Zoroastrianism

Zoroastrianism was founded by the prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) and centers around the worship of Ahura Mazda, the supreme god. It is known for its dualistic cosmology, which posits an ongoing battle between the forces of good, represented by Ahura Mazda, and evil, represented by Angra Mainyu (or Ahriman). The religion teaches that adherents should follow a path of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds to promote asha, or truth, against druj, or deceit.

Key Practices and Beliefs:

Fire Temples: Zoroastrians worship in fire temples where a sacred fire is maintained, symbolizing the divine presence and purity.

Towers of Silence: Dead bodies are placed in these structures (dakhmas) to be exposed to scavenger birds, ensuring that the earth and fire are not contaminated by decaying matter.

Navjote Ceremony: This initiation ritual involves giving the initiate a sacred shirt (sudreh) and girdle (kusti) that symbolize their commitment to the faith.

Amesha Spentas: These are holy immortals who assist Ahura Mazda in maintaining order and truth in the world.

Avesta: The sacred texts of Zoroastrianism, which include the Gathas (hymns attributed to Zoroaster), Yasna, and Vendidad, among others.

1. **Zoroaster/Zarathustra**: The founder and prophet of Zoroastrianism, known for his teachings that form the basis of the religion.

2. **Ahura Mazda**: The supreme god in Zoroastrianism, representing wisdom and light.

3. **Angra Mainyu (Ahriman)**: The destructive spirit, representing chaos and evil, in opposition to Ahura Mazda.

4. **___1___**: The sacred scriptures of Zoroastrianism, containing its liturgical and theological texts.

5. **Towers of Silence (___2___)**: Circular, raised structures used for the sky burial of the dead, where bodies are exposed to scavenging birds.

6. **Gathas**: Hymns attributed to Zoroaster, forming part of the Avesta and central to Zoroastrian liturgy.

7. **___3___**: The seven divine entities created by Ahura Mazda, each representing a facet of creation and an aspect of divinity.

8. **Chinvat Bridge**: The bridge that souls must cross after death, where their deeds are judged to determine their fate in the afterlife.

9. **Vendidad**: A part of the Avesta, containing laws and myths aimed at protecting followers from evil.

10. **Fire Temples**: Places of worship in Zoroastrianism where a sacred fire is kept burning, symbolizing Ahura Mazda's purity and presence.

11. **Asha and Druj (truth and lies)**: Central ethical concepts representing the forces of order (Asha) and chaos (Druj).

12. **___4___**: The Zoroastrian community in India, descended from Persian Zoroastrians who fled Muslim persecution in Iran.

13. **Vishtaspa**: The first royal patron of Zoroaster, who helped spread the religion.

14. **Gayomart**: The primordial man in Zoroastrian mythology, from whom all humans are descended.

answers:

1. Avesta

2. Dakhmas

3. Amesha Spentas

4. Parsis

These elements collectively describe the cosmology, theology, and ethical framework of Zoroastrianism, illustrating its rich tradition and historical significance.

1. **Zoroaster/Zarathustra** - 50 times

2. **Ahura Mazda** - 43 times

3. **Angra Mainyu (Ahriman)** - 41 times

4. **Avesta** - 36 times

5. **Towers of Silence (Dakhmas)** - 31 times

6. **Gathas** - 29 times

7. **Amesha Spentas** - 19 times

8. **Chinvat Bridge** - 18 times

9. **Vendidad** - 18 times

10. **Fire Temples** - 18 times

11. **Asha and Druj (truth and lies)** - 15 times

12. **Parsis** - 15 times

13. **Vishtaspa was the first guardian of this religion** - 7 times

14. **Gayomart as the first man** - 6 times