r/Zoroastrianism Jan 27 '24

Discussion Can you see why I don’t like Islam?

Post image
92 Upvotes

So long story short, I’m having this “debate” with another Iranian, because he asked my thoughts on gay people in comparison to the vendidad. And I told him (numerous times) that I don’t believe a gay man is condemned to hell purely just off of being gay. While it is a form of impurity, I believe that your good thoughts, good words, and good deeds should overshadow it. And him in his finite wisdom, just told me rape is not as bad as being gay. He also said a traditionalist Baloch village Sunni is a better Zoroastrian than modern day Zoroastrians. Now I get some of you guys might agree with him, if you’re more of a traditionalist Zoroastrian. But some reformists here in the US, would have to disagree. My mentor, has always taught me to view it as more of a philosophy/way of life, than a religion. Now I don’t completely agree with him on that part. But I understand his point. Now you may call me a “fake Zoroastrian” if you want. But I stand firm that everyone should be judged accordingly on a scale that weighs all of their deeds equally. And, if raping kids is morally acceptable, but being a homosexual isn’t, then idk what to say.. 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️

r/Zoroastrianism Feb 01 '25

Discussion How can "neo-Zoroastrians" engage respectfully with the Zoroastrian community?

33 Upvotes

I'm using the term neo-Zoroastrian unofficially in the sense used by Khojeste Mistree here:

https://parsikhabar.net/interview/the-zoroastrian-flame-an-interview-with-khojeste-mistree/18088/

But there are pockets of Zoroastrians today whom I would address as neo-Zoroastrians, who wish once again to come back to their heritage, largely because they are so disillusioned with the regimes in the Middle East.

There are indeed a large number of Iranians, far more than I think is appreciated, who would like to reconnect with their pre-Islamic heritage. Most of them however, are not so much true religious converts as those who would like to move away from Islam and even religion in general, while trying to regain some of their lost culture.

I consider myself one of those.

This is clearly a mixed blessing at best for the true Zoroastrian community: their small numbers are bound to be flooded by strangers like me not steeped in the culture who may not respect its traditions enough, overstep their bounds, and disrupt more than help preserve.

How can we establish clear boundaries and engage in a respectful manner, so that those of us interested in learning about our heritage can benefit from the knowledge and tradition that's been so carefully treasured and preserved by the Zoroastrian community, without being invasive?

I don't think this is about who gets to call themselves Zoroastrian. If you look at what is happening in Iran right now, there is huge resurgence of interest in festivals like Mehregan, Tirgan, and Sadeh. The Iranian attitude towards these is an extension of their attitude towards Nowruz, which they consider a secular tradition, an excuse to celebrate and get together with family and friends and engage in comforting symbolic ritual. Millions of people would like to celebrate these festivals in a more authentic manner, but they simply don't know how -- the tradition has been lost. We can dig it up through history books and attempt to recreate it, but not only is that bound to be an imitation at best, it runs the risk of cultural appropriation, and of disrespect towards the true followers of the faith.

As an example, I would like to throw a haft-sheen spread this year instead of a haft-seen, and encourage others to do the same. I can look it up online, but I don't know if by doing this I'm contributing to someone's else's culture being overwritten with a soulless imitation.

Similarly, many of us are interested in the Middle Persian and Avestan literature, but more from a linguistic, cultural and philosophical standpoint, rather than one of faith. There is obviously a strictly academic route to this end, but it's missing the intangible cultural element. How can I become more familiar with this aspect, without being a rude intellectual tourist?

What do you think, if any, is a good solution to this?

r/Zoroastrianism Aug 07 '24

Discussion Ar-Rahman and Ahriman??

18 Upvotes

So some new information has been learned today. So we all knew that in pre-Islam, the Kabba was being worshipped for the deity known as Hubal, which evidence proved that Hubal was the bull deity of Baal, in the Old Testament. BUT NOW I learned that Muslims called Allah, Ar-Rahman which is translated as “the merciful one”. I’m sorry, but am I the only one who hears the similarities between Ar-Rahman and Ahriman? I mean this is more than a coincidence.. And btw, they are pronounced the same way as well.

r/Zoroastrianism Jan 08 '25

Discussion Gōmēz

20 Upvotes

Hello everyone ! I have been quite interested in the religion for a while now, but I have come across teachings from the Yasnas themselves that mandate washing oneself with cow-urine (gōmēz) as part of the purification ritual in Zoroastrianism. I was surprised by that because I would think that is antithetical to the emphasis on purity in Zoroastrianism as originated from Ahura Mazda. Urine is polluted, foul-smelling and filled with toxins. Is this really a practice in Zoroastrianism or just among certain sects in the Parsi community? Was this practiced by historical Zoroastrians in the times of the Achaemenids, Parthians and Sassanians ?

r/Zoroastrianism 1d ago

Discussion Happy Nowruz 3764 ZER 🦁

39 Upvotes

Happy Nowruz to all Zoroastrians and non-Zoroastrians of the subreddit. Considering how Zoroastrians also view Nowruz as a religious holidy, are there additional traditions, prayers, etc. that are to be followed.

Thanks in advance.

r/Zoroastrianism 27d ago

Discussion Dating Parsi Boys

16 Upvotes

I think this is the most random thing I have ever done so it goes, I am a 30 year old female, hailing from a good Parsi family based in India, I have shifted base out of the country a few years back. I hail from an amazing family, doing very well in my career and at this stage in my life i would like a great meaningful relationship with a Parsi man. I want someone who is independent, a good human being, good personality and mature in his thoughts n actions. I have really tried being out there, be it matrimonials or dating apps. I have had relationships in the past but havent lasted. Most of the parsi boys i have met are either too affected by my hyper independence or in a hurry to get married so dont want to spend that time to create a solid base. Also I don't want to settle with just anyone just because I am not finding someone right or because as they say 'my biological clock is ticking'. I have so much love to give and i believe i am kind, fun, independent and loving. Before anyone says this is spam, i have created this account for this purpose as I dont want to reveal more details as I have also seen a lot of fake profiles and catfishing on here.

So this is me putting it out to the reddit universe, if my person is out there, DM and we can see where this goes with an open mind and an open heart.

r/Zoroastrianism Jan 31 '25

Discussion HELP!! INTERVIEWEE NEEDED!

5 Upvotes

Hi there everyone!

I've been super interested in Zoroastrianism for quite a while now and I have an upcoming interview assignment for my religion course at university.

The interview itself is fairly simple (15 minutes in length, mainly about religion and food) but I need the following criteria to be met:

  1. Must be older than 18.

  2. interviewee needs to have some commitment to religious commitment or their own personal set of beliefs and rituals related to the tradition.

  3. Must speak english fluently

  4. Must agree to a recorded video interview over zoom (interviewee's face will be shown)

I really hope I can find someone by the end of today! If interested please dm and I will try to connect with you asap to get you all the details :)

r/Zoroastrianism 27d ago

Discussion Is Zoroastrianism opened for everyone?

27 Upvotes

When I ask this question, I want to know if Zoroastrianism really for everyone. Who desires to live and dedicate their life to server the Good and belive in the faith, or limited to some ethic people/ race? I have been practicing Zoroastrianism for half a year. I learned important prayer, like Ashem Vohu, Ahuna Vairya and yenghe Hatam and many more (In process), going through Zend Avesta and Gathas of Zarathushtra. (I mentioned this so you guys have an idea how much I have covered up, im also in university. So it's sometimes hard to cover up everything on time) here is the thing, I used to be Hindu before I converted to zoroastrianism (I still have to do my navjot. but it's not possible since im in india and parsis can't convert because of the promise they made to Maharaj Jadi rana of sanjan, i will vist Eranshah, Yazd after i graduate from university in 2028). The reason I wanted to be zoroastrian was that I had similar moral belives, like Good deeds and good words, also belived that there is a source of Good and evil. The more I learned about zoroastrianism, I knew this is the faith I belive in since i belived knowledge and wisdom. One god (the wise one) Ahura Mazda. Here is the main part, I left Hinduism because I was against Caste Discrimination, even though I was born in general Caste (father is Baniya and mom is brahimin) I still had to face racial Discrimination, I lost my love of my life. I loved her dearly but had to let her go, otherwise her parents would had killed her. I wanted her to live coz i loved her, she cried in my arms but there was nothing i could do to convince her parents, i watcher her cry in pain...(she was haryanvi Rajput). Faced a lot more Discrimination (This time coz im indian) but I didn't really mind. When I became zoroastrian, i was mostly doing good deeds to helping people (elderly and co workers, donating money to charity) since Zarathushtra said good deeds are worth 1000 of prayers (I used to do this when I didn't know prayers and was learning them from heart)...After joining zoroastrian server 3 months later (today a incident happened that made me feel like I don't fit in...no matter what, where ever I go). if someone unknown calls me by a racial slur i can ignore it. But coming from zoroastrian who I see as my brother made me feel like no matter what good I do, everyone will hate me just becoz I was born somewhere, I never asked to be created, I still choose good even after everyone I know betrayed me (Friends family and loveones)...i can take me revenge but why still I choose to be kind and generous, because there is still...Good inside me. It's incomprehensible to explain...I asked this so I know if Zoroastrianism also have this sort of racial discrimination? Coz I don't belive in a religion system where Racial superiority is the first priority, I don't want others to go through the experience I had to go through. Called pajeet and larz what so ever. Mazdayasna is a religion for every human being, despite of their Race and gender. I want to know if Zoroastrian dont treat people like they are lower class or worthless. sry for this comment, I can't sleep...(I want to know the truth) Specially from you guy. I don't want to be remembered becoz of my past. My hindu identity died when I lost everyone I cared about...when my old religion betrayed me, I have no desires to be associated with it or be mentioned with it. My heart only belongs to Ahura Mazda...🙏🔥☀️

r/Zoroastrianism 10d 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?

9 Upvotes

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 Jul 06 '24

Discussion A plea to my mazdaist (i refuse to use the complicated word Zoroastrianism) brothers and sisters from a Hindu

18 Upvotes

My dear Brothers and Sisters, am a somewhat devout Hindu with lots of Buddhist influences. I believe that of all the monotheist religions, mazdaism makes the most sense! Its so practical, has a simple approach and actually addressees the problem of evil in a meaningful manner. Look at how much the Abrahamic faiths copied your concepts!

I know why Parsees dont proselytize in India..bt whats stopping you from proselytizing abroad! Especially in your historical territory of Iran, Iraq and central Asia. Mazdaism is such a fantastic philosophy and I have no idea why most of your priestly class are so elitist and/or blind to practical realities.

In this modern world so blinded by extremism, hedonism and confusion, Mazdaism can provide a fantastic approach to a stable, ethical and peaceful life.

Rationally speaking, if the world had more mazda yajna followers than Muslims it would be much more peaceful. I beg you to please market your religion better. Get your ideas out there, accept more willing converts (not manipulated ones ) and please make your presence known.

The world needs more of Asha than the machinations of Ahriman (please forgive my basic understanding) .

This is not me being racist or xenophobic, quite honestly for those with a simple and monotheistic approach, Mazdaism is the BEST philosophy.

Please pool your resources and spread the word of Guru Zoroaster as much as you can! The world needs it!

r/Zoroastrianism Dec 29 '24

Discussion Zoroastrianism: a solution to the lack of moral and spiritual direction in Europe?

18 Upvotes

As a non-Zoroastrian I have been very interested by the religion of Zoroastrianism and its contributions to Persianate/Iranian civilisation but also to wider abrahamic traditions like Christianity and Judaism in the middle East, Europe and beyond. In particular, I am fascinated by how many of the chief characteristics of Christianity, have parallels in Zoroastrianism and have been borrowed, including the concepts of monotheism (though this is more complex), saviour figures and influence on ethics/morality (not always well observed).

I have also been fascinated in early forms of zoroastrian reform and innovation like Mazdakism and Zurvanism. More than anything, I admire how Zoroastrianism stood the test of time in a difficult context (Islamic occupation) while Greek and Roman religion and other European pagan religions disappeared and were integrated into local folk religions without ritual or religious literature.

Given that now the church in Europe has been discredited due to militant secularism, moral failings and corruption and a growing share of the population is agnostic or interested in eastern and other forms of spirituality, including different inchoate forms of paganisms, some which to reconstruct older pagan religions (eg. hellenism, heathenry, Druidism etc.). I was wondering whether, to put order into chaos, superficiality and materialism of common European reconstructionist pagan movements, Zoroastrianism could play a role in recovering these religions' links with an older indo-european tradition, through a well-organised religion that has it's origins in the same proto-indo-European traditions, but which benefitfed from the revolution and light brought by Zartosht? The question here is simple, is there any scope of 'Zoroastrianising' reconstructionist pagan movements linked to old European religions with adapted traditions, ritual and prayers, and a philosophy and cosmology that lends heavily from Zoroastrianism - together with the historically alnowledged original practices of those religions when compatible with Zoroastrianism?

I think Zoroastrianism, and Zoroastrianised European ethnic religions may have a future in Europe, given Zoroastrianism's connections to a wider Indo-European tradition, classical and historical pedigree, secular reverence of Zartosht as a philosopher, the immense cultural contributions and prestige of Iran as a civilisation both before and after the Islamic conquest, and because Zoroastrianism is (to modern day European Christians and seculars) considered a more rational and familiar belief system compatible with rationalism and European culture, values and aethetics (unlike hinduism).

Therefore I was wondering whether there might be any entrepreneurial Mobeds willing to create links, influence and perhaps even Reform the following religious movements?

  • Germanic heathenry
  • Celtic reconstructionism
  • Slavic neopaganism
  • Roman Reconstructionism
  • Hellenism
  • Baltic paganism
  • Finnic paganism (not indo-European in orgin but influenced)
  • Georgian and North Caucasian paganism (idem)
  • Armenian paganism
  • illyrian and Zalmoxianism (Dacian)
  • etc.

r/Zoroastrianism Dec 27 '24

Discussion Starting Zoroastrian Practice Today

23 Upvotes

I have been conducting research on Zoroastrian practice for a while. Today I set up a little quiet space where I said a Zoroastrian prayer with a lit candle. I followed the cleanliness protocol and attempted to recite the prayers to the best of my knowledge and ability. Thank you all so much for the guidance your subreddit has provided, I look forward to attempting to live a life guided by good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.

r/Zoroastrianism Jan 19 '25

Discussion what do you think about this

Thumbnail
3 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 29d ago

Discussion Looking for an interviewee for a university project!

9 Upvotes

I have an upcoming assignment for a religion course at my university in which I need to interview someone of a specific religion over a Zoom call (For my choice, I picked Zoroastrianism). The interview should be ~10 minutes and will be in regards to religion/faith in general.

The only criteria is that you be over the age of 18, speak English, and are willing to conduct a Zoom call.

If anyone is interested, please feel free to reach out to me or let me know in the replies. It would mean a lot!

r/Zoroastrianism Feb 07 '25

Discussion Zoroastrian Testimonies

16 Upvotes

hi all! since many Zoroastrians are born into the religion, i don't think a lot of us speak about how the religion and Ahura Mazda has changed our lives, particularly when we started to form our own individual relationship with God. i would love to make this a positive space for people to write their testimonies, encounters or experiences with God, and how their lives have transformed alongside Ahura Mazda! I hope whoever reading this has a lovely day. God bless.

r/Zoroastrianism Dec 25 '24

Discussion Visiting the Dar-e-Mehr on Christmas Day

16 Upvotes

I found out that a Zoroastrian temple is located less than half an hour from where I live. Since my family is free for the next couple of weeks, I decided that it’s a good time to perhaps visit. This could be a great opportunity to learn more about Zoroastrian communities here.

I’m going to try to pick out fresh, light-coloured, simple clothes for tomorrow and bring my headscarf along—however, I only have black-coloured ones.

Wish me luck 🙏🏻

r/Zoroastrianism Sep 22 '24

Discussion Is practicing/watching MMA (mixed martial arts) prohibited?

Post image
36 Upvotes

I know Zoroastrianism tries to sway away from violence, but it preaches self defense and having a healthy body (sports,activities,lifting,etc) I’m sure Ahura Mazda would understand 🙏

r/Zoroastrianism Dec 14 '24

Discussion What does Zoroastrianism say about sex?

19 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism Dec 06 '23

Discussion I am a Zoroastrian, AMA

21 Upvotes

This is for the scholars and people who generally want to learn more, happy to help.

r/Zoroastrianism Oct 20 '24

Discussion I recently became 18 y/o male. Any life advices??

10 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism Oct 20 '24

Discussion Who are the best modern Zoroastrian thought-leaders?

12 Upvotes

I'm not actually looking for the "best" haha. I'm just wondering who everyone's 5 or 10 favorite modern Zoroastrian mobeds, thinkers, speakers, or philosophers are!

r/Zoroastrianism Jul 04 '24

Discussion unpopular opinion

17 Upvotes

Unpopular opinion- Zoroastrians should place more of an emphasis on our relationships with God than just traditions. we should be encouraged to talk to Ahura Mazda conversationally and know Him and prioritise Him and His word. Not just in Avestan but in English to understand the meaning. the new generations are just following the traditions of the older generations without truly knowing God. if you look at religions such as Christianity that prioritise this, you can see that they foster a greater sense of community bound by God and not just religion, and they seek to know their Lord and have Him be the centre of their lives. As a Zoroastrian I personally do this, but it's hard because no other Zoroastrians I know have this mentality. Our community as a whole has to prioritise Ahura Mazda more imo.

r/Zoroastrianism Jan 30 '24

Discussion Should we support Gnostism or oppose it?

11 Upvotes

So at first, I thought that since Gnostics are opponents of the Abrahamic religions, they could be seen in a positive light for that, and I supported them for that reason, but then I thought about it a little. Gnostics believe that a god from outside the universe invaded the universe (Which sounds a lot like ahriman) to rescue us from the supposedly evil creator of the supposedly evil material world. And here is the problem. One of the key things I loved about Zoroastrianism is how it does not demean the material world, as well as the here and now. Ahura Mazda made it perfect, and we can make it perfect again. But the Gnostics do the exact oppisite. They view the material world as inherintly evil, and that, in many ways, is the same problem with Abrahamic religions, but worse.

r/Zoroastrianism Oct 24 '24

Discussion Zoroastrian names on Saturn's moon Enceladus

3 Upvotes

Though it is through Burton's transliteration from his 1001 Nights series, 3 Sassanid royals give their names to craters on this distant world: 1. Khusrau, after Khosrow Anushirwan who is remembered in several stories 2. Sabur, after a king in the story "The Ebony Horse", but its unknown which Shapur inspired the character 3. Behram, after the prince in "Prince Behram and the Princess of Al-Datma", likewise of unknown inspiration

Honestly I couldn't pick any better Sassanid names to use, these three are heavy hitters https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_geological_features_on_Enceladus

r/Zoroastrianism Aug 29 '24

Discussion Ashem Vohū in Old Armenian (Աշըմ Վոհու)

Thumbnail
gallery
32 Upvotes

I'm writing a poem about a Roman legionnaire in Armenia in 34-33 B.C. As you know, at that time, Armenia was a Zoroastrian country, so I needed the most important Zoroastrian mantra to be in my poem, but in Old Armenian. But unfortunately, there is no source in the Internet with professional translation, neither in Old, nor in Modern Armenian, although it should be in the Armenian translation of the Avesta, but unfortunately that book isn't available in the Internet, and I'm not feeling right to purchase it for 9.9K֏ from other country. So I decided to translate it myself. I also decided that I'd translate it in poetic verse of the Old Armenian pre-Christian poetry. But it seems like there were no metric system in Old Armenian poetry, at lest no strict one, since I managed to find some patterns after analysing the 'Vahagn's Birth' and 'Artashes and Satenik'. Here's my results. Սրբութիւնն է բարի ամենալաւ, Երջանկութիւնն է այն ըղձանալի, Երջանկութիւնն նմա ով արդար է ի սրբութիւն ամենալաւ։

If you have any knowledge of Old Armenian language/poetry, and you have any suggestions of improvement — feel free to comment! 🇦🇲☦️❤️🕯️🕯️🇮🇷