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: As a mother, I feel worried at times that if our children and younger generations don’t follow our religious customs, then will our prayers for them still reach Ahura Mazda and will our prayers still protect them? (Sraosha Banajee, Kolkata)
Er. Zarrir: Dear Sraosha, please ease your heart of this worry. The power of a parent’s prayer, and indeed any heartfelt prayer, is immense and travels directly to the spirit world and Ahura Mazda, our All-Knowing Lord.
The Intent is Primary: Our religion teaches that Ahura Mazda looks upon the heart and intent (Manashni) of the supplicant. Your selfless prayers for your children’s well-being and spiritual strength are a potent expression of Vohu Manah (Good Mind) and will certainly reach Him.
Protection is Active: When you recite the Manthra (sacred words of power), such as the Yatha Ahu Vairyo and Ashem Vohu, you are generating positive spiritual energy that creates a shield of protection (Khvarenah) around those you pray for. This protection does not depend on their current adherence to every custom, but on the purity and power of your devotion and the grace of Ahura Mazda.
The Path of Asha: We encourage our children to follow our customs and traditions because they are tools to help align with Asha (Truth/Righteous Order) and live a Zoroastrian life, carrying on our culture for the future. However, even if they wander from the rituals, as long as they strive to live by Humata, Hukhta, and Hvarshta – being ethical, honest and benevolent – they are walking the path Ahura Mazda desires. Pray for their Asha as that is the greatest gift!
Q: If a person develops excessive attachment to wealth and is materialistic, does it hinder the soul’s spiritual progress after death? (Rukzad Irani, Pune)
Er. Zarrir: Dear Rukzad, the Zoroastrian view is balanced/moderate, recognizing the importance of the material world, which Ahura Mazda created. We need to understand that the Material World is Sacred! We believe that the physical world (Gaeti) is the proving ground where the battle between Asha (Good) and Druj (Evil) takes place. The body is sacred, and wealth and material success are gifts from Ahura Mazda to be used righteously.
The Hindrance lies in the ‘Excessive Attachment’ (Druj). The problem is not the wealth itself, but the excessive, selfish attachment – the ‘Greed’ which is the vice of Aka Manah (Evil Mind). If wealth makes a person uncharitable, dishonest, or harms others (Druj), then it pollutes the soul’s ledger.
Judgment and Progress: After death, the soul’s journey to the Chinvat Bridge (Bridge of Judgment) is determined by the total balance of Good Deeds versus Evil Deeds. A materialistic person who failed to use their wealth for charity, justice, and the betterment of creation essentially wasted a divine resource. This selfish use of resources will be recorded as a heavy Druj on their spiritual scale, directly hindering their soul’s progress towards Garothman (The House of Song/Paradise). True spiritual progress requires using one’s life and means to foster Asha in the world.
(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 )
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