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 traditions, or the lived experiences of the Zoroastrian community, each piece of wisdom serves as a guiding light in the journey of life. 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: Why do us Parsis place such importance on fire and light? Is it mainly symbolic, or do we believe fire or light itself have divine powers? (Shanaya Bhikaji, Canada)

Er. Zarrir: Dear Shanaya, though we are generally perceived as ‘fire worshippers’, for us, Fire (Atash) is the Son of Ahura Mazda (Athro Ahurahe Mazdao Puthra Tav Atrash Puthra Ahurahe Mazdao). We do not worship the physical wood or the flame itself as God; rather, we view Fire as the living, physical representation of Ahura Mazda’s energy here on earth. It is the closest we can get to comprehending the Creator – pure light, pure energy, always pointing upward, and capable of transforming everything it touches into purity. In terms of symbolism, it represents the spark of divinity within us (Fravashi); while in terms of Divine Power, we believe consecrated fires (like in our Agiaries and Atash Behrams) possess a conscious, living spiritual entity (a Yazata), and standing before it is standing before a King who radiates spiritual strength.

Q: If bad habits are difficult to break, does Ahura Mazda judge the effort or only the final result? (Dilnaaz R. Irani, Mumbai)

Er. Zarrir: Ahura Mazda is not a harsh accountant looking only at the bottom line. He is the Lord of Wisdom. In the Gathas, the struggle against the Druj and to transform and neutralize the same (falsehood/chaos) is the very purpose of life. If you have a bad habit, that is your personal battle against Druj. The effort you put in through Kshthravairya – the daily fight to be better – is where the merit lies. Thus, even if you stumble, the fact that you are trying to rise again is an act of Asha. Do not be discouraged by the result, dear Dilnaaz, be encouraged by your intent. The secret to bringing about the transformation is the Mathravani/ prayer.

Q: When illness makes it difficult to perform kusti prayers daily, will Ahura Mazda still accept my faith from the heart? (Biyanca Dubash, USA)

Er. Zarrir: My dear Biyanca, please put your mind at ease. The Kusti is a beautiful physical discipline, but Ahura Mazda resides in the heart, not in the movements of the fingers. When the body is frail, the intention (Manashni) takes precedence. If you cannot stand, sit. If you cannot untie the knots physically, untie the knots of your mind and re-tie yourself to God mentally.

A sincere ‘Ashem Vohu’ recited from a bed of pain is worth more than a thousand prayers recited mindlessly while standing. Additionally, you may begin playing the recordings of our Healing prayers, such as Ardibehesht Yasht, along with the Nirang and the prayer dedicated to Aireyaman Yazad (Yasna 54). If you need the prayer recordings, please let me know.

Q: When memory begins to fade in old age, does simply thinking of God in the heart count as a prayer, even if words aren’t recited? (Rukshana Cooper, Australia)

Er. Zarrir: Rukshana, please set your heart at ease. Ahura Mazda is the Lord of Wisdom, not a schoolmaster grading a memory test. Our religion teaches that the language of the Divine transcends human speech. As we age, while our physical faculties may dim, our Urvan (soul) begins to prepare for its journey home, often becoming more sensitive to the spirit than the letter of the law.

There are two ways to connect when words fail – First is the ‘Prayer of the Heart’: If you cannot recall the words, simply holding the thought of Ahura Mazda, or feeling a deep sense of gratitude and love in your heart, is a valid and complete prayer. And second, use Technology: If you miss the rhythm of the prayers, I encourage you to play recordings of our Avesta prayers. Listen to them and let the vibrations wash over you. Even if you only listen, you will receive the same spiritual benefits and satisfaction that you have earned throughout your life of devotion. Remember, the vibration of a sincere, loving thought rings louder in the spiritual world than any spoken word. You are heard, loud and clear. If you need the prayer recordings, please let me know.

(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 )