The Spirit of Zoroastrianism (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780300170351)

An introduction to the ideas and writings of Zoroastrianism, expertly translated, introduced, and edited by one of the world's foremost authorities on this religion

Zoroastrianism is one of the world's oldest religions, though it is not among the best understood. Originating with Iranian tribes living in Central Asia in the second millennium BCE, Zoroastrianism was the official religion of the Iranian empires until Islam superseded it in the seventh century AD. Centered on the worship of Ahura Mazda, the All-knowing Ruler, Zoroastrianism follows the practices and rituals set out by the prophet Zarathustra, according to the indigenous tradition.

As one of the world's great religions, Zoroastrianism has a heritage rich in texts and cultic practices. The texts are often markedly difficult to translate, but in this volume, Prods Oktor Skj rv , professor of ancient Iranian languages and culture at Harvard, provides modern and accurate translations of Zoroastrian texts that have been selected to provide an overview of Zoroastrian beliefs and practices. In a comprehensive introduction to these sacred texts, Skj rv outlines the history and essence of Zoroastrianism and discusses the major themes of this the first fully representative selection of Zoroastrian texts to be made available in English for over a century.

Author: Prods Oktor Skjærvø
ISBN-10: 0300170351
ISBN-13: 9780300170351
Publisher: Yale University Press
Language: English
Published: 02/07/2012
Pages: 280
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.79lbs
Size: 8.42h x 5.49w x 0.86d