The Philosophy : Basics

The Avesta is the holy book of Zoroastrianism. It is largely representative of the beliefs and viewpoints of the Iranian peoples 5+ centuries after Zarathushtra. As such, it mythologizes much of Zarathushtra’s teachings and reincorporates many of the old beliefs and gods of the Iranians (as subdeities of Ahura Mazda). Important to note is that the composers of the Avesta did not see their works as canon, but instead had a separate canon called the Staota Yesnya, which was primarily the Gathas along with a few other prayers. Unfortunately, due to the oppression of Zoroastrianism in the last 1400 years, approximately 87% of the Avesta is missing today (see here). Full article coming soon.