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: Why is wearing the Sudreh and Kusti so important to our faith? Also, these days, most of the youth tend to wear these only on special occasions as required. Does this negatively affect them? What are the benefits of wearing the Sudreh and Kusti at all times? (From: Farrokh Karanjia)

Er. Zarrir Answers: That’s an insightful question, and one that resonates deeply within our community, especially concerning the younger generation.

The Profound Significance of the Sudreh and Kusti: The Sudreh and Kusti are far more than just religious garments, these are potent symbols and spiritual tools that offer profound benefits when worn consistently.

A Constant Connection to Our Faith: Firstly, let’s understand why they’re so important. The Sudreh, our sacred white shirt, is made of a single piece of cotton, symbolizing purity, innocence, and our connection to the one Creator, Ahura Mazda. It has a small pocket, the Girehban, which is meant to be a constant reminder to fill our lives with good thoughts, good words, and good deeds – to accumulate spiritual merit daily.

The Kusti, the sacred cord, is woven from 72 threads of lamb’s wool, representing the 72 chapters of the Yasna, our primary act of worship. Tying the Kusti around the Sudreh three times signifies the tenets of Humata, Hukhta, and Hvarashta (Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds) and the three-fold path to Asha (righteousness). The knots we tie during the Kusti prayer are a daily reaffirmation of our commitment to Ahura Mazda and to combating the forces of negativity. Together, the Sudreh and Kusti act as a spiritual armour, a constant physical and energetic connection to our faith and its core principles.

The Impact of Infrequent Wear

You asked if wearing them only on special occasions negatively affects us. While the spiritual commitment to our faith remains, the consistent, daily practice of wearing and tying the Kusti amplifies its benefits. Think of it like this: a healthy diet and regular exercise are beneficial, but their true power is realized through consistency. Similarly, the Sudreh and Kusti are designed to be active, living reminders and protectors throughout our daily lives, not just ceremonial adornments.

When worn infrequently, some of the continuous benefits – like subtle spiritual protection, constant self-reminders, and a felt connection to our heritage – might be less present. It’s not about punishment, but about missing out on a continuous source of spiritual strength and alignment.

The Benefits of Constant Wear

The benefits of wearing the Sudreh and Kusti at all times are truly transformative:

Spiritual Protection: They create a subtle, protective energy field around the wearer, shielding against negative influences and enhancing spiritual fortitude.

Constant Reminder and Conscience: Every time you feel the Sudreh against your skin or tie the Kusti, it’s a gentle nudge towards righteous living, encouraging good choices and ethical behaviour in every moment. It helps keep your inner compass aligned.

Connection to Ancestors and Community: It’s a tangible link to generations of Zoroastrians who have worn these sacred garments, fostering a deep sense of belonging and continuity within our global community.

Discipline and Mindfulness: The act of untying and retying the Kusti multiple times a day instils a powerful sense of discipline and mindfulness, offering moments of reflection and reconnection amidst life’s demands.

Cultivating the Good Mind: By constantly reminding us of Humata, Hukhta, and Hvarashta, they actively help us cultivate the ‘Good Mind’ or ‘Vohu Mana’ – a state of positive thinking and clear intention, which is fundamental to our spiritual growth.

In essence, the Sudreh and Kusti are a beautiful, practical expression of our faith that empowers us to live a life of purpose, surrounded by divine protection and constant inspiration. Encouraging our youth to embrace this daily practice is truly about gifting them a powerful tool for a more connected, protected and purposeful life.

(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 )