Disclaimer The views presented herein are the speakers own, - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Disclaimer The views presented herein are the speakers own, influenced by the speakers own thoughts, memories, experiences, and research. Where applicable, the sources of any information outside of the speakers personal knowledge are
Disclaimer
The views presented herein are the speaker’s own, influenced by the speaker’s own thoughts, memories, experiences, and research. Where applicable, the sources of any information outside of the speaker’s personal knowledge are credited
Overview
v Theme for today:
v What does it mean to be Zoroastrian? v Calendars v Prayers
Theme: Influence of Zoroastrianism
v Zoroastrianism: What does it mean to you? v v Other world religions (over 4,300)*
*Source: Juan, Stephen, “What are the most widely practiced religions of the world?” (2006), https://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/10/06/the_odd_body_religion/.
Thoughts Words Deeds
What Zoroastrianism Means to Me
v Comparison to Pollyanna:
Ø 1913 novel, 1960’s Disney movie Ø “800 Happy Texts” in the Bible
v Zoroastrian prayers comparison:
Ø Focus on the practices of Good thoughts, Good words, Good deeds: Ø Almost every single prayer contains a “Happy Text” Ø Translations of our prayers
“Happy Texts” In Zoroastrian Prayers
ASHEM VOHU
ashem vohû vahishtem astî ushtâ astî ushtâ ahmâi hyat ashâi vahishtâi ashem.
Source: http://www.avesta.org/ka/ka_part1.htm Photo Credit: Zoroastrian Kids Korner: https://www.zoroastriankids.com/YATHA AHU VAIRYO
ýathâ ahû vairyô athâ ratush ashâtcît hacâ vanghêush dazdâ mananghô shyaothananãm anghêush mazdâi xshathremcâ ahurâi â ýim drigubyô dadat vâstârem!! Holiness (Asha) is the best of all good: it is also happiness. Happy the man who is holy with perfect holiness! The will of the Lord is the law of righteousness. The gifts of Vohu-mano to the deeds done in this world for Mazda. He who relieves the poor makes Ahura king.
What Zoroastrianism Means to Others
v How do you answer the question “what is Zoroastrianism”? v Do you mention the Sudreh and Kusti? v What are the reactions when you explain?
Calendars
Zoroastrian Calendars
January
February
March
April
June
July
August May
September
October
November December
Farvardin
Ardibehest Khordad Tir Amardad Shehrevar Meher Avan Adar Dae Bahman
AspandarmadShenshai Kadmi Fasli
The Name of Each Day Has a Meaning*
*Source: http://delhiparsis.com/2007/08/19/the-parsi-zoroastrian- calendar-days-and-their-meanings/ 1st Week
Day Name Meaning
1 Hormazd Lord of Wisdom 2 Bahman Good Mind 3 Ardibehesht Truth & Order 4 Shehrevar Great Power 5 Asfandarmad Devotion 6 Khordad Perfection 7 Amardad Immortality
The first week celebrates ‘AHURA MAZDA & THE AMESHA SPENTAS’ (lit. Beneficent Immortals) sometimes called the Archangels. They are the highest spiritual beings created by Ahura Mazda.
2nd Week
Day Name Meaning
8 Dae-pa-adar Giver of Fire 9 Adar Fire 10 Avan Water 11 Khorshed Sun 12 Mohor Moon 13 Tir Star 14 Gosh Cow / OX
The second week celebrates ‘LIGHT and NATURE’
3rd Week
Day Name Meaning
15 Dae-pa-meher Giver Of Friendship 16 Meher Friendship 17 Sarosh Prayer 18 Rashne Judge 19 Farvadin Guardian Spirit 20 Behram Victory 21 Ram Joy & Peace 22 Govad Wind
4th Week
Day Name Meaning
23 Dae-pa-din Giver of Religion 24 Din Religion 25 Ashishvangh Wealth 26 Astad Sun 27 Asman Moon 28 Zamyad Earth 29 Marespand Holy Words 30 Aneran Endless Light The third week celebrates ‘MORAL QUALITIES’ The fourth week celebrates ‘RELIGIOUS IDEAS’
Gregorian Calendar: Complex History
v “...the cycle of the week shapes how we live our lives…” v Seven-day week dates back to 21st Century BC
Ø
Time it takes for moon to transition between each phase:
Ø
Moon Cycle: 29.53 days
Ø
Babylonians inserted 1-2 days into final week of each month
v Romans named the days after their gods (5 known planets + sun & moon)
*Source: https://www.livescience.com/45432-days-of-the-week.htmlAlthough not said to be influenced by Zoroastrianism, the Gregorian calendar is also influenced by religion.
How do you observe the calendar?
v Observance of the “special” days? Ø
Navroze
Ø
Khordad saal
Ø
Veg vs. Non-veg days
Ø
Bahman Mahino
v Keeping Track: Ø
Smartphone apps
Ø
Spreadsheets
Ø
Hardbound / wall hanging calendars