Most religions are influenced by the external environment and beliefs and Zoroastrianism is no exception. The western belief that there is one God has subconsciously put pressure on our community to be seen as modern, which is why many Zoroastrians claim to be monotheistic (as I used to). This is especially so as generations of Zoroastrians have been educated in Christian schools and colleges.
Some scholars, who misunderstood the principle of the two primal spirits or energies, opined there are two gods in Zoroastrianism. Zarathushtra’s philosophy is quite clear that in the beginning there were two spirits — the positive, Spenta Mainyu and the negative, Angra Mainyu — often referred to as light and darkness. This clearly recognizes Angra Mainyu as an active force.
Pope Paul VI, during a general audience on November 15, 1972, affirmed that evil is not merely an absence of something but an active force, a living, spiritual being.
Zarathushtra’s philosophy suggests that, having been given the freedom of choice, humans can choose the good. Ahura Mazda is the light of wisdom, which is the highest source of knowledge that enables responsible action. Thus there is no such thing as an external or all-powerful entity in Zarathushtra’s philosophy.
Consequently, Ahura Mazda is not responsible for what happens in the physical world, i.e. events such as earthquakes or Covid-19. These are due to imbalance of two forces. Is Covid-19 a virus in the wrong camp?
Imbalances in nature will continue and we have to learn to recognize what we can change and what is beyond our ability.
We have to seek a remedy to restore the balance. The discovery of the vaccine is an example. Similarly, the imbalance in the ecology can be corrected by identifying the cause of global warming and taking appropriate action as there is no ultimate authority or being that has the power to intervene.
I share my thoughts in the hope that readers will respond with their views to help me gain a deeper understanding of Zarathushtra’s philosophy.
JEHANGIR SAROSH
London, UK
jehangirsarosh@me.com