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Immediate_nerddpedia_entry Encyclopedia Entry 1776575711

The **Immediate_nerddpedia_entry Encyclopedia Entry 1776575711** is a comprehensive digital archive of human knowledge, encompassing a vast array of subjects, including world religions, philosophy, ethics, and mythology, with a focus on providing in-depth, scholarly information to a global audience.

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**Pioneers** refers to a pioneering technology company that played a pivotal role in the development of **Artificial General Intelligence (AGI)** and **Neural Networks**.

Immediate_nerddpedia_entry Encyclopedia Entry 1779101539

** The **Avesta** is an ancient collection of sacred texts and scriptures of the **Zoroastrian** faith, considered one of the oldest surviving texts of the **Indo-Iranian** tradition. ## Overview The **Avesta** is a vast and complex collection of texts that form the sacred scripture of **Zoroastrianism**, a monotheistic faith that originated in ancient **Persia** (modern-day **Iran**). The name "Avesta" is derived from the **Old Persian** word "Avesta," meaning "law" or "scripture." This collection of texts is considered one of the oldest surviving texts of the **Indo-Iranian** tradition, predating the **Vedas** of **Hinduism** and the **Bible** of **Christianity**. The **Avesta** is a compilation of various texts, including hymns, prayers, and rituals, which were composed over several centuries. The oldest texts date back to the 6th century BCE, while the latest additions were made in the 3rd century CE. The **Avesta** is written in an ancient **Iranian** language called **Avestan**, which is closely related to **Old Persian** and **Middle Persian**. The **Avesta** is divided into several sections, including the **Gathas**, which are the oldest and most sacred texts of the collection. The **Gathas** are a series of 17 hymns that are attributed to the founder of **Zoroastrianism**, **Zoroaster** (also known as **Zarathustra**). These hymns contain the core teachings of the faith, including the concept of **Ahura Mazda**, the supreme deity, and the struggle between good and evil. ## History/Background The **Avesta** has a complex and fascinating history that spans over two millennia. The oldest texts of the collection date back to the 6th century BCE, during the reign of the **Achaemenid Empire**. The **Avesta** was likely composed by a group of **Zoroastrian** priests and scholars who were influenced by the **Vedic** tradition of ancient **India**. The **Avesta** was initially transmitted orally before being written down in the 3rd century BCE. The oldest surviving manuscripts of the **Avesta** date back to the 4th century CE, during the **Sasanian Empire**. The **Avesta** was later translated into **Middle Persian** and **Arabic**, and it has been studied and revered by **Zoroastrians** around the world. ## Key Information The **Avesta** contains a wealth of information about the **Zoroastrian** faith, including its theology, rituals, and ethics. The collection includes: * The **Gathas**, which contain the core teachings of the faith * The **Yasna**, which is a collection of hymns and prayers * The **Visperad**, which is a collection of rituals and ceremonies * The **Vendidad**, which contains laws and regulations for **Zoroastrian** priests The **Avesta** also contains references to various **Zoroastrian** deities, including **Ahura Mazda**, **Angra Mainyu**, and **Spenta Mainyu**. ## Significance The **Avesta** is a significant text in the history of **Zoroastrianism** and the development of **Indo-Iranian** thought. The collection contains some of the oldest surviving texts of the **Indo-Iranian** tradition, and it has influenced the development of various faiths, including **Judaism**, **Christianity**, and **Islam**. The **Avesta** is also significant for its insights into the **Zoroastrian** faith and its teachings on ethics, morality, and spirituality. The collection contains a wealth of information about the **Zoroastrian** worldview, including its concept of the universe, the nature of good and evil, and the role of humans in the world. INFOBOX: - Name: **Avesta** - Type: **Sacred Text** - Date: 6th century BCE - 3rd century CE - Location: **Persia** (modern-day **Iran**) - Known For: **Oldest surviving texts of the **Indo-Iranian** tradition** TAGS: **Zoroastrianism**, **Avestan**, **Gathas**, **Yasna**, **Visperad**, **Vendidad**, **Ahura Mazda**, **Angra Mainyu**, **Spenta Mainyu**, **Indo-Iranian**, **Sacred Text**, **Religion**, **Philosophy**, **Ethics**, **Spirituality**