Mazdakism

[Mazdak]

being the person as obsessed wiht ancient history as i am, i came across this movement known as Mazdakism that took place in the Sassanid Persian Empire. I like his theories(Obviously, otherwise i wouldnt have the name "mazdak"). Has anyone heard of 'em or am i all alone in this. If you havent heard of him, try to read up on him.

[Mazdak]

well i see everyone else apreciates history too...........

[Mazdak]

So Mazdak, whattup. I tend to agree wiht you on the movement known as Mazdakism. ALthough i see we are alone here, i think it should cheer you up to know you are not alone

[Vide]

Perhaps you ought to post some information about it.

[Mazdak]

ok, but this is all a copy paste job just to let u know

"Mazdak

The Mazdakites were socially radical religious sectarians who dominated Iranian politics in the late V / early VI Centuries. Mazdak of Fasa, building on foundations laid by earlier heterodox religious leaders from the same part of the country, apparently taught that good and evil are everywhere randomly mixed, even in the nature of God, and that the adept who mastered the occult correspondences governing the universe had no need of outward religious formalities. Mazdak advocated a social program of vegetarianism, pacifism, anti-clericalism, and utopian communism. When the shah Kavad, locked in struggle with the high aristocracy and perhaps seeking lower class support, converted to the new religion, Mazdak was able to start putting these theories into practice on a vast scale, opening government warehouses to the poor and closing all but three of the kingdom's Fire Temples. Amid rumors (not altogether improbable) that the abolition of private property and of marriage were next on Mazdak's agenda, conservative Zoroastrians rallied behind the feudal lords to overthrow Kavad in 496. The shah managed to regain his throne, but increasingly distanced himself from the Mazdakites; in 528 Crown Prince Chosroes launched a pogrom to eliminate them entirely. Among those killed in the massacres were Mazdak himself and Kavad's first-born son, whom the shah declined to protect. In remote areas, however, Mazdakism lingered for centuries, eventually becoming hard to distinguish from Central Asian Buddhism which it had always in some ways resembled. Later Islamic writers often use "Mazdakite" (like "Manichee") as simply a generic word for "heretic".
i got it hear: http://cedar.evansville.edu/~ecoleweb/glos...ary/mazdak.html (http://cedar.evansville.edu/~ecoleweb/glossary/mazdak.html)

That is only what i could come up with in like 5 minutes so it is probably very general. Mazdak was Anticlerical, for one thing.

[Vide]

Sounds like it has some redeeming features and some not so-savory ones. Your link doesn't work, by the by.

Parts I like:
Pacifism
Vegetarianism
Communism (but not Utopian)

Dislike:
anti-clericalism
abolition of marriage
moral ambiguity

Interesting read, at the very least.

[Mazdak]

ok, i am not to happy about that part either (abolition of marraige) but his reasoning was because of the polygamy of the nobles. Having like 50 wives isnt cool if you have guys who have none. That was his reasoning. It is, as i said, very general and vague, but good enough to be an introduction

[Ymir]

I'm sure the men with no wives could buy a sheep. STD's without the hassle of prenancy!

[Rob]

The whole marriage issue is an interesting one. Historically, marriage just seems to be for the benefit of the man. But, if a modern couple needs it as a sort of legitimazation for their love, I guess it's ok.

[Mazdak]

lol, there is so little information on the whole philosophy, but it also has to do with the whole idea of Family, just as Plato envisioned society where family is abolished-

why?? Because you would treat family better than other people. It is instinct.

[Revolution Hero]

Mazdakizm, is nothing ,but a philosophical- religious teaching. As I know, Mazdakites stood for the social equality and a commune way of life. But they can't be called leftist, as their views were not explained in a specific theoretical work, which would be based on the scientific knowledge.
But I think , Mazdakites have proved their views in practical life. I heard that the communes of Mazdakites existed on the territory of the present Iran and Azerbaijan.

[man in the red suit]

vegetarianisam. why?

utopian communism is good though, but I need meat. agh.

[Mazdak]

Well, killing animals is wrong(not for food) and i eat meat, but i still find it terrible how many animals are killed every day for human consumption. And those veggie burgers taste pretty good too.

Revolution Hero- I knew the Mazdakites managed to linger, but did not know that any still existed today. This warms my heart to know that there are some who still respect Mazdak or even know who he is. And Mazdak was Anticlerical and had many of the Zoroastrian Temples of Fire closed down. I wouldnt consider Mazdakism to be too religious.

Where did you get your info from (i just need to get as much as i can on the whole philosophy)

[Revolution Hero]

I have learned about Mazdak and his movement in my philosophy class. Also, I have read the Soviet Philosophical Enciclopedy. It describes the Mazdakit movement pretty good.

[Michael De Panama]

Just go vegetarian, Mazdak. It's not as hard as it seems. You seem like you will become one some day anyway. Come on, the more vegetarians in this world, the better!

[Mazdak]

I aim to become one thanx for the support

[DORRI]

to not be alone : i know him & i admire him as admire che
Dr.shariati(if you know him )knew him as an eastern ancient communist.

[Xvall]

LEECH KILLER!
You suck!

[Mazdak]

Arg, ru going to pester me about this forever, i think i can find you a group that supports "Leech rights."

Oh, the article in the link is by Dr. Shariat, i think