Research Collection: Archive & General Zoroastrianism

General history, community, culture, commentary, and articles outside the primary research collections.

  • Happy Summer Solstice! Brief Hiatus for Exciting Updates

    Dear eFireTemple Community,

    As the summer solstice approaches, marking the longest day of the year and the beginning of summer, we want to take a moment to celebrate this joyous occasion with you. The summer solstice has been celebrated by various cultures throughout history, symbolizing renewal, vitality, and the abundance of life.

    In the spirit of renewal, we are excited to announce that mazda.aeuua.com/ will be undergoing some exciting updates over the next few weeks. These updates are designed to enhance your experience on our site, with new features, improved functionality, and a fresh look to better serve our community.

    What to Expect

    • Enhanced Media Page: We are adding more interactive elements to our media page, allowing you to easily upload and share videos, photos, and other content.
    • Improved User Experience: We are refining our site’s navigation and layout to make it more intuitive and user-friendly.
    • New Features: Stay tuned for some innovative features that will make your experience on mazda.aeuua.com/ even more enriching.

    Brief Hiatus

    To implement these updates, we will be taking a brief hiatus from June 21st 2024 to June 29th. We will have a few updates to celebrate Maidyoshahem Gahambar and then we will finish the new project by the end of July 2024. During this time, some features of the website may be temporarily unavailable. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to bring you a better eFireTemple experience.

    Happy Summer Solstice!

    We wish you a joyous and blessed summer solstice filled with light, happiness, and renewal. Thank you for being a part of our vibrant community. We look forward to unveiling the new and improved mazda.aeuua.com/ and continuing our journey together.

    Warm regards,

    The eFireTemple Team

  • Media Page on its way!!!

    Welcome to the eFireTemple Media Page

    Explore a diverse array of knowledge and insight on our Media Page, where we share engaging videos on religious discussions and thoughtful reflections from a multitude of faith traditions. Our content delves into the rich traditions, beliefs, and practices of not only Zoroastrianism but also other major world religions, offering a platform for enlightening conversations and spiritual growth. Join us as we explore the wisdom of ancient teachings and their relevance in today’s world. Whether you are a devoted follower, a curious seeker, or someone interested in interfaith dialogue, our videos are designed to inspire and deepen your understanding of the many paths to spiritual fulfillment.

  • Exploring Epigenetics

    Epigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype that do not involve alterations to the underlying DNA sequence. This field examines how environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and various external stimuli can affect gene activity and function, potentially leading to changes in health, development, and disease susceptibility.

    Key Concepts in Epigenetics:

    1. DNA Methylation: This is the addition of a methyl group to DNA, typically at cytosine bases. Methylation can repress gene activity and is involved in various processes, including development, aging, and carcinogenesis.
    2. Histone Modification: Histones are proteins around which DNA is wound to form chromatin. Post-translational modifications of histones, such as acetylation, methylation, and phosphorylation, can influence chromatin structure and gene expression.
    3. Non-Coding RNA: Small non-coding RNAs, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), can regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels.
    4. Chromatin Remodeling: The structure of chromatin can be altered to make DNA more or less accessible for transcription. This remodeling can be driven by various protein complexes and is essential for regulating gene expression.
    5. Epigenetic Inheritance: Some epigenetic changes can be passed down from one generation to the next, affecting the offspring’s gene expression and phenotype without changes in the DNA sequence.

    Applications and Implications of Epigenetics:

    1. Developmental Biology: Epigenetics plays a crucial role in the regulation of developmental processes, ensuring that different cell types develop their unique characteristics despite having the same genetic information.
    2. Disease: Abnormal epigenetic modifications are associated with various diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular diseases. Understanding these modifications can lead to new therapeutic approaches.
    3. Aging: Epigenetic changes accumulate with age and can influence the aging process. Research in this area aims to understand how these changes contribute to age-related decline and how they can be modulated to promote healthy aging.
    4. Environmental Influence: Lifestyle factors such as diet, stress, and exposure to toxins can lead to epigenetic changes that affect health and disease risk. This understanding underscores the importance of environmental factors in gene regulation.
    5. Therapeutics: Epigenetic therapy involves using drugs or other interventions to modify epigenetic marks and restore normal gene function. This approach holds promise for treating various conditions, including cancer and genetic disorders.
  • Walter Russell

    Walter Russell was an American polymath known for his work in various fields, including science, art, philosophy, and education. He was born on May 19, 1871, and passed away on May 19, 1963. Russell’s contributions span a wide range of disciplines, and he is particularly noted for his unique theories on the nature of the universe, consciousness, and the relationship between science and spirituality.

    Key Contributions and Theories

    1. Universal Law and Natural Philosophy:
      • Russell proposed a holistic understanding of the universe, emphasizing the unity and interconnectedness of all things. He developed the concept of the “Universal One,” a central idea in his philosophy that all creation emerges from a single, divine source.
      • He emphasized the cyclical nature of the universe, where all phenomena follow rhythmic patterns of motion and rest, often referred to as the “rhythmic balanced interchange.”
    2. The Russell Cosmogony:
      • In his book “The Universal One,” Russell introduced his cosmological theories, challenging conventional scientific views. He proposed that the universe operates through a series of light waves, with matter being a manifestation of energy in varying degrees of density.
      • His cosmogony suggests that the physical universe is a dynamic interplay of light and consciousness, where matter and energy are interchangeable.
    3. Transmutation and Alchemy:
      • Russell claimed that elements could be transmuted through the manipulation of vibrational frequencies. He believed that the principles of alchemy could be scientifically explained and applied to transform matter.
    4. Philosophy of Balance:
      • Russell’s philosophy centered on the principle of balance, advocating for a harmonious relationship between opposites. He believed that understanding and applying this principle could lead to personal and societal transformation.
    5. Art and Education:
      • As an accomplished artist, Russell produced significant works in sculpture and painting. He founded the Walter Russell Foundation and the University of Science and Philosophy, aiming to integrate scientific and spiritual education.
      • His artistic philosophy emphasized the expression of inner vision and universal principles through creative work.

    Notable Works

    • “The Universal One” (1926): Russell’s seminal work outlining his cosmological theories and vision of a unified universe.
    • “The Secret of Light” (1947): In this book, Russell explores the nature of light and its role as the fundamental building block of the universe.
    • “A New Concept of the Universe” (1953): A continuation of his earlier works, this book delves deeper into his scientific and philosophical ideas, challenging established scientific paradigms.

    Influence and Legacy

    Walter Russell’s ideas were ahead of their time, blending science, spirituality, and art into a cohesive worldview. While some of his theories were controversial and not widely accepted by the mainstream scientific community, they have inspired many in the fields of alternative science, metaphysics, and holistic education.

    His emphasis on the unity of science and spirituality has resonated with those seeking a more integrated understanding of the universe. The University of Science and Philosophy continues to promote his teachings, preserving his legacy and encouraging further exploration of his visionary ideas.

    Russell’s life and work demonstrate the power of interdisciplinary thinking and the potential for human creativity and consciousness to unlock deeper truths about the nature of reality.

  • Neville Goddard

    Neville Goddard was a prominent spiritual teacher and author, best known for his work in the field of New Thought and metaphysical spirituality. He was born on February 19, 1905, in Barbados, and passed away on October 1, 1972. Goddard’s teachings focus on the power of imagination and the concept that our thoughts and beliefs shape our reality. Here are some key aspects of his philosophy and contributions:

    Key Teachings

    1. Imagination as Reality: Goddard emphasized the idea that imagination is the creative force behind reality. He taught that what we imagine and feel deeply will manifest in our physical world.
    2. Feeling is the Secret: One of his core teachings is encapsulated in the phrase “feeling is the secret.” He believed that emotions and feelings are crucial in the process of manifestation. By feeling as if our desires are already fulfilled, we bring them into reality.
    3. Law of Assumption: Goddard introduced the concept of the “law of assumption,” which states that assuming the feeling of the wish fulfilled leads to its manifestation. This involves mentally living in the end state of the desired outcome.
    4. Mental Rehearsal: He taught the practice of mental rehearsal or visualization, where individuals vividly imagine their desired outcomes in detail, feeling the emotions associated with these outcomes as if they are happening in the present.
    5. Scriptural Interpretation: Goddard often used the Bible to explain his teachings, interpreting it as an allegorical and psychological guide rather than a historical or religious text. He believed the stories in the Bible are symbolic representations of human consciousness and spiritual truths.

    Notable Works

    • “The Power of Awareness”: This book discusses the importance of self-awareness and the ability to shape one’s reality through conscious thought and feeling.
    • “Feeling is the Secret”: In this work, Goddard delves into the concept of feeling as the key to manifesting desires.
    • “The Law and the Promise”: This book includes real-life stories of individuals who successfully applied Goddard’s teachings to manifest their desires.
    • “Awakened Imagination”: Goddard explores the power of imagination and its role in creating personal reality.

    Influence and Legacy

    Neville Goddard’s teachings have had a significant impact on the New Thought movement and contemporary self-help literature. His ideas have influenced many modern spiritual and motivational teachers who continue to explore the concepts of visualization, manifestation, and the power of the subconscious mind.

    Goddard’s emphasis on the creative power of the mind and the transformative potential of assuming the desired state has inspired countless individuals to take control of their thoughts and beliefs to shape their lives. His teachings continue to resonate with those seeking to understand the deeper metaphysical principles governing reality and personal transformation.

    4o