Er. Zarrir Bhandara shares timeless nuggets of wisdom from our Zoroastrian religion, exploring its spiritual insights, ethical teachings and relevance in today’s world. Drawn from the Gathas, sacred texts and traditions, 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 someone who loves keeping the atmosphere at home spiritually uplifting, I often play recorded prayers in the background while doing my daily household chores. Is this acceptable, and does it still hold the same value of devotion even if I am not seated and fully focused while listening? (Meher J. Batliwala, Mumbai)

Er. Zarrir: Dear Meher, your question is practical and insightful for modern life. Yes, playing the recorded prayers is a wonderful way to fill your home with Manthravani, the sacred, vibrant energy of the Avestan words. This helps to purify the atmosphere, dispel negativity, and is an act of Armaiti (Piety/Devotion) towards the sacredness of your environment. 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 and our environment into a field of positivity.

However, there’s a clear distinction between reciting a prayer and listening to one. Reciting your prayers, especially the obligatory Farjyāt Bandagi while focusing your mind and performing the Kusti ritual, is the highest form of active devotion to dispel negativity and increase positivity. This is where your mind, speech, and action align to produce maximum spiritual benefit. Listening to recorded prayers in the background is a form of passive devotion that connects with your sub/super-conscious mind and also creates a consecrated atmosphere. It enhances Khvarenah (Divine Glory/Energy) in the home and keeps the Divine presence in your thoughts while your hands are busy.

Thus, it’s perfectly alright and praiseworthy to create this spiritually charged environment. However, this practice does not replace your personal, focused recitation of the obligatory prayers, which are essential for your own spiritual growth. View it as a supplementary devotion that sanctifies your daily life.

Q: Our community is often perceived as being quick to engage in legal disputes, especially within families over inheritance or property matters. What guidance does our religion offer on approaching such situations with fairness and forgiveness, rather than conflict and litigation? (Feruza J. Pithawalla, Canada)

Er. Zarrir: Feruza, it is a painful truth that communal disputes often overshadow our nobler spiritual principles. Our religion provides profound guidance on resolving such conflicts, rooted in Asha, the highest principle, which means Righteousness, Order and Truth. In disputes, this means seeking fairness and truth above personal gain. If a claim is unjust, pursuing it is an act of Druj. The Avesta repeatedly stresses that our actions must be upright and honest.

The Golden Rule: The very spirit of our faith promotes philanthropy and justice for all of creation. We are mandated to act towards others as we wish them to act towards us. Engaging in endless litigation over material inheritance, which is ultimately temporary, is an unrighteous focus that consumes the spiritual life.

Guidance on Forgiveness (Armaiti): The concept of Armaiti (Piety/Holy Devotion) includes the humility to admit error, repent, and recite Patet Pashemani prayer, and strive to make amends (Expiation). When a wrong has been committed, the person who made the error should seek forgiveness and make restitution. We must learn to let go of vengeance. The righteous person is called to rise above the desire for revenge, which is a tool of Angra Mainyu (The Hostile Spirit). Forgiveness is not merely an act of kindness to the other person; it is an act of spiritual freedom for yourself. By forgiving, you release yourself from the spiritual chain of bitterness and anger, allowing your Vohu Manah to flourish.

Priestly Counsel: In such family disputes, before involving secular courts, our religion would guide families to seek counsel from the wise and priests to find an equitable and loving solution that preserves the family unit and spiritual harmony, rather than dividing it further. The ultimate guidance is to remember that the temporary possessions on earth are insignificant compared to the eternal spiritual treasure that is earned through Asha and Vohu Manah – through fairness, forgiveness and good conduct.

(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 religious queries at editor@parsi-times.com. )