HIST_112_assignment2-1

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Name: Jessie Nguyen Date: September 15, 2023 Subject: History 112 Professor: Anu Mande Assignment #2: Zoroastrianism 1. What is the significance of fire in Zoroastrianism? Fire is significant in Zoroastrianism, symbolizing purity, divinity, and enlightenment. It symbolizes the presence of Ahura Mazda, the Zoroastrian god known as the "Wise Lord" or "Lord of Light." Fire is used in religious rites as a cleaner, both spiritually and physically. Zoroastrian fire temples house sacred fires tended by priests burning for millennia, signifying Ahura Mazda's perpetual flame. Fire is a conduit between the mortal and divine worlds, transporting prayers and offerings to the spiritual realm. It also represents the ideals of wisdom, truth, and protection, making it a central and revered component of Zoroastrian thought and practice. 2. What is the Tower of Silence? The Tower of Silence is a traditional Zoroastrian construction for burying the deceased. As part of the Zoroastrian ritual of sky burial, bodies are put on the tower's flat roof to be exposed to the elements and scavenger birds. This is done to prevent polluting of the earth and fire. 3. What are the sacred scriptures and fundamental tenets of Zoroastrianism? The sacred scripture of Zoroastrianism is the Avesta, which includes the primary texts, the Gathas, attributed to the prophet Zoroaster. The fundamental tenets of Zoroastrianism include the belief in one supreme god, Ahura Mazda, the dualistic struggle between good (Asha) and evil (DRUJ), the importance of moral and ethical conduct, the notion of judgment and an afterlife, and the veneration of fire and other elements in religious rituals. 4. When and why did Zoroastrians flee from Persia? Where did they seek refuge? Zoroastrians fled Persia in waves, particularly during and after the 7th century CE Islamic conquest of Persia. They sought shelter in places like India (particularly Gujarat), where they could openly practice their faith without fear of persecution. Religious persecution and the desire to preserve Zoroastrian beliefs and culture in the face of Islamic control drove the exodus.

5. In what ways did Zoroastrianism influence the Abrahamic religions? Zoroastrianism likely influenced the Abrahamic religions, particularly Judaism, in several ways. First is monotheism. The emphasis of Zoroastrianism on worshiping one supreme god, Ahura Mazda, may have influenced the development of monotheism in Judaism and later in Christianity and Islam. Second is dualism; Zoroastrianism's concept of a dualistic struggle between good (Asha) and evil (DRUJ) may have contributed to the development of similar dualistic themes in later religious traditions, such as the concept of Satan in Christianity and Islam. The third is about judgment and afterlife. The belief of Zoroastrianism in a final judgment and the sorting of souls into heaven or hell may have influenced similar notions in the Abrahamic religions, particularly the concepts of heaven, hell, and the Day of Judgment. Fourth is ethical and moral teachings; Zoroastrianism's emphasis on ethical and moral conduct, as reflected in its teachings of truthfulness, righteousness, and justice, may have impacted the ethical teachings found in the Abrahamic scriptures. Lastly is fire worship. While not a direct influence, the veneration of fire in Zoroastrianism may have contributed to the symbolism of light and fire in some Abrahamic traditions, representing divine knowledge, enlightenment, and purity. It is important to note that the exact nature and extent of Zoroastrian influence on the Abrahamic religions are subjects of scholarly debate, and historical connections between these religious traditions are complex and multifaceted. 6. Explain the symbolism of Faravahar. The Faravahar symbol in Zoroastrianism represents various concepts such as the Winged Disk, Human Figure, Three Layers of Wings, Ring and Streamers, Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds. The central element is a winged disk, symbolizing the divine and spiritual realm's transcendence over the material world. Human Figure within the circle is a human figure with outstretched arms, often seen as a guardian spirit or the divine spark within individuals, emphasizing free will and ethical choices. Three Layers of Wings represent the threefold path of Asha (truth, righteousness, and order) that one should follow in life. Ring and Streamers symbolize streamers, humility, and the flow of time, while the central ring represents the soul's eternal nature. Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds embody the Zoroastrian maxim, encouraging adherents to lead virtuous lives. The Faravahar is a protective and guiding symbol, encapsulating fundamental Zoroastrian values and principles.

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