7.3 Contemporary Practice and Influence

The Zoroastrian diaspora refers to the communities of Zoroastrians who have migrated from their historical homeland in Persia (modern-day Iran) to various parts of the world, particularly during and after the Islamic conquest of Persia. This movement led to the establishment of vibrant Zoroastrian communities in countries such as India, where they are known as Parsis, and in places like North America, the UK, and Australia. The diaspora has significantly influenced contemporary Zoroastrian practices and cultural identity, as these communities adapt to their new environments while striving to preserve their ancient traditions.

Parsis: Zoroastrians who migrated to India from Persia during the Islamic conquest, preserving their religious and cultural identity while integrating into Indian society.

Zoroastrianism: An ancient pre-Islamic religion that originated in Persia, founded by the prophet Zoroaster, emphasizing dualism, ethical living, and the worship of Ahura Mazda.

Avestan: The sacred texts of Zoroastrianism written in the Avestan language, containing hymns, rituals, and teachings central to the faith.

State Shinto refers to the government-sponsored version of Shinto, which became the state religion of Japan during the Meiji period (1868-1912). It was characterized by the promotion of Shinto as a means to foster national identity and loyalty to the emperor, intertwining religious practice with the political structure of the state. This version of Shinto emphasized the divine nature of the emperor and sought to unify the nation under a common spiritual and cultural framework.

Shinto: The indigenous spirituality of Japan, focused on rituals and practices centered around kami, or spirits, that inhabit natural elements and objects.

Meiji Restoration: A political revolution in 1868 that restored imperial rule in Japan, leading to significant modernization and the establishment of State Shinto as a unifying ideology.

Kami: Spiritual beings or deities in Shinto, which can be associated with natural phenomena, ancestors, and various elements of life.

Nationalism is a political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often advocating for the independence and self-determination of that nation. It can foster unity among people sharing a common identity but may also lead to exclusionary practices against those perceived as outsiders. Nationalism has significantly influenced contemporary practices in various social and political movements worldwide.

patriotism: Patriotism is the love and devotion to one’s country, often expressed through support for its values, symbols, and interests.

sovereignty: Sovereignty is the authority of a state to govern itself without external interference, a concept closely tied to nationalist movements seeking independence.

ethnonationalism: Ethnonationalism is a form of nationalism that defines the nation in terms of ethnicity, often prioritizing the interests of a particular ethnic group over others.

Shinto rituals are traditional ceremonies and practices within Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, that focus on honoring kami (spirits or gods) and promoting harmony between humans and nature. These rituals are essential for maintaining the spiritual well-being of individuals and communities, often involving purification, offerings, prayers, and festivals that celebrate the changing seasons and significant life events.

Kami: Spiritual beings or deities in Shinto belief, which can include natural elements, ancestors, and revered figures.

Torii Gate: A traditional Japanese gate that marks the entrance to a sacred space, symbolizing the transition from the mundane to the sacred.

Matsuri: Festivals in Shinto that celebrate seasonal changes and honor kami, often involving processions, dances, and various forms of entertainment.

Ise Grand Shrine, or Ise Jingu, is a Shinto shrine in Japan dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and is considered the most sacred site in Shintoism. It consists of two main shrines, Naikū and Gekū, and is renowned for its architectural beauty, cultural significance, and the practice of annual rituals that reflect the deep connection between the Japanese people and their indigenous religion.

Shinto: Shinto is the indigenous spirituality of Japan, characterized by the worship of kami (spirits) and a strong emphasis on rituals and practices tied to nature.

Amaterasu: Amaterasu is the sun goddess in Shinto belief, revered as one of the principal deities and considered the ancestor of the Japanese imperial family.

Kagura: Kagura is a traditional form of Shinto music and dance performed as part of rituals at shrines, including Ise Grand Shrine, to honor the kami.

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Shibuya, Tokyo, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who played crucial roles in the modernization of Japan during the Meiji Era (1868-1912). This shrine serves as a symbol of contemporary Japanese spirituality and reflects the continuing influence of Shinto practices in modern society, showcasing how traditional beliefs coexist with Japan's rapid modernization.

Shinto: The indigenous spirituality of Japan, characterized by rituals and beliefs centered around kami, or spirits, which are often associated with natural elements.

Meiji Restoration: A political revolution that restored imperial rule to Japan in 1868, leading to significant modernization and westernization of the country.

Emperor Meiji: The 122nd Emperor of Japan, who reigned from 1867 to 1912, and was instrumental in transforming Japan into a modern industrial state.

A kamidana is a traditional Japanese household shrine dedicated to the kami, or spirits, in Shinto belief. It serves as a focal point for worship and devotion, allowing families to connect with their ancestral spirits and the divine. The kamidana is typically placed in a prominent area of the home and is used for daily offerings, prayers, and rituals, reflecting the ongoing influence of Shinto practices in contemporary Japanese culture.

kami: Spiritual beings or gods in Shintoism, which can represent natural elements, ancestors, or deities.

Shinto: The indigenous spirituality of Japan that emphasizes ritual practices and beliefs centered around kami.

ojizō-sama: A bodhisattva in Japanese Buddhism often worshipped as a protector of children and travelers.

Shinto beliefs are rooted in the indigenous spirituality of Japan, focusing on the worship of kami, which are spirits associated with natural elements, ancestors, and sacred places. These beliefs emphasize harmony with nature, rituals for purification, and the importance of community and tradition, reflecting a deep connection to the natural world and the ancestors who came before.

Kami: Spiritual beings or deities in Shinto that represent elements of nature, ancestors, and even certain objects considered sacred.

Torii Gate: A traditional Japanese gate that marks the entrance to a sacred space, symbolizing the transition from the profane to the sacred.

Ritual Purification: Ceremonies in Shinto aimed at cleansing individuals or spaces of impurities to restore purity and connect with the kami.

The Parsi community is a group of Zoroastrians who migrated to India from Persia (modern-day Iran) to escape religious persecution in the 7th century. This vibrant community has maintained its unique cultural identity and religious practices, significantly influencing the social, economic, and cultural landscape of India, particularly in contemporary settings.

Zoroastrianism: An ancient pre-Islamic religion of Persia that centers around the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster, emphasizing dualism between good and evil and the importance of individual choice.

Atash Behram: A consecrated fire temple that is the highest place of worship in Zoroastrianism, where the sacred fire is kept burning continuously.

Navjote: The initiation ceremony for young Zoroastrians, symbolizing their acceptance into the Parsi faith and community.

Towers of silence, known as 'dakhmas,' are circular, raised structures used in Zoroastrianism for the exposure of the dead. This practice is rooted in the core belief that bodies are considered impure after death, and therefore, should not be buried or cremated, as these methods would pollute the earth and fire, both sacred elements in Zoroastrian cosmology. The towers serve as a practical solution to dispose of corpses while respecting the fundamental tenets of the faith.

Zoroastrianism: An ancient pre-Islamic religion of Persia that emphasizes the duality of good and evil and the role of individuals in determining their own fate.

Asha: The concept of truth, order, and righteousness in Zoroastrianism that governs the universe and influences moral behavior.

Purity laws: Regulations within Zoroastrianism concerning cleanliness and ritual purity, which dictate the treatment of the dead and other practices to maintain spiritual cleanliness.

The World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO) is a global body that aims to promote and preserve the values, teachings, and practices of Zoroastrianism. Established in 1997, it serves as a platform for Zoroastrians worldwide to connect, support one another, and address issues affecting the community while also fostering interfaith dialogue and understanding.

Zoroastrianism: An ancient religion founded by the prophet Zoroaster in ancient Persia, focusing on the worship of Ahura Mazda, the supreme god, and emphasizing concepts of good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.

Faravahar: A symbol of Zoroastrianism representing the human soul and its journey towards perfection, often depicted as a winged disc with a figure in the center.

Parsis: Zoroastrians who migrated to India from Persia to escape religious persecution, forming a significant community that plays a vital role in preserving Zoroastrian culture and practices.

The Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) is a coalition that represents the interests and activities of Zoroastrian communities in the United States and Canada. It aims to promote Zoroastrian culture, heritage, and religion, while fostering unity among diverse Zoroastrian groups and encouraging community engagement and outreach efforts.

Zoroastrianism: An ancient monotheistic religion founded by the prophet Zoroaster, centered around the worship of Ahura Mazda and emphasizing concepts such as dualism, free will, and ethical living.

Fire Temple: A place of worship for Zoroastrians where sacred fire is kept burning as a symbol of divine presence and purity.

Navjote: A Zoroastrian initiation ceremony for children, marking their formal entry into the faith and community.

Nowruz is the Persian New Year, celebrated on the vernal equinox, marking the arrival of spring and symbolizing renewal and rebirth. This festival has deep roots in Zoroastrianism, where it reflects themes of rejuvenation and the victory of light over darkness, connecting to core beliefs about the importance of nature and life. It is not only a cultural celebration for Zoroastrians but also holds significance in various communities across the Middle East and Central Asia.

Zoroastrianism: An ancient pre-Islamic religion of Persia that emphasizes the duality of good and evil, centered around the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster.

Haft-Seen: A traditional table setting for Nowruz that includes seven items starting with the Persian letter 'S', each symbolizing different hopes for the new year.

Vernal Equinox: The time in spring when day and night are approximately equal in length, occurring around March 20 or 21, which marks the beginning of Nowruz.

Ahura Mazda is the supreme god in Zoroastrianism, symbolizing truth, light, and goodness. This divine figure is central to the religion's belief system, representing the ultimate source of wisdom and the creator of the universe. Ahura Mazda stands in opposition to Angra Mainyu, the spirit of evil, highlighting the dualistic nature of Zoroastrianism, which emphasizes the ongoing battle between good and evil in the world.

Zarathustra: The founder of Zoroastrianism, believed to have been a prophet who received revelations from Ahura Mazda.

Angra Mainyu: The destructive spirit in Zoroastrianism that embodies chaos and evil, opposing Ahura Mazda's goodness.

Asha: A central concept in Zoroastrianism meaning 'truth' or 'order,' which is associated with Ahura Mazda's divine will.

Zoroaster, also known as Zarathustra, was an ancient Iranian prophet and the founder of Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions. He is credited with teaching the concepts of a single god, Ahura Mazda, and the importance of individual choice in the cosmic struggle between good and evil. Zoroaster's teachings laid the foundation for key beliefs in Zoroastrianism, influencing various aspects of religious thought and practice both historically and in contemporary contexts.

Ahura Mazda: The supreme god in Zoroastrianism, representing all that is good and embodying truth, light, and order.

Avesta: The holy scriptures of Zoroastrianism, containing hymns, rituals, and teachings attributed to Zoroaster.

Dualism: A fundamental concept in Zoroastrianism that emphasizes the opposition between good (light) and evil (darkness), represented by Ahura Mazda and Angra Mainyu respectively.

The Avesta is the sacred scripture of Zoroastrianism, consisting of a collection of texts that include hymns, rituals, and religious laws. It serves as the primary source of Zoroastrian beliefs and teachings, reflecting the core concepts of dualism, the nature of the divine, and ethical living. Through its various sections, the Avesta illustrates the historical development of Zoroastrian thought and continues to influence contemporary practices within the faith.

Zoroaster: The founder of Zoroastrianism, who is believed to have received divine revelations that form the basis of the religion.

Asha: A central concept in Zoroastrianism that represents truth, order, and righteousness, often contrasted with its opposite, Druj, or falsehood.

Gathas: A collection of hymns attributed to Zoroaster found within the Avesta, considered some of the oldest texts in Zoroastrian literature.

Sky burial is a funerary practice in which the body of a deceased person is exposed to the elements and scavenging birds, particularly vultures, on a mountaintop or high place. This ritual, primarily associated with Tibetan Buddhism, reflects beliefs about the impermanence of life and the importance of giving back to nature, emphasizing a deep respect for the cycle of life and death.

Tibetan Buddhism: A branch of Mahayana Buddhism that incorporates elements of Tibetan culture, including unique rituals and beliefs about death and the afterlife.

Rituals: Ceremonial acts performed in a prescribed manner, often with spiritual significance, reflecting cultural beliefs and traditions.

Cremation: The process of burning a deceased person's body to ashes, which is another common funerary practice in various cultures.