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A
Discovery of Two Foreign Sects: The Sect of the Parsees, 1752
Lord, Henry
This historic article
provides a comprehensive description of Parsee community, their
religion, traditions and customs as it was observed in ca. 1752 by the
author, Henry Lord. This article was published two years prior to
arrival of
Anquetil Du
Perron
in India.
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A
Healing Vision
Smith, Timothy
A frank discussion of the tragedy of
September 11, 2001 that unfolded in the USA questions just
how far civilization has really come from ages past, while an account
of Zarathushtra’s teachings chart a new course to a better world.
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ĀTAŠ-E DORUN: The Fire Within
Tarapore, Dr. Erach
A reader's
perspective on a memorial book featuring 44 articles on various topics
of interest in Zoroastrian studies ranging from Gathic to philosophy,
ethics, history, and linguistic aspects of world's monotheistic oldest
religion. The book featuring articles by some of the leading scholars
of Zoroastrian studies, provides a good gauge of the state of
Zoroastrian studies at the entrance to the 3rd millennium C.E.
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Avestan Womanhood (- its high esteem) and Love
Kerr, Dr. Sam
Tracing the way of life of Avestan
women -- trials, tribulations, triumphs and the high esteem in
which they were held in society. Article does not omit the familiar
downsides, which have occurred through history in all human
societies. Finally, he traces their strides and advances unto modern
times.
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Birth of Zarathushtra
Jafarey, Dr. Ali Akbar
Zarathushtra's birth was a
monumental event in man's history. His thoughts became the foundation
on which humanity based much of its civility and ethical inter
working. His contributions to humanity are much to be celebrated.
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Birthday of Asho Zarathushtra
Jafarey, Dr. Ali Akbar
The birthday of prophet
Zarathushtra is on Khordad-ruz and Farvardin-mah, March 26th. This
article is a brief on history of birthday of prophet Zarathushtra's
based on Zarathushtrian religious scriptures.
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Causes of the Downfall of the Sassanian Empire
Shahmardan, Rashid
This article lists
a series of historical events leading to fall of the Sassanian
empire in the face of the Islamic-Arab invasion of the 7th century
A.D.
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Celebration of Life -- Novruz
Jafarey, Dr. Ali Akbar
In this
article Jafarey gives account of celebration of New Year “Novruz” by
people of Iranian and Zarathushti origin. This celebration of life on
the first day of spring in the Northern Hemisphere is of immense
historical significance.
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Customs, Rules and correct manners in Shah-nameh
Ichaporia, Dr. Pallan R.
The Shah-nameh in addition
to be being a poetic masterpiece that has captured the history of an
ancient nation, it is a book of morals and manners. The author brings
out how the Shah-nameh has captured in a unique way the proper manners
and customs exercised in ancient Iran. The mannerism highlighted in this
book holds as much relevance now as it did before, in connection with
our dealing with others.
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Defining Zarathusthrian Identity: Discovering
Strength through Diversity
Hakim, Zareen
Personal perspective of an
upcoming North American Zarathusthrian of the 21st century raised by
first generation immigrant parents who had to come to terms with her
unique identity is presented in this paper. The uniqueness of
the Vision of Zarathushtra and how it helped answer the question of her
identity is brought out in this paper.
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Discovery of Fire and Jashn-e Sadeh
Jafarey, Dr. Ali Akbar
The catapulted event that
the discovery of fire was in the evolution of human civilization, and
the significance of fire symbolism from a Zarathushtrian cultural and
theological perspective is discussed in this paper.
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Extending Zarathushtra’s Vision in a Post
Sept-11, 2001 World
Vania, Professor Dr. Natalie H.
A case study arising
from the post September 11, 2001 context is presented to showcase the
contribution of Zarathushtra's vision in a future harmonious
geo-political terrain.
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Ganj Ali Khan
Soroushian, Dr.
Mehrborzin
The book written by Bastani
Parizi refers to an episode that many Kermani Zarathushtis have been
told by their parents. The episode if had gone unchecked would have
resulted in the massacre of all the Zarathushtis of Kerman at that time.
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Influence of Zarathushtrian faith on the
Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Mehta, Kayomarsh P.
Zarathushtra's thought on the relation between man,
divinity, and consciousness had profound influence on theological development of
other faiths. This article captures some of the direct influence of
Zarathushtrian believes on the development of Judaic, Christian and
Islamic thoughts.
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Mankind and the Freedom of Choice in Zoroastrian
Scripture
Shroff, Kersi B.
This article produced on
the occasion of the 50th anniversary of universal declaration of Human
Rights by the United Nations, provides insight into the importance of
Freedom of Choice that has been much emphasized by Zarathushtra.
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Many Polish Boys were named Dariusz: A chapter
in forgotten history of Iran
Antolak, Ryszard J.
In the course of the
World War II, the ancient land of Iran played host to Polish refugees
displaced from their homeland. The author whose mother was part of the
mass displacement recounts the journey of the mid-20th century Polish
refugees through the land of Cyrus and Darius.
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Mehrgan
McIntyre, Dina G.
The author discusses the
origins of Mehrgan and the meanings behind the symbols, and makes
suggestions as to how this festival can be celebrated in our
communities in the 21st century and beyond.
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Nov-Ruz, The Zarathushtrian New Year
Jafarey, Dr. Ali Akbar
A comprehensive review of Nov-Ruz, the
Zarathuhtrian New Year is given from historical and religious
perspective. The significance of the Nov-Ruz table as the center
piece of its celebration is also described.
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Pythagoras and the story behind the
Croton Crown
Kanga, Adi and
Kerr, Dr. Sam
The authors try to correct an
extraordinary anomaly in history. The so-called 'Theorem of
Pythagoras' and his teachings were already established ages
before he was born. They give meaningful evidence to support the
reality. The coin, the 'Croton Crown' happens to fit into the flow
of their discussion."
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Parvin the Daughter of Sassan
Hedayt, Sadeq
Set against the background
of eminent fall of a major Iranian city to the invading Arab forces
following the collapse of the Imperial Sassanian forces, the faith of a
Zoroastrian family as they face the reality of the changing norms and
value system about to be imposed on them is brought alive through this
emotion filled play.
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Seth Maneckji Limji Hataria
Deboo, Malcolm Minoo
The events leading to
Zoroastrians of Iran being given some degree of civil rights during the
Qajar period of late 19th century to 20th century when no such rights
had existed for that minority group in an Islamic State are outlined in
this paper. The contributions of Zoroastrians in Iran and outside Iran
leading to the uplift of this community and their ancestral land is also
alluded to in this article.
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Shah-Nameh – A Teaching Tool
Udvadia, Jamshed R.
The Shah-Nameh is the
history of Persia, particularly its legendary Mazdayasni Zarathushti
kings from
ancient times to 7th century CE, when the last Zarathushti
king was defeated in battle by the conquering Arabs.
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Shah-nameh, The Stronghold of Persian Identity
Makki,
Dr. Ali
In the article, the importance of Shah-nameh as a document of Iranian
nationalism, and the critical role it has played in helping to preserve
the Iranian language and culture is discussed. The significance of this
masterpiece from a literary and historical perspective is analyzed.
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Spahbod Rustam Farrukh-Hormazd
Coyajee, Sir Jehangir
The Faith making battle of
Qadisyyeh, where the Imperial Sassanian forces under the command of
Rustam Farrukh-Hormaz for four history making days faced the invading
Arab forces under the command of Sad-Waqas waging the banner of Islam,
forever sealed the faith of Zoroastrian Iran. Sir Jehangir Coyajee with
great skill takes the reader through the four days of the battle and
recreates the circumstances surrounding that event.
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Temptation of Zarathushtra
Dhalla, Dastur
Dr. Maneckji N.
Zarathushtra in his mission
to guide humanity towards enlightenment and away from superstitious and
servitude is opposed by forces of oppression who first tempted him with
martial riches and failing to win him over, used the threat of harm. In
staying his course he resorts to righteousness as his weapon of choice.
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The Fire Festival
Jafarey, Dr. Ali Akbar
Sadeh the observation of the
discovery of Fire has been celebrated by Zarathushtrians for thousands
of year. The significance of Fire and this celebration is discussed in
this educational article.
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The First Declaration of Human Rights
Jahanian, Dr. Daryoush
This essay is reproduced
from Darius Jahanian's book "Zoroastrianism and Biblical Connections."
Based on Old Testament, several ancient Babylonian and Persian
inscriptions as well as Greek sources, Jahanian presents a picture of
the personalities of the two great Achaemenian emperors, founder Cyrus
the Great and Darius. The tolerance and kindness of Cyrus toward the
people of the kingdoms, their deities and religious practices is the
basis for the first declaration of human rights in the vast Achaemenian
empire.
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The Good Religion, Indo-Iranian Zarathushtis, and
Westernization
Jafarey, Dr. Ali Akbar
Issues faced by the
Zoroastrian immigrants in the West in trying to instill their
traditional value systems. Suggestions based on the principles in the
Gathas to address these issues vis-ŕ-vis the youth exposed to the host
countries' culture.
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The Last War Dakhma of Iran
Soroushian, Dr. Mehrborzin
A brief historical account
surrounding the events leading to and following the massacre of
Zartoshty villagers in Kerman in the early 18th century. Included is
also a brief description of the purpose of war dakhmas.
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The Love of Truth in Ancient Iran
Insler, Professor Stanley
Author discusses the
importance of truth in relation to man and God and its central position.
Historical perspectives for this concept is given based on documented.
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Women in the Avesta Era
Jahanian, Dr. Daryoush
Gathas of Zarathushtra makes no distinction between man and woman;
their position in life and society is not based on their gender. Each person chooses
his or her own path with free will irrespective of gender. Zarathushtrian ancient
texts are the basis for the discussion in this educational paper.
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Zarathushtra
Insler, Emeritus Professor
Dr. Stanley
This insightful article
draws parallels between the moral challenges faced by humanity in the
21st century and those faced by Zarathushtra, and how he went about
addressing them. The discussion provides great insight into the
teachings of Zarathushtra.
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Zarathushtra and the horse
Frye, Professor Richard
Nelson
In this article the time and
place of Zarathushtra, the ancient prophet, is investigated. With the
original message of Zarathushtra expressed in the Gathas proving to be
timeless, the investigation is based on other available historical
evidences that provides valuable insight into Zarathushtra's origin.
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Zarathustra’s Reflections on
His Mission, Yasna 46
Irani, Dinshah
In relating the challenges
he faced in bringing about the triumph of good over evil, Zarathushtra
describes the turmoil and triumphs that righteous humans often
experience in their lives as they try to do right. This insightful
article addresses issues relating to best existence lived in promoting
humanity towards perfection.
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Zoroastrianism under the Achaemenids
Shroff, Kersi B.
An informative review of the
state of the Zoroastrian religion in the context of the Achaemenian
empire is given based on historical evidence.
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Zoroastrianism and Judaism
Bagli,
Ervard Dr. Jehan
In this article historical
and documented facts are presented to indicate the influence of
Zoroastrianism on the evolution of Judaism and the parallels with the
other now extant religions.
