Zaroaster (Zarathustra) painted by Pajaros Volando

Who was Zarathustra?

"As I have seen Ahura Mazda with my inner sight." 

  (Gathas: Yasna  45-8) 

Zarathustra: The name "Zaratha" originates from Persian, where "Zar" means gold and "Ushtra" means light or shining, similar to "Astra" or "ستاره" in Persian. Previously known as Spitama, which translates to "pure," Zarathustra's name signifies a combination of gold and radiant light or star, representing his profound significance.

 “The one who possesses the Golden Light”

 Determining an exact date for Zarathustra's life is challenging due to limited historical information. One approach involves studying the language in his self-composed hymns known as The Gathas. However, many scholars estimate he lived around 5000 to 7000 years ago. Zoroastrianism, the religion he founded, became the state religion for three Persian empires spanning from 550 BCE to 651 CE.

Zarathustra gained insight into Mazda (The Ultimate Wisdom) through his inner awareness and conscience. He encountered Ahura Mazda (The Ultimate Wisdom) through mystical experiences and contemplation within himself.

O, Lord of Life and Wisdom, when I realized Thee in my mind as the First and the Last of Creation.

(Gathas: Yasna 31-8) 

Zarathustra didn't aim to create a new religion for everyone. He wanted us to use our intelligence and choose the path of Wisdom, no matter where we find it. He did not intend to entangle the human spirit with superstition or robotic rituals. On the contrary, he dreamt of breaking the chains of ignorance that kept humanity imprisoned in unconsciousness and deception. His vision was fundamentally about inner growth and self-realization. 

Zarathustra did not want people to follow him blindly. In contrast, he intended to empower individuals to actively increase their consciousness toward the Divine Consciousness. He challenged us to look at ourselves not as who we are but as who we can become. His aim for humanity was for us to transcend to become higher, conscious beings. And those higher human beings are hidden within us. We are like a ladder. We need to climb up the steps of our beings in order to reach the treasure of our full consciousness. Then, we are not human anymore. We become closer to God, Ahura Mazda-the Ultimate Consciousness, the Supreme Wisdom.