What is Zoroastrianism?

In this video I give a short introduction to the religion Zoroastrianism - possibly the oldest monotheistic religion in the world.

Sources/Suggested reading:
Boyce, Mary (2000). "Zoroastrians: Their Religious Beliefs and Practices". Routledge.

Mehr, Farhang (2003). "The Zoroastrian Tradition". Mazda Publishers, U.S.

Boyd, James W. & Donald A. Crosby (1979). "Is Zoroastrianism Dualistic or Monotheistic?". Journal of the American Academy of Religion. Oxford University Press.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Links to videos used:

Indian Diplomacy:

Zoroastrian Religion:

GORDONLAWRENCEVIDEOS:

[hosseinz]

I visited the Zoroastrian Fire Temple in Yazd, Iran where they have held a fire burning for over 1500 years. Its awesome to learn about the ancient religions of the world.

[CM-zlfk]

I am a Persian and confirm that you provided incredible accurate, unbiased and useful information. Thanks a lot. The only missing topic would be the importance of the nature and environment (not only fire) in this religion. So that polluting water, soil, .. were a big sin and resulted harsh punishment.

[ritawilbur]

I grew up in Houston, and in high school I had a friend who was Zoroastrian, although when he told me that, I'd never heard of it. Years later I learned more about his religion. Interestingly, his family was very prominent in the Houston Zoroastrian community and were instrumental in opening a fire temple here - the only fire temple in the world outside of Asia.

[YogiMcCaw]

I am privileged to know some Zoroastrian Persians. The people I know are immensely compassionate and have a healthy respect for all the world's great cultural traditions. Perhaps they are just exceptional people, but what they have impressed on me is that they don't worry so much about monotheism versus dualism, nor are they overly focused on ritual, but on basic precepts of human compassion, social justice, and the practice of everyday kindness.
Because of them, I have developed a profound respect for their faith.

[danfg]

My first introduction to Zoroastrianism was the 2008 Prince of Persia game, anyone else remember it? Unlike others in the PoP series, it had an amazing storyline heavily inspired by this religion. I remember telling the game’s story and ending to my girlfriend at the time and just blowing her mind.

[DrSTabatabai]

As someone growing up in Iran in a religious Shia Muslim family, we have always had a deep respect for Zoroastrians and of course their prophet. Their temple in Chakchak near Yazd is a holy place and we had the honour to visit and pay respect. We also believe that it is certainly a monotheistic religion and the people who claim that they are not, are usually having the incorrect impression of their book and teachings.

Thanks for the great video.
I know you would love it to visit one of the temples in Iran. Let's hope and pray for a free Iran.

[prataprajeshirke]

Parsis in India are a very respected community .They have lived hear for many centuries peacefully . Members of Parsi community have played a major role in vour freedom struggle .We, Indians always speak of them with great respect .

[dhruvdatta]

What i find incredibly hilarious, is that in Hinduism, the Devas are virtuous and noble while the asuras are evil and destructive but in zorastrianism, it's the other way around.

[farnazina]

I celebrated my 18th birthday in the Adrian fire temple in Tehran, it was such a magical moment in my life

[baveshero]

Prophet Zarathustra says :
Taking the first footstep with a good thought, the second with a good word, the third with a good deed I entered paradise.
By Fezana

[GR-scph]

I have met a Zoroastrian who was a Parsee. Educated persians that emigrated to India and kept their religion

[bdboy]

I am a muslim and I found it fascinating to learn about Zoroastrianism, perhaps the first monotheistic religion. Peace be upon Prophet Zoroaster.

[briananderson]

Your level of respect for all people involved is excellent you show yourself to be a very respectful young man. I wish you well on your channel

[bacobill]

This is the most comprehensive and well laid-out presentation I have ever seen on Zoroastrianism.. Thank you

[padmakumarmannathoor]

Being a Hindu i have always wondered why our scriptures were mostly one-sided with the devas as the good guys and the asuras as evil(there are exceptions to this). But in Zoroastrianism or the faith that preceded it, it's the opposite. The only way that i am able to explain this difference is by thinking of an ancient war between the devas and the asuras and we Hindus are descendence of the devas so we carry on their story while the forefathers of the Zoroastrians were descendants of the asuras so they carry the asura perspective. The Rig Vedha even speaks of such a war between the tribes of devas and asuras. This historic event might have over the centuries be immortalized and thus we have all the gods we see today.

[stuarthastie]

Many of the exiled Persians that i have met have taken to wearing Ahura Mazda around their neck.Few seem to have much knowledge of the religion. Mote it seems symbolic of the rejection of Arabism and a yearning for the past glories of the Persian Empire and culture.

[aarush]

4:28 The language in which the book is written is Gujarati, spoken in the Gujarat state of India. Which is intriguing since the Parsis (Zoroastrians) first arrived in Gujarat from Persia after the Islamic conquest of Persia. Gujarat is also the state with the second highest population of Parsis in India.

[Antonio-Montan]

I would like to thank you for this content and just add that the Zoroastrian religion will never be extinguished since it is engrained into Aryan tradition. This includes all countries many of which made up the former Persian and later Russian empires spanning the Caucasus including Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Uzebekistan, Tajikestan, Azarbaijan, Georgia, Krygystan, Turkey, Syria, Iraq, India and beyond.

Zoroastrianism still resonates with many, reminding us of common historical ties through poems, traditions, food, celebrations, language and the rich teachings of Zoroaster. For example in Fardowsi's (Hakim Abul-Qasim Mansur) Epic Book, Shah Nameh and the works of Daqiqi (Abu Mansur Muhammad Ibn Ahmad Daqiqi Balkhi), Nowruz spring equinox and the Haftsin, seven S's originally directly linked with nature, Chaharshanbe Suri leaping over fire and it is no coincidence that Azerbaijan is known as ‘the land of fire’. Regardless of our differences, the underlying principles of respect for nature's elements and humankind is as relevant today as has ever been.

[kunalsharma]

A handful of them are left ... I am lucky to have few of them as friends..

Love you bawas... Very cool people!

[Spaxcore]

Keep putting out this level of content and I believe you will pass a million followers. The world needs more great history lessons like this. Fantastic work.