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 youngster in my early twenties, I often find myself and my peers struggling with our faith because our generation doesn’t understand Avestan or the language in our prayer books. How can we connect with our prayers without knowing and understanding the language? (Riyanna Italia, USA)

Er. Zarrir: Dear Riyanna, your struggle is a common but important one. Remember, the essence lies not just in the meaning of the prayers, but in the power of the sound itself. Every sound possesses a form, and every form resonates with a sound. By chanting prayers, we connect with the universal sound, transforming ourselves into a field of positivity.

Our prophet Zarathushtra taught us that religion is about reason, and yes, it is essential to engage with our faith intellectually…

The Sound Power (Manthra): Firstly, understand that the ancient Avestan language is a Manthra-Vani, meaning the sounds themselves carry spiritual power. Even without knowing the meaning, the rhythmic recitation and the sacred sound vibrations connect you to Asha and the Divine. The sound current itself purifies the mind. There could be many translations of a given prayer, for eg., there are over 120 translations of our Gathas. The meanings change depending on each person’s thoughts and the era he is in, whereas the sound remains constant.

The power of sound transcends language and time, allowing us to connect with the divine essence within ourselves and the universe. By focusing on the vibrations of the prayers, we align our thoughts and intentions with Asha, fostering clarity, harmony, and spiritual growth. This timeless connection reminds us that faith is not just about understanding, but about experiencing the sacred through sound.

Focus on the Essence: For true connection, focus on the core meaning, even if you can’t translate every word. I urge you and your peers to:

Embrace the Ethics: The most essential principle, Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta, is the foundation of all faiths. Reflect on how your prayer inspires you to live these principles. Your real connection is in the ethical action that follows the prayer.

Start Simple: Focus on the meaning of the shortest, most powerful prayers like the Ashem Vohu (The path of righteousness is the best good) and the Yatha Ahu Vairyo (The Will of the Lord is the Law of Righteousness). Internalizing these concepts is a powerful form of connection. Focus on these two most foundational and oft-recited prayers in the Zoroastrian tradition – the Ashem Vohu and the Yatha Ahu Vairyo – these prayers are short, powerful Manthras (sacred words), and understanding their essence provides the foundation for all Zoroastrian ethics.

Ashem Vohu – The Shortest, Most Essential Prayer of Righteousness and Happiness: The Ashem Vohu is a twelve-word statement on the nature of Asha (Truth, Righteousness, Divine Law). It is the Zoroastrian Golden Rule and an aspiration for ultimate happiness, (translations in brackets) as under for your better understanding:

Ashem Vohu Vahishtem Asti (Righteousness or Asha is the Best Good), Ushtā Asti (It is Happiness), Ushtā Ahmai (Happiness is to him/her), Hyaţ Ashāi Vahishtāi Ashem (Who is Righteous for the sake of the Best Righteousness itself).

Message for the Youth: This prayer teaches that the greatest gift in life is Asha (being truthful, living justly, and following the divine law). When you live righteously, that act itself is the source of true, lasting Happiness (Ushta), not any temporary material reward. Choose truth and goodness simply because it is right.

Yatha Ahu Vairyo – The Prayer of Divine Will and Leadership: The Yatha Ahu Vairyo (also called the Ahunavar) is a 21-word declaration on divine order, righteous authority, and ethical service, explained as under.

Yathā Ahū Vairyō, Athā Ratush Ashāţ Chit Hachā (Just as the Divine Will is the Law of Righteousness, so too is the chosen Leader or Ratū by virtue of his Truth or Asha), Vangheush Dazdā Mananghō, Shyaothananãm Angheush Mazdāi (The gift of the Good Mind or Vohu Manah is for those who do deeds in this world for Ahura Mazda), Khshathremchā Ahurāi ā Yim Drigubyō Dadat Vāstārem (And the Divine Kingdom or Khshathra belongs to Ahura, whom they establish as a Protector/Nourisher for the Poor and Needy).

This prayer gives an active prescription for life… To Seek Righteous Leadership – Choose leaders (spiritual and worldly) who act with Asha (Truth/Justice); To Act with Good Intent – Dedicate your Good Deeds (Shyaothanãm) – your career, your service, your life – to Ahura Mazda by acting with Vohu Manah (Good Mind/Intention); and To Serve the Needy – The ultimate purpose of power and leadership is to become a protector and nourisher (Vāstārem) for the poor and vulnerable.

By encouraging children to reflect on these core translations and to adopt the principles of Asha (Righteousness) and Vohu Manah (Good Mind) in their daily lives, their connection to the faith will move beyond language and into their very being.

(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 )