Zoroastrism and Zarathustra

 

Detail from :

The School of Athens by Raphael, 1509,

showing Zoroaster  (left, with star-studded globe)

In Zoroastrism, Ahriman is not considered as born of God, not even as the 'fallen angel', because by that, God would become responsible for evil alone.

Ahriman is considered as entirely independent evil spirit, who wants to destroy the perfection of God's creation. In spite of this seeming dualism, we could consider Zoroastrism as monotheistic religion, because Ormuz is the supreme divinity, the creator of heaven, earth and man, as well as of divine beings, that can be compared with archangels and angels. This god is the principle of truth and good, and beside him there are no other gods.

Prophet Zarathustra taught that this world is good in its essence, but the attacks of Ahriman do corrupt him. People have their personal responsability to choose between good and evil, and according to their free will in choice they make, they will be judged on the other world. In Zoroastrism, there is the cosmic battle between good and evil, which will last for three thousand years, according to the prophecy; after that, the evil will be destroyed, and Ahriman disabled, and then will take place the renewal of the creation. The earth and heaven will be merged then, to create what is best in both worlds.

In the eulogies gatha, Zarathustra points at divine mystical tradition and he yearns for acquirement of the divine knowledge. He teaches that achievement of wholeness and immortality leads to enlightenment, where one can get the knowledge of God alone. The relation between man and God is based upon love. To achieve the pure love of God, it is necessary to have in mind

Zarathustra's words: «I yearn for your figure and union with you, come to me alone and grow inside me». From these quotes, of the sacred book of Zoroastrism, one can see the importance of mysticism for this religion. The purpose of man is, according to that, that he, by good thought, fairness and piety, through the perfection of his being unites himself with God.

Fragment from  the book :

Desiderio Valacco - From Zarathustra to Ken Wilber: Lives and Works of Prominent Mystical Philosophers

 

Raphael Sanzio (1483-1520) The School of Athens (1510 - 11)

Fresco The Vaticanm) Accademia, Venice