Zoroastrianists worship their god Ahura Mazda, also called Ohrmazd who was said to have created the entire universe, filled completely with good things until it was tainted by the evil one, Angra Mainyu. The Zoroastrian name of their religion is called Mazdayasna, combining Mazda, their god, with yasna, which means worship or devotion in the Avestan language. So, its worship and devotion towards Mazda. Now they just call themselves a Zoroastrian, or a Zarathustrian.
CREATION
The belief in the creation of the world is relatively similar to that of our own belief. In the beginning, Ahura Mazda decided to make different creations. he first made the sky of metal, then pure water, then the earth, flat and round with no mountains or valleys, then plants, without bark or thorn, for there was no need in a perfect world. He made all animals, then made the first man, Gayomard. Finally, he made fire and ordered it to serve mankind in making food and overcoming cold. The Evil Spirit came out of the darkness to see what Ahura Mazda made, and Ahura Mazda asked him to serve them and give them praise so he might be immortal. The Evil Spirit said he was more powerful than all of them, so he went and created demons and monsters to attack Ahura Mazda and his creations. Ahura knew all this, as he knows all, and created six spirts, the Holy Immortals to guard his creation. These Spirits were formed from his own soul. The first was Khashathra, who became guardian of the sky. Then Haurvatat, protector of waters. Spenta Armaiti, guarded the earth. Ameretat guarded the plants, while Vohu Manah guarded the animals. Asha Vahishta guarded fire, and Ahura Mazda made his own Holy Spirit guardian of mankind. Ahriman, the evil spirit, saw Ahura Mazda’s Holy Immortals and said he would defeat them. He attacked the waters, but only made it bitter and salty. Tried to destroy the earth but only made mountains and valleys. Tried to wither the plants but the plants grew thorns and bark. They brought sadness and pain, pollution and death, and they attacked Gayomard, the First man and gave him death. Ahriman thought himself victorious, but he was ignorant of Ahura’s supreme power. From Gayomard’s bones grew a rhubarb plant. After 40 years, Mashya and Mashyana grew from the bush, and became the second and third people of earth. They promised Ahura Mazda to help fight his battle with Ahriman. Mashyana then gave birth to 15 twins and each pair scattered around the world and became a race. Each person tried to do good, to follow good thoughts and do good deeds with good words. each became a devout follower of Ahura Mazda to help combat the evils of Ahriman, the Evil Spirit.PROPHET ZOROASTER
Their whole religion and philosophy is based on the teachings of the prophet Zoroaster, or Zarathustra in Avestan. When he first declared the word of Ahura Mazda when he was 30, he was not widely received, even with his own village. His first converts were his wife, children, and his cousin Maidhyoimangha. During his lifetime he never gained that many supporters, and was eventually murdered by priests of another religion. However, sometime in the 2nd century BC, Zoroastrianism started taking on more followers following his death, and became the state religion of Persia in the 4th century BC during the reign of Artaxerxes I.
RELIGIOUS PRACTICES/CEREMONIES
Most religious ceremonies use water (apo) and fire (atar) in them, as they are considered pure, and can purify people and objects. They’re considered life sustaining, and have various temples dedicated to them. Whenever they pray, they always try to pray near something that has fire, like a candle. When it comes to marriage, people are allowed to marry outside the faith. When someone dies, the corpse is considered filth and ruins the splendor of the land. So, they used to put the bodies in something called a “Tower of Silence” where the birds would eat the dead people. When this started poisoning the local wildlife, they started cremating the bodies or burying them in graves lined with lime mortar.
SACRED TEXTS
Key text is the Avesta, but much of the writings have been lost, with mainly liturgies remaining. The lost portions are referenced frequently by later works in the 9th to 11th centuries, and are often quoted. The Avestas are a compilation of all the sacred texts, of which not many remain. Here are some of the remaining fragments found and translated into English by R.C. Zaehner.
(55) The body is mortal but the soul is immortal. Do good works, for the soul is (real), not the body, the next world is (real), not this world. (56) Do not abandon the care of the soul and forget it for the body's sake. (57) Out of respect for persons (and out of forgetfulness) that all the goods of this world must perish, do not lust after anything that will bring punishment on your body and retribution on your soul. Desire rather those things whose fruit is an everlasting joy
This quote says that good things give you good things in this and the next life. Do good works and don't lust after things that will hurt yourself and others for that just helps Ahriman in his goal to destroy the good works of Ahura Mazda.
dânâkîh) and the greatest spiritual hope. (106) Keep your soul ever in mind. (107) Do not forsake your duty to preserve your good name. (108) Keep your hands from stealing, your feet from treading the path of undutifulness, and your mind from unlawful desires (varan), for whoso practices virtue obtains his reward, and whoso commits sin receives his punishment. (109) Whoso digs a pit for his enemies will fall into it himself.
Live your life in moderation. Their religion is bent towards the idea of good deeds help yourself and help Ahura Mazda defeat Ahriman. This quote talks about living ones life in the pursuit of wisdom, for that glorifies Ahura Mazda, and your wisdom and application of that gift will help you in this life, and the hereafter.
(71) Make good use of authority so that you may obtain a good position (thereby). (72) Be without sin so that you may be without fear. (73) Be grateful so that you may be worthy of good things. (74) Be single-minded so that you may be faithful. (75) Speak the truth so that you may be trusted. (76) Be humble so that you may have many friends. (77) Have many friends so that you may enjoy a good repute. (78) Be of good repute so that you may live at ease. (79) Choose the better part and love your Religion so that you be saved (ahrov). (80) Think on the state of your soul so that you may go to Heaven. (81) Be generous so that you may go to Paradise
This is saying what is involved in living a good life, one that is devoted to good deeds so that your life on earth could be beneficial to yourself, others, and the struggle against Ahriman.
DECLINE OF ZOROASTRIANISM
Zoroastrianism served as the national religion for a large part of the Iranian people for centuries. At its peak, it was one of the worlds largest religions, with millions of adherents. It started dwindling in the Sassanid Empire, which was the last of the pre-Islamic empires in the region. After the empire ended, Islam invaded and from the 7th century onwards, Zoroastrianism was starting to become a dying religion as the Muslims declared their religion right, and Zoroastrianism wrong. Their belief was that Zoroaster was the assistant of the prophet Jeremiah and later betrayed him and was cursed by Jeremiah with leprosy. Before the Muslims came in, however, previous dynasties gave Zoroastrianism immense power and influence over the people, and their doctrines were adopted into many other religious systems even though it had no real theological divisions.
Zoroastrianism is similar to Christianity in many ways. We both believe in one God who created the world, one of the evil spirits tainted that world, and they are in a constant battle of which the good God will win. At that time, we will all join Him in heaven.
5 Big Questions
Christianity: The nature of the world is that it is inherently sinful and will be made new again and sin will no longer be part of this world.
Zoroastrianism: The nature of the world is that it was tainted evil by Ahriman, and can only be good again when he is defeated, and our actions help decide that victory.
Where do I/people fit into the universe?
Christianity: Created to serve and worship God.
Zoroastrianism: Created to worship God and to be His own creation.
What is humanity's primary problem and its solution
Christianity: We’re filled with sin and sin is eliminated by asking God’s forgiveness
Zoroastrianism: The Evil Spirit tainted the world, including us, and we help the battle of Ahura Mazda and Ahriman, the Evil Spirit by doing good deeds and thoughts. They have a strange sense of Karma. Good life, few tragedies happen. Bad life, bad things happen to you.
What happens after death?
Christianity: We go to Heaven
Zoroastrianism:When you die, your soul joins with the Spirit and your life’s experiences are used to help combat Ahriman. Good works help Ahura Mazda, evil works help Ahriman. When the world ends, time stops and every soul, whether they believed in this religion or if they lived a good or bad life, joins with Ahura Mazda in heaven.
1 “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the LORD Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. 2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. 3 Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the LORD Almighty. (Malachi 4: 1-3)
Zoroastrianism says fire and water are cleansers, and are often used in or around sacrifices. The quote, talking about the end of time, tells us that the unbelievers and the sinners will be burned with fire, and the good will be saved and happy in heaven. This quote helps identify with their religious symbols, like fire, as well as explain what our version of end of time is like, which is also similar to ours.
7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger (Romans 2:7-8)
Zoroastrianism is a balancing dualistic religion, with us being a contributing factor in the outcome of the battle between good and evil. Those who do good works and strive to live a good life will be rewarded with eternal life. Those who do evil will be punished in this life and the afterlife by God.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Here we're talking about Jesus saying he is the light of the world, claiming he is God. This is a new concept to Zoroastrians, but what is familiar is the contrast of darkness and light. Whoever follows Jesus is in the light, the good side of the universe. Whoever does evil is in the darkness, and whoever doesn't follow Jesus walks in darkness.
- Since the beginnings of Zoroastrianism in the 6th century BC, they've stayed committed to the idea that slavery is wrong, and specifically forbade anyone from owning a slave.
A depiction of Ahura Mazda
A depiction of Zoroaster
The Avesta, the Zoroastrian Bible
Zoroastrians praying
Ahriman, the Evil Spirit
Zoroastrian Temple in Aden, Yemen.
WORKS CITED
RELATION TO OTHER RELIGIONS
It is commonly believed that Zoroastrianism greatly influenced some of the teachings of the Abrahamic religions, or, the ones of whom Abraham is mentioned. Like Judaism, Islam, and even Christianity. It has been said that they too have taken some of the key doctrines from some of the other large religions at the time. Zoroastrianism is similar to Christianity in many ways. We both believe in one God who created the world, one of the evil spirits tainted that world, and they are in a constant battle of which the good God will win. At that time, we will all join Him in heaven.
5 Big Questions
What is the ultimate reality/Supreme Power
Christianity: God, Jesus, Holy Spirit
Zoroastrianism: Ahura Mazda.
What is the nature of the world? (Freedom vs Destiny/Fate)Christianity: God, Jesus, Holy Spirit
Zoroastrianism: Ahura Mazda.
Christianity: The nature of the world is that it is inherently sinful and will be made new again and sin will no longer be part of this world.
Zoroastrianism: The nature of the world is that it was tainted evil by Ahriman, and can only be good again when he is defeated, and our actions help decide that victory.
Where do I/people fit into the universe?
Christianity: Created to serve and worship God.
Zoroastrianism: Created to worship God and to be His own creation.
What is humanity's primary problem and its solution
Christianity: We’re filled with sin and sin is eliminated by asking God’s forgiveness
Zoroastrianism: The Evil Spirit tainted the world, including us, and we help the battle of Ahura Mazda and Ahriman, the Evil Spirit by doing good deeds and thoughts. They have a strange sense of Karma. Good life, few tragedies happen. Bad life, bad things happen to you.
What happens after death?
Christianity: We go to Heaven
Zoroastrianism:When you die, your soul joins with the Spirit and your life’s experiences are used to help combat Ahriman. Good works help Ahura Mazda, evil works help Ahriman. When the world ends, time stops and every soul, whether they believed in this religion or if they lived a good or bad life, joins with Ahura Mazda in heaven.
1 “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the LORD Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. 2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. 3 Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the LORD Almighty. (Malachi 4: 1-3)
Zoroastrianism says fire and water are cleansers, and are often used in or around sacrifices. The quote, talking about the end of time, tells us that the unbelievers and the sinners will be burned with fire, and the good will be saved and happy in heaven. This quote helps identify with their religious symbols, like fire, as well as explain what our version of end of time is like, which is also similar to ours.
7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger (Romans 2:7-8)
Zoroastrianism is a balancing dualistic religion, with us being a contributing factor in the outcome of the battle between good and evil. Those who do good works and strive to live a good life will be rewarded with eternal life. Those who do evil will be punished in this life and the afterlife by God.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
Here we're talking about Jesus saying he is the light of the world, claiming he is God. This is a new concept to Zoroastrians, but what is familiar is the contrast of darkness and light. Whoever follows Jesus is in the light, the good side of the universe. Whoever does evil is in the darkness, and whoever doesn't follow Jesus walks in darkness.
ARTICLES
http://wwrn.org/articles/22638/ This article talks about the current state of Zoroastrianism, how it is dwindling and how they’re not doing much to stop it. Even though the religious texts don’t specifically state that they’re not allowed to evangelize, they’ve never tried. Being one of the largest religions during the time of the Persian empire, they had 50-60 million followers, but were routed out and massacred by the Islamic people. They’re expressing their regrets about the fact that they’re no longer as strong as they were, and their traditions are being ignored by the followers. If this keeps up, they speculate that their religion will have dwindled down to nothingness in less than 100 years.http://wwrn.org/articles/22944/?&place=iran§ion=miscellaneous Zoroastrianism, being the dominant religion in Iran for thousands of years until the Islamic people took over, still celebrates their religious practices and festivals there. Or they try to. The Iranian government showed up at one of their most important festivals and quickly shut them down, ruining the celebration and being sent home. This whole article is about their religion losing popularity amongst their own native people. They settled in Iran, and now Iran is trying to shut them up. They were practicing one of their holiest celebrations, and the Iranian government took control of the thing and tore it down. There is no place for them anymore in the Iranian society, and seemingly, no place for them anywhere. http://wwrn.org/articles/24210/?&place=india§ion=other One of the strangest things about the religion is their unwillingness to evangelize. None of their texts prohibit trying to convert people to this ancient religion, but still they tend not to preach to the non-believers, and try to not even marry them, preferring to marry other Zoroastrians, often family members. Now, as they realize that their religion is dying and if they don’t do something new soon, it will fade from practice, they’ve built a temple that's open to everyone. Once, recently, they had a prayer room that was open to everyone, and it was a hit. Now, they’re trying out a temple that anyone can go to, Zoroastrians and others, and it’s gaining in popularity. http://wwrn.org/articles/32564/?&place=asia-pacific§ion=other Another one of their festivals was held, and this time, non-Zoroastrians were allowed to come. Muslims from all over came to the festival and watch and even participate, feeling that the laid back and peaceful nature of Zoroastrianism was far better than the rigid control of the Islamic faith. They are proud of this festival, says some Muslims, as it was a national level before the Muslims took over. Since Zoroastrianism predates Islam and even Christianity, they feel that it should be celebrated. More Muslims are taking an interest in their ancient roots, showing some hope for the future of Zoroastrianism. http://wwrn.org/articles/25132/ Extremist Muslims are threatening to kill Muslim youths should they convert to Christianity or Zoroastrianism. This shows the continued aggressiveness of the Muslims, as well as the strong dislike of Zoroastrians. Even though their religion is older, and similar in many ways to Islam and Christianity, with one Almighty God, a belief in an afterlife and a day of reckoning, they still seek to destroy them completely.
INTERESTING FACTS
- When it comes to missionary work, they believe in indifference in converting others, but in the sakes of keeping their faith alive, they have various missionary stations around the globe.- Since the beginnings of Zoroastrianism in the 6th century BC, they've stayed committed to the idea that slavery is wrong, and specifically forbade anyone from owning a slave.
PICTURES
A depiction of Ahura Mazda
A depiction of Zoroaster
The Avesta, the Zoroastrian Bible
Zoroastrians praying
Ahriman, the Evil Spirit
Zoroastrian Temple in Aden, Yemen.
ZOROASTRIANISM TODAY
Zoroastrianism used to be one of the most dominant religions of its time. It had power, glory, wealth, and millions of diligent followers world wide. After the Islamic invasions and their decline, they've dwindled down to almost nothingness, with just a few thousand remaining in existence. And even those few people left are forgetting the old traditions. In the old times, marrying someone from outside the religion was frowned upon, while now they're marrying who they choose. Their non-evangelizing method hasn't improved their faith, and all they have left is a few ancient temples for a dying religion. There isn't much hope for this once grand religion, and even devout Zoroastrians believe that their religion will be completely dead in about 50 years. A sad ending for a once glorious religion. WORKS CITED
Persia at the Crest. A Soaring Spirit: TimeFrame, 600-400 BC. Alexandria, VA: Time-Life, 1987. 37-38. Print.
"Zoroastrianism and Parsiism." Brittanica. 15th ed. 1997. Print.
Goodstein, Laurie. "Zoroastrians Keep the Faith, and Keep Dwindling." WorldWide Religious News. 6 Sept. 2006. Web. 9 Dec. 2010. <http://wwrn.org/articles/22638/>.
Tait, Robert. "Ancient Religions Clash in Modern Iran." WorldWide Religious News. 4 Oct. 2006. Web. 9 Dec. 2010. <http://wwrn.org/articles/22944/?&place=iran§ion=miscellaneous>
Janwalkar, Mayura. "Parsis Open Their Doors to Others." WorldWide Religious News. 11 Feb. 2007. Web. 9 Dec. 2010. <http://wwrn.org/articles/24210/?&place=india§ion=other>.
Dareini, Al Abkar. "Iranians Celebrate Ancient Persian Fire Fest." WorldWide Religious News. 31 Jan. 2010. Web. 9 Dec. 2010. <http://wwrn.org/articles/32564/?&place=asia-pacific§ion=other>.
Irin. "Sunni Extremists Threaten to Kill Christian Converts in North." WorldWide Religious News. 21 May 2007. Web. 9 Dec. 2010. <http://wwrn.org/articles/25132/>.
Cann, Rebecca. "Zoroastrian Creation Myth (Jesus, Earth, Virgin, Purification, Follower) - Religious Education Forum." Religious Education Forum - Discuss, Compare and Debate Religions in Our Online Community. 14 Jan. 2009. Web. 28 Dec. 2010. <http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/zoroastrianism-dir/75184-zoroastrian-creation-myth.html>.
"Zoroastrianism." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia. Web. 9 Dec. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism>.
"Avesta." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 14 Dec. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avesta>.
"Zoroaster." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 10 Dec. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster>.
"Achaemenid Empire." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 14 Jan. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_Empire>.
"Sassanid Empire." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 14 Jan. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sassanid_Empire>.
Zaehner, R. C. "Counsels of Adarbad Mahraspandan." AVESTA -- Zoroastrian Archives. Web. 15 Jan. 2011. <http://www.avesta.org/mp/adarbad1.htm>.
Tait, Robert. "Ancient Religions Clash in Modern Iran." WorldWide Religious News. 4 Oct. 2006. Web. 9 Dec. 2010. <http://wwrn.org/articles/22944/?&place=iran§ion=miscellaneous>
Janwalkar, Mayura. "Parsis Open Their Doors to Others." WorldWide Religious News. 11 Feb. 2007. Web. 9 Dec. 2010. <http://wwrn.org/articles/24210/?&place=india§ion=other>.
Dareini, Al Abkar. "Iranians Celebrate Ancient Persian Fire Fest." WorldWide Religious News. 31 Jan. 2010. Web. 9 Dec. 2010. <http://wwrn.org/articles/32564/?&place=asia-pacific§ion=other>.
Irin. "Sunni Extremists Threaten to Kill Christian Converts in North." WorldWide Religious News. 21 May 2007. Web. 9 Dec. 2010. <http://wwrn.org/articles/25132/>.
Cann, Rebecca. "Zoroastrian Creation Myth (Jesus, Earth, Virgin, Purification, Follower) - Religious Education Forum." Religious Education Forum - Discuss, Compare and Debate Religions in Our Online Community. 14 Jan. 2009. Web. 28 Dec. 2010. <http://www.religiousforums.com/forum/zoroastrianism-dir/75184-zoroastrian-creation-myth.html>.
"Zoroastrianism." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia. Web. 9 Dec. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroastrianism>.
"Avesta." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 14 Dec. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avesta>.
"Zoroaster." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 10 Dec. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoroaster>.
"Achaemenid Empire." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 14 Jan. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_Empire>.
"Sassanid Empire." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 14 Jan. 2011. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sassanid_Empire>.
Zaehner, R. C. "Counsels of Adarbad Mahraspandan." AVESTA -- Zoroastrian Archives. Web. 15 Jan. 2011. <http://www.avesta.org/mp/adarbad1.htm>.
Zaehner, R. C. "Chidag Andarz I Poryotkeshan: A Zoroastrian Catechism." AVESTA -- Zoroastrian Archives. Web. 15 Jan. 2011. <http://www.avesta.org/mp/catechis.html>.
Images
Ahura Mazda. Digital image. Williams World. WordPress.com, 21 Sept. 2007. Web. 16 Jan. 2011. <http://williamsworld.wordpress.com/2007/09/21/persia-podcast/>.
Avesta. Digital image. Zoroastrian Prayers. Web. 14 Jan. 2011. <http://vcn.bc.ca/oshihan/images/Avesta_RShahmard1.jpg>.
Soleimani, Zohreh. Praying at Chak Chak Temple. Digital image. Zoroastrian in Iran. 23 Sept. 2007. Web. 14 Jan. 2011. <http://zsoleimani.com/wp-content/uploads/04-praying-at-chak-chak-temple.jpg?filter=bigsize>
Steiner, Rudolf. Ahriman. Digital image. Waldorf Watch. Web. 14 Jan. 2011. <http://sites.google.com/site/waldorfwatch/_/rsrc/1268574128647/bad/christ%20lucifer%20ahriman%202.jpg>.
Ahura Mazda. Digital image. Ahura Mazda. Kidipede, 26 Oct. 2010. Web. 14 Jan. 2011. <http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/westasia/religion/pictures/ahuramazda.jpg>.
Images
Korosh. Zoroaster. Digital image. Zarathushtra. 2003. Web. 14 Jan. 2011. <http://www.zarathushtra.com/z/life/zpic04.htm>.
Ahura Mazda. Digital image. Williams World. WordPress.com, 21 Sept. 2007. Web. 16 Jan. 2011. <http://williamsworld.wordpress.com/2007/09/21/persia-podcast/>.
Avesta. Digital image. Zoroastrian Prayers. Web. 14 Jan. 2011. <http://vcn.bc.ca/oshihan/images/Avesta_RShahmard1.jpg>.
Soleimani, Zohreh. Praying at Chak Chak Temple. Digital image. Zoroastrian in Iran. 23 Sept. 2007. Web. 14 Jan. 2011. <http://zsoleimani.com/wp-content/uploads/04-praying-at-chak-chak-temple.jpg?filter=bigsize>
Steiner, Rudolf. Ahriman. Digital image. Waldorf Watch. Web. 14 Jan. 2011. <http://sites.google.com/site/waldorfwatch/_/rsrc/1268574128647/bad/christ%20lucifer%20ahriman%202.jpg>.
The Zoroastrian Temple at Night Aden Yemen. Digital image. Roro44. Web. 14 Jan. 2011. <http://travel.roro44.com/middle-east/yemen/The_Zoroastrian_Temple_at_night_Aden_Yemen.jpg>.
Ahura Mazda. Digital image. Ahura Mazda. Kidipede, 26 Oct. 2010. Web. 14 Jan. 2011. <http://www.historyforkids.org/learn/westasia/religion/pictures/ahuramazda.jpg>.
