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** The **Avesta** is an ancient collection of sacred texts and hymns that form the core of **Zoroastrianism**, an ancient monotheistic faith originating from the Iranian plateau. ## Overview The **Avesta** is a vast and complex collection of sacred texts, comprising hymns, prayers, and rituals that are central to the practice of **Zoroastrianism**. This ancient faith, founded by the prophet **Zoroaster** (also known as Zarathustra), emerged on the Iranian plateau around 1200 BCE. The **Avesta** is considered a divine revelation, containing the teachings and wisdom of **Zoroaster**, who is revered as a prophet and a messenger of the one true God, **Ahura Mazda**. The **Avesta** is a testament to the rich spiritual heritage of the ancient Iranians and has had a profound impact on the development of Western philosophy and spirituality. The **Avesta** is composed of several distinct sections, including the **Gathas**, which are the oldest and most sacred parts of the text. The **Gathas** contain the teachings of **Zoroaster** and are considered the most authentic and authoritative parts of the **Avesta**. The **Avesta** also includes the **Yasna**, which contains hymns and prayers, as well as the **Visperad**, which is a collection of rituals and ceremonies. The **Avesta** is written in the **Avestan** language, which is an ancient Iranian language closely related to **Old Persian**. ## History/Background The **Avesta** has a complex and disputed history, with various theories about its composition and transmission. Some scholars believe that the **Avesta** was compiled over several centuries, while others argue that it was written down in its entirety by **Zoroaster** himself. The **Avesta** is thought to have been transmitted orally before being written down, and its earliest written versions date back to the 4th century BCE. The **Avesta** was likely composed in the region of Bactria, which is now modern-day Afghanistan. The **Avesta** played a significant role in the development of **Zoroastrianism**, which became a major world religion in the ancient world. **Zoroastrianism** was adopted by the Achaemenid Empire, which stretched from modern-day Iran to Egypt, and its influence can be seen in the art, architecture, and literature of the ancient world. The **Avesta** was also influential in the development of Western philosophy, particularly in the areas of ethics and morality. ## Key Information The **Avesta** contains a wealth of information about the **Zoroastrian** faith, including its theology, rituals, and practices. The **Avesta** describes the world as a battleground between good and evil, with **Ahura Mazda** as the supreme deity and **Angra Mainyu** as the primary antagonist. The **Avesta** also contains teachings on ethics, morality, and the importance of truth and justice. The **Avesta** is composed of several distinct sections, including: * **Gathas**: The oldest and most sacred parts of the **Avesta**, containing the teachings of **Zoroaster**. * **Yasna**: A collection of hymns and prayers. * **Visperad**: A collection of rituals and ceremonies. * **Vendidad**: A collection of laws and regulations. * **Siroza**: A collection of prayers and hymns. ## Significance The **Avesta** is a significant work of ancient literature and spirituality, offering insights into the development of **Zoroastrianism** and its impact on Western philosophy and culture. The **Avesta** contains teachings on ethics, morality, and the importance of truth and justice, making it a valuable resource for scholars of philosophy and spirituality. The **Avesta** has also had a profound impact on the development of Western literature, influencing the works of authors such as **Plato** and **Aristotle**. INFOBOX: - **Name:** Avesta - **Type:** Sacred text - **Date:** 1200 BCE (approximate) - **Location:** Iranian plateau - **Known For:** Core of the **Zoroastrian** faith and a significant work of ancient literature and spirituality. TAGS: **Zoroastrianism**, **Avestan**, **Gathas**, **Yasna**, **Visperad**, **Vendidad**, **Siroza**, **Ahura Mazda**, **Angra Mainyu**, **Zoroaster**, **Iranian plateau**, **Western philosophy**, **Ethics**, **Morality**, **Truth**, **Justice**.