r/Zoroastrianism Jun 27 '23

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

69 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

28 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 3h ago

Question looking for suggestion to study English version of Avesta

3 Upvotes

If I want to study the Zend Avesta in English, which editor's version you will suggest? I saw many online and hardcopies from different editors.


r/Zoroastrianism 1d ago

Ex muslim here want to know about Zoroastrianism Help plzz

23 Upvotes

Hey everyone can you guys explain me what is the concept of god in Zoroastrianism and tell me some basics plzzz.. I don't want to end up becoming atheist so iam trying my best to find a good belief to follow and practice.


r/Zoroastrianism 1d ago

Zoroastrianism - Gatha's translations are ambigious

3 Upvotes

Not sure if this is the right place to ask this, but I will try my luck.

I'm reading John Hinnel's book in which he talks about sashoyant and cites the following from gathas:

Thus one text speaks of from (Ys. 30 : 11) <br>
‘the long suffering for the wicked and sava for the righteous’,
where sava is generally translated as salvation. <br>

Another text reads,(Ys 44:12) <br>
‘Or (is) he an enemy, who, verily, (being) a wicked-man, opposes thy salvation (Sava) ?’

I wanted to confirm this and I checked those Ys at [here](https://www.avesta.org/yasna/yasna.htm). In 30:11, I don't see the word "salvation", but I see "blessing" and in 44:12, I don't again see the word "salvation", but "blessing". What John tries to prove is very important about the word "salvation", so it's critical that those yasnas must be showing this word, which they don't.

Am I reading a wrong translation(I checked other translations as well) or what's going on ?


r/Zoroastrianism 1d ago

Shouldn't Parsis, Iranian Zoroastrians and other followers unite to spread the word of Ahura Mazda?

25 Upvotes

What you think of that?


r/Zoroastrianism 2d ago

Writing a novel in which Zoroastrianism is heavily featured.

19 Upvotes

I'm fascinated with the faith. It is beautiful and timeless. The more I read about it, the deeper I fall into it. I'm writing a novel in which a Pontic Greek in the first century has a Zoroastrian mentor. The main character is taken as a slave to Rome after the conquest of Pontus, and his connection with Zarathustra helps him in many ways to survive.

I am familiar with the bare basics, but would like to learn more. Are there any resources you would recommend?

Thanks very much.


r/Zoroastrianism 3d ago

Question How do zoroastrians bury the dead?

15 Upvotes

I'm not familiar with this sub so I want to ask the question on the title. I have Parsi heritage from my dad (even though I'm from Azerbaijan) and he used to tell me that zoroastrians burned the dead and never actually buried them underground according to tradition. But recently, when I had history class (we studied Mannaea that day) and the topic came to burials, my teacher said that the dead were not burned, and instead they gave the bodies to animals to be eaten and the bones were buried underground or kept at home. Is it true or I was lied?


r/Zoroastrianism 4d ago

How will Ratan Tata's last rights be conducted?

18 Upvotes

Will they follow the Zoroaster tradition and do the last rights in a tower of silence? Is that even legal? Or will he be buried or cremated?


r/Zoroastrianism 4d ago

Ratan Tata: Ratan Naval Tata (1937-2024): A Gentle Giant, A Guiding Light, Forever in Our Hearts

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76 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 4d ago

RIP Ratan Tata.

48 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 4d ago

Obituary: Ratan Naval Tata (1937-2024): A Gentle Giant, A Guiding Light, Forever in Our Hearts

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9 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 5d ago

Question Bipolar community. Explain?

21 Upvotes

Regardless of the topic, every comment section in every Zoroastrian forum will become the representation of two poles. When a question is asked, half of the comment section will respond with strict refusatory/isolatory rhetoric, and the other half with openness and a somewhat more theologically liberal, at the same time hostile to the other side kinda point of view. This is especially true for this sub. Some examples:

  • Is Vendidad canon? A: Yes, and everyone who says otherwise is an infidel. B: No, it is not the word of Zoroaster, anyone who claims so is an indoctrinated bigot.

  • Is homosexuality okay? A: No, XY text says that homosexuality is siding with the evil. B: Yes, Zoroaster never said it wasn't.

  • How can I convert? A: There is no conversion, you have to be born to the faith. B: You can convert, you are very welcome here, this is how.

Can someone explain this polarity within the religion? As impartially as you can. And please do not start hating on each other in the comment section, I'd just like to get some clarity on what historical, theological, philosophical etc. reasons could have caused this bipolar reality within the religion. This post is not for starting a heated debate.

And I certainly do not seek answers to the questions on the examples either, for they are just examples.


r/Zoroastrianism 6d ago

Is Syncretism inherently heretical?

16 Upvotes

In parts of Iran, local deities were considered to be Yazatas, and were worshipped as emanations of Ahura Mazda. If the deity being venerated possesses agreeable characteristics, is it inherently heretical to venerate them? For example, if an Arab in sassanid times worshipped 'Athtar as simply "Tishtrya by another name' would he be a heretic?


r/Zoroastrianism 6d ago

Books on the life of Prophet Zoroaster?

9 Upvotes

I was wondering if there are any books available on the life of Prophet Zoroaster. Even legends and epic recounting would do.


r/Zoroastrianism 6d ago

Can I convert, if so, how?

33 Upvotes

Hello, I am a Yemeni ex-Muslim and a few years ago I left Islam and became an atheist. I hate being an atheist, so when I stumbled across Zoroastrianism from learning more about my country I decided to search on it and to me, it seemed like all my questions were answered and it's definitely something I want to be a part of.

I just want to know how I can convert into this beautiful religion that I want to be mine. ☺️


r/Zoroastrianism 6d ago

Question Converting

18 Upvotes

I am interested in converting to Zoroastrianism. How do I proceed? I was raised Christian. I’m kinda in the middle of nowhere so I can’t go to a temple and ask for help. I’m open to ANY advice.


r/Zoroastrianism 6d ago

Question Questions for a Zoroastrian

4 Upvotes

Specifically I have a question for someone who grew up with the religion. Recently I purchased the zend avesta translated to English by james darmesteter, I'm very curious if there are any specific critiques of the work with regards to translation into English. Any information would be greatly appreciated.


r/Zoroastrianism 7d ago

Is the California Zoroastrian Center welcoming?

16 Upvotes

Hello all, my name is Tsanda, 24 and a Very new convert! I just wanted to preface that, while I'm not the most diligent Zoroastrian, I would like to put in the work for it!

The faith has given me such purpose and strength I'm actually going to school now! Lately though, I feel I haven't immersed myself in the community as much as I would like.

Fortunately, I will be moving to California for school and near the LA center! Would it be possible to explore, ask questions, and learn more there?

Any books on the faith are appreciated as well, as I've read my copy of The Sacred Gathas of Zarathushtra many times but would like more material to compare


r/Zoroastrianism 8d ago

Are there any Zoroastrian sources that refer to Christians by the Middle Persian term of "Tarsag" = '(God) Fearers'?

13 Upvotes

Hello, I was reading in many books that the general term for Christians in Zoroastrian sources were almost always called "Tarsag" which means (God) fearers however I wasn't able to find any source, more specifically a primary source from a Zoroastrian whether it be a text or an inscription that calls Christians by "Tarsag" so I was wondering if people on here may direct me? Thanks


r/Zoroastrianism 9d ago

Theology An Arabic translation of the Vendidad

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34 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 9d ago

Question Sacred Numbers

9 Upvotes

Which are the sacred numbers of zoroastrianism? Which numbers repeat in this tradition?


r/Zoroastrianism 10d ago

Does Zoroastrianism have its own equivalent of the Rosary?

20 Upvotes

A quick googling earlier led me to discovering that Buddhism, Hinduism, and even Islam have used prayer beads in a fashion similar to the Catholic Rosary. So I ask, does Zoroastrianism using a similar device?


r/Zoroastrianism 11d ago

The name of the Saoshyant, Astvat-әrәta

16 Upvotes

Hi, I am wondering if anyone who is closely familiar with the Avesta and other Zoroastrian texts can please help me. I want to know whether the name of the Saoshyant, Astvat-әrәta, is attested in a Middle Iranian form? (Perhaps something like Astvat-ard), and if you can please reference the book or yasht in Avesta. Thanks!


r/Zoroastrianism 13d ago

Is Zoroaster is a Sanskrit name?

11 Upvotes

I saw a guy on YouTube claiming that Zoroaster is a Sanskrit name meaning Golden Camel. He claims that it comes from Zarath meaning Golden and Ustra meaning camel. I have never studied Sanskrít so I don't know how true this is. He also claims that Persians were just one of the Rig Vedic cranes mentioned in the RigVeda. What do have to say about this?


r/Zoroastrianism 15d ago

Question How was the relationship between the Zoroastric Iranian states and the believers in the Arabiac Ethnic religion?

14 Upvotes

Thats the question, i know the wars between the Sassanid Persia and the Xtian arabs allied with the Eastern Rome/Bizantine Empire, but what was the Relationship between the Persian States and the Arab population that believe in their polytheistic native faith?


r/Zoroastrianism 17d ago

Is Vayu a Yazata?

10 Upvotes

In one Yasht, Vayu is depicted as being a Yazata, but in many other parts of Avesta they depict him as being associated with death, something opposed to Ameretat. So, is Vayu good or bad? Is he worthy of worship?