Zoroastrianism Flashcards
When was the most likely date for the birth of the founder of Zoroastrianism?
1,000 BCE
From 600 BCE through 600 CE, how large was Zoroastrianism?
Very large
Who was the founder of Zoroastrianism?
Zarathustra
What happens to the “devas”/”daevas” and Angra Mainyu after mortality is over?
Go to hell where they are treated just how they treated people in the mortal life. In the resurrection they’ll be in a bath of molten metal
In Zoroastrianism, the first people where what prior to morphing into human beings?
Intelligent spirits
Most historians believe that Zoroastrianism grew out of what religion?
Persian Polytheism
Who is Saoshyant and what is his purpose or mission?
The redeemer or savior, born of the prophet’s seed by a virgin mother
What has traditionally been used when disposing of a deceased body by Zoroastrians in India?
Birds of prey
What is the difference between Zoroaster and Zarathustra?
Zoroaster– hellenized name
Zarathustra– original name
Which is the Navjote Ceremony and what is it for?
Initiation into the religion
In class we discussed the Faravahar. What were the main symbolic components and their meanings?
Human soul
The Zoroastrian Avesta is what God commanded Mashya and Mashyana to not eat. How long did they last before they partook?
Thirty days
According to Zoroastrian thought, who tempted Mashya and Mashyana?
Tempted by Az, the demon of greed
Are practicing Zoroastrians monotheistic, polytheistic, henotheistic, monolatrist, or monistic?
Monotheistic
The founder of Zoroastrianism came out of the womb doing what?
Came out reciting divine verse and displaying signs of wisdom
Where was the founder of Zoroastrianism born?
Northeastern Iran
What was the terrible conflict?
Priests asked him a bunch of questions. 33 questions
Whose birth did the founder of Zoroastrianism predict?
Prophesied the birth of Christ
At what age was the founder of Zoroastrianism ordained to the priesthood?
Around 15 years old
After his ordination, what concern did the founder of Zoroastrianism raise about Arianism/Aryanism?
Didn’t answer his theological questions, also polytheistic
What did Mashya and Mashyana kill to make clothes for themselves?
Ox or sheep
What two items have been offered daily to the God of Zoroastrianism?
Sacred twigs (barsom or baresma) and Haoma
How old was the founder of Zoroastrianism when he had his first vision of God?
30 years old
How old was the founder of Zoroastrianism when he began wandering about, seeking truth?
20 years old
What does the term “ahura mazda” mean?
“wise lord”
What is “Mazdaism” or “Mazda Yasna”?
Another name for Zoroastrianism
What was the founder of Zoroastrianism doing when a divine emanation appeared to him?
Meditating
How many “radiant beings” surround the throne of the God of Zoroastrianism?
Six radiant beings
With what did the founder of Zoroastrianism see God?
With the eyes of his spirit
What do traditional Zoroastrians hope to die with?
Kusti and Sudreh
What does the term “Vohu Manah” mean, what are the implications of the name’s meaning?
Good thoughts, leads the way, led Zarathustra to god
Who was the first person that the founder of Zoroastrianism converted to his religion?
A king
What two reasons did we give in class for why Zoroastrians generally do not proselytize?
They don’t want to contaminate their religion
What are Zoroastrians called in India?
Parsi
What is the difference between the version of Zoroastrianism described in your textbook and neo-Zoroatrianism?
Neo-Zoroastrianism is much more modern
what are some things Zoroastrians do to effectively use their undergarments and remember their covenants?
Kusti- separate lower and upper stuff
Sudreh- “bag” of righteousness, undergarment
What is the primary emphasis in Zoroastrianism?
Entirely focused on goodness and achieving goodness and being good to the world
What will we all be judged by after this life? Primarily what?
Good thoughts, good words, good deeds
According to traditional Zoroastrian thinking, is it possible for a non-Zoroastrian to go to Paradise after this life?
sure?
How old was the founder of Zoroastrianism when he died? How did he die?
77 years old, was killed by a 19 year old in a temple
What is the name of the prayer beads often used for prayer in Zoroastrianism?
Tasbih
If the God of Zoroastrianism only created good, but not evil, where did evil come from?
Agency
What was Gayomard responsible for creating?
First human couple
Who determines what reward we get after this life?
Us/Ahura Mazda
What is Asha?
Righteousness and order
How many judgements do Zoroastrians believe in?
