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. In our exclusive column, ‘Pearls Of Wisdom’, Er. Zarrir Bhandara answers your queries – whether simple or profound, illuminating the enduring relevance of Zoroastrian wisdom for us all.

Questions From Our Readers:

Q: It is said that the intensity of our prayers multiplies greatly when we attach emotions to them. But when we pray from our Avesta, most of us don’t understand the language and since we are unable to understand what we are praying, we are not able to apply genuine emotion to our prayers. Does this impact the effectively of our individual prayers? How can this be resolved? (From: Mehernaz Desai, Mumbai)

Er. Zarrir: You’ve raised a thoughtful and deeply relevant question, Mehernaz, one that many within Zoroastrianism ponder: ‘Does not fully understanding the Avesta language impact the effectiveness of our prayers?’ It’s a natural concern, especially when we believe in the power of heartfelt intention. And yes, it is absolutely true that investing your genuine feelings – praying from your heart – is the most profound way to connect with Dadar Ahura Mazda.

The Power of Prayer Beyond Words: However, there’s a powerful dimension to our prayers that transcends linguistic understanding, and that lies in the sound vibrations themselves, known as Mathravani. Think of the meaning of the prayers as the visible tip of an iceberg; the true, vast essence lies beneath, within the very sound of the prayers.

The Unseen Power of Sound: Every sound we utter creates a unique vibration, and these vibrations carry immense power. It’s a fundamental principle: Every sound possesses a form, and every form resonates with a sound. When we chant our Avesta prayers, we’re not just reciting words; we’re engaging with ancient, sacred frequencies. These aren’t merely human creations; they are believed to be resonant with the very fabric of the universe.

The whole idea of reciting or chanting Avestan prayers is to help us quiet our rational mind and open our super/subconscious mind. This allows us to connect with the super-intelligence of the universe through our ‘third eye’, accessing the Ahuric energies that surround us. If we focus too much on the literal meanings, our rational and curious mind remains highly active, which can hinder this deeper, intuitive connection. In this scenario, the primary purpose of the prayer, which is to bridge the conscious and super-conscious, might be less effective.

Think of it like taking medication: you take it to heal yourself, trusting its intended effect, without needing to perform a chemical analysis of every ingredient. Similarly, with Avestan prayers, the power lies in their vibrational effect and your intention, even if the detailed linguistic meaning isn’t consciously processed. Even if the literal meaning of each word isn’t at the forefront of your mind, the act of chanting connects you to a universal sound. This connection works on a deeper, energetic level, transforming not only ourselves but also our immediate environment into a field of pure positivity.

Aligning with Universal Energy: The benefits of engaging with these sacred sound vibrations are profound. When you pray with focused intention, even without word-for-word comprehension, your energetic frequency aligns with something greater. This alignment opens the floodgates to infinite possibilities, making your dreams, quite literally, cosmic orders.

This concept is at the heart of how the Law of Attraction works within a spiritual context. The entire universe is composed of energy, and energy and vibrational frequency are the fundamental building blocks of everything that exists. When your prayer, amplified by the sacred sounds of the Mathravani, vibrates at a higher, more positive frequency, you are actively participating in shaping your reality.

So, while understanding is a wonderful pathway to connection, rest assured that the inherent power of the Avesta’s sound vibrations is a potent force, capable of transforming your life and surroundings, even when the intellectual grasp of the words is still developing. Your heartfelt intention, combined with the power of the Mathravani, creates a truly powerful and effective prayer.

Q: What is the difference between the terms, ‘Humata, Hukhta, Hvarashta’ and ‘Manashni, Gavashni, Kunashni?’

Er. Zarrir:  It’s wonderful you asked about the distinction between these terms, as it touches on a fascinating nuance in Zoroastrian thought and prayer! While Humata, Hukhta, Hvarashta are widely recognized as the core tenets of ‘Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds’, the terms ‘Manashni, Gavashni, Kunashni’ offer a deeper layer of understanding, particularly within the context of the Kusti ritual. Let’s break it down:

Humata, Hukhta, Hvarashta: These terms are from the Avestan language, appearing notably in texts like the Yasna Haptanghaiti. They directly translate to Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds. They serve as the foundational ethical blueprint of Zoroastrianism – the aspirational goal for every adherent: to consciously cultivate goodness in every aspect of their being.

Manashni, Gavashni, Kunashni: These terms are found in the Pazand language, specifically within the sacred Hormazd Khodae Kusti prayer. They simply mean Thoughts, Words, and Deeds, without the explicit qualifier of good or bad.

Why the Distinction Matters in the Kusti Ritual

The lack of ‘good’ or ‘bad’ in Manashni, Gavashni, Kunashni isn’t an oversight; it’s a profound reminder. During the Kusti ritual, when we utter these words and make the two loops of the Kusti, we don’t just recite a phrase, we enact a symbolic journey…

The Two Worlds: The two loops represent the physical (getig) and spiritual (menog) worlds, acknowledging both realms of our existence.

The Chinvat Bridge: The strand of the Kusti between these loops symbolizes the Chinvat Bridge (the Bridge of the Separator/Accountant’s Bridge). This is where, according to Zoroastrian belief, we will be judged on the dawn of the fourth day after we transition from the physical world.

The Sole Companions: The critical insight here is that when we cross that bridge, only our Thoughts (Manashni), Words (Gavashni), and Deeds (Kunashni) – whether good or bad – accompany us. Nothing else from the material world can cross over.

Therefore, Manashni, Gavashni, Kunashni in the Kusti prayer serve as a stark and continuous reminder of accountability. They emphasize that every thought, every word, and every deed we perform in this life will be weighed. While Humata, Hukhta, Hvarashta guide us on what to strive for, Manashni, Gavashni, Kunashni underscore the inescapable consequences of all our actions, acting as a powerful motivator to remain steadfast in our religion and consistently choose the path of Asha (righteousness). It’s a beautiful interplay between aspiration and solemn remembrance, guiding us towards a life of conscious ethical practice.

(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 )