Sunday, December 31, 2006

The Zoroastrian Tradition

The Zoroastrian Tradition
An Introduction to the Ancient Wisdom of Zarathushtra

Farhang Mehr

This book is concerned with the doctrinal beliefs of the practising Zoroastrians examined within the frames of the Gothic principals. Variances in the current practice are considered. The doctrinal changes are explained in the light of socio-political forces operating in each distinct historical era. In this exercise no scholarly speculation is taken on face value. The common mythology of the Indo-Iranian people have been used to explain the process of reintroduction into the younger Avesta of the Indo-Iranian deities in the form of Yazatas. Our starting point is that Zoroaster preached a new religion. He broke away from the rituals associated with the worship of may deities and Daevas. He rejected the idea of the divine descent of the religious and civil leaders and rulers, and invited people to stand against injustice.The author outlines the forgotten spirituality of Zarathustra and shows how it has influenced the Abrahamic Religions. The reader is initiated into the Gathic principles of the Avestan and Pahlavi sacred texts, “Asha” the principle of God’s will, the moral dualism of good and evil, the creative Holy Spirit of Spenta Mainyu, the immortality of the soul, the principle of refreshment, and the final triumph of Goodness.Dr. Mehr was born in Tehran, Iran. He served as president of Pahlavi University of Shiraz under the late Shah, Deputy Prime Minister, and Governor of Iran in OPEC. He is a founder of the World Zoroastrian Organization and of the Ancient Iranian Culture Society. He was also president of Zoroastrian Anjuman in Tehran for twelve years. Dr Mehr is a Professor Emeritus of International relations at Boston University. He resides with his family in Newton, Massachusetts.
Specifications:2003: xiii+164pp, Index. ISBN:1-56859-110-1 (paper): $15.00
http://www.mazdapub.com/zoroastrian-tradition.htm
###

Sunday, December 17, 2006

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Prayer Service -- January 14th 2007

"So even though we face the difficulty of today and tomorrow,
I still have a dream.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up
And live out the true meaning of its creed...
That all men are created equal"

--- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.



Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Prayer Service
Each January, the InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington coordinates the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Prayer Service. The service is the only multi-religious and multiethnic gathering in Washington, D.C. to celebrate the life of the civil rights pioneer. The event, which recognizes and emphasizes Dr. King’s principles and commitment to non-violence, highlights a particular theme for each service, a theme that is culled from the words of Dr. King himself. This theme guides the sermon of the featured preacher, the scriptural readings from many different faith traditions, the inspirational musical selections, and the participation of local non-profit organizations. The service draws between four hundred and one thousand people of different faiths from across the region. Each year, income generated through advertisements and the offering are donated to a different social justice effort.
This year's service will be held on Sunday, January 14th at 3:00 PM, at Israel Baptist Church, 1251 Saratoga Ave NE, Washington DC 20018 (13th and Rhode Island, NE). A reception will follow at 4:30. This year's theme, "Building the Beloved Community by Building Homes and Drug Free Neighborhoods" will be celebrated in song through interfaith adult and children's choirs. Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Mid-Atlantic Region will share a message during the service, and local non-profit organizations that are working to build the beloved community will be honored.

Proceeds will go towards DC Habitat for Humanity
and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial on the Mall.
For more information,
contact Rev. Clark Lobenstine at (202) 234-6300 x201
###

Sunday, December 10, 2006

Gathas available on line with introduction by Erv Kersey Antia

Gathas available on line with introduction
by Erv Kersey Antia
Web site with all the Gathas for your ipod or MP3 player http://web.mac.com/mariamas/iWeb/Gathas/