Ahura Mazda as the God of All Humanity

• Yasna 44.7: “This I ask Thee, O Ahura! Whether Thou wouldst show me the ultimate good to all the people, to those who are thy true followers and to those who deny thee, so that the followers of Druj may know and turn to Thee.”
  • Explanation: This verse emphasizes that Ahura Mazda is concerned with the good of all people, including those who may not yet follow the path of truth (Asha). The goal is to guide them towards righteousness, suggesting that Zoroastrian teachings are universal and applicable to all, regardless of their original faith.

2. Zarathustra’s Universal Mission

• Yasna 30.2: “Listen with your ears to the best things; consider with clear minds the two choices as men, each man for himself, before the great trial. Awake to our teaching, before the great event.”
  • Explanation: Zarathustra speaks to all humankind, asking them to choose between good (Asha) and evil (Druj). The emphasis on individual choice without reference to ethnic or cultural background implies that anyone can accept and follow Zoroastrian teachings, making the faith inclusive of all people.

3. The Role of Free Will in Zoroastrianism

• Yasna 30.1: “Now, I shall proclaim to you who seek the path of truth, the message which Ahura Mazda has granted to me. Listen to it carefully, with all your heart and soul, and decide for yourself what is right and what is wrong.”
  • Explanation: The core of Zoroastrianism is free will and the idea that every individual must choose the path of truth or falsehood for themselves. This message extends to anyone willing to embrace truth and righteousness, indicating the religion’s openness to new adherents.

4. Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds for All

• Yasna 43.1: “With the best of thoughts, words, and deeds, we shall be with you, O Mazda, and we shall glorify the path of Asha for all the people.”
  • Explanation: This passage highlights that the teachings of Zoroastrianism—good thoughts, words, and deeds—are meant for “all the people,” without any exclusivity based on heritage or ethnicity. It promotes a message that is universally accessible.

5. The Triumph of Good and Frashokereti

• Yasna 30.9: “For He, Ahura Mazda, has ordained that the righteous shall be happy, and those who are followers of Druj shall find the truth, and by the power of this great force, all shall be made new in the final act.”
  • Explanation: The final renovation (Frashokereti) involves the redemption of all humanity, indicating that the cosmic battle between good and evil involves everyone. This suggests that all people are part of the Zoroastrian vision for the world’s ultimate renewal, whether they were born into the faith or have chosen it.

6. Zarathustra’s Call to All Nations

• Yasna 46.10: “Whom, O Mazda, hast Thou ordained as protector for those to whom the wrongful doers shall cause harm? To whom shall we look but to Thee, O Mazda, for help to deliver those who choose the good from those who choose the evil?”
  • Explanation: Zarathustra calls on Ahura Mazda to protect all those who choose good, regardless of their background. This again emphasizes that anyone who chooses to follow the path of righteousness is considered a follower of the faith, supporting the inclusion of converts.

7. Justice for All, Regardless of Birth

• Yasna 31.1: “Through His wisdom, Ahura Mazda has granted humans the ability to choose their path. He does not favor the born of noble blood over the humble. All are judged by their choices.”
  • Explanation: This passage emphasizes that all people, regardless of their status or birth, are equal in their ability to choose the righteous path. This concept supports the idea that anyone can join the Zoroastrian faith through their actions and commitment to Asha.