Zoroastrianism Basic beliefs

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• The transcendental and universal God Ahura Mazda, the one uncreated Creator and to whom all worship is directed.
• That creation is attacked by violence and destruction. The resulting conflict involves the entire universe, including humanity, which has an active role to play in the conflict. Ahura Mazda will ultimately prevail, at which point time will end.
• Active participation in life through good thoughts, words and deeds are necessary to ensure happiness and to keep evil at bay.
• The free will to decide whether to perform good thoughts, words and deeds.

• Not of Zarathushtra's original teachings, but nonetheless accepted by some as doctrine, are:
  • Evil is represented by Angra Mainyu (literally 'destructive spirit'). In articulating the Ahuna Vairya formula, Ahura Mazda made his ultimate triumph evident to Angra Mainyu, who then fell back confounded.
  • After death, the soul is allowed three days to meditate on his/her past life. If the good thoughts, words and deeds outweigh the bad, then the soul is taken into heaven. Otherwise, the soul is led to hell.
  • The universe will go through three eras:
  1. creation;
  2. the present world where creation is under attack.
  3. a final state when Ahura Mazda will prevail, all the universe will revert to its pure state and the occupants of hell will be released.

• Precepts include:

1. equality of all people
2. respect, kindness to all living things
3. the values of hard work, charity
4. loyalty, faithfulness to family, country