ER. ZARRIR BHANDARA

As we usher in the joyous Parsi New Year, let’s explore a captivating facet of our faith that speaks directly to the essence of charity and selfless giving – the profound symbolism of the cow, and how this ancient wisdom illuminates our path today.

Some might assume our reverence for the cow began in India, a cultural adaptation. Yet, its roots run far deeper, ingrained in our Zoroastrian scriptures. The Ahunavad Gatha, Yasna 29.1: ‘Geush Urvan’ (the soul of the cow) isn’t merely about an animal. It’s an ancient lament from Mother Earth herself, crying out to Ahura Mazda against the wrath and oppression she endures. She asks for protection and guidance towards ‘good industry’ to overcome these calamities.

Why is Mother Earth symbolized by a cow? Because of the cow’s intrinsic qualities: benevolence, kindness and boundless giving. This isn’t just theory, it’s embedded in our language. That Gujarati phrase, ‘Becharo garib gai jevo chey’, perfectly captures the essence of selfless generosity that the cow embodies.

Gahambars: A Thousand Cows of Compassion

This insight deepens with our ancient Gahambars. These seasonal festivals, celebrated since pre-Zoroastrian times, carry immense spiritual merit. Take the Maidyoshaham Gahambar, the mid-summer celebration, said to offer merit equivalent to giving a thousand cows with their calves to a holy person. This is a powerful metaphor for cultivating the very qualities of the cow and Mother Earth within ourselves: compassion, sustained giving and self-sacrifice. It’s a profound call to embody these virtues.

The Vibration of Generosity

Our actions truly matter. The Yatha Ahu Vairyo prayer and Ahunavaiti Gatha Yasna 31.16 teach that aligning with Asha (righteousness) directly connects us with Ahura Mazda. When our thoughts (Humata), words (Hukhta), and deeds (Hvarashta) are rooted in Asha, they naturally foster warmth and connection. This is where an action of passion fuels our purpose, while compassion guides our actions toward the well-being of others. This selfless energy even resonates in the ‘Afrine Buzorgan’ prayer, which blesses us to ‘become a GIVER LIKE TESHTAR TIR YAZAD’.

Connecting with Dadar Ahura Mazda profoundly begins by honoring our parents (Madar, Pedar, Ma Baap) and our prophet Asho Zarathost. The Denkard equates respecting parents to “doing bandagi to God.” Just as Ahura Mazda is our spiritual Lord, our Prophet, filled with ‘Ashat Chit Hacha’ (righteousness), is our spiritual guide in this world. The deep fulfilment from helping others isn’t fleeting – it’s the very bedrock of affection, built through compassionate actions that resonate deeply and forge lasting bonds of care.

The Indelible Parsi Legacy of Giving

As Parsis, our character is defined by a joyous outlook and an amiable disposition. Yet, our most celebrated trait is our unwavering generosity. We are renowned for our hospitality, kindness and deep empathy for others. Our history is rich with examples of vast sums given for philanthropic causes. Indeed, the virtue of charity, preached by Zarathushtra, is woven into the very fabric of every Parsi. We instinctively strive to alleviate suffering.

Our forefathers – often rising from humble beginnings through honest, hard work – amassed wealth. Crucially, they meticulously followed Zarathushtra’s noble precepts, giving freely to the poor and needy, and for the healing of the mind, without distinction of caste or creed. Their boundless benevolence made the name ‘Parsi’ synonymous with charity itself. They laid the foundation upon which our community thrives today.

The Wisdom of Intentional Giving

While our hearts are tender, wisdom must guide our generosity. Indiscriminate charity, simply doling out largess, risks fostering ‘subsidized idleness’. This can lead to moral degradation, undermining self-help and dampening initiative. True charity, in the spirit of our ancestors, empowers, rather than merely enables.

Our forefathers fulfilled their duty. As we reflect this Parsi New Year, let us seek ‘agile bodies, active minds and quickened hearts’ from Ahura Mazda to play our part. Let us vigilantly guard our morals and the glorious edifice of our communal character, ensuring we never tarnish our community’s good name. With humility, devotion and prayer, we entrust our small community to Ahura Mazda’s unfailing care and guidance.

Modern Charity: Time is Our Richest Gift

In today’s complex world, charity isn’t just about money. Perhaps the most precious gift you can offer is your time. This means actively teaching our youth, generously sharing your expertise, mentoring young individuals for careers or simply spending a few hours a week with an elderly person, helping with chores or volunteering. These are profound acts of compassion and genuine giving.

As we celebrate this Shahenshahi New Year, let us embrace these timeless principles of charity, compassion and purposeful giving, ensuring that our legacy of good continues to shine brightly!