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An Iranian religion, founded c600 b.c. by Zoroaster, the principal beliefs of which are in the existence of a supreme deity, Ahura Mazda, and in a cosmic struggle between a spirit of good, Spenta Mainyu, and a spirit of evil, Angra Mainyu.
2006-12-22 09:04:43
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answer #1
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answered by C F 2
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She is one of the "Amesha Spentas" or "Bountiful Immortals created by Ahura Mazda (the Wise Lord). They can be thought of as archangels.
The following description is the one in my book called "The Zoroastrian Faith: Tradition & Modern Research":
Spenta Armaiti (or Spendarmad, Asfandarmad, meaning "Holy Devotion," "Bountiful Devotion") is a feminine divine being the daughter of Ahura Mazda (the wise Lord) and Heaven. She personifies devotion, piety, religious harmony, and unswerving faith. Spenta Armaiti gives the infallible ordinances of Ahura Mazda. Indeed, she is Ahura Mazda's own beloved who will co-operate with him at the final dispensation. Spenta Armaiti is the mother of Ashi Vanghuhi (Genius of Good Piety), and is often invoked with Rata, the guardian spirit of generosity.
The faithful aspire to approach Ahura Mazda through the medium of Spenta Armaiti. The pious always choose to make her their own. She is capable of protecting the faithful from malice and harm. Just as Vohu Manah (Good Mind) enlightens the mind of the individual, so Armaiti purifies the heart of the pious. Vohu Manah enlightens the mind to know Ahura Mazda; Spenta Armaiti inspires the heart to love God and lead a holy life. The realization of Vohu Manah (Wisdom) and the devotion of Armaiti help the faithful to attain the ideal of Asha (righteousness). Those who associate with evil estrange themselves from Spenta Armaiti and find themselves deserted by Asha.
Zoroaster poured out his soul to Armaiti. He stated that he was the first and foremost devout person to venerate her ideals. He also inquired of her how he may spread Armaiti among those to whom he taught his faith. He instructed the pious Frashaoshtra to follow the path of Asha and Armaiti (devotion).
In the realm of the material world, Spenta Armaiti is the guardian spirit of the earth, the symbol of bountifulness and the 3rd of Ahura Mazda's creations, as well as the protector of herdsmen and farmers. Frequently, however, she is spoken of as the earth itself rather than as the genius of the earth. Her garment is the star-studded sky. Thus, in the spiritual sphere Spenta Armaiti personifies the female spirit of devotion, while in the physical realm, she represents, and later becomes, the earth.
2006-12-22 17:14:10
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answer #2
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answered by Heron By The Sea 7
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