Zoroastrianism
http://www.zoroaster.net/indexe.htm
“Briefly, it can be said that “Faravahar,” is the spirit of human being
that had been existed before his/her birth and will continue to exist after
his/her death.”
- The Faravahar’s face resembles the face of human being
and therefore, indicates its connection to mankind.
- There are two wings in two sides of the picture, which have three main
feathers. These main feathers indicate three symbols of “good reflection,”
“good words,” and “good deed,” which are at the same time the motive of flight
and advancement.
- The lower part of the Faravahar consists of three parts, representing “bad
reflection,” “bad words,” and “bad deed” which causes misery and misfortune
for human beings.
- There are two loops at the two sides of the Faravahar, which represent
“Sepanta Minu,” and “Ankareh Minu.” The former is directed toward the face and
the latter is located at the back. This also indicates that we have to proceed
toward the good and turn away from bad.
- There is a circle in the middle of the Faravahar’s trunk. This symbol
indicates that our spirit is immortal, having neither a beginning, nor an end.
- One hand of the Faravahar, points upwards, showing that we have to
struggle to thrive.
- The other hand holds a ring. Some interpreters consider that as the ring
of covenant, representing loyalty and faithfulness which is the basis of
Zarathustra’s philosophy.
I investigated several pages regarding Zarathustra (a.k.a.
Zoroaster) and found
Dr. Bahram
Varza the most logical and coherent. I found the content of his site significant
as I believe the philosophy he outlines is the same as mine,
Siddhartha Guatama 'the' Buddha, Jesus and others. It's obvious to me
that Zarathustra experienced
enlightenment. The circle in the Faravahar
image I representing the
immortal soul I believe is the same as consciousness. Traditionally
scholars believed that Zarathustra lived somewhere between 600-1000 BCE but more
contemporary analysis based on linguistics suggests he may have lived as early
as
6000 before Christ.
It is important to note that the three
Wise men or Magi that visited Jesus upon his birth were Zoroastrian
scientist/astronomers. I judge this significant in
light of my identification of Zarathustra and Jesus both being Buddha and
INTPs (Ti Ne Si Fe).
The
Thinker (Portrait of an INTP)
"As an INTP, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you
deal with things rationally and logically. Your secondary mode is external,
where you take things in primarily via your intuition."
"INTPs live in the world of theoretical possibilities. They see everything in
terms of how it could be improved, or what it could be turned into. They live
primarily inside their own minds, having the ability to analyze difficult
problems, identify patterns, and come up with logical explanations. They seek
clarity in everything, and are therefore driven to build knowledge. They are the
"absent-minded professors", who highly value intelligence and the ability to
apply logic to theories to find solutions. They typically are so strongly driven
to turn problems into logical explanations, that they live much of their lives
within their own heads, and may not place as much importance or value on the
external world. Their natural drive to turn theories into concrete understanding
may turn into a feeling of personal responsibility to solve theoretical
problems, and help society move towards a higher understanding."
The Star of Bethlehem
Kidger - a researcher at the Institute of Astrophysics in the Canary Islands
- offers the reader a fascinating (if sometimes technical) insight not only into
the best candidate for the famous celestial portent but also when, precisely, it
was that Jesus was born. His conclusion on the date of the Christian Messiah's
birth confirms current academic thinking but may be a surprise to the general
public. It seems that we are celebrating the new millennium five years too late
and that for the past thousand years or so our Nativity celebrations have been
held at completely the wrong time of year. Jesus Christ was, in fact, born
during late March or early April in the year 5 BC
Sifting through Babylonian astronomical texts, medieval religious art,
extra-biblical traditions and the gospels themselves, Kidger gradually focusses
down onto the most likely solution to the Star of Bethlehem mystery. He
concludes that this second of the New Testament miracles (after the Imaculate
Conception) was an historically recorded supernova which took place in the
Aquila ('Eagle') constellation. The explosion (lasting a couple of months) was
observed by Chinese astronomers and is also mentioned in the Korean chronicles.
This supernova was presaged by a triple conjunction of Jupiter, Saturn and Mars
in February of 6 BC. The combination of conjunction and supernova would
certainly have been of significance to the astrologers of the day.
Interestingly, according to Matthew 2:9, the three Magi (Zoroastrian
astronomer-priests) first witnessed the nova event in the eastern sky (over
Iran) but then, having completed their long journeyed down to Jerusalem, they
saw the Star appearing in the southern sky over Bethlehem at dawn: '… they (the
Magi) departed (from Jerusalem) and, lo, the Star which they (first) saw in the
east went forth (southward) before them until it came and stood over where the
child was'. Kidger has determined that the heliacal rising of the Aquila
supernova shifted in the sky from east to south over the seventy or so days it
took the Magi to reach Palestine - in accordance with Matthew's gospel.
To present evidence in support of my opinion that
Zoroaster and the Buddha were of the same mind consider my identification and
matching of relevant concepts below. Many of the same fundamental principles
are reflected in both the Buddhist Dhammapada (The Path of Truth) and Dr.
Varza's analysis. You should note that from his writing Dr. Varza appears
to be proud of Zororastrian philosophy and does not make any references to
Buddhism. Again I contend the Siddhartha
, Jesus Christ and Zarathustra were all INTPs, and all were Buddhas (enlightened persons).
The Dhammapada: The Path of Truth translated by Ananda Maitreya
"Even though the Dhammapada appeared a little later than some other writings
attributed to the Buddha, there is no doubt that the 423 verses of the
Dhammapada contain the authentic teachings of the Buddha. They express the
insight of this special human being who suffered, practiced the Way, experienced
transformation, and reached liberation.” - Thich Nhat Hanh 1998
The Basis of
Zarathusta’s Teachings - Dr. Bahram Varza
“Zarathusthra seems to have become convinced that all events of the world are
based on cause and effects. He has, therefore, based his teachings on three
principles: good reflection, good word, and good deed.”
The Dhammapada: The Path of Truth translated by Ananda Maitreya
- Anger -
Avoid rash action.
Be restrained in speech.
Giving up wrong deeds,
Exercise right action.
Avoid rash speech.
Be restrained in speech.
Giving up wrong speech,
Exercise right speech.
Avoid mental agitation.
Be restrained in mind.
Giving up wrong thoughts,
Think good thoughts.
Those who practice restraint
In body, word, and mind
Are surely in control of themselves.
“Even though the Dhammapada appeared a little later than some other writings
attributed to the Buddha, there is no doubt that the 423 verses of the
Dhammapada contain the authentic teachings of the Buddha. They express the
insight of this special human being who suffered, practiced the Way, experienced
transformation, and reached liberation.” - Thich Nhat Hanh 1998
The Basis of
Zarathusta’s Teachings - Dr. Bahram Varza
“He [Zarathusthra] was wise enough to recognize that all the motives of human
beings are based on action and reaction. Because, the receiver of every good
deed in this world will react accordingly with the good behavior. Therefore, in
the realm of interaction, if human beings act favorably, they receive favorable
reaction and vice versa. In this regard, if a person robs another one, he should
not be surprised when some day he will be robbed as well.”
The Dhammapada: The Path of Truth translated by Ananda Maitreya
- Twins -
Mind is the forerunner of all actions.
All deeds are led by mind, created by mind.
If one speaks or acts with a corrupt mind,
Suffering followers,
As the wheel follows the hoof of an ox pulling a cart.
Mind is the forerunner of all actions.
All deeds are led by mind, created by mind.
If one speaks or acts with a serene mind,
Happiness follows,
As surely as one’s shadow.
“He abused me, mistreated me, defeated me, robbed me.”
Harboring such thoughts keeps hatred alive.
“He abused me, mistreated me, defeated me, robbed me.”
Releasing such thoughts banishes hatred for all time.
Whoever relies on the Tao in governing men
Doesn’t try to force issues
or defeat enemies by force of arms.
For every force there is a counterforce,
always rebounds upon oneself.
The Master does his job
and then stops.
He understands that the universe
is forever out of control,
and that trying to dominate events
goes against the current of the Tao.
Because he believes in himself,
He doesn’t try to convince others.
Because he is content with himself,
He doesn’t need others’ approval.
Because he accepts himself,
the whole world accepts him.
- Lao-tzu ,
Tao-te ching “The Book of the Way and Its Power”
A New English Version by Stephen Mitchell
The Basis of
Zarathusta’s Teachings - Dr. Bahram Varza
“Zarathustra never imagined praising a God who is a bribe taker. The one, who is
bribed by worship and then he rewards his worshiper with a part of paradise. The
Almighty God is not a dealer, he is neither a buyer nor a seller, and does not
need also to be flattered by his creatures. The almighty God of Zarathustra, is
the initiator of justice, kindness, and truthfulness and guides his creatures to
the same principles. That is why, Zarathustra, has based his philosophy on good
reflection, good word, and good deed. In Zarathustra’s philosophy, everybody has
the liberty to choose the right way, out of his/her good reflection and since
human wisdom is more related to good reflection, thus the followers of
Zoroastrianism should precede by each other to the propagation of science and
education. In this manner, Zoroastrianism becomes the forerunner of knowledge
and enlightenment.”
The Dhammapada: The Path of Truth translated by Ananda Maitreya
- Anger -
Shun anger, let go of pride,
Break out of every shackle.
Whoever is not tied to possessions,
Clinging neither to body nor mind,
Is never in bondage.
Whoever controls his anger
Is like a true charioteer,
In command of the rolling chariot
And not just holding on the reins.
Where there is anger, apply loving kindness.
Where there is evil, offer good.
Where there is stinginess, be generous.
Where there are lies, be truthful.
Speak the truth, control anger.
Share even from your meager store.
These three steps lead to the presence of the
“Shining Ones.”
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