Er. Zarrir Bhandara shares 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.

 As one of the world’s oldest religions, Zoroastrianism is a treasure trove of wisdom – offering guidance on leading a righteous, purposeful life. Rooted in the teachings of our glorious prophet Zarathustra, it emphasizes Humata, Hukhta, Huvarshta – Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds – as the foundation of a just and meaningful existence, culminating into a simple yet profound life philosophy.

And now, Er. Zarrir Bhandara turns the spotlight to you – our readers, by answering your queries, in our exclusive column, ‘Pearls Of Wisdom’.  He addresses your most pressing queries – whether your question is simple or profound, share it with us, and witness Er. Zarrir Bhandara illuminate the enduring relevance of Zoroastrian wisdom for us all.

Questions From Our Readers:

Q: In which Gatha is ‘Humata, Hukhta, Hvarashta’ (Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds) mentioned? Also, are righteousness and truth the same thing?  (Firuza Panthaky, USA)

Er. Zarrir: While the philosophy of Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds (Humata, Hukhta, Hvarashta) is central to the Gathas and guides us to practice them in every moment, these specific terms are not literally mentioned in any of the Gathas themselves. The first literal mention of ‘Humata, Hukhta, Hvarashta’ appears in Yasna Haptanghaiti (Yasna 35.2), the chapters found between the first Ahunavad and the second Ushtavad Gatha.
To answer your second query, Righteousness and Trust are not necessarily the exact same thing, though they are deeply connected. Truth is about what is factual and real – or simply put, ‘What is’. Righteousness, on the other hand, is about moral uprightness and acting in a way that’s good and just – or simply put, ‘What should be’. Ideally, a righteous life aligns with truth, and seeking truth often leads to righteousness. However, there can be complex situations. For example, if you lie to save someone’s life, that act isn’t truthful. Yet, it is righteous because it serves a higher purpose – valuing the ‘truth of love’ over the rigid adherence to factual truth, in that specific moment.

 Q: What does it really mean to be a good Zoroastrian in today’s world? How do we walk this path? (Maneck Daruwala, Mumbai)

Er. Zarrir: In a world often defined by complexity and moral ambiguity, the timeless wisdom of our religion offers a profound and practical roadmap for a meaningful life. Being a ‘good Zoroastrian’ is about actively embodying the cosmic principles of Asha – truth, order and righteousness; and striving for harmony with the divine blueprint that Dadar Ahura Mazda Himself embodies. This sacred connection is forged through the living, breathing philosophy of ‘Humata, Hukhta, Hvarashta: Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds’. This isn’t merely a set of beliefs, it’s a dynamic path of daily engagement with the divine.

The following are some of the vital duties that empower us to walk this path:

The Pillars of Daily Practice – Fueling Your Inner Fire:

Conscious Connection Through Prayer: At least once a day, turn towards a source of light – a symbol of Ahura Mazda’s wisdom – and recite your daily obligatory prayers. This isn’t just recitation, it’s a deliberate act of attunement, aligning your spirit with the divine flow.

The Spiritual Armor – Sudreh and Kusti: Wear these sacred garments, your Sudreh and Kusti, at all times. They are not mere clothing but a powerful spiritual shield – a constant, tangible reminder of your vows, and a conduit for divine protection. Every knot of the Kusti ritual cleanses your astral body, fortifying your inner aura and renewing your commitment to Asha.

Sanctuaries of Spiritual Recharge: Regularly visit our sacred Fire Temples (Agiaries/Atashbehrams). These are not just buildings, but powerful spiritual batteries that charge your very soul. Participate in the profound Ghambars, Jashans, Muktad, and sacred ‘Boi’ ceremonies to deepen your connection and absorb their purifying energies.

Purity – Inside and Out: Maintain impeccable cleanliness, both physically and more importantly, mentally. A pure mind is fertile ground for good thoughts, words and deeds.

Living Asha: Navigating The Modern World With Ancient Wisdom

Upholding Truth and Resisting Deceit: In an age of misinformation, it is your duty to be a beacon of Asha. Sharpen your discernment to tell truth from falsehood (Druj), and courageously choose the path of righteousness in every decision. Your integrity becomes a powerful force for good.

Stewards of a Sacred Earth: Our ancient faith placed immense reverence on nature and its elements. Today, this translates into a profound commitment to environmental stewardship. Protect the natural world, respect its resources, and champion sustainability, for the earth is Ahura Mazda’s magnificent creation.

Honoring Our Bonds – Family and Ancestors: The fabric of our community is strengthened by love and respect. Remember our dearly departed family and friends through monthly and annual rituals, participating actively to honor their spiritual journey. Equally vital is respecting, loving and diligently caring for our elders and seniors while they are alive.

The Wisdom of Moderation: Zoroastrianism champions a moderate life, steering clear of extremes. Practice balance in food, drink, and worldly pleasures. This isn’t about deprivation, but about fostering clarity, health, and a mind free from excess, avoiding both fasting and gluttony.

Goodness for Its Own Sake (Ashem Vohu): The purest form of righteousness stems from doing good simply because it is good. Our actions should be driven by the inherent virtue of the deed itself, untainted by the expectation of reward or recognition.

In essence, to be a good Zoroastrian in today’s intricate world is to embark on a transformative journey of ethical excellence. It means consciously and consistently choosing good over evil, pouring your energy into the well-being of others and the planet, and relentlessly striving for spiritual growth – all in perfect alignment with Dadar Ahura Mazda’s magnificent cosmic order.

(Er. Zarrir Bhandara is the Head Priest of the Zoroastrian Association of California Atash Kadeh and is 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 )