AHURA MAZDA

(Avestan: Wise Lord), also spelt Hormazd , Ormazd , or Ormizd in Zoroastrianism, the one and only Supreme Creator, Dadaar, who rules the entire universe through his special powers, known as the amesha spenta (beneficent immortals).

It was Zarathushtra, or Zoroaster as the Greeks named him, who selected Mazda from three important deities: Mithra, Mazda, and Nina. He linked Mazda (Wisdom) with the group of deities known as the Ahuras (the Living Ones). In his Gathas (religious texts containing hymns in praise of Wisdom), Zarathushtra asserts that "Ahura Mazda is the one with Truth (Asha)" (Yasna 28.8; 29.7). To explain the origin of Evil in the world, Zarathushtra used the legend of the Mainyu twins, which existed long before his time. These twins were in opposition to each other in thought, word, and deed. Spenta Mainyu, the spirit of benediction, became identified with Ahura Mazda. Angra Mainyu, the hostile spirit, chose to perform the worst deeds and so generated the Druj (the lie) and Aeshma, or Aishma (wrath and bloodlust). Angra Mainyu was later named Ahriman. Mankind was divided into two opposing groups: the Ashavans, the followers of Truth, and the Dregvants, the followers of the Lie. The struggle between these two groups makes up the history of the world. This struggle will only end when Ahura Mazda and his powers fight Ahriman and his brood of evil in a mighty battle at the end of time, which will then cease. The sun will stand at high noon. There will be "neither hot wind nor cold wind" but an eternal spring will prevail. Mankind will be clothed in beautiful bodies and look forever young and handsome. There will be no sex, but all will live in amity as one happy family.