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: Many Parsis tend to pray to numerous other deities and prophets or participate in non-Zoroastrian religious functions. Is it wrong to mix prayers from different religions and participate in such events as a Zoroastrian, if it brings a sense of peace or helps one feel closer to God? (Sherzaad Patel, Mumbai)

Er. Zarrir: This is a question I face often, Sherzaad. The Parsi community has always been like sugar in milk – blending in sweetness with those around us. It is natural to feel respect for the faiths of our neighbours. However, in Zoroastrianism, we believe that our Manthras are not merely words, they are potent sound vibrations designed to tune our souls to a specific frequency – the frequency of Ahura Mazda. When we constantly switch frequencies or mix rituals, we create spiritual static and fail to fully tap into the power of our own faith.

We must also trust the wisdom of our Fravashi (Guardian Spirit). Before we were even born, our Fravashi consciously chose this specific life, these specific parents, and this glorious religion as the best possible vehicle for our soul’s progress. To look elsewhere is to doubt that divine choice. Ahura Mazda is our friend and Father; He has provided this specific spiritual path for you, and He waits for you to turn to Him. Furthermore, the care from your own source is specialized and wise. Our Daena (religion) is tailored perfectly to the needs of the Fravashi that chose it. Its spiritual prescriptions are perfectly suited for your soul’s progress.

Thus, It is never ‘wrong’ to respect other paths or find peace in holy places. However, loyalty to one’s own path strengthens the spirit. Think of it this way: You can admire many homes, but you only truly rest and recharge in your own. If mixing prayers brings you peace, Ahura Mazda is not a jealous God who will punish you. But to truly deepen your spiritual growth, I encourage you to dive deeper into our own religion. You might find that the peace you seek outside is already waiting for you within our own religion!

Q: I am often confused between what is the right thing to do between being silent and not hurting anyone with our words or uttering the truth nevertheless. From a Zoroastrian perspective, is silence better than speaking words that may hurt, even if they are true? (Farsosh Mehta, Mumbai)
Er. Zarrir: Farsosh, this is a delicate balance, and the answer lies in understanding the deeper meaning of Asha. While we are taught Hukhta (Good Words), we must remember that Asha stands for more than just factual accuracy; it stands for Righteousness and Divine Order. Therefore, in any given situation, we must focus on what is Righteous rather than just what is factually right.

The Distinction: There are times when the ‘truth’ becomes subjective in the pursuit of a higher goal, such as preserving life or maintaining order. However, in daily life, we often face a different challenge: using ‘honesty’ as an excuse to be hurtful. If truth is used as a weapon to injure someone’s spirit, it is not Asha; it is cruelty disguised as virtue. Our scriptures teach that truth must be constructive. If speaking the facts destroys peace or breaks a heart unnecessarily, then silence is often the wiser, more righteous path.

The Rule of Thumb: Before you speak, pass your words through these three gates: Is it True? Is it Kind? Is it Necessary? If its’ true, but neither kind nor necessary, then silence is golden. 

(Er. Zarrir Bhandara is the Head Priest of the Zoroastrian Association of California Atash Kadeh, with encyclopaedic knowledge on Zoroastrian religion and scriptures. Readers can mail queries at: editor@parsi-times.com)