In this New year 2026 let us strive to be sensitive to the fact that everything and everyone is linked in a vast web of relationships – biologically, chemically, socially and spiritually – where actions have ripple effects, forming a complex, interdependent system of shared existence and responsibility rather than isolation. Let this fundamental truth highlight how our individual lives impact other beings, nature and the universe. Understanding this connection will foster compassion, sustainability and a deeper sense of belonging.

This year, let us aspire to collect more smiles instead of frowns. Let us strive to be more understanding and less judgemental, more loving and forgiving than hateful or vengeful. Let us choose gratitude over complaint, and feel blessed rather than constantly stressed. As the new year unfolds, may we grow more caring and compassionate, mindful that while we carry our own struggles at home or work, others may be fighting far harder battles. There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down to lift someone up. Caregiving, whether for a loved one or a stranger, offers deep purpose. It nurtures dignity, spreads joy, and enriches both giver and receiver.

Happiness Through Kindness And Harmony

Happiness through kindness (in thought, word and deed) is a powerful, scientifically backed theory which affirms that kindness releases feel-good chemicals, like dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. These boost general well-being, reduce stress and make you feel happier and more fulfilled. Helping others and making them happy fosters a sense of meaning and purpose in life and many will vouch that happiness is often found in giving rather than just receiving. More than three and a half millennia ago, Asho Zarathushtra also expressed the same sentiment in Gatha, Yasna 43.1 ‘Ushta ahmai yahmai ushta kahmaichit’, meaning ‘happiness to those who make others happy!’

Applying the principle of Asha to Yasna 43.1, we could also infer that happiness comes to those who live in harmony. In Zoroastrian theology, every good creation be it the sky, water, earth, vegetation, animal or human being is of value because these are the six good creations of Ahura Mazda. Human life, and human dignity, remain sacred regardless of social standing, economic condition, or personal achievement. From the moment of conception to the final breath, every life holds inherent worth. This understanding calls upon us to widen our circle of compassion and extend it to all living beings and to nature in its full beauty.

The concept of Asha is understood as Truth, righteous conduct, and living in harmony with all the good creations of Ahura Mazda. This timeless wisdom, taught by Asho Zarathushtra, was later echoed by great scientific minds such as Albert Einstein. He reminded us that human beings are inseparable from the universe, though we often live under the illusion of separation. This illusion confines our empathy to a narrow circle. Our true task is to break free from it by expanding compassion beyond ourselves, embracing all humanity, all life, and the divine harmony of nature itself.

Experiencing harmony is a feeling of peace of mind derived from self-acceptance, acceptance of the people and circumstances around, and acceptance of the past. Overall, harmony is equivalent to happiness. In fact, harmony is a precondition for development, progress, fulfilment, overall happiness and survival of both the individual and any group to which he or she belongs. It unites people in spite of their diversity and prevents enmity, violence and conflict. Fortunately, harmony is a choice that one can consciously opt for.

Compassion As Responsibility

Being compassionate is a responsibility. However, most people equate ‘being responsible for something’ with ‘being at fault for something’ and so they end up taking responsibility for nothing in their lives. What is important is to see responsibility as a boon rather than a bane.  A good Zoroastrian takes nothing for granted and regards nothing as an entitlement. Self-love is important, but never at the cost of harming or diminishing others. Zoroastrian texts explain that Ahura Mazda did not create human beings out of loneliness or need. Humanity was created to help bring perfection and wholesomeness, known as Khordad or Havratat, to the material world. As the final and finest creation, human beings are entrusted with the responsibility of building harmony with all other good creations.

Kindness and compassion, though often linked, are not the same. Kindness is an action, while compassion is a feeling that naturally leads to action. One can be kind without emotional involvement, but compassion flows from empathy and shared feeling. A doctor may act kindly toward a patient, but a compassionate doctor feels the patient’s pain and responds with deeper care. Many stories speak of doctors who quietly waive fees or offer discreet help beyond treatment.

From a theological perspective, poverty, suffering, and want are seen as forces of evil. Alleviating them is both a religious duty and an act of spiritual merit. This belief inspired our ancestors to establish schools, hospitals, and charitable trusts, addressing ignorance, disease, and poverty as evils to be overcome.

Compassion does not depend on wealth. While wealth can be positive when earned and used righteously, one does not need money to be charitable or compassionate. Kindness can be expressed through time, knowledge, skills, encouragement, emotional support, and genuine care. These gifts often hold greater value than financial help alone. Merely feeling sad for the poor or speaking about their plight is insufficient. Compassion demands action that eases suffering or distress.

Every good deed begins with a good thought, yet good thoughts alone are meaningless unless acted upon. Many people think of doing good but fail to translate intention into action. True compassion is an integrated whole, where good thoughts lead to good words and meaningful deeds. Happiness arises when what we think, say, and do exist in harmony. Above all, avoid procrastination. When the urge to do good arises, act on it immediately. Do not wait to become wealthy, older, or retired. Compassion has no age, status, or deadline.

Happiness Through Peace And Unity

At a personal level, happiness through peace is the process of finding contentment by cultivating inner calm, letting go of external dependencies, and managing reactions to life’s ups and downs. This is usually achieved through practices like mindfulness, self-reflection, accepting imperfections, living simply and realizing that true joy isn’t about having but about being peaceful within.

However, happiness through peace in the world requires a shift from ego to universal love and collective action for a truly peaceful world. Achieving world peace and happiness requires a profound internal shift towards peace and love, mirrored in our actions and societal structures, creating a virtuous cycle of well-being for all.

In the Afrin-e-Gahambar, fellow Zoroastrians are exhorted to be in Hamazor (unity) with righteous persons of all the seven regions. By helping each other and living in harmony, virtue is accumulated in the treasury of Ahura Mazda and blessings are showered and redistributed among all righteous human beings.