Quick Reference
- Zoroastrianism: An IntroductionThis thorough and wide-ranging introduction will appeal to anyone interested in the faith that bequeathed the contrasting words 'Magi' and 'magic', and whose adherents still live according to the code of 'Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds.'
- Zoroastrianism: An Introduction to an Ancient FaithThis book sets out clearly and succinctly the major beliefs and practices which inform Zoroastrianism today.
Further Reading
The Zoroastrian Flame: Exploring Religion, History and Tradition by Publication Date: 2016From the birth of Zoroastrianism in the 2nd millennium BC to its adoption as the state religion of the Sasanian Empire in the 3d century AD, it enjoyed imperial patronage and profoundly shaped the culture of antiquity. The Magi of the New Testament most probably were Zoroastrian priests, while the enigmatic figure of Zarathushtra/Zoroaster himself has exerted continual fascination in the West, influencing creative artists as diverse as Voltaire, Nietzsche and Mozart.
Traditions of the Magi: Zoroastrianism in Greek and Latin Literature by Publication Date: 1997This is the first full treatment of the Greek and Latin references to Zoroastrianism since the pioneering works of Benveniste, Bidez, Cumont and Clemen. It focuses on the possibilities offered by the classical reports to reconstruct the history of Zoroastrianism. Apart from offering introductions to a wide range of debates and topics in Classical and Iranian studies, the book aims to illustrate the diversity of beliefs and practices in ancient Zoroastrianism.
A History of Zoroastrianism by Publication Date: 1996A 3-volume set examining the history of Zoroastrianism during the Early Period (vol. 1), the Achaemenid Empire (vol. 2), and Macedonian and Roman rule (vol. 3).
The Gathas of Zarathushtra: Hymns in Praise of Wisdom by Publication Date: 1999The words of Zarathushtra, Prophet of Ancient Iran, have come down to us across the centuries through the Gathas, 17 hymns which he composed and which embody the core of his faith. For the first time ever, these hymns are published with commentary and relevant illustrated material to explain the text.
The Hymns of Zoroaster: A New Translation of the Most Ancient Sacred Texts of Iran by Publication Date: 2010These hymns are the authentic utterances of a religious leader whose thought was way ahead of his time, and are among the most precious relics of human civilization. After so many millennia they continue to speak to us of an impressively austere theology and of an inspiring and easily understood moral code. M. L. West's new translation, with a substantial introduction and notes, makes these powerfully resonant texts available to a wide audience.
The Zoroastrian Myth of Migration from Iran and Settlement in the Indian Diaspora: Text, Translation and Analysis of the 16th Century Qesse-ye Sanjān 'The Story of Sanjan' by Publication Date: 2009The Qesse-ye Sanjan or The story of Sanjan, previously misinterpreted and cast aside as a quasi-historical chronicle, is here rediscovered as a fully-formed religious composition that can tell us a great deal about Zoroastrian values in particular and the nature of religious self-representation in general.
Parsis in India and the Diaspora by Publication Date: 2007The Parsis are India's smallest minority community, yet they have exercised a huge influence on the country. As pioneers in education in 19th century India, and as leading figures in banking and commerce, medicine, law and journalism, they were at the forefront of India's industrial revolution and at the heart of the creation of the Indian National Congress in the 19th century. This book spans the time from their arrival in India to the 21st century.
Pious Citizens: Reforming Zoroastrianism in India and Iran by Publication Date: 2011In Pious Citizens, Ringer tells the story of a major intellectual revolution in 19th and early 20th-century India and Iran, one that radically transformed the role of religion in society. At this time, key theological debates revolved around Zoroastrianism's capacity to generate "progress" and "civilization". Ringer’s work also explores growing connections between the Iranian and Indian Zoroastrian communities and the revival of the ancient Persian past.
Voices from Zoroastrian Iran: Oral Texts and Testimony by Publication Date: 2018Voices from Zoroastrian Iran (Volumes I and II) is the result of an oral studies research project that maps the remaining Zoroastrian communities in Iran and explores what has happened to their religious lives and social structures since the Revolution of 1979 and the establishment of the Islamic Republic.
Web Resources
- Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) is a non-profit religious group formed to function as the coordinating organization for Zoroastrian associations in North America and also publishes as eponymous journal.
- Zarathushtrian Assembly was founded in 1990 to create a progressive platform for people of all backgrounds to study the philosophy and teachings of Zoroaster (Zarathushtra), as taught in the Gathas.