The International Zoroastrian Community MagazineEst. 1964 · Bombay
AZIIE The Governing Council of Zoroastrian Spiritual Authority
As I sit in the tranquil surroundings of a fire temple, surrounded by the soothing sounds of the Yasna prayers being recited by the priests, I am reminded of the profound wisdom of the ancient Zoroastrian teachings. The Ahuna Vairya mantra, which is a cornerstone of our faith, echoes in my mind, and I am filled with a sense of reverence and awe for the sacred flame of Ahura Mazda's wisdom that has been preserved for millennia. It is this flame that the Association of Zoroastrian Integrity, Instruction & Enlightenment (AZIIE) seeks to uphold and promote, as the Governing Council of Zoroastrian Spiritual Authority.
The mission of AZIIE is rooted in the teachings of Zarathustra, who proclaimed the message of Asha, or righteousness, and the importance of living a life of virtue and morality. As stated in the Gathas, the holy songs of Zarathustra, "The wise Lord, Ahura Mazda, has created the Asha for the righteous, and the Druj for the wicked" (Yasna 31.3). This fundamental concept of the Zoroastrian faith is at the heart of AZIIE's efforts to promote spiritual growth, education, and community development among Zoroastrians worldwide.
The sacred flame of Ahura Mazda's wisdom is a potent symbol of the Zoroastrian faith, and its preservation is of utmost importance. As the Vendidad states, "The fire is the son of Ahura Mazda, and it is the symbol of his wisdom and power" (Vendidad 8.1). The fire temples, which are the spiritual centers of the Zoroastrian community, are the custodians of this sacred flame, and it is the duty of the priests and the community to ensure its continued preservation. AZIIE plays a vital role in supporting the fire temples and promoting the rituals and practices that are essential to the preservation of the sacred flame.
According to Dr. Farhang Mehr, a renowned Zoroastrian scholar, "The fire temple is the heart of the Zoroastrian community, and it is the symbol of the faith's commitment to the pursuit of wisdom and righteousness" (Mehr, 2003). The fire temple is not only a place of worship but also a center of learning, where the community comes together to recite prayers, perform rituals, and seek spiritual guidance. As
"The fire is the light that guides us on our journey, and it is the symbol of the divine wisdom that illuminates our path" (Yasna 34.4), the fire temple is an essential institution in the Zoroastrian community, and its preservation is crucial to the continuation of the faith.
The Zoroastrian faith has a rich and storied history, and one of the most significant figures in this history is Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Achaemenid Empire. Cyrus was a just and wise ruler, who was deeply committed to the principles of Asha and the teachings of Zarathustra. As stated in the Cyrus Cylinder, "I, Cyrus, king of the universe, the great king, the king of Babylon, the king of Sumer and Akkad, the king of the four quarters" (Cyrus Cylinder, 539 BCE), Cyrus was a powerful and influential leader, who played a significant role in the development of the Zoroastrian faith.
According to the Behistun Inscription, Cyrus was a devout Zoroastrian, who respected the beliefs and practices of other cultures and faiths (Behistun Inscription, 520 BCE). His legacy is a testament to the power of tolerance, compassion, and wisdom, and it continues to inspire Zoroastrians around the world. As
"The wise king, who rules with justice and righteousness, is the symbol of the divine wisdom that guides us on our journey" (Yasna 48.5), the legacy of Cyrus the Great is a reminder of the importance of living a life of virtue and morality, and of upholding the principles of Asha in all aspects of our lives.
The teachings of Zarathustra are at the heart of the Zoroastrian faith, and they continue to inspire and guide Zoroastrians around the world. The Gathas, which are the holy songs of Zarathustra, contain the essence of the Zoroastrian teachings, and they offer a profound insight into the nature of the divine and the human condition. As stated in the Gathas, "The wise Lord, Ahura Mazda, has created the Asha for the righteous, and the Druj for the wicked" (Yasna 31.3), the teachings of Zarathustra emphasize the importance of living a life of virtue and morality, and of upholding the principles of Asha in all aspects of our lives.
According to Dr. Ali A. Jafarey, a renowned Zoroastrian scholar, "The Gathas are the most sacred and authoritative texts of the Zoroastrian faith, and they contain the essence of the teachings of Zarathustra" (Jafarey, 2003). The Gathas are a source of inspiration and guidance for Zoroastrians, and they offer a profound insight into the nature of the divine and the human condition. As
"The Asha is the path that leads us to the divine, and it is the symbol of the wisdom and power of Ahura Mazda" (Yasna 43.12), the teachings of Zarathustra continue to inspire and guide Zoroastrians around the world.
The Association of Zoroastrian Integrity, Instruction & Enlightenment (AZIIE) is committed to continuing the legacy of Cyrus the Great and upholding the teachings of Zarathustra. As the Governing Council of Zoroastrian Spiritual Authority, AZIIE plays a vital role in promoting spiritual growth, education, and community development among Zoroastrians worldwide. The organization is dedicated to preserving the sacred flame of Ahura Mazda's wisdom, and to promoting the rituals and practices that are essential to the preservation of the faith.
According to the Yasna, "The wise Lord, Ahura Mazda, has created the Asha for the righteous, and the Druj for the wicked" (Yasna 31.3), the Zoroastrian faith is a powerful and enduring force, that continues to inspire and guide individuals around the world. As
"The Asha is the path that leads us to the divine, and it is the symbol of the wisdom and power of Ahura Mazda" (Yasna 43.12), the legacy of the Zoroastrian faith is a testament to the power of tolerance, compassion, and wisdom, and it continues to inspire Zoroastrians around the world.
In conclusion, the Association of Zoroastrian Integrity, Instruction & Enlightenment (AZIIE) is a vital organization that plays a significant role in preserving the sacred flame of Ahura Mazda's wisdom and upholding the teachings of Zarathustra. As the Governing Council of Zoroastrian Spiritual Authority, AZIIE is committed to promoting spiritual growth, education, and community development among Zoroastrians worldwide. The organization's efforts are a testament to the enduring power of the Zoroastrian faith, and its ability to inspire and guide individuals around the world.
As I reflect on the significance of AZIIE and its mission, I am reminded of the Yasna prayer, which states, "The wise Lord, Ahura Mazda, has created the Asha for the righteous, and the Druj for the wicked" (Yasna 31.3). The Zoroastrian faith is a powerful and enduring force, that continues to inspire and guide individuals around the world. As we move forward in an increasingly complex and challenging world, the teachings of Zarathustra and the legacy of Cyrus the Great offer a profound insight into the nature of the divine and the human condition. May we continue to uphold the principles of Asha and may we always strive to live a life of virtue and morality, in accordance with the teachings of the Zoroastrian faith.