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: (Rec’d 15^th July, 2025 – scheduled for 26^th July, 2025)

Question: Regarding plant-based diets, when plants are pulled out of the soil, fruits plucked, grains harvested etc., do they feel pain? They also are alive so kindly clarify whether plants also suffer like animals? How do we approach/ address this? (From: Rashida)

Er. Zarrir Answers: Indeed, the Zoroastrian perspective, rooted in the teachings of Zarathushtra and the Gathas, offer profound insights into our relationship with all of creation and can strongly support a plant-based diet. The core principle here is not just about avoiding ‘pain’ as a biological sensation, but about promoting Asha (Truth, Order, Righteousness) and Vohu Manah (Good Mind) across the living world.

From a Zoroastrian standpoint, Ahura Mazda, the Wise Lord, created the universe in its perfection. All beneficent creations, including plants and animals, are manifestations of His divine order and deserve respect and care. The Gathas, the sacred hymns of Zarathushtra, emphasize the interconnectedness of all life and the duty of humanity to be a good steward of creation. Here’s how we can address your question through a Zoroastrian lens…

The Nature of Life and Sentience: While plants are living, their form of life is distinct from that of animals, particularly ‘beneficent animals’ (Gospandan or domestic animals like cattle – derived from Avestan gao-spenta meaning ‘beneficent cow’). The Gathas do not speak of plants experiencing ‘pain’ in the way sentient beings might. Instead, the focus on animals, especially cattle, is profound. The lament of the Soul of the Cow (Geush Urvan), in Yasna 29 of the Gathas, is a powerful testament to the suffering of animals at the hands of destructive forces and misguided humans. It states: Yasna 29.1 (fragment): “To Thee wailed the Soul of the Cow: ‘For whom was I created? Who fashioned me?…” This passage highlights the deep concern for the well-being and purpose of animals. The suffering of Geush Urvan is a lament against violence and mismanagement, indicating a profound empathy for sentient life. While plants are also part of Ahura Mazda’s creation, the Gathas lay a specific emphasis on the sentience and vulnerability of animals to human actions.

Minimizing Harm and Promoting Asha: Zoroastrianism teaches us to actively participate in promoting Asha and combating Druj (Falsehood, Disorder, Evil). When we consume, we are participating in the cycle of life. The choice of what to consume becomes an ethical one, aimed at minimizing harm and maximizing benefit to Spenta Mainyu (the Bounteous Spirit) manifested in creation. Eating plants aligns more closely with this principle for several reasons including:

Less Direct Suffering: As established, plants do not possess the neurological structures for pain perception, like animals. Choosing a plant-based diet directly reduces the demand for practices that inflict suffering on sentient animals.

Ecological Stewardship: Animal agriculture, particularly industrial forms, is often destructive to the very earth and water that Ahura Mazda created. By choosing plants, we reduce our ecological footprint, thereby upholding the sacredness of Spenta Mainyu‘s creation. The Gathas encourage us to work the land and promote its fertility: Yasna 48.5: “To this Earth, indeed, O Mazda, may we give strength, unto this one, by good actions, by the wisdom of the Good Mind.” Nourishing the earth through sustainable plant cultivation aligns with this call to strengthen creation.

Efficiency of Creation: A plant-based diet is more efficient in terms of resource utilization. To raise animals for food requires vast amounts of land, water, and indeed, plants (feed for the animals). By eating plants directly, we consume at a lower trophic level, requiring fewer overall living entities to sustain us. This embodies a principle of mindful consumption and gratitude for Ahura Mazda’s bounty.

The Path of Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds

The core tenet of ‘Humata, Hukhta, Huvarshta’ (Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds) guides every aspect of a Zoroastrian’s life. When applied to diet:

Good Thoughts: Reflecting on the suffering caused by animal agriculture and recognizing the sentience of animals leads to a good thought towards minimizing that suffering.

Good Words: Advocating for more compassionate and sustainable food systems.

Good Deeds: Choosing to consume plants, thereby actively reducing harm to sentient beings and contributing to the health of the earth.

Zarathushtra himself condemned practices that led to the indiscriminate slaughter of animals: Yasna 32.12: “Those who would kill the kine and with their blood pollute the Earth, they also are of evil doctrines, for they turn the world from Goodness.” (Interpretation varying slightly across translations, but consistently against harmful practices towards beneficent animals). This verse, while possibly metaphorical, certainly speaks against the heedless destruction of innocent, beneficent life.

In conclusion, a Zoroastrian approach to diet emphasizes respect for all of Ahura Mazda’s creation. While acknowledging the life in plants, the Gathas clearly highlight the unique lament of sentient animals, particularly the ‘Soul of the Cow’, urging humanity to a path of compassionate stewardship. By choosing a plant-based diet, we align ourselves more closely with the principles of Asha, Vohu Manah, and the minimization of suffering for sentient beings, thus honoring Ahura Mazda’s beneficent creation and striving towards a world in harmony with His divine 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 )