Ahura Mazda
From Freepedia
Ahura Mazda is the abstract and transcendant god of Zoroastrianism, the official religion of ancient Persia until the 7th century. The word "Ahura" approximately equates to "divinity" and "Mazda" to "wisdom".
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Ahura Mazda and Zoroaster's Teachings
Zoroaster (also called Zarathrushta), the principal prophet of Zoroastrianism, preached that all things good and beneficial to humankind are the creation of Ahura Mazda and everything that is malignant is the creation of Ahriman or Satan.
In Zoroastrianism, Ahura Mazda created the world in six periods. Zoroastrianism teaches that Ahura Mazda created humankind and the human body and mind. Mashya and Mashyana were the first man and woman created by him. Ahura Mazda is further the protector and nourisher of all. For example, aAccording to Zoroastrian tradition, during "the deluge" an underground palace 'Vara of Yima' was built by Ahura Mazda for the protection of all creatures.
Zoroastrianism are expected to demonstrate unswerving devotion to Ahura Mazda. A devotees' worship includes bowing, praying and making offerings to Ahura Mazda.
Terms of honour
In Zoroastrian religion, Ahura Mazda is known as (approximate English equivalents):
- The Supreme Universal Lord
- The All-pervading
- The Source and the Fountain of life
- The Brilliant
- The Majestic
- The Greatest
- The Best
- The most Beautiful
- The Strongest
- The most Intellectual
- The Highest through Holiness
- The Holiest among the heavenly, who created the world
- The Changeless
- The Mighty
- The Just
- The Merciful
- The most Beneficial
References
Foltz, R.C., 2004 "Spirituality in the Land of the Noble: How Iran Shaped the World's Religions", Oneworld Publications, Oxford. ISBN1851683364
