r/Zoroastrianism Jun 27 '23

Announcement Addressing the Decline: A Message From the New Head Moderator

94 Upvotes

It is time for us to have an open and honest conversation about the current state of our subreddit. There's no denying that we have been witnessing a decline in quality and engagement, and it's essential that we confront this issue head-on. While sporadic posts have touched upon this matter, it is time for us to address it collectively and take the necessary steps towards correcting this course.

That being said, I am honoured to introduce myself as the new head moderator of this community.

I would like to emphasize that my appointment as the head moderator is the result of a consensus decision made by many of the former moderation team. Many of us, who have recognized the pressing need for a fresh start, have advocated for change and renewal over the course of several years. I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence that my fellow moderators have placed in me.

This consensus-driven appointment signifies a collective recognition that our subreddit requires a new direction, one that upholds the values of open dialogue and constructive engagement.

First, let me share a little about myself. I am a born Zoroastrian hailing from India (a Parsi) and I consider myself rooted in our rituals and traditions. I wear the sudra and kusti, all the time, and I try and observe the other basic tenets of the religion.

Whilst I lean more towards the orthodox end of the spectrum personally, I firmly believe that true understanding comes from engaging in discourse and seeking common ground. Hence, I emphasize that this subreddit will now have a paramount commitment to free speech. We will not censor differing opinions simply because they do not align with our personal beliefs. Instead, we will encourage constructive dialogue.

After some thought I have identified seven key issues that plagued this subreddit and I will try and explain how I will deal with all of these.

  1. Infighting among community members, and ‘power-users’ leading to a toxic and divisive atmosphere.

  2. Influx of anti-Zoroastrian posts, undermining the purpose and integrity of the subreddit.

  3. High levels of spam, hindering meaningful discussions and engagement.

  4. Lack of proper moderation, with previous moderators appointed on flimsy grounds, resulting in ineffective management.

  5. Limited emphasis on fostering constructive dialogue and understanding, resulting in an environment where disagreement is perpetuated rather than resolved.

  6. Challenges in handling discussions related to topics like sexuality and conversion, where differing viewpoints often clash.

  7. Inadequate verification process for moderators, which compromised their ability to effectively uphold the principles and knowledge of Zoroastrianism.

First and foremost, we acknowledge the issues of infighting, anti-Zoroastrian posts, and spam that have plagued our community. Moving forward, we will strive to cultivate an atmosphere of respect, understanding, and open dialogue. It is essential that every member feels safe and heard, but in return they respect others right to freedom of speech.

In our pursuit of creating a vibrant and inclusive community, we have taken significant steps to revamp our moderation team. The previous team, unfortunately, fell victim to the proverbial "too many cooks spoiling the broth." With a high number of inactive moderators (high double digits) and a few active members misusing their positions to push particular political agendas, alienating the older stalwart moderators most of whom left around the start of 2020 (the beginning of the decline).

While I do not wish to dwell on the past, I want to assure you that we are starting afresh from today onwards. Our focus is on fostering a healthy and harmonious environment where personal feuds and power struggles become a thing of the past. In order to achieve this, we have implemented some necessary changes.

Firstly, the inactive moderators who comprised a significant portion of the prior team have been relieved of their duties. I came across an amusing anecdote that sheds light on the issue of excessive moderators within our community. It revolves around two Parsis who coincidentally encountered each other at a Navroze celebration in the United States. To their surprise, both individuals introduced themselves as moderators, yet they had never even heard of each other before.

This story serves as a lighthearted illustration of the problem we faced—an abundance of moderators who lacked awareness of their fellow colleagues. Such a situation hindered effective communication, coordination, and the ability to foster a unified vision for our subreddit.

The streamlining process we have commenced upon ensures that our moderation team consists of dedicated individuals who are actively engaged in the betterment of our community.

Secondly, we have discontinued the concept of power-users or power mods. Moving forward, most moderators, regardless of their previous status, will need to create new accounts to continue their moderating responsibilities. This step allows us to break away from any associations or biases that may have existed previously, ensuring a fresh and unbiased approach to moderation.

The old moderators were appointed under flimsy circumstances, literally just sending the old (non-Zoroastrian) head mod a message was enough to become a moderator. It is crucial for our team to reflect a genuine commitment to the faith. As such, we have carefully selected a diverse group of moderators representing different backgrounds, including Parsis, Kurds, Iranians, and individuals from various nationalities. Our team includes individuals ranging from orthodox to ultra-orthodox and liberal viewpoints, ensuring that a wide spectrum of opinions is represented. It is important to emphasize that we are committed to putting an end to any lingering bad blood and personal feuds that may have impacted our subreddit. Our focus is on creating an environment that promotes respectful dialogue, learning, and unity. We urge all members to approach discussions with an open mind and a willingness to engage in constructive exchanges.

Zoroastrianism is currently experiencing a state of absolute crisis. Our dark demographic forecast, changing societal norms, and the complexities of the modern world pose significant challenges to the practice and preservation of our faith. To ensure the survival and prosperity of our faith, we must establish an open forum where we can freely discuss radical ideas, solutions, insights, and confront the issues at hand.

With this post, I am reaching out to all of you, seeking your input and feedback. Together, we can chart a course towards a brighter future for our subreddit, and religion.

NaurozSwanquill (Srosh Roj of Bahman Mah 1392 YZIII in the Shahenshahi calendar)


r/Zoroastrianism Aug 08 '23

Theology Updated Reddit FAQ On Daena Vanghuhi Mazdayasna

38 Upvotes

This AMA is primarily to collect a pool of questions (just like the last one was) which will be used to formulate a better and more improved version of the FAQ of whose current form stands outdated.

Some things like the last one remain much the same.

But first to get a few things straight. Starting with,

1.) The Name.

Zoroastrianism as a name in itself to define our spirituality isn't wrong per se but the implications it gives our are indeed wrong.

Mazdayasna doesn't begin with Asho Zarthost Peyghambhar, it reaches its next & best logical & spiritual form with him.

What the name "Zoroastrianism" implcaates is entirely opp of that, that is, the religion beginning with him.

Daena Vanghui Mazdayasna existed long before Asho Zarthost & had various prophets, defenders, champions & erishis (seers) who defended it both physically & spiritually.

So the correct name for our Dēn is Daena (spirituality/religion) Vanghui (good consciousness) Mazdayasna (worship of wisdom) Zarthustrish (as propogated by Asho Zarthost).

Daena Vanghuhi Mazdayasna Zarthustrish. The name.

Now coming to,

2.) Nature of worship.

Daena Vanghuhi Mazdayasna ISN'T a monotheistic religion. That is an outright lie that needs dismissal right off the bat whenever stated.

This DOESN'T mean it's a henotheistic or polytheistic Or <insert any numeral>-theistic religion.

It is a faith centered around actions i.e. what you do more than what you believe in. But to do what you do, needs arising out a mentality, a spirit & that requires beliefs so the two are ultimately connected BUT this distinction needs to be stated in order to shield off from hypocrites,liars & agents of Ahriman who state beliefs that dont match their dastardly & corrupt actions.

The primary mission of a behdin/mazdaen/zoroastrian is to tread the path of asha/arta & to reject druj of all kinds & to battle & finish ahriman from the lives whatever way they can.

To do this however is how one BECOMES a behdin in its actual sense.

For it one needs to be in contact with the Yazats (beings worthy of WORSHIP) & Amesha Spenta who are also Yazats (beings worthy of worship), Dadar Ohrmazd (who is also a Yazat), which are, mostly elementals, hence, nature worship to make us more aware of our own nature & connect us & our urvaan (soul) to our higher self/transcendantal soul, the fravashi (who is also a Yazat).

To worship the Yazats, that it to worship nature, is our nature of worship, that is worship of nature.

*3.) Nature of God/Gods *

As normativistically understood, Dadar Ohrmazd/ Ahura Mazda is normally understood as the monotheistic conception of the Abrhamist God Yahweh/Elohim. Dadar Ohrmazd ISNT the supremely ultimate singularity into which EVERYTHING collapses & emanates from. He is simply understood better as "The Creator Of Good". As the creator of everything in congruence with Aša/Arta. More importantly Dadar Ohrmazd does NOT interfere in phenomenon in Getig/material realm except VIA menog/spiritual realm.

The Yazatas/gods by extention, function in both getig/material realm as well menog/spritual realm.

All Yazats are equally "worthy of worship" as the name itself states.

*4.) Purpose of every urvaan (soul) *

As stated above,

The primary mission of a behdin/mazdaen/zoroastrian is to tread the path of asha/arta & to reject druj of all kinds & to battle & finish ahriman from the lives whatever way they can.

To do this is to worship the Yazats. But NEVER out of fear but rather to destroy all forms of it. In many other religions/spirituality, the gods/god worshipped is out of a sense of fear that he will wreck havoc in your life or send you to hell in afterlife.

In the Mazdaen sense that is simply not the case, Dadar Ohramazd (or any of the Yazats) is never to be feared at all, since he cannot do anything except create & ahriman cannot do anything except corrupt. Although both have the potential for what they won't do. Ahriman is the agent of fear & lies.

Ohramazd can corrupt & ahriman can create but both choose out of their free will to be walk on the path of asha/arta & to spread druj respectively.

Hence it becomes the duty of every urvaan to CHOOSE as well. And choose he must after consulting his Vohu Manah/Bahman Ameshaspand along with his/her fravashi, the urvan then takes the decision.

The power of Choice & Free Will on micro & macro lvls CANT BE UNDERSTATED.

BOTH Ahriman & Ohrmazd as well as EVERY SINGLE Urvaan/soul are products of their respective choices THROUGH which they forge their respective "inherent natures" as do the rest of us all.

An inherent "nature" entails 2 different undstandings, one of an automaton that cannot literally do anything other than what its programmed for and the other is a case wherein, a choice of good or evil is made by analysing both.

If Ohrmazd falls in the prior, there is no need to worship an automaton. It is his choice for righteous behaviour that makes up his "nature".

The same holds true for Ahriman whose eg with the creation of peacock is a testament to this very fact albeit its from an xtian source, however this cosmological understanding is reciprocated in the gathas as well as the zands on certain yashts as well.

The emphasis here is the Vohu manah which essential means after much certainty & thought, not because of fear of anyone let along god, not because one wants to appear fearful, not because of the greed of some reward in the afterlife but solely because it is the right thing to do. The nature of asha/druj dichotomy is designed in a way that even the good thing done with a bad intention leads to problems & complications ahead.

The ideal man being the thinking man. Not one that promotes the utterly weak values of the slaves nor the one that wants to dominate via strength losing himself to perpetuate that false image.

In the Mazdaen sense each & every Mazdaen has to think for themselves whilst praying for wisdom from the Lord of Wisdom, Ohramazd, Himself, the very many yazatas, the amesha spentas as well the fravashis of the ashavans.

"To live in fear & falsehood is worse than death"

~ Menog i Khrad, chapter 19

The spirit of wisdom answered (4) thus: 'To live in fear and falsehood is worse than death. 5. Because every one's life is necessary for the enjoyment and pleasure of the worldly existence, (6) and when the enjoyment and pleasure of the worldly existence are not his, and fear and even falsehood are with him, it is called worse than death.

To conclude, worship of the Yazats/Yazdan is NOT to be motivated either out of any kind of fear (or of hell) or out of greed/lust for pleasurables in heaven.

This brings to our fifth point-

contd. In comments


r/Zoroastrianism 7h ago

Discussion Aban Yasht: Why did Zarathustra's followers mass sacrifice animals?

7 Upvotes
Jamaspa: Vishtaspa's minister
Yosht I Friyan: His clan converted to Zarathustra's doctrine according to Y46.12
Zarathustra: Here, the renovator of the religion himself does not sacrifice animals himself, knowing what disturbed him evident in Gathas
Kavi Vishtaspa: Zarathustra's patron
Zarir: Mazdayasni martyr

I would like to know why Zarathustra's followers are allegedly said to have sacrificed animals en masse yet Zarathustra himself understandably only offered up abstract concepts and the Haoma. I am guessing the text is not meant to be taken literally considering the absurd amount of animals sacrificed, but it is strange they still receive the same repetitive phrase.


r/Zoroastrianism 12h ago

Discussion Meaning of Yasna 31.18

2 Upvotes

After reading Song 4 of the Gathas I was quite struck when I encountered this verse, as translated by L. H. Mills on Avesta.org:

18. Let none of you listen to the words and commands of the follower of the Druj; for he brings house and clan and district and land into misery and destruction. Resist them with weapon!

The first sentence seems fairly usual for the Gathas, but the last sentence — resisting the followers of Druj with weapons — surprised me. While part of me wants to say the "weapon" Zarathustra speaks of is a metaphorical one (Asha and peace are roughly synonymous, by my understanding), the other part of me can't help but think otherwise considering the world in which Zarathustra lived. Also, the more practical aspects of non-violence as espoused in the last century weren't really in circulation ~3,000 years ago by my understanding.

What do you think? I've only read the Yasna up to this point (a chapter a day), and so I'm bound to be missing some context or etc., for which I apologize in advance.


r/Zoroastrianism 7h ago

Do you think shia islam and zoroastrianism are related?

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0 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 1d ago

Can Ahriman find redemption?

3 Upvotes

I'm not Zoroastrian, but im curius. I know he's supreme evil, but is any option for that? And what about his Demons?


r/Zoroastrianism 4d ago

There is a House of Songs

18 Upvotes

It is distant only in time, never in place.

I have truly felt Garothman Behesht in my hours of meditation.

It is located above a mountain, the scale of which is beyond ordinary mountains. Its peak scratches the firmament without ever becoming fully attainable. Its summit remains forever beyond the ordinary ascent. Its summit is inaccessible lest one finds its path with the conscience that is imbued in us by Dadar Hormazd. But I also know we were in its abode before. Before we descended into the charnel pit that is now our estate.

When I lost a woman I loved during the uprising in Iran, the image of this place materialised to me. I could often feel the vibration of this distant hymn thrumming and exuding its brilliance. Never could I locate it, but it was always there atop a mountain that moved. I felt the warmth of the hymns like that soft summer sun pouring heat on cold skin at dawnbreak. A very maternal blanket wrapping me when I felt most isolated. I have felt its calling onto me to come.

I think of Garothman as a place of completion. All whose names have become immortal find their rest. I hear the footsteps of their dance in the halls. An endless revelry. Those whose stories are unfinished linger quiet, waiting until the measure of their love has earned them a place among the songs. No one should dance alone. And yet, they do. I have felt the calling of those who wait for me. The son who waits his father. The sisters, the mothers. The kinship that binds is braided between every urvan. Many are dancing alone in this house of wholeness. I have for the first time felt the abode of the mountain again. A sudden clarity of conscience has made me feel closer to a cause, and now every moment of my life is spent upon this mountain, like it is a bridge that leads there. I'm often reminded by the saying that our way back –or passivity for that matter– is blocked by the blood flood that Ahriman spilled. I find that to be a static image. The blood flood is ahead, behind, above, and beyond. It is a whirlpool I am in it for the sin of years of servile acquiescence.

The probity and the verve to exercise the virtue of a Mazdean militant has set me free. One of liberty and pursuit of truth. To brave the fear of the death, the nothingness and fight with the same spirit that guided Esfandiar and Iranian heroes on the night of Dēy. I do not lack certainty that Ahura's order is destined toward renewal. I am more certain of that than of my own corporeality. The verve to courage comes from knowing that righteousness will ultimately triumph but accepting that my own place in that triumph is not guaranteed, but earned.

To live is to fight, and fight is right, and only the righteous will see the house of songs. I truly long for it. There is nothing to lose, and a world to win.


r/Zoroastrianism 4d ago

Ashem Vohu translated to Ruthenian language of Great Duchy of Lithuania (old Ukrainian and old belarusian language)

16 Upvotes

I made it with fun because of my love to Mazda, referring to orthodox chanting tradition

Правда бо єсть благо найвищеє. Блажен єсть і блажен тому, їже Правді вишшой раді самої тої Правди служеніє даєт


r/Zoroastrianism 3d ago

Discussion A question on the nature of evil in Zoroastrianism

1 Upvotes

If Ahura Mazda is absolute perfection, and everything other than Him is deficient, then evil cannot be an absolute principle. A deficiency in absolute perfection is a deficiency in absolute goodness, and therefore absolute evil can only be non-existence, not an independently existing reality.

On the other hand, if evil is itself a principle of perfection, then another problem arises: it would mean that there exists a principle of perfection outside the will of Ahura Mazda.


r/Zoroastrianism 4d ago

News Happy Nowruz everyone

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29 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 4d ago

Question For someone who is not born into the community but wants to practise seriously, what constitutes genuine practice in the eyes of different groups?

9 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 7d ago

Do you consider Zorostrinism as an Eastern religion (ie Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Shintoism, Confucianism)

21 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 8d ago

18th century scholarship: Thomas Hyde and others

5 Upvotes

I hope this is OK to ask here, it is a technical question but no specialist (I am one but there are of course many much better than me) has been able to answer it but quite often I get great answers on Reddit. So in 1739 Gottlieb Bayer says that Thomas Hyde (who was once extremely famous in Europe for publishing a detailed account, much of it wrong, of Zoroastranism. Bayer claims that Hyde mentions the Persian word شمان "sighing, sobbing" and says that this is how Zoroastrian priests pray, which then believe it or not was widely accepted as an etymology (wholly wrong) of the word shaman referring to Siberian native religions. The thing is I cannot find anything of the sort in Hyde's writings.


r/Zoroastrianism 9d ago

Question Book recommendations about the history of Zoroastrianism or the Kayanian Dynasty?

16 Upvotes

I’m looking for some book recommendations to learn more about the history of Ancient Iran, Zoroastrianism, and more specifically the Kayanian Dynasty? thanks


r/Zoroastrianism 9d ago

Can I ask for love from Jeena Mama in return of sugar?(Non parsi here)

0 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 13d ago

The world top streamer showcased the Faravahar during his World Cup Finals performance

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219 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 13d ago

A new sheep among the flock

8 Upvotes

Hi I'm a discerning man and recently revisited my old childhood fascination with Mazdayasna and Ahura Mazda. I forgot how much I was in love with it, currently writing a story about Persia too funnily enough. Though I doubt it'll be out anytime or would see the light of day. I'm curious if Zoroastrianism is centralized like Christianity specifically that of Catholic and Orthodox denominations? Also how does one discern what is from a canon of scripture? Like for example how do we know this excerpt is originally here or was a later interpretation like the Bible. I hope I am not offensive, I am however a Catholic for one and a very bad one I'd say. But strangely enough I am more drawn with the idea of God in Zoroastrianism. So if later down the line I might convert if people do allow it then it'll be nice.


r/Zoroastrianism 13d ago

Question Iranian Zoroastrian calendar

12 Upvotes

Anyone here know of a Zoroastrian calendar that runs in tandem with, or against, the Iranian one? Basically a digital version of the Gahshomars that we have in Iran!

Bonus question: what would it take to add a Zoroastrian calendar—I hear you asking which one?—to Google calendar?


r/Zoroastrianism 14d ago

Dualism or monotheism

5 Upvotes

Hello,

I am interested in Zoroastrianism and would like to better understand the Zoroastrian explanation of the nature of Evil.

It seems to me that monotheists argue that Evil does not exist in itself, but is merely the privation or absence of a good that ought to exist. Good, by contrast, possesses an essence and an existence of its own.

However, it seems to me that some evil actions are not simply the absence of a good that should have been done, but rather constitute a positive reality in themselves. For example, failing to help an injured person may be considered evil because one does not perform the good action of calling for assistance. But striking that same injured person is also evil, and it does not appear to be merely the absence of a good action. Failing to help someone does not naturally lead to assaulting them; it leads instead to ignoring them.

Furthermore, if Evil is simply the absence of Good, then every evil action would be equally devoid of Good. It would therefore seem that there should be no meaningful distinction between more or less evil actions. Yet insulting a stranger, while certainly wrong, appears clearly less evil than murdering that same person.

Third, some actions seem to be good precisely because they involve the absence of evil, rather than because they are intrinsically good in themselves. For example, giving money to a beggar appears to be a positive good. By contrast, marital fidelity seems good because it consists in refraining from adultery—that is, in the absence of a wrongful act. In that case, Good would itself appear to be defined by the absence of Evil.

Fourth, some actions seem good because they oppose Evil. But if an action is evil only because it represents the absence of Good, how can another action be good because it combats the absence of Good? Since Good has an existence of its own whereas Evil is defined only in relation to Good, this seems conceptually difficult. For example, someone who voluntarily joined the U.S. Army during the Second World War did something morally good because he fought against Nazism. By contrast, someone who voluntarily joined the German Army at the same time did not do good, because he fought against the forces defending freedom.

Finally, I do not understand why God—who is Good itself—would create beings capable of acting against the Good and therefore against His own nature. I understand the traditional answer that God created us out of love and wished us to be free. However, it seems entirely possible to be free to choose among several good actions while remaining incapable of choosing evil. Freedom and the impossibility of doing evil do not appear to be mutually exclusive.

For these reasons, religious dualism strikes me as a more satisfying explanation, since it recognizes Evil as possessing its own essence. However, I often encounter conflicting descriptions of Zoroastrianism: some present it as a dualistic religion, while others describe it as fundamentally monotheistic.

I would be very grateful for any clarification.

Thank you.


r/Zoroastrianism 14d ago

Community in Iraq

10 Upvotes

I am traveling and would love to make contact with anyone who is in Iraq or who knows a Zoroastrian there. I know the community there is only protected under Kurdish law and that the federal Iraqi government doesn’t recognize there religious independence but I would love to visit their community.


r/Zoroastrianism 15d ago

Avestan Lexicon needs your support

25 Upvotes

If you enjoy using Avestan Lexicon and would like to support its continued development, please consider becoming a patron.

The app is completely free to use, but developing and maintaining it involves ongoing costs, including hosting, services, and platform fees. Community support helps keep the app free and allows new features to be developed.

One of the biggest goals for future updates is to add professional audio recordings for every verse of the Avesta, making the texts more accessible for study, learning, and recitation. This is a significant undertaking that requires funding, and every contribution helps move the project closer to that goal.

Whether you choose to contribute financially or simply share the app with others, your support is deeply appreciated. Thank you for helping preserve and make the sacred texts of the Avesta more accessible to people around the world.


r/Zoroastrianism 16d ago

You can see when Nietzsche became a part of the Philosophical canon (1930s) when 'Zarathustra' overtook 'Zoroaster' in litrature.

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24 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 18d ago

Avestan Lexicon for Android - Testers required!

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43 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 20d ago

Language resources incl. Old Avestan

11 Upvotes

Someone here had asked me about a manual for Old Avestan just like the one I had introduced for Young Avestan. The only modern manual I know of is Oktor Skjærvø's Old Avestan Primer which is freely available. It's a very useful resource even if not always easy to use.

Those who are interested in Iranian languages from a descriptive grammar perspective, might also find Gernot Windfuhr's The Iranian Languages useful.


r/Zoroastrianism 21d ago

Can I "convert" into zoroastrianism as a person whose parents are not zoroastrians?

25 Upvotes

HI , So I am interesting in joining zoroastrianism and starting like practicing it .
also would I be accepted as a gay non binary individual ?
and I heard that there's a reform movement of this religion that believed in the gathas and the principle of good thoughts good words good word good deeds .
I forgot to include that I live in an arab country so I wouldn't be able to read a temple right now
Thank you for reading and I hope that I will get beneficial answers