beliefs of two Great Faiths - by Dr. Jehan Bagli. Thus spake Zarathushtra - by Ms Shahin Bekhradnia.

53. BUBL LINK / 5:15 Internet Resources: Zoroastrianism Avesta Zoroastrian Archives zoroastrianism is a religion founded in ancient times by the prophet Zarathushtra, known to the Greeks as Zoroaster. http://bubl.ac.uk/link/z/zoroastrianism.htm

BUBL LINK / 5:15 Catalogue of Internet Resources Home Search Subject Menus A-Z ... About Zoroastrianism A-Z Index Titles Descriptions Avesta Zoroastrian Archives Internet Sacred Text Archive Religion, Religions, Religious Studies Vohuman.org ... Zoroastrian Religious Calendar Page last updated: 17 March 2003 Comments: bubl@bubl.ac.uk Avesta Zoroastrian Archives Zoroastrianism is a religion founded in ancient times by the prophet Zarathushtra, known to the Greeks as Zoroaster. Zoroastrianism was the dominant world religion during the Persian empires (559 BC to 651 AD) and it is still practiced worldwide. Fire, as a symbol of 'Asha' and the 'original light of God,' holds a special place of esteem in the religion. The complete text of the extant Avesta, the most ancient scripture of Zoroastrianism, is available online, as well as many Pahlavi scriptures and information about the Avestan language. Author: Avesta Subjects: zoroastrianism DeweyClass: ResourceType: documents, index Location: usa Last checked: Internet Sacred Text Archive Collection of primary texts relating to Ancient, eastern and western religion and mythology, covering Shintoism, Hinduism, I Ching, Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Judaism, Mormonism, Bahai'i, Islam, Zoroastrianism, and esoteric, occult, and fringe religions. Author: J B Hare Subjects: alternative religions, baha'i faith, buddhism, christianity, hinduism, islam, jainism, judaism, religion, sikhism, taoism, zoroastrianism

54. TEMPLE OF ZOROASTER Iranian religious reformer and founder of zoroastrianism, or Parsiism, as it is known in India. Site offers information about His life, teachings, books, images and links. http://sangha.net/messengers/zoroaster.htm

TEMPLE OF ZOROASTER About Zoroaster Zoroaster's Teaching Zoroastrian Texts Books ... Images of Zoroaster Old Iranian ZARATHUSHTRA, or ZARATHUSTRA (b. c. 628 BC, probably Rhages, Irand. c. 551, site unknown), Iranian religious reformer and founder of Zoroastrianism, or Parsiism, as it is known in India. (See Zoroastrianism; Parsi.) Life. A major personality in the history of the religions of the world, Zoroaster has been the object of much attention for two reasons. On the one hand, he became a legendary figure believed to be connected with occult knowledge and magical practices in the Near Eastern and Mediterranean world in the Hellenistic Age (c. 300 BC-c. AD 300). On the other hand, his monotheistic concept of God has attracted the attention of modern historians of religion, who have speculated on the connections between his teaching and Judaism and Christianity. Though extreme claims of pan-Iranianism (i.e., that Zoroastrian or Iranian ideas influenced Greek, Roman, and Jewish thought) may be disregarded, the pervasive influence of Zoroaster's religious thought must nevertheless be recognized. The student of Zoroastrianism is confronted by several problems concerning the religion's founder. One question is what part of Zoroastrianism derives from Zoroaster's tribal religion and what part was new as a result of his visions and creative religious genius. Another question is the extent to which the later Zoroastrian religion (Mazdaism) of the Sasanian period (AD 224-651) genuinely reflected the teachings of Zoroaster. A third question is the extent to which the sourcesthe Avesta (the Zoroastrian scriptures) with the Gathas (older hymns), the Middle Persian Pahlavi Books, and reports of various Greek authorsoffer an authentic guide to Zoroaster's ideas.

55. Zoroastrianism Ecards,Zoroastrianism Greetings,e-cards,ecards,cards,card,egreeti Click Here. Logo, The prophet Zarathustra, taught that there was the One, Supreme, Eternal God Ahura Mazda who was Wise, Good Just. http://cards.123greetings.com/cgi-bin/newcards/showthumbs.pl?q1=rsp_zoroast&log=

56. EduNet - Religions Of The World, Zoroastrism zoroastrianism. Zoroastrian Group at Stanford zoroastrianism is the ancient religion of Persia. It was founded about 3500 years ago by the prophet Zarathushtra. http://www.edunet.ie/resources/religioninfo/zoroaster.html

Zoroastrianism Zoroastrian Group at Stanford Zoroastrianism is the ancient religion of Persia. It was founded about 3500 years ago by the prophet Zarathushtra. Arising out of the polytheistic traditions of ancient India and Iran, he was one of the first monotheists in human history. Traditional Zoroastrianism: Tenets of the Religion These are the tenets of the Mazdayasni Zarathushtri religion, as accepted and preached by all the Dasturjees and religious teachers and common Zarathushtris in India. May our faith increase day by day, in these glorious tenets, that our ancestors have believed in for thousands of years. Zoroastrianism Page Zarathustra was believed to have lived during 600 B.C. in Persia, which is the region covered by modern-day Iran and Iraq. Current estimates have revised this date to anywhere between 1500 B.C. and 1000 B.C. This would make Zoaroastrianism the second oldest world religion, next only to Hiduism. Avesta Web Server The term AVESTA has two separate meanings: First, it is the name of the ancient scriptures of the Zoroastrian religion. AVESTA is also used to refer to the language in which these scriptures are written. This server gives you access to all of the extant Avesta, along with translations, and is being expanded to include information about the language, and other useful information for students of Zoroastrian religion.

57. Middle East Studies - Zoroastrianism WWW Virtual Library. Department home. zoroastrianism. Stanford University Zoroastrian Group. World of Traditional zoroastrianism. Zadspram. http://www.columbia.edu/cu/lweb/indiv/mideast/cuvlm/Zoro.html

Middle East Studies Internet Resources Mideast Studies Email: mideast @libraries.cul.columbia.edu Middle East Studies Internet Resources home WWW Virtual Library ... Department home Zoroastrianism Avesta (A.F.J. Remy, the Catholic Encyclopedia) Avesta Web Server AVESTA - Zoroastrian Archive We provide the complete text of the extant Avesta, the most ancient scriptures of Zoroastrianism, as well as many Pahlavi scriptures. It also includes information abou the Avestan language, and other useful information for students of Zoroastrian religion. Most of the texts in these archives are extremely rare. Stanford University Zoroastrian Group World of Traditional Zoroastrianism Zadspram. Ervad (Translated by W. E. West) Zarathustrian Assembly Zoroaster Bibliography Project (Dept. of Theology, Uppsala University) Zorastrian Calendar (Zorastrian Studies, Bombay, India) Zoroastrian Educational and Research Society Zoroastrian influences on Judaism, Christianity and Monotheism (Mark Willey) Last update: 01/24/01

58. Zoroastrianism Conversion in zoroastrianism; The Truth Behind the Trumpery; by Keykhosrow Dinshah Irani Farrokh Jal Vajifdar (Under Construction). http://www.cais-soas.com/CAIS/Religions/iranian/Zarathushtrian/zoroastrianism.ht

University of London Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG United Kingdom © 1998-2002 CAIS at SOAS, all rights reserved. For any further information please contact: Shapour Suren-Pahlav cais@soas.ac.uk You are visitor No: "The future belongs to the nation who appreciate her past." Support Encyclopaedia Iranica Support BIPS The British Institute of Persian Studies Français Deutsch Italiano Portuguêse ... Español [ about Translator ZARATHUSHTRIAN RELIGION 3770th Year of the Proclamation of the "Daenâ Vanuhi" (Good Religion), by the Prophet Zarathushtra The Zarathushtrian (Zoroastrian) Religion Introduction Zarathushtra Spitama was the first prophet to teach monotheism, the belief in one God. He preached a new doctrine of goodness and retribution. And he gave the world the triple motto of Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds. Zarathushtra's complete name is Zarathushtra Haechataspa Spitama. "Zoroaster" is the most current of various Greek forms of his first name. He was born around 1768 BCE in the northeastern part of the Iranian Plateau. Zarathushtra proclaimed one Omniscient, Omnipotent God as the creator, sustainer and promoter of the universe. His teachings explain how God's divine attributes are reflected in the universe and in our living world. He advises people to acquire and cultivate divine attributes, particularly "good mind" and righteousness; to elevate themselves in harmony with God and to listen to God's guiding voice within them; to be creative and progressive; to work in harmony with nature in creating an ever-better world; to establish a universal fellowship in an ideal society chosen by the people for peace and prosperity; to attain perfection and immortality; and to become godlike and live in divine happiness for ever after.

59. Zoroastrianism zoroastrianism. By. Sri Swami Sivananda. He expounded the tenets of this religion. zoroastrianism became the state religion of Persia. http://www.sivanandadlshq.org/religions/zoroastrianism.htm

THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY HOME TEACHINGS MESSAGES ... GLOSSARY Zoroastrianism By Sri Swami Sivananda Introduction Zoroastrian Scriptures Fire, The Symbol Of God ... Click here for a biography of Zoroaster. Introduction Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism are world religions but Zoroastrianism is just a national religion now though it was a world religion in days of yore. It is the religion of the Parsees. The correct name for the religion established by Zoroaster is Mazdayasnism which means the worship of Mazda or the Lord. Mazdayasnism was first revealed by Homa to King Jamshid. Afterwards it was revealed to King Fiedoon. Then it was revealed to Thirta. Lastly it was revealed to Zoroaster. After the death of Zoroaster his son in-law Jamaspa became his successor. Jamaspa wrote down the teachings of Zoroaster which are known as Zend Avesta, the scriptures of the Zoroastrians. Frashaoshtra, father-in-law of Zoroaster, was the first apostle of this faith. He expounded the tenets of this religion. Zoroastrianism became the state religion of Persia. After the time of Zoroaster, Zoroastrianism underwent many changes at the hands of the priests who were called Magi. The priests re-introduced ritualism and the worship of the old nature-deities in a new garb by making them archangels of Ahura Mazda.

60. Zoroastrianism: An Introduction A brief overview of zoroastrianism, discussion of Ahura Mazda, basic Zoroastrian beliefs. An Introduction to zoroastrianism. VIII. zoroastrianism. http://www.urantiabook.org/archive/readers/601_zoroastrianism.htm

Site Index E-mail us Religious Issues Archive An Introduction to Zoroastrianism Dr. Meredith Sprunger This document contains a brief history of Zoroastrianism and an outline of basic Zoroastrian beliefs. Related Documents in this archive: The Social Problems of Religion Religion in Human Experience The Urantia Book's synopsis of Zoroastrianism What is The Urantia Book? VIII. ZOROASTRIANISM The Religion of the Free Will Choice Between Good and Evil Zoroastrianism is closely related to Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Concepts of Satan, angelology, demonology, a deliverer, future life, Paradise and judgment in these religions may have been directly or indirectly derived from Zoroastrianism. Although it started with the intent of being a voluntarily accepted and universally adopted religion, today it is largely a hereditary faith reporting (1982) 271,000 followers living mostly in India and Iran. The origins of Zoroastrian religion are shrouded in mystery. ' The ancient inhabitants of the Persian region were Aryan nature worshipers who venerated a series of deities known as daevas. Above these minor deities were higher gods among which the most important and popular was Mitra, the god of light, benefactor of cattle and upholder of loyalty and obedience. Part of these Aryans migrated into India which explains why many of the gods and practices of Vedic Hinduism and the ancient Persians are the same. Zoroaster's birth date in uncertain. Tradition says he was pre-existent and born of a fifteen year old virgin in 660 B.C. Many marvels accompanied his birth. His name, Zarathustra Spitama, indicates he was born into a warrior clan that was connected with the royal family of ancient Persia. At fifteen he put on the kusti, a sacred string belt symbolic of his passage into manhood as a member of his religion. He spent years, partially in solitude, searching for answers to religious questions. At the age of thirty Zoroaster had a vision of the angel Vohu Mana,, who appeared nine times the size of a man. The angel told him there was only one true God, Ahura Mazda, and that he was to become the prophet of Ahura Mazda. During the next ten years Zoroaster had other visions in which each of the archangels of Ahura Mazda appeared and revealed further truth to him.

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