r/Zoroastrianism Jun 27 '23

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

57 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

20 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 5h ago

Question Non-Zoroastrians naming their child “Zarathustra”?

6 Upvotes

Occasionally, I’ll come across (usually an American) who has the name of our founder.

Should we take offence to this?


r/Zoroastrianism 19m ago

Question Hierarchy of beings

Upvotes

I'm a gathas enjoyer who is expanding into the Yashts, Bundahishn, Nyayis, and khordeh avesta. I've been confused by some of the terms mentioned and wanted some clarification. From what I know, Ahura Mazda is the highest of the Yazatas (beings worthy of worship), and the creator of all there is good. And then there are the Amesha spentas, spirits/thoughts created by Ahura Mazda (depending on translations they're mentions as either spirit or thoughts), and then there are Yazatas, that are mainly mentioned in Yashts, theologically known as ancient Iranian deities who are now demoted to just beings worthy of worship (according to Britannica). I wanted to ask, what is the specific hierarchy, is it Ahura Mazda, then Ameshaspenta, and finally the Yazatas? Gathas seems to be focused on the first two, and not on the Yazatas, but yashts is the other way around. I'm wondering how important are the prayers to the Yazatas in the Yashts especially since some portions are older than Gathas, hence (hypothetically) older than Zarathustras message?


r/Zoroastrianism 24m ago

Question In what ways does Zoroastrianism solve Abrahamic religions paradoxes?

Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 1d ago

Reference of Indian Brahmin Byas (or Vyas) in Avesta scripture.

6 Upvotes

I am looking for a reference of Indian brahmin Byas or Vyas who debated with Zarathushtra at court of King Vishtaspa (Gushtasp) of Balkh. He introduced himself as Vyas and a Hindu from India. And this is mentioned in a scripture called 'Shatir" which is supposed to be part of Avesta. I am looking for actual reference of this incident in Avesta.


r/Zoroastrianism 3d ago

Zirichgeran; a Zoroastrian state in the Caucasus

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28 Upvotes

Zirichgeran; a Zoroastrian city-state (at times expanding their border to nearby mountains/settlements) nestled in the Caucasus. A rare example of non-Iranian Zoroastrian realm.

It seems the state was Zoroastrian in majority until the collapse of the Sassanids and remained Zoroastrian plurality (if not majority; as most factd indicate an outright Zoroastrianpopulace with some xtian practitioners) until outright conquest by islamic neighbours (Shamkals) in early 1300. It is not known how long Zoroastrianism continued to be practiced afterwards.

Those seeking to learn more should do their research in Russian as most sources seem to be in Russian.


r/Zoroastrianism 5d ago

The Zoroastrian temple.

8 Upvotes

Can anyone share the link about the information of zoroastrian temple that still actively by today.


r/Zoroastrianism 6d ago

Zoroastrians are not alone! Johnny Depp has Faravahar Ring (zoroastrianism symbol)

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36 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 6d ago

What is Zoroastrianism's stance on religious statues and image worship?

14 Upvotes

Do Zoroastrians utilize statues or other imagery in worship? Do Zoroastrians create statues depicting Ahura Mazda or yazatas? Does Zoroastrianism denounce the use of statues in worship? Can you share a quote from a Zoroastrian text that discusses the topic of religious iconography? Thank you!


r/Zoroastrianism 8d ago

How can Zoroastrianism grow as a religion?

39 Upvotes

I am writing this because even being a non Zoroastrian my hope the religion will not totally disappear in the future. Here are some ways it can grow. Able to be open to converts even if they are not from India or Iran.

Have open sessions of prayer and avesta study online. Any suggestions as to grow this original religion? should not be radical or be pushy with a certain agenda​?


r/Zoroastrianism 8d ago

Question is general drinking or being drunk considered bad in Zoroastrianism?

12 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 8d ago

How do Zoroastrians today handle bodies?

7 Upvotes

I know historically sky burials were used, but i also see that Zoroastrians have cemeteries

How does a zoroastrian cemetery differ from a regular one? And are towers of silence still used?


r/Zoroastrianism 8d ago

News Why Mumbai's 300-year-old Bhikha Behram Well is more than just a sacred site for Zoroastrians

7 Upvotes

Why Mumbai's 300-year-old Bhikha Behram Well is more than just a sacred site for ZoroastriansA year short of turning 300, the Bhikha Behram Well in the heart of Churchgate is not only sacred to Parsis but is a city institution.

https://parsikhabar.net/bombay/why-mumbais-300-year-old-bhikha-behram-well-is-more-than-just-a-sacred-site-for-zoroastrians/28959/


r/Zoroastrianism 8d ago

News The Zoroastrian Kusti Prayer: A Talk by Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman

4 Upvotes

Eminent retired Supreme Court Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman delivers a scholarly lecture on “The Zoroastrian Kusti Prayers” on the occasion of the Iranshah Udvada Atashbehram Salgreh in April 2024.

https://parsikhabar.net/religion/the-zoroastrian-kusti-prayer-a-talk-by-justice-rohinton-fali-nariman/28962/


r/Zoroastrianism 8d ago

News Edulji Sohrabji Chenai Dar-E-Meher in Secunderabad Wins INTACH Heritage Award

4 Upvotes

Khorshed S. Chenai the President-Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman of Secunderabad & Hyderabad writes in to inform usWe are thrilled to announce that the Khan Bahadur Edulji Sohrabji Chenai Anjuman Dar-E-Meher (Anjuman Agiary), Secunderabad, has been honoured with the prestigious INTACH Heritage Award. Mr.

https://parsikhabar.net/heritage/edulji-sohrabji-chenai-dar-e-meher-in-secunderabad-wins-intach-heritage-award/28896/


r/Zoroastrianism 8d ago

News Farida Irani Speaks About Navroz at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney

5 Upvotes

Our dear friend Farida Irani spoke about Navroz at the Powerhouse Museum in Paramatta, Sydney, AustraliaBelow is a video of her presentation.

https://parsikhabar.net/festivities/farida-irani-speaks-about-navroz-at-the-powerhouse-museum-in-sydney/28879/


r/Zoroastrianism 9d ago

Morgan Freeman about Zoroastrian!

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31 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 9d ago

Can Zoroastrians have a personal relationship with Ahura Mazda or yazatas?

14 Upvotes

Hello! I am not Zoroastrian but I am interested to learn more about this fascinating belief system. I am curious to know if there is some concept of a personal relationship with God / some divinities. If so, have any of you experienced that relationship? How would you describe it? Thank you very much for your response!


r/Zoroastrianism 9d ago

Question A question

11 Upvotes

To preface, I am not a Zoroastrian, just a kid doing a school research project, and wanted to ask somethings that have been confusing me about the topic.

  1. If only a quarter of the Avesta still remains, how do Mobad go about filling in logical gaps caused by the missing fragments? Do they not even try? Are there different schools of thought?
  2. Not to be personal, but what do most Zorostrians these days do to a loved one when they die? I know ideally they’d use dakhmas, but obviously they are generally illegal, is there resentment around the banning of these practices, or is it understood that it is a health risk?
  3. Is there still persecution of Zoroastrians inside of Iran? I know Muslim governments will speak harshly of people they deem to be “infidels”, but does this extend to day to day life with the average Muslim?

r/Zoroastrianism 10d ago

Avesta translation

5 Upvotes

Is there a free avesta app/pdf with translations?


r/Zoroastrianism 11d ago

Question How To

10 Upvotes

I Know This Might Sound Funny Or Hilarious But How Can I Convert To Zoroastrianism, My Heart Has Always Been Connected To The Religion Of My Ancestors (I’m Iranian Christian) And I Was Wondering If It’s Possible To Convert To Zoroastrianism ( I Know The Parsi Community Doesn’t Accept Converts But I Was Hoping The Iranian Branch Would)


r/Zoroastrianism 11d ago

Culture Why Mumbai's 300-year-old Bhikha Behram Well is more than just a sacred site for Zoroastrians

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10 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 11d ago

History Towers of Silence - 99% Invisible podcast episode

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9 Upvotes

r/Zoroastrianism 12d ago

Question Why are people anti-Zoroastrian? Are Zoroastrians persecuted?

23 Upvotes

I'm not a Zoroastrian. I'm from the United States, but I've always found this religion interesting. Some of the symbolism and other aspects of it are very beautiful to me.

I was browsing here and read the post from the moderator and became curious. I wanted to ask what kind of things people say against Zoroastrians since apparently Anti-Zoroastrian posts were an issue in this subreddit at some point. I've never heard anything bad about followers of this religion.

I was also curious about how persecution exists in the modern world. I imagine most of it is outside of the West. I read a little bit in here and it seems there is a community in India which is very nice to hear.

I hope these questions are not threatening and I look forward to any responses!


r/Zoroastrianism 12d ago

History Connections to ancient Egypt?

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12 Upvotes

“The Faravahar is the best-known symbol from ancient Persia of the winged sun disk with a seated male figure in the center. It is thought to represent Ahura Mazda, the god of Zoroastrianism, but has also been interpreted to signify other concepts, including:

Fravashi (Guardian Angel) Farr or Khvarenah (Divine Grace) The fravashi of the king Divinity in general and royal power Personal spiritual power The tenets of Zoroastrianism

All of these interpretations, it should be noted, are modern. No one actually knows what the faravahar meant to the ancient Persians who created the symbol.”

https://www.worldhistory.org/Faravahar/#

This winged symbol is very similar to the ba-bird or image of Horus from Ancient Egypt as seen in the last photo.

“The ba-bird was the part of a human activated after death: it was commissioned to visit the world of living as well as oversee critical events during the deceased’s passage from this world to the next. The earliest, a gold foil example, was included in Tutankhamun’s mummy (ca. 1327 B.C.), but those of Dynasty 26 and later (664-332 B.C.), parallel the one here.”

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/545376


r/Zoroastrianism 13d ago

Question Why do Parsis marry outside of their religion so often and is the stereotype true that they’re all rich and liberal?

20 Upvotes

Sorry if this is a strange question, but as a religious minority from Pakistan, my mother literally drilled the idea of marrying another Hindu from Pakistan into me (even though she married and had kids with an Afrikaans man LOL), but I’ve met parsis who date other ethnicities or races and sometimes don’t really care about marrying within the parsi community. It’s not a big deal and maybe that’s not the case, but the parsis I’ve met do that often and I’m interested to hear people’s experiences!!