Introduction:

"The teaching of Zarathustra are found mainly in the Gathas. In later writings in the history of Zoroastrianism, as happens with most religions, there were some changes in the teachings, but all the same Zarathustras teachings have continued as the basis and foundation of the teachings of Zorastrianism." (From Mugambi, J.N.K. (2010) A Comparative Study of Religions, Chapter 29)

Readings:

Mugambi, J.N.K. (2010) A Comparative Study of Religions. (2nd Edition), Oxford, UK: African Books Collective, Chapter 29.

Video: 

Understanding Zarathustra

Study Questions:

1. Describe the nature of God in Zarathustra’s thought.
2. Discuss the notion of divine agents and their relation with Ahura Mazda.
3. Give the main differences between Zarathustra’s dualism and that of manichaeism.
4. Comment on what you understand to be two cardinal principles of Zoroastrian ethics.
5. Comment on the characteristic and significance of the Gathas.
6. Discuss the salient features of Zoroasian eschatology.
7. Give some illustrations to show that Zarathustra’s religion was not a complete innovation on his part.
8. What do you understand by the daevas?
9. Explain the meaning and significance of Spenta Mainyu and Angra Mainyu in Zarathustra’s thought.
10. Explain the role of man in the cosmic struggle between Good and Evil in Zoroastrian ethics.
11. What do you understand by Saoshyant?