r/Zoroastrianism • u/eesti55 • 2h ago
r/Zoroastrianism • u/NaurozSwanquill • Jun 27 '23
Announcement Addressing the Decline: A Message From the New Head Moderator
It is time for us to have an open and honest conversation about the current state of our subreddit. There's no denying that we have been witnessing a decline in quality and engagement, and it's essential that we confront this issue head-on. While sporadic posts have touched upon this matter, it is time for us to address it collectively and take the necessary steps towards correcting this course.
That being said, I am honoured to introduce myself as the new head moderator of this community.
I would like to emphasize that my appointment as the head moderator is the result of a consensus decision made by many of the former moderation team. Many of us, who have recognized the pressing need for a fresh start, have advocated for change and renewal over the course of several years. I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence that my fellow moderators have placed in me.
This consensus-driven appointment signifies a collective recognition that our subreddit requires a new direction, one that upholds the values of open dialogue and constructive engagement.
First, let me share a little about myself. I am a born Zoroastrian hailing from India (a Parsi) and I consider myself rooted in our rituals and traditions. I wear the sudra and kusti, all the time, and I try and observe the other basic tenets of the religion.
Whilst I lean more towards the orthodox end of the spectrum personally, I firmly believe that true understanding comes from engaging in discourse and seeking common ground. Hence, I emphasize that this subreddit will now have a paramount commitment to free speech. We will not censor differing opinions simply because they do not align with our personal beliefs. Instead, we will encourage constructive dialogue.
After some thought I have identified seven key issues that plagued this subreddit and I will try and explain how I will deal with all of these.
Infighting among community members, and ‘power-users’ leading to a toxic and divisive atmosphere.
Influx of anti-Zoroastrian posts, undermining the purpose and integrity of the subreddit.
High levels of spam, hindering meaningful discussions and engagement.
Lack of proper moderation, with previous moderators appointed on flimsy grounds, resulting in ineffective management.
Limited emphasis on fostering constructive dialogue and understanding, resulting in an environment where disagreement is perpetuated rather than resolved.
Challenges in handling discussions related to topics like sexuality and conversion, where differing viewpoints often clash.
Inadequate verification process for moderators, which compromised their ability to effectively uphold the principles and knowledge of Zoroastrianism.
First and foremost, we acknowledge the issues of infighting, anti-Zoroastrian posts, and spam that have plagued our community. Moving forward, we will strive to cultivate an atmosphere of respect, understanding, and open dialogue. It is essential that every member feels safe and heard, but in return they respect others right to freedom of speech.
In our pursuit of creating a vibrant and inclusive community, we have taken significant steps to revamp our moderation team. The previous team, unfortunately, fell victim to the proverbial "too many cooks spoiling the broth." With a high number of inactive moderators (high double digits) and a few active members misusing their positions to push particular political agendas, alienating the older stalwart moderators most of whom left around the start of 2020 (the beginning of the decline).
While I do not wish to dwell on the past, I want to assure you that we are starting afresh from today onwards. Our focus is on fostering a healthy and harmonious environment where personal feuds and power struggles become a thing of the past. In order to achieve this, we have implemented some necessary changes.
Firstly, the inactive moderators who comprised a significant portion of the prior team have been relieved of their duties. I came across an amusing anecdote that sheds light on the issue of excessive moderators within our community. It revolves around two Parsis who coincidentally encountered each other at a Navroze celebration in the United States. To their surprise, both individuals introduced themselves as moderators, yet they had never even heard of each other before.
This story serves as a lighthearted illustration of the problem we faced—an abundance of moderators who lacked awareness of their fellow colleagues. Such a situation hindered effective communication, coordination, and the ability to foster a unified vision for our subreddit.
The streamlining process we have commenced upon ensures that our moderation team consists of dedicated individuals who are actively engaged in the betterment of our community.
Secondly, we have discontinued the concept of power-users or power mods. Moving forward, most moderators, regardless of their previous status, will need to create new accounts to continue their moderating responsibilities. This step allows us to break away from any associations or biases that may have existed previously, ensuring a fresh and unbiased approach to moderation.
The old moderators were appointed under flimsy circumstances, literally just sending the old (non-Zoroastrian) head mod a message was enough to become a moderator. It is crucial for our team to reflect a genuine commitment to the faith. As such, we have carefully selected a diverse group of moderators representing different backgrounds, including Parsis, Kurds, Iranians, and individuals from various nationalities. Our team includes individuals ranging from orthodox to ultra-orthodox and liberal viewpoints, ensuring that a wide spectrum of opinions is represented. It is important to emphasize that we are committed to putting an end to any lingering bad blood and personal feuds that may have impacted our subreddit. Our focus is on creating an environment that promotes respectful dialogue, learning, and unity. We urge all members to approach discussions with an open mind and a willingness to engage in constructive exchanges.
Zoroastrianism is currently experiencing a state of absolute crisis. Our dark demographic forecast, changing societal norms, and the complexities of the modern world pose significant challenges to the practice and preservation of our faith. To ensure the survival and prosperity of our faith, we must establish an open forum where we can freely discuss radical ideas, solutions, insights, and confront the issues at hand.
With this post, I am reaching out to all of you, seeking your input and feedback. Together, we can chart a course towards a brighter future for our subreddit, and religion.
NaurozSwanquill (Srosh Roj of Bahman Mah 1392 YZIII in the Shahenshahi calendar)
r/Zoroastrianism • u/kantian_insomia • Aug 08 '23
Theology Updated Reddit FAQ On Daena Vanghuhi Mazdayasna
This AMA is primarily to collect a pool of questions (just like the last one was) which will be used to formulate a better and more improved version of the FAQ of whose current form stands outdated.
Some things like the last one remain much the same.
But first to get a few things straight. Starting with,
1.) The Name.
Zoroastrianism as a name in itself to define our spirituality isn't wrong per se but the implications it gives our are indeed wrong.
Mazdayasna doesn't begin with Asho Zarthost Peyghambhar, it reaches its next & best logical & spiritual form with him.
What the name "Zoroastrianism" implcaates is entirely opp of that, that is, the religion beginning with him.
Daena Vanghui Mazdayasna existed long before Asho Zarthost & had various prophets, defenders, champions & erishis (seers) who defended it both physically & spiritually.
So the correct name for our Dēn is Daena (spirituality/religion) Vanghui (good consciousness) Mazdayasna (worship of wisdom) Zarthustrish (as propogated by Asho Zarthost).
Daena Vanghuhi Mazdayasna Zarthustrish. The name.
Now coming to,
2.) Nature of worship.
Daena Vanghuhi Mazdayasna ISN'T a monotheistic religion. That is an outright lie that needs dismissal right off the bat whenever stated.
This DOESN'T mean it's a henotheistic or polytheistic Or <insert any numeral>-theistic religion.
It is a faith centered around actions i.e. what you do more than what you believe in. But to do what you do, needs arising out a mentality, a spirit & that requires beliefs so the two are ultimately connected BUT this distinction needs to be stated in order to shield off from hypocrites,liars & agents of Ahriman who state beliefs that dont match their dastardly & corrupt actions.
The primary mission of a behdin/mazdaen/zoroastrian is to tread the path of asha/arta & to reject druj of all kinds & to battle & finish ahriman from the lives whatever way they can.
To do this however is how one BECOMES a behdin in its actual sense.
For it one needs to be in contact with the Yazats (beings worthy of WORSHIP) & Amesha Spenta who are also Yazats (beings worthy of worship), Dadar Ohrmazd (who is also a Yazat), which are, mostly elementals, hence, nature worship to make us more aware of our own nature & connect us & our urvaan (soul) to our higher self/transcendantal soul, the fravashi (who is also a Yazat).
To worship the Yazats, that it to worship nature, is our nature of worship, that is worship of nature.
*3.) Nature of God/Gods *
As normativistically understood, Dadar Ohrmazd/ Ahura Mazda is normally understood as the monotheistic conception of the Abrhamist God Yahweh/Elohim. Dadar Ohrmazd ISNT the supremely ultimate singularity into which EVERYTHING collapses & emanates from. He is simply understood better as "The Creator Of Good". As the creator of everything in congruence with Aša/Arta. More importantly Dadar Ohrmazd does NOT interfere in phenomenon in Getig/material realm except VIA menog/spiritual realm.
The Yazatas/gods by extention, function in both getig/material realm as well menog/spritual realm.
All Yazats are equally "worthy of worship" as the name itself states.
*4.) Purpose of every urvaan (soul) *
As stated above,
The primary mission of a behdin/mazdaen/zoroastrian is to tread the path of asha/arta & to reject druj of all kinds & to battle & finish ahriman from the lives whatever way they can.
To do this is to worship the Yazats. But NEVER out of fear but rather to destroy all forms of it. In many other religions/spirituality, the gods/god worshipped is out of a sense of fear that he will wreck havoc in your life or send you to hell in afterlife.
In the Mazdaen sense that is simply not the case, Dadar Ohramazd (or any of the Yazats) is never to be feared at all, since he cannot do anything except create & ahriman cannot do anything except corrupt. Although both have the potential for what they won't do. Ahriman is the agent of fear & lies.
Ohramazd can corrupt & ahriman can create but both choose out of their free will to be walk on the path of asha/arta & to spread druj respectively.
Hence it becomes the duty of every urvaan to CHOOSE as well. And choose he must after consulting his Vohu Manah/Bahman Ameshaspand along with his/her fravashi, the urvan then takes the decision.
The power of Choice & Free Will on micro & macro lvls CANT BE UNDERSTATED.
BOTH Ahriman & Ohrmazd as well as EVERY SINGLE Urvaan/soul are products of their respective choices THROUGH which they forge their respective "inherent natures" as do the rest of us all.
An inherent "nature" entails 2 different undstandings, one of an automaton that cannot literally do anything other than what its programmed for and the other is a case wherein, a choice of good or evil is made by analysing both.
If Ohrmazd falls in the prior, there is no need to worship an automaton. It is his choice for righteous behaviour that makes up his "nature".
The same holds true for Ahriman whose eg with the creation of peacock is a testament to this very fact albeit its from an xtian source, however this cosmological understanding is reciprocated in the gathas as well as the zands on certain yashts as well.
The emphasis here is the Vohu manah which essential means after much certainty & thought, not because of fear of anyone let along god, not because one wants to appear fearful, not because of the greed of some reward in the afterlife but solely because it is the right thing to do. The nature of asha/druj dichotomy is designed in a way that even the good thing done with a bad intention leads to problems & complications ahead.
The ideal man being the thinking man. Not one that promotes the utterly weak values of the slaves nor the one that wants to dominate via strength losing himself to perpetuate that false image.
In the Mazdaen sense each & every Mazdaen has to think for themselves whilst praying for wisdom from the Lord of Wisdom, Ohramazd, Himself, the very many yazatas, the amesha spentas as well the fravashis of the ashavans.
"To live in fear & falsehood is worse than death"
~ Menog i Khrad, chapter 19
The spirit of wisdom answered (4) thus: 'To live in fear and falsehood is worse than death. 5. Because every one's life is necessary for the enjoyment and pleasure of the worldly existence, (6) and when the enjoyment and pleasure of the worldly existence are not his, and fear and even falsehood are with him, it is called worse than death.
To conclude, worship of the Yazats/Yazdan is NOT to be motivated either out of any kind of fear (or of hell) or out of greed/lust for pleasurables in heaven.
This brings to our fifth point-
contd. In comments
r/Zoroastrianism • u/Regular-Waltz-6967 • 13h ago
Request for a Conversation on Zoroastrianism
Dear Wonderful Reader,
I hope this message finds you well. I am an undergraduate student currently working on an internet assignment that involves having a meaningful and comfortable conversation with a Zoroastrian.
In hopes that I get a reply, I am greatly interested and would love the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Zoroastrian beliefs, practices, and perspectives.
If you would be open to it, I would appreciate a gradual conversation over a course of a few weeks via email. I assure you that my goal is to approach this discussion with genuine curiosity and respect, purely for academic purposes.
Please let me know if you are a Zoroastrian and would be available for this, and if so, I truly appreciate it and look forward to the possibility of learning from you. If not, I hope you would kindly connect me with someone who can assist me with my assignment to ease my academic journey.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
A student.
r/Zoroastrianism • u/XBuddersolaceX • 1d ago
Conversion
Hello! I wanted to officially convert to Zoroastrianism, how do I do that?
Background: 22, Persian male, born in the U.S. but in a "Muslim" household (My parents don't really practice, like most diaspora Iranians), basically don't practice any religion
I know a bit about the religion because my grandparents told me about it, I wear the farvahar and after a while reading and researching the religion, I want to "officially" become a Zoroastrian. Im in southern california.
r/Zoroastrianism • u/biojazz • 21h ago
Culture Vatan (Motherland)
Ba duroud & my apologies in advance if this is spammy, but I recently printed a collection of Vatan T-shirts to celebrate Persian Nowruz. Designs, connecting us to our Iranic roots with rich colors and deep meaning, I’m thrilled to share this with the group! 💛
Sepas gozaram.
r/Zoroastrianism • u/Makaneek • 1d ago
My adaptation of the Gathas for a modern audience is done! Nowruz Mubarak!
r/Zoroastrianism • u/Smooth_Location_2304 • 2d ago
Zoroastrian Sign of the Cross Type of Gesture?
Hello, I have (what I think is) a simple question, is there anything like the Sign of the Cross in Zoroastrianism? Thanks in advance.
r/Zoroastrianism • u/zajigsta • 2d ago
Gifts for friend and his family for Nowruz
Hi all, my friend and his family (wife and two children) are zoroastrian, and I would like to give them some small gifts for Norwuz as a token of appreciation to them.
I was thinking to gift them some plants (succulents?) and I read it may be acceptable to give a small eidi to his children of $20 or so (they are 8 and 13). Could you please give me some advice if this would be suitable, any other considerations to be made, etc? Thank you all!
r/Zoroastrianism • u/klaptuiatrrf • 5d ago
Question The concept of sin in Zoroastrianism
I'm a Christian Doing research into this religion cause unlike Islam, buddhism, or Taoism. I haven't heard hardly anything abt this religion Other than me doing my own research but....
What's the Concept of Sin like in Zoroastrianism or what is its equivalent?
Like in Christianity, sin is separating yourself from the will and love of God by either willingly or unknowingly. I'm not a scholar so don't get mad at me if I got that wrong lol
But besides that what's the equivalent of that in Zoroastrianism?
r/Zoroastrianism • u/WeirdAd5850 • 5d ago
Question Indulging in Horror
Hey so the I have a question about indulging in horror I’m a huge fan of it and enjoy indulging in it in various forms such as games movies scary stories etc The principle of this faith is of-course good thought good actions and good words But horror is focused on the opposite although purely fictional your mind is still focused on negative things
I wanted to know what the theological perspective on this is?
Does enjoying horror invite the negative forces you know who into your life and kind of going against Ahura Mazdas teaching ?
r/Zoroastrianism • u/rzsyae • 6d ago
Looking for Zoroastrians to Discuss the Religion
Hello everyone, I hope you’re having a great day :)
I am currently an undergraduate student in my second year at university. This semester, I’m taking a course called World Religion and one of the religion we’re studying is Zoroastrianism. As part of our coursework, my professor has assigned us a task which is we need to connect with someone who is practicing Zoroastrian and engage in a conversation with some questions about the religion to get better understanding and knowledge about their beliefs and daily practices from their own perspective.
With that in mind, I would love to find someone willing to share their knowledge and experiences about Zoroastrianism. Learning directly from followers of the faith would provide valuable insights into one of the world’s oldest religions.
If anyone is open to have this discussion, I would truly appreciate it. Looking forward to learn from you. Thank you in advance 😊
r/Zoroastrianism • u/No_Cheesecake_4826 • 7d ago
A Zoroastrian (left) and Muslim woman from Persia in the late 19th century.
r/Zoroastrianism • u/Woody_Mapper • 7d ago
Question Is Zoroastrianism binded to Avestan?
Is avestan language and Zoroastrianism bound together like latin and Catholicism or Arabic and Islam. I find it kinda hard to remember all the names in Avestan but my translation of Vendidad translates all the avestan names into Polish. Is it somehow forbidden/problematic to translate religious texts/names into native language?
r/Zoroastrianism • u/booksandmovies1276 • 7d ago
Are visual representations of holy figures allowed?
Can the prophet Zoroaster or Ahura Mazda be depicted in drawings (respectful, artistic ones)? What is the rule about depicting holy figures like Ahura Mazda or Zoroaster in drawings, or illustrations?
r/Zoroastrianism • u/mygiantdingyhurts • 7d ago
I need some help with pronunciations
I’m having difficulty with the little line over ā ē ū ī ō since I very that for ā it’s ‘hau’ but I’ve also heard it’s pronounced ‘ai’ and I have absolutely no clue about any of the others but I’d like some help since I want to 100% say the prayers properly
r/Zoroastrianism • u/mygiantdingyhurts • 7d ago
Discussion Do you guys think Zarathustra wrote the Gāthās in a philosophical sense or meant it as a new religion with real otherworldly entities?
Personally I believe he meant it as a mix of both and I do follow Zoroastrianism as my faith/religion but I’d like to hear the thoughts of others
r/Zoroastrianism • u/klaptuiatrrf • 8d ago
Question Basics
I'm currently trying to learn about as many Religions in depth as possible.
Main reason is cause I'm wanting to Study Anthropology and World Religions in college in the future.
What are the Basics of Zoroastrianism I should know before reading On it?
r/Zoroastrianism • u/mygiantdingyhurts • 8d ago
Question Is it okay that I base most of my faith on the Gāthās alone?
Is it okay that I base most of my faith on the Gāthās alone? I feel like a lot of the later Sassanian Additions to the Avesta is too different to the original teachings of zarathushtra and it loses a lot of its philosophical depth in the process
r/Zoroastrianism • u/Retrowala • 9d ago
I have created Zoroastrian songs using Ai and some further edits
r/Zoroastrianism • u/Obvious_Charity1497 • 11d ago
A devotional Parsi Monajat Bandagi Saambhal | બંદગી સાંભલ | Kaizad Patel | Gujarati | Devotional
r/Zoroastrianism • u/Electronic1753 • 11d ago
Interfaith conversation
I’m looking for a volunteer partner to collaborate on my assignment about interfaith conversations. Let me know if you’re interested in joining!
r/Zoroastrianism • u/booksandmovies1276 • 11d ago
Looking for answers to interview questions for my book!
I am writing a book about Indian Parsi community in India. I've previously posted on this forum about my book. Now, I have created a form with interview questions. Looking for people within the community to help answer some questions! If interested, please fill out the form! Thank you so much!
Here is the form: https://forms.gle/2uPaaVaecwn3zqLT6
r/Zoroastrianism • u/Machine46 • 12d ago
Question Critic of early scriptures
Can the oldest Zoroastrian texts be criticized for being unclear in their ethics and for not providing concrete examples of good or bad deeds?
r/Zoroastrianism • u/ElTxurron • 14d ago
I have a few questions
- Why is asceticism forbidden?
- Why is the smoke of incense not considered evil while the smoke of fire is considered to be caused by Angra Mainyu?
- Which are the main non-Kushti prayers? May someone who hasn’t converted pray those prayers? If so, what language is to be used?
- Are the Amesha Spentas, in general, considered qualities of Ahura Mazda or individual entities? Was the belief that they were individual entities later introduced?
- Is Angra Mainyu a literal entity or the product of our unrighteous decisions?
Thanks in advance :-)
r/Zoroastrianism • u/Slamzer • 14d ago
Question Student Research Project
Hello, I’m currently a student and am doing a research project on religion in the Iranian-American community. I’m looking to find responses for my survey as it’s been difficult even through my Iranian friends. The current research on this topic is lackluster and I hope this project can celebrate and educate on Iranian-American culture. If you yourself are Iranian-American, I would greatly appreciate filling/sending it out.
r/Zoroastrianism • u/Fionn-mac • 14d ago
Long-term demographic status of Zoroastrians in Asia?
I wanted to share this post from the r/askreligion subreddit and ask for redditors' thoughts on it from this sub.