(Pearls Of Wisdom: Insights By Er. Zarrir Bhandara)
Er. Zarrir Bhandara share timeless nuggets of wisdom from our Zoroastrian religion, exploring its spiritual insights, ethical teachings, and relevance in today’s world. Whether drawn from the Gathas, sacred traditions, or the lived experiences of the Zoroastrian community, each piece of wisdom serves as a guiding light in the journey of life, continuing to inspire and illuminate.
Inspired by the teachings of Prophet Zarathustra, let us consider the profound idea: “Let every action be a vibration for a connection with inspiration.” This isn’t merely a pleasant thought, but a potent approach to living a life imbued with lasting purpose, rooted in the cultivation of the ‘Good Mind.’
The Roadmap: Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds:
How do we translate this ideal into our daily lives? Zarathustra provides a clear path through Asha (Righteousness) and its manifestations: Humata (Good Thoughts), Hukhta (Good Words), and Hvarashta (Good Deeds). These are not abstract ideals, but practical tools for creating positive vibrations with every action.
Imagine facing each situation with good thoughts, choosing optimism, and understanding. When our minds align with righteousness, our words naturally become kind and truthful (Hukhta). And when our actions stem from both good thoughts and good words, they become good deeds (Hvarashta), contributing positively to the world – this is Asha, righteousness in action. This resonance opens us to moments of clarity, creativity and a profound sense of connection. Consider how a genuine compliment, born from appreciation, uplifts both, the giver and the receiver – a small vibration sparking something beautiful. This connection, according to our faith, aligns us with Dadar Ahura Mazda Khuda (Creator, Lord of Wisdom, Self-Created).
Building Affection with Passion and Compassion
Our actions are key to building true affection, guided by both passion and compassion. The Yatha Ahu Vairyo prayer and Yasna 31.16 of the Ahunavaiti Gatha emphasize that aligning with Asha (righteousness) connects us with Ahura Mazda. When our thoughts, words, and deeds reflect Asha, they naturally nurture warmth and connection. Passion (Shyothananam) gives purpose, while compassion guides us to serve others. Honouring our parents and Prophet Zarathustra is the first step toward divine connection. The Denkard affirms that respecting one’s parents is akin to worship. Affection, then, is not fleeting – it is rooted in compassionate action and spiritual alignment.
Living with Love, Kindness and Inner Awareness
Life becomes a true expression of love and compassion when we consciously choose ‘Humata, Hukhta and Hvarashta’ in each moment. These principles shape us into more thoughtful, gentle and helpful beings, radiating kindness and care through our everyday interactions.
This naturally leads to the deeper wisdom that kindness often matters more than being right. While being correct may satisfy the ego, it can harm relationships if not delivered with empathy. Kindness, on the other hand, prioritizes harmony and healing. It’s wiser to uphold the truth of love than to rigidly cling to the love of truth.
Our emotions serve as mirrors – vibrational reflections of our choices. Positive emotions arise from aligned actions, while discontent signals a need for course correction. By listening to our inner emotional compass, we become more self-aware, compassionate and spiritually attuned.
Optimizing life begins with conscious alignment. By embodying Zarathustra’s message – aligning thoughts, words and deeds with righteousness – we create meaningful impact. Every action becomes a vibration of love, kindness and purpose. In doing so, we uplift others, deepen our own fulfilment and walk the path guided by wisdom and emotional awareness.
Questions From Our Readers:
Q: What is the spiritual significance of Bahman Mahino for Zoroastrians? (From Aaresh P. Dubash, Mumbai)
Er. Zarrir: Bahman Mahino is the time to focus on Vohu Manah, the Good Mind, and the protection of animals. Abstaining from meat reflects this by showing compassion and recognizing the sacredness of all creatures, aligning with Bahman Ameshaspand’s role. It’s a time for refraining from meat as a mark of respect for Bahman as the guardian of animals. Further, abstaining from meat during Bahman Mahino aligns with Bahman Ameshaspand’s role as protector of animals and the embodiment of Vohu Mana (Good Mind) by practicing non-violence towards Ahura Mazda’s good creation (animals) and promoting spiritual reflection.
Q: Does practicing vegetarianism during Bahman Mahino help strengthen one’s connection with nature and the divine creations of Ahura Mazda? (From Daisy Bhesania, USA)
Er. Zarrir: Yes, embracing vegetarianism during Bahman Mahino offers a powerful way to strengthen our connection with both, nature and Ahura Mazda. By choosing to abstain from meat, we cultivate mindful eating, fostering a deeper respect for the earth and a more profound appreciation for the intricate tapestry of divine creation. Considering the animal farming industry’s environmental impact, generating more pollution than all other industries combined, actively defiling our environment, adopting vegetarianism resonates deeply with caring for Ahura Mazda’s good creation. Furthermore, our own Shahnameh suggests a historical perspective where meat-eating traditions began with the influence of the personified devil, Ablis, during the reign of the tyrannical king, Zohak. This narrative lends weight to the idea that a plant-based diet aligns more closely with an original state of harmony and respect for life. Therefore, extending the mindful practice of vegetarianism beyond just Bahman Mahino to a year-round commitment could be seen not only as an environmentally responsible choice but also as a return to a more ethically grounded and spiritually resonant way of life, according to our traditions.
Q: Does practicing vegetarianism, even if only temporarily for the month-long period of Bahman Mah, have any karmic or spiritual rewards in Zoroastrianism? (From Niloufer Mehta, Ahmedabad)
Er. Zarrir: Yes, practicing vegetarianism, even temporarily, can bring spiritual rewards. It cultivates compassion, self-discipline and a heightened awareness of our actions’ impact, leading to positive karmic effects. Further, it is believed to accrue spiritual merit by aligning oneself with the principles of Vohu Mana and respect for life.
Q: Are there any specific prayers, rituals, or acts of kindness that should accompany vegetarianism during Bahman Mahino to deepen its spiritual benefits? (From Cyrus Daruwala, Australia)
Er. Zarrir: Prayers like the Yatha Ahu Vairyo, Ashen Vohu, Bahman Yasht, and setayash of Bahman Amshaspand, and acts of kindness, such as helping animals or supporting animal welfare, can deepen the spiritual benefits of vegetarianism. Rituals like offering prayers for the well-being of animals are also beneficial. Acts of kindness towards animals, prayers dedicated to Bahman Ameshaspand, and acts emphasizing respect for creation can deepen the spiritual benefits of vegetarianism during Bahman Mahino.
(Er. Zarrir Bhandara is the Head Priest of the Zoroastrian Association of California Atash Kadeh and a beacon of compassion, with encyclopaedic knowledge on our Zoroastrian religion and scriptures. Readers are encouraged to mail in their queries to Er. Zarrir Bhandara at: zbhandara@gmail.com )
