Final answer:
Zarathustra, also known as Zoroaster, was a Persian prophet who founded Zoroastrianism. His three rules for living, embodying the ethos of the religion, are to maintain good thoughts, speak good words, and perform good deeds. These guidelines are meant to assist the followers in contributing to the triumph of good over evil.
Step-by-step explanation:
Zarathustra, also known as Zoroaster in Greek, was a prophet and the founder of Zoroastrianism, an ancient Persian religion. Zarathustra's teachings form the foundation of this faith, which is considered one of the world's oldest continuously practiced religions.
Ahura Mazda is the principal deity in Zoroastrianism, representing enlightened wisdom and goodness. Zarathustra taught that life is a battle between the forces of good, led by Ahura Mazda, and evil, represented by Ahriman. His ethical framework is concisely expressed in three basic tenets: good thoughts, good words, and good deeds.
The historical timing of Zarathustra's life has been a subject of academic debate, with estimates ranging widely, though he is generally believed to have lived sometime between 1400 and 900 BCE.
Zoroastrianism was later promoted as the state religion during the first Persian Empire, reinforcing a moral duty among its adherents to actively participate in the cosmic struggle between good and evil through their everyday actions. The faith's core moral principles expected of its followers are directly related to this cosmic battle.
In essence, the three rules for living that Zarathustra espoused are:
- Good thoughts (positive and righteous thinking)
- Good words (truthful and benevolent speech)
- Good deeds (virtuous and charitable actions)
These principles were designed to help individuals lead a life that would not only benefit them personally but also contribute to the victory of Ahura Mazda over Ahriman, thereby playing a pivotal role in the advancement of goodness over evil in the world.