Abstract
The paper relates that Zoroastrianism is a monotheistic religion that once had an impact on the formation and the practice of both Christianity and Judaism. The paper discusses the deity that forms the central aspect of this faith that is Ahura Mazda, the Wise Lord, who oversees creation. The paper points out that interestingly, minor deities, representing the battle between good and evil, as well as the seven aspects of creation, also appear to exist despite Zoroastrianism's monotheistic claim.

From the Paper
"Zoroastrianism is a faith with ancient roots, having originated in or around the ninth or tenth century BCE. It was founded in Persia, now Greater Iran, where it became the religion of the majority of the people. Over time other faiths supplanted Zoroastrianism; however, the religion is seeing a modern resurgence. But who were the gods of this religion? How were they developed and what characteristics did they have? How did they relate to their human worshipers? In large part, these questions can be answered by examining the prophet Zoroaster and his preaching about the..."

Tags:ahura, zoroaster, parsi

Abstract
The paper refers to Gatha literature as a source of information on Zoroaster's life and teaching, on departures from Mithraism and also Manichaeism taken to India in the 9th century with the Arab invasion of Iran. The paper looks at Ahura Mazda as 'who is truth' in conflict with the lie, on the personal level too, and discusses how the Parsi needs to be truthful, kind, and constructive with an emphasis on charity and cycles of creation. The paper stresses the adaptable framework of Parsi philosophy and psychology.

From the Paper
"Whatever words and deeds are noblest, best, Teach me, O Mazda, make my life express, Through love for fellow man, through search for truth, The yearnings and prayers of my heart." The Gathas of Zarathustra, Ahunanavait 7:15, Yasna 34.35.
"The Zoroastrian religion has grown up around teachings attributed to Zoroaster as continue in a Parsi community of 200,000 or so divided between India and the West. This paper describes the framework of..."

Tags:zoroastrianism, parsis, philosophy

Abstract
This paper discusses religions of ancient Asia. The paper contends that, just as the people and customs of ancient Asia were varied, so too were their religious beliefs. As centralized governments and cities came to power, certain religions became favored over others with the aim of establishing a religious base for rule. The paper focuses on Zoroastrianism and Hinduism. The paper claims that these are two of the oldest religions still in practice today, and their histories mirror the most significant events of the ancient world.

From the Paper
"Ancient Asia was home to many varied peoples, cultures, and religions. The origins of a large number of the prevalent religions in modern Asia date back millennia before the start of the western calendar and Christianity. A myriad of polytheistic and monotheistic religions possessing extremely detailed forms of worship and world views were born out of similar social conditions. The start of formalized religions coincides with the dawn of civilization, or more specifically, the city. Naturally, the earliest religions took on a number of traditionally held beliefs and customs of the native people and worked them into a more rigorous dogma of one form or another. In addition to standardizing the manner by which people worshipped, these formalized religions--particularly in ancient times--were utilized as a tool for social order and extended power to the ruling parties. In short, religions in ancient Asian societies became matters of state by which all actions of the state could be executed and justified. The specific religious view adopted by a given society reveals greatly the values, morals, and social beliefs ingrained in that society and there are many parallels to be drawn between the numerous religions born out of ancient Asia."

Tags:zarathushtra, ahura, mazda