It is often stressed that individuals should stay away from the advancements of civilization and live as simply and as quietly as possible. Like older Chinese practices Taoism emphasized that pride brought upon destruction and it's best to humble small and imperfect.
Zoroastrianism taught that people are free to choose whether they will do good or evil. Because of this reason Zoroastrianism emphasized ethics more than the other religions of its time. In Zoroastrianism ethics and worship was the ability to understand the sacredness of the elements of earth, fire, water, and air. It also teaches a concern for Humata, Hukhta, and Hvarshta-good thought, good word, and good deed. Righteousness is only sustained through truthfulness, chastity, justice, compassion, care of the soil and cattle, and service.
Scripture was another aspect shared by the religions. The scripture for Zoroastrianism is the Avesta, which contains the Yasna. The Yasna is then divided into Gathas. Taoism has the Tao Te Ching as it main book of scripture. Confucianism follows the Lun Yu (Analects), a work compiled by some of Confucius's disciples, is considered the most reliable source of information about his life and teachings. One of the historical works that he is said to have compiled and edited, the Ch'un Ch'iu (Spring and Autumn Annals), is an annalistic account of Chinese history in the state of Lu from 722 to 481 BC. .
Unfortunately neither of these two religions had much information available about their scriptures.
Hindu scriptures are the most ancient writings in the world, and are divided into two types: primary scriptures (Sruti) and secondary scriptures (Smriti). The Sruti scriptures are of divine origin, and tell of truths revealed to ancient rishis (sages) in their deep meditations. The Smriti scriptures are of human origin and were written to explain the Sruti writings and make them easier to understand and more meaningful to the general population.
