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. In our exclusive column, ‘Pearls Of Wisdom’, Er. Zarrir Bhandara answers your queries, shedding light on the enduring relevance of Zoroastrian wisdom for us all.

Questions From Our Readers:

Q: We are known to be an extremely food-loving community and many times we overdo the eating and the drinking. Often, we also end up wasting food in our plates. In some religions, this is considered greed and a sin. I wish to know if this also goes against our religious teachings? (Arzaan F. Karanjia, USA)

Er. Zarrir: Does overeating or wasting food go against our religious teachings? Yes, both actions are viewed negatively within our ethical framework, though perhaps not strictly as ‘sin’ in the sense of other faiths, but certainly as deviations from Asha.

Wasting Food is highly discouraged. Food is a gift from Ahura Mazda, sustained by the sacred elements (Earth and Water). Wasting food shows a lack of gratitude and respect for the creation. It is a violation of the principle of moderation and disrespect for the Amesha Spentas. Overeating (Gluttony) or excessive eating and drinking, that leads to waste or simply self-indulgence goes against the principle of moderation and temperance. Our prayers emphasize a balance in life and the control of one’s physical appetites. True spiritual growth requires discipline and control over the physical self, not indulgence. Overeating is viewed as prioritizing bodily excess over the cultivation of the Vohu Manah (Good Mind).

Thus, while not categorized as a major sin, wastefulness and gluttony are discouraged as they violate the Zoroastrian virtues of gratitude, temperance and respectful stewardship of the Earth’s bounties. We are taught to eat mindfully, with gratitude and to always avoid waste.

Q: Is using plastic and wasting water considered religiously wrong in our faith? (Vahishta Mehta, Mumbai)

Er. Zarrir: Yes, to a large extent, both practices go directly against the fundamental tenets of Zoroastrianism regarding the sanctity of creation. Our faith places an extremely high value on protecting the seven creations of Ahura Mazda, particularly the elements: Earth (Spenta Armaiti), Water (Haurvatat), and Fire (Asha Vahishta).

Water is seen as a sacred life-giver. Wasting water is considered a form of polluting a vital, sacred element. Conservation, careful use and prevention of water pollution are mandatory acts of righteousness (Asha). In case of using plastic / pollution, excessive use of non-biodegradable materials like plastic, which pollute the Earth and the environment, is an act that harms Spenta Armaiti (the benevolent Earth/creation). Any behavior that leads to the degradation of nature and the environment contradicts the ethical duty to maintain the purity and goodness of Ahura Mazda’s creations. So yes, wasting water and causing pollution (like excessive plastic use) are acts that go against our core religious duty to protect the sacred elements of creation.

(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 )