Zoroastrian Religion, Ethics and Rituals
This domain tests core Zoroastrian doctrine, ethical norms, and ritual practice. Expect questions on Ahura Mazda, the Amesha Spentas, Asha, dualism, eschatology, purity, fire, and life-cycle rites.
Doctrine and ethics
- Ahura Mazda is the supreme creator; the six Amesha Spentas include Vohu Manah, Asha Vahishta, Khshathra Vairya, Spenta Armaiti, Haurvatat, and Ameretat.
- Asha means truth, order, and rightness; its opposite is Druj, falsehood or disorder.
- Angra Mainyu or Ahriman is the adversary. Normative Zoroastrianism does not make him co-equal with Ahura Mazda.
- Ethics are summarized as humata, hukhta, hvarshta: good thoughts, good words, good deeds.
- Eschatology includes judgment at the Chinvat Bridge, heaven and hell, the Saoshyant, and Frashokereti, the renovation.
Ritual
Yasna is the central liturgy, including haoma preparation and recitation. Fire is a symbol of purity and a focus of worship directed to Ahura Mazda, not the object worshipped. Initiation uses sedreh and kushti; Navjote marks entry. Fire temples are graded, with the Atash Behram the highest. Traditional burial uses exposure in a dakhma.
Worked example
A scene shows a fire vessel, haoma, and priests reciting Yasna. The correct identification is the Yasna ritual, not 'fire worship'. Reasoning: fire is present as a purified ritual focus; haoma and recitation identify the Yasna; worship is directed to Ahura Mazda.
Traps
Do not describe Ahriman as equal to Ahura Mazda; do not call fire the deity; do not confuse Navjote with marriage; and do not treat all purity rules as uniform across communities.