The extent of “Determinism” and “Free Will” concepts in Pahlavi texts and their relations with human’s role in history Mazdayasna thoughts

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Abstract

Mazdayana’s thought, like other religious and philosophical schools, has considered a very special place for the topics of “Determinism” and “Free Will”. By studying ancient texts like Rig Veda, Avesta and Pahlavi texts, three types of thoughts can be traced in rise of Mazdayasna viewpoint about the role of human’s free will in history. Firstly, the role of the goddesses and gods in human behaviors and deeds, which was undoubtedly influenced by the ideas before Zoroaster and their comprehensive presence that would restricts human’s free will. Secondly is Zoroaster’s viewpoint in which human’s free will is glorified and recognized. Thirdly, is the role of the other nations’ thoughts and ideas that the most important ones were astronomic views, Babylonian astronomy and Gnostic teachings. Mazdayasna was influenced by a collection of reflective factors. From Mazayasna’s point of view, neither a comprehensive determinism nor an absolute free will are involved in human’s destiny. In these texts, it has been tried to reconcile these two trends of thoughts: Therefore, worldly affairs have been attributed to determinism and destiny and unworldly affairs have been attributed to human’s free will and works. From Mazayasna’s point of view, neither a comprehensive determinism nor an absolute free will were involved in human’s destiny. In these texts, it is tried to reconcile these two trends of thoughts: Therefore, worldly affairs have been attributed to determinism and destiny, on the other hand, unworldly affairs have been attributed to human’s free will and works.

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References

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