An ancient Indian Mantra, ‘Satyam, Shivam, Sunderam’ can be translated as truth, divinity and beauty. There’s a strong relationship between the three because achieving excellence selflessly is equivalent to pursuing the truth, which in turn takes one nearer to the realisation of God. In fact, one can say that any selfless action (Nishkaam-Karma) performed with […]
There was a special ‘Mandali organised by our 100% educated Parsi community, where Parsi bachelor ‘boys’ (at 45?) were given a masterclass on how to woo a Gori-Gori-Parsi-Ni-Pori, with a view to matrimony. It would be unfair to call it a Masterclass for Morons! Madam Mehernaaz: You ‘boys’ have come a long way since the […]
Once upon a time, a man was roaming in the forest to find a nice spot under a tree to meditate and gain soul-knowledge when he saw four extremely beautiful women. Upon asking them who they were, the tall, slim woman said, “My name is ‘Buddhi’ (intellect) – I live inside everyone’s head.” The woman […]
I accidentally came across an English translation of the earliest available Jain-scripture called the ‘Acaranga Sutra’, in which Lord Mahavir gives the first most basic and universal definition of compassion or ‘Ahimsa’, which is the foundation of Jain religion, just as ‘Ashoi’ is the foundation of our religion. The Jain Sutra says: “I pronounce that […]
Today, we use the word ‘philanthropist’ to describe a multi-millionaire who donates huge sums of money to charitable organisations. Philanthropist is derived from two Greek words – ‘Philas’, which means loving and ‘Anthropos’, which means man. In short, a loving man (or woman). So aren’t we all capable too of becoming more loving by giving […]
The Mandli met at a posh club over an all-fish menu comprising Koliwada-prawns, Surmai-fry, Pomfret Hyderabadi, grilled-Ravas, fish-fingers, barbequed-Basa, stir-fried Squid and Jinga-biryani. Khadhri Ketayun: Bus atlooj? Where’s your Parsipanu Meherbai? We are a khanar-peenar community! This much won’t fit in my left molar – dabhi dahr ma bi nai maasey! Koomi Kaajwali: Mehri, don’t fall into Ketu’s trap. She wants you […]
Once upon a time, not very long ago, lived three very eligible bachelor ‘boys’ (all over 60), who were trying in vain for many years to marry a nice, 100% pure-Parsi girl, i.e. both the parents of the girl should be Parsis. But alas! Something or the other always went wrong and either the girls […]
All universal matter is made of the five basic primal substances called ‘Panch Mahabhuta’ in the Vedas – these are Space, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. Of these, water has enjoyed the highest religious and social status in all ancient civilizations. Prayers in all four main Vedas refer to water as nectar, honey, source of […]
When people ask where I get my enthusiasm, I share my secret – ‘Plan your work and life, as you plan your vacation!’ I think this is a great advice for people who are overwhelmed by all the different roles they must play! We all want harmony in our lives and we long for just […]
It is a well- known fact and recorded history that several centuries ago, Zorastrians left Iran in an exodus to escape persecution by Arabs. Many came to India; others left for countries like Azerbaijan, Tajikstan, Germany, Russia and China. There is not much trace of Zoroastrians who settled in places other than India but here’s […]
In Hinduism, there’s a concept of renouncing the world and taking ‘sanyas’ or refuge in a forest or an ashram and living an ascetic life. This practice started with Buddha’s abdication of his ‘Raj-Dharma’ (Royal duties) and ‘Grihasthi-Dharma (Householder’s duties). This concept of ‘sanyas’ causes an unnatural divide between those seeking spiritual evolution and others […]