The Basis of Zarathustra’s Philosophy
Zarathusthra seems to have
become convinced that all events of the world are based on cause and effects.
He has, therefore, based his teachings on three principles: good reflection,
good word, and good deed.
He was wise enough to
recognize that all the motives of human beings are based on action and
reaction. Because, the receiver of every good deed in this world will react
accordingly with the good behavior. Therefore, in the realm of interaction, if
human beings act favorably, they receive favorable reaction and vice versa. In
this regard, if a person robs another one, he should not be surprised when some
day he will be robbed as well.
Zarathustra never imagined
praising a God who is a bribe taker. The one, who is bribed by worship and then
he rewards his worshiper with a part of paradise. The Almighty God is not a
dealer, he is neither a buyer nor a seller, and does not need also to be
flattered by his creatures. The almighty God of Zarathustra, is the initiator
of justice, kindness, and truthfulness and guides his creatures to the same
principles. That is why, Zarathustra, has based his philosophy on good
reflection, good word, and good deed.
In Zarathustra’s philosophy,
everybody has the liberty to choose the right way, out of his/her good
reflection and since human wisdom is more related to good reflection, thus the
followers of Zoroastrianism should precede by each other to the propagation of
science and education. In this manner, Zoroastrianism becomes the forerunner of
knowledge and enlightenment.
Zarthustra's Immortality Philosophy
Zoroastrianism is founded on three elements: good reflection, good words, and
good deed.
- Equality between men and
women are frequently mentioned in the Gathas
- Cleanliness of water, land,
air, and fire is one of the chief characteristics of Zoroastrianism
- There is no mention of
inhumane theory and practice of slavery in Zoroastrianism.
- Another praiseworthy
doctrine of Zoroastrians, which is frequently mentioned in the Gathas, is
denunciation of laziness. Laziness and taking advantage of the products of
others toils is strongly reproached as the act of oppression. Everybody
should take it upon himself/herself to relieve the oppressed people from
exploitation by others. Everybody should subsist by the fruits of his/her own
labor.
- Idolatry, litholatry, and
human made places of worship are reproached in Zoroastrianism. “God’s house,”
cannot be made by human beings with mud and stone, it is the soul and heart of
them.
- In Zoroastrianism not only
oppression toward human beings is strongly condemned; Gathas frequently
reproaches cruelty against animals. Sacrifice of animals by human beings is
considered the criminality of mankind against animals.
Zoroastrianism has never
believed in anthropomorphism any feature for God. In no part of the Gathas,
there is also any mention of the face of God. Zarathustra says in Yasna 31:8
“O’ Mazda, when I was
looking for you with my wisdom and speculation faculties and tried to find you
with the eye of my heart, I recognized that you are the starter and the end of
everything, you are the source of wisdom and reflection and you are the creator
of truthfulness and purity and the judge and justice for the behavior of all the
human beings.”
Source: http://www.parsicommunity.com/Religion/Zarathustra/Philosophy.htm
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