Zoroastrianism is a religion based on the belief of a creator that is all mighty and has no evil association. The religion has its origin in Avestan, in Ancient Iran. Historically, it is one of the world’s biggest religions. The followers believed that two forces operate in the world. One is good while the other one is evil. Evil originates from a force called the druj that tries to destroy everything created by God.
Ahura Mazda is the creator, and the source of all good that happens in the world. His creation is referred as Asha, and it is believed that Ahura Mazda was never created. The religious beliefs states that in order to maintain a happy and satisfying life, it would be necessary for members to be active in performing good deeds to other members of the society. The religious members viewed this participation as the practice of free will. It also states that the mighty God Ahura would clash with the evil Angra Mainyu and prevail over him. This is a struggle of good against evil forces present in the world. As a result, it would lead to a fresh construction of the world where the dead would be reunited with Ahura Mazda.
The after life belief is based on judgment at death. This happens at the Bridge of Judgment. A young woman to be ushered into heaven for their good deeds would meet good people. Evil doers would be sent to hell by an old lady to suffer. There would be a final 3000 year period of chaos between evil and good. It is stated that a savior named Saoshyant would be born to a virgin. Apparently she would be conceived by the seed of Ahura Mazda while bathing in a lake. This would be followed by a final judgment that would include those that were sent to hell and heaven. The two judgments are significant since they cater for physical and spiritual well-beings.
What are Zoroastrian views of the earth and ecology? How do their burial practices reflect a respect for ecology and the earth? The followers of Zoroastism believe that death is the work of the devil. The living should not therefore be engaged in activities that would appear as if the bodies of the dead are taken care of decently. The dead should not be buried, burned or thrown into water. Fire, water and the ground are considered sacred. It is believed that as such, they should not be defiled by the dead. The dead are supposed to be dumped in structures that are constructed in the wild where outsiders are locked out.
The bodies are left for birds of prey such as vultures to consume. The constructed sites are called the tower of silence. Due to a decline in the number of vultures, the communities have been forced to come up with alternatives that would help get rid of bodies that would be left lying around for long. Among the solutions, are the erections of solar panels and other machines to enable fast decay and reduce stench of dead bodies. Their burial practices reflect on respecting the ecology and the earth as the decomposed bodies form part of the ecosystem after they decay.
