Daisy P. Navdar is a teacher by profession and a firm believer in the efficacy of our Manthravani. She is focused on ensuring that the deep significance of our prayers is realized by our youth. She credits her learnings and insights, shared in her articles, to all Zoroastrian priests and scholars whose efforts have contributed towards providing light and wisdom for all Zarthostis.
“Our human compassion binds us to each other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings, who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.” – Nelson Mandela
Forever, the world will be divided into ‘Pre-Covid’ and ‘Post-Covid’ times. Human connection is deeply linked to human sanity. Today, we are unable to meet and greet our loved ones like we used to with gay abandon. No hugs, absolutely no kisses, not even a handshake! Social distancing has distanced us from human contact. We have virtual celebrations, virtual conversations, virtual interaction and virtual work- stations. The days, when large groups of family and friends came together to celebrate Navroze, seem long gone. We cannot even enter our Fire Temples to bow before the Great Light of Ahura Mazda freely. It is a disheartening scenario and one which we are hoping will change soon.
I recently read a meme which touched a very deep core: “When I cannot put my arms around you, I hug you with my prayers!” This Navroze, let us hug our entire planet with our prayers. We all need the healing and calming energy of our prayers. We need to consciously manifest a habit of compassion and giving. It has been a period of great human suffering and we are all reeling from impact of this disease.
“Kindness, quite simply, is the rent we must pay for the space we occupy on this planet.” – Robin Sharma.
So how is compassion defined by us today? I’m not about to write the dictionary definition of compassion. I’d rather share live instances of what we could all do in the name of compassion:
- Maintaining social distancing is compassion. It protects one and all by controlling the spread of Covid.
- Keeping strict quarantine is compassion. You won’t be putting another’s life at risk.
- Running errands like marketing, procuring food or medicines, for those who are lonely and afflicted, is compassion.
- Helping senior citizens keep in touch with their families and loved ones, by showing them how to use Apps is compassion.
- Buying goods and services from local vendors / entrepreneurs is compassion. You could be providing the fuel to keep their house fires burning.
- Sponsoring vaccines for your house-help and staff is compassion. Also, educating them on the importance of being vaccinated, is compassion.
- Restricting your movement outside is compassion. You’re not just protecting yourself but also your nation.
- Never ever forwarding unverified messages containing frightful, sensational or misreported images / write-ups is also compassion. Fear mongers thrive on this – you can stop them simply by choosing not to forward such messages.
- Joining your hands together and praying for those who are suffering, is also compassion.
All of these easy-to-follow guidelines can be followed without your incurring any expense. It doesn’t take much to be compassionate. Every person you encounter through the day represents an opportunity to show a little more of the compassion and courtesy that define your humanity.
The human mind is controlled by a very delicate balance. If these balances are disturbed, negativity can overtake us all. Today, more than ever, we need to invoke the positive power of our prayers. Let us revel in the beauty and glory of our prayers and we can sail through this tough period, joined together in peace, joy and loving compassion.
Here is a transliteration from our holy and powerful Bahman Yasht:
“I gladly accept the loving friendship of the Good Mind (Vohu Mano) which is better than other creations, which is inborn wisdom created by Dadar Hormuzd, sense developed by Good hearing, the beauty of Yajashne and Nyaish.”
It is my deepest prayer, as we welcome the New Year, may we grow in strength, compassion, love and light, with the divine grace and blessings which we derive from our manthras.
- Holy Vibrations - 18 March2023
- Inter-Connectedness And Gratitude - 13 August2022
- Ye Who Follow Shall Not Fall - 19 March2022
