Beliefs and Principles
Ahura Mazda
The principles of Zoroastrianism are based in the belief of one God, Ahura Mazda, who is the creator and sustainer of the universe. Ahura Mazda means the "Wise Lord" in Avestan and is the source of all goodness and truth. Further, Ahura Mazda is responsible for the natural order of the universe and is omniscient (knows all).
Threefold Path
Zoroastrianism has a Threefold Path of Asha (a path of righteousness) which are the three core teachings of the religion:
1. Humata- Good Thoughts
2. Hūxta- Good Words
3. Huvarshta- Good Deeds
By practicing good thoughts, good words, and good deeds, one can strive to become an Ashavan, or one that has mastered righteousness.
Fravashi
Zoroastrians believe that Ahura Mazda has created a personal spirit in each individual known as the fravashi. The fravashi is not only responsible for being one's spiritual protector but the fravashi also helps the individual navigate the challenges and obstacles of life, guiding one towards enlightenment by performing good deeds.
Good and Evil Forces
Zoroastrianism is a religion that is highly based upon dualism and that the world possesses good and evil forces. Good is represented by Ahura Mazda, while evil is represented by Angra Mainyu, the evil spirit. Angra Mainyu, also known as Ahriman, resides in duzakh, or the depths of Hell.
Zoroastrianism delineates the eternal battle between good and evil (that we experience in ourselves individually and as a universal truth) through the conflicts between Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu. Cosmic dualism is the everlasting battle between good (Ahura Mazda) and evil (Angra Mainyu) in the universe as a whole. Ahura Mazda contains pure energy, and when attacked by Angra Mainyu, this is believed to cause disruptions to our Earth. For instance, death, disease, and natural disasters are attributed to the forces of evil attacking the forces of good.
Cosmic Dualism
Moral Dualism
Moral dualism in Zoroastrianism is closely connected to cosmic dualism, as it refers to the belief that human beings have a choice between good and evil actions. In Zoroastrianism, individuals have free will and are responsible for their own actions. As individuals, we all have a choice: to follow a path of evil (druj) or to follow a path of righteousness (asha). If the individual chooses to align with the path of righteousness, then they will be rewarded in the afterlife.
On the other hand, if one chooses the path of evil, they will be punished and forced to exist in duzakh (or Hell).
Afterlife
The dualistic nature of Zoroastrianism includes the belief in a final judgment at the end of time, when all souls will be judged based on their actions in life. After death, one's immortal soul will be judged by Ahura Mazda by weighing all good and bad deeds during their lifetime. If the good deeds outweigh the bad deeds, then the soul will be able to exist in an eternal life in paradise (or Heaven). If the bad deeds outweigh the good deeds, then the soul will plunge into the depths of duzakh (Hell).
The Amesha Spenta
The Amesha Spenta translates to the "beneficent immortal" and refers to the six divinities created by Ahura Mazda. Three of these divine beings are male and the other three are female. The Amesha Spentas are bestowers of good and represent spiritual attainments.
The Six Amesha Spenta:
1. Asha Vahishta- Truth and order, presides over fire
2. Vohu Manah- Good mind, spirit of divine wisdom and illumination, presides over animals
3. Khshathra Vairya - presides over power
4. Ameretāt- Immortality
5. Spenta Armaiti- Holy devotion, presides over the Earth
6. Haurvatāt- Wholeness