Karl R said:
In addition to this, what would you consider to be the core ethical principles of Zoroastrianism (particularly regarding our intereactions with others)?
To explain what I mean, I would consider the core values of christianity to be:
"Love others as you love yourself." and
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
among a few others.
In your opinion, what ideas best represents Zoroastrian ethical beliefs.
Ushta Karl
Man another great question!:clap
Zarathushtra taught a strictly ethical religion. Asha (Right Order) , has a physical Aspect in which it is the Laws of Physics, Biology ,etc. The Laws of Nature, if you will . But it also has an ethical aspect in which it is righteousness, justice what is correct , what ought to be.
Now this Order is not just an abstract law. It is an aspect and attribute of the nature of the Creator. So much so, that it can be said that it is Mazda (Most Wise) as Asha. The same applies with many other aspects of the Creator. Indeed, Zarathushtra presents us with a God whose very nature is resumed in His Aspects and who is willing to share these with mortals.
So Asha, Good Loving Mind, Serenity, Self Dominion ( kingdom) and several other Aspects of God's nature are available to mortals if they choose to live by them.
But let me back track, Zarathushtra's doctrines does not tell us do this , or don't do that, it does not have prescriptions. Instead it gives us principles to live by
For example the principle of choice which is resumed in Ahunavaiti _( It means Choice of the Leader) Gatha 3.2 " Listen attentively with your ears to the Best and Highest, ponder , and mediate on it with clear and logical mind, then, let each man and woman for them selves choose between the alternatives. Awake to this doctrine of mine before the moment of choice comes upon you unaware!"
This is the principle of choice which is then expanded and illustrated on what has been called the most important prayer of the Zarathushtrian religion the Yatha Ahu. Actually is not truly a prayer but a Manthra , a thought provoking message , that is a message to be meditated upon. it reads as follows
Both the leader and the spiritual guide must be chosen according to their store of righteousness ( asha)) both these appointments are made through the good loving mind; so that the acts of life many be done for the Most Wise and the Dominion of the Lord will be indeed where those chosen to lead and guide become the rehabilitators of the opressed. ( Amplified Version)
Asha is defined in one of these Manthras ( The Ashem Vohu) as the very standarde of goodness ; It reads The Right Order good loving, Best and Highest it is , enlightenment it is. Enlightenment comes to him who is for the right and for the highest only for their own sake, the Right Order this is. (Amplified Version)
So we chose according to the Right Order because it is goodness itself and the standard there of. Indeed its delievering wrong to the Right order that allows us to achieve unto god likeness
In Ahunavaiti 3.8 it is said: And when the erred ones have received their recompense they too shall be taught how to deliever wrong ( druj) unto Asha . Then the power of evil shall be shatered and will be no more and all shall share in the serene abode of the .Most Wise
As for maxims we have those also
For the Most Wise Lord has established rewards as the consequences of our choices good for the good and bad for the bad , untold bliss for the righteous and constant woe for the wrongful
Enlighted be the man who works for the enlightenment of others
Righteousness is the only path, all other paths are no paths at all
Good thought, Good Words and Good Deeds, these resume the life of the righteous
:dan: :dan:
Ushta te
Ashai
