Zoroaster , or Zarathustra, (born c. 628, probably Rhages, Iran—died c. 551 bce), Iranian religious reformer and prophet, founder of Zoroastrianism and Parsiism. He was a priest in his tribal religion, with which he eventually became disillusioned. Having received a vision, he began teaching that Ahura Mazdā was the highest god and alone was worthy of worship, a concept that went against the polytheism of Iranian religion. He forbade the orgiastic rites that accompanied animal sacrifice, common in his time, but preserved the ancient cult of fire worship. After converting a king called Vishtāspa to his teachings, Zoroaster remained at the royal court. He became the subject of legends and a model for various occupations.
Zarathushtra Article
Zoroaster summary
Below is the article summary. For the full article, see Zarathushtra.
occultism Summary
Occultism, a group of esoteric religious traditions emerging primarily from 19th-century Europe. In particular, the term occultism is associated with the ideas of the French Kabbalist and ceremonial magician Éliphas Lévi as well as the various figures, both in France and abroad, who were strongly
scripture Summary
Scripture, the revered texts, or Holy Writ, of the world’s religions. Scriptures comprise a large part of the literature of the world. They vary greatly in form, volume, age, and degree of sacredness, but their common attribute is that their words are regarded by the devout as sacred. Sacred words
Iran Summary
Iran, a mountainous, arid, and ethnically diverse country of southwestern Asia. The country maintains a rich and distinctive cultural and social continuity dating back to the Achaemenian period, which began in 550 bce. Since 1979 it has become known for its unique brand of Islamic republic.