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Home » Practical uses of faith—A Zoroastrian perspective

Practical uses of faith—A Zoroastrian perspective

by Nawaz Merchant
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Women Mobediyars (lay priests) lead the ceremonies along with the traditionally attired Mobeds (priests) at the 12th World Zoroastrian Congress 2022 NYC hosted last year by ZAGNY (Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York 2022). (Photos: N Merchant)

Our world can sometimes appear bleak and harsh. Natural and man-made disasters, a debilitating illness, when we witness unfairness and can do nothing about it, in these moments we can feel powerless and fearful. Occasionally we may notice that selfishness is pervasive, as everywhere we hear, “What’s in it for me!” Braggarts do well at work and get promoted, hard-working individuals are overlooked. Climate change threatens our very survival, but elected leaders only pay lip service. The future looks foreboding! When this happens, how do we keep our equilibrium and avoid being sucked into a vortex of disillusionment?

A modern Zoroastrian perspective is to lean on good habits. Habits allow us to move through our day, get out of bed, brush our teeth, have breakfast, get some exercise and so on. In much the same way they move us to do what our families need, get us to work, and propel us through our days. The habits of religion are similar—they help us condition our own minds, take charge of our thoughts and question excessive negativity. Above all, they help us keep perspective: yes, there is darkness in the world but also light; meanness, but also kindness; selfishness but also generosity.

Zoroastrian theology describes an ongoing daily battle between Good and Evil. As helpers of the Almighty, Ahura Mazda, we are asked to lend our aid to the side of good—but it is clearly indicated as a choice! Zoroastrianism promotes free will, and each choice has consequences. How are we to do this?

The Zoroastrian tenet which is echoed in many religions, “Good thoughts, good words and good deeds.” This phrase Manashni, Gavashni Khunashni comes from the Avesta (Zoroastrian scripture) which contains the poems of the prophet Zoroaster (or Zarathustra) called the Gathas. Thus, it’s more than a catchy phrase, it is a directive on how to proceed in daily life.

The first part, “Good Thoughts” is akin to the practice of Yoga which includes controlling one’s mind. When we give in to excessive negativity, we forget the directive “Good thoughts.” But is it realistic to always have cheerful thoughts? Is that even possible? Such Pollyanna simplicity seems ridiculous in today’s complex world, where one must constantly be cautious for one’s safety.

The Zoroastrian directive “Good Thoughts” does NOT mean “think cheerful thoughts.” It rather implies that one’s thoughts should be productive and purposeful toward a benevolent goal. So, does thinking about the past bog us down? Then they are not ‘good thoughts.’ Does fear dictate our withdrawal or hesitance? Again, those thoughts do not serve us well. Temper them with reason and focus on small productive goals.

The second part, “Good Words,” similarly, does not mean “always say nice things.” On the contrary, the Gathas, the poems of Prophet Zarathustra are rife with exhortations to speak truth and fervently avoid lies and liars. Here is his definition of evil:

“To those who deter men from the best action,

To those who destroy with a callous heart,

To those who place the evil and the wicked above Truth and Right,

To those who yearn for the rule of the Lie,

Doth Mazda declare: Evil are you all.’” (The Gathas, translated by D J Irani)

But a small white lie can smooth over awkwardness, can’t it? What’s the harm? In our modern world, is it even possible to always speak the truth? Wouldn’t it hurt people’s feelings? Isn’t it sometimes imprudent or downright dangerous? Is it useful to upset someone who has power over us, such as our manager, the police, or other individual in authority? It would be far more convenient to lie—but the directive of Good Words means it is better to be silent in some circumstances. Deception is abhorrent—but even this is tempered by the ultimate goal. Is it done to preserve life, to protect someone’s safety? If so, even deception would be “Good Words!”

Good Words are thought-through interactions with others that ask us to discuss solutions and to listen. It includes what we speak, as well as what we hear and consider, which can correct our mistaken notions or assumptions. Listening to wise counsel allows us to change our opinions. But listening does not imply agreement — some of those we consult may offer poor advice. So how should we weigh our options before proceeding?

The gathic (from the Gathas) concept of “Vohu Manah” is often translated as “the good mind.” Many scholars translate this as discernment, or a perceptive, intelligent mind which weighs options clearly, or is far seeing, with good judgement. I believe it is more. Vohu Manah implies thinking with one’s higher self or taking the high road; interacting with emotional intelligence and doing the right thing even when it is not convenient. These are the habits of religion that serve as guardrails to our behavior.

Lastly “Good Deeds” —conduct and actions that promote well-being and advance human society. Yet, often one person’s advantage means another individual is disadvantaged. So, which is the ‘good’ path?

This decision requires us to consider how the present situation may be unfair, or imperfect compared to an ideal world. The Zoroastrian concept of Asha (an ideal truth) refers to an ideal form of the world as envisioned by Ahura Mazda. So before deciding, we are asked to consider a perfect world (without selfishness) as a framework. “The Good-Mind enables us to grasp Asha, the Ideal Truth; it also enables us to see any aspect of the world and recognize it for what it is, i.e., the way and the extent to which it is flawed. This is grasped by seeing reality and realizing how it deviates from its ideal state, i.e. Asha.” (The Theology Of The Gathas, DJ Irani)

Making decisions with limited data is difficult. Yet, we need to answer the question: does our choice move society toward being more just and fair? If so, proceed. Good Deeds occur when “one is inspired to do the right thing, to right the wrong, to perfect the state of imperfection.”

Our mundane daily decisions are each important building-blocks of our lives. When directed by faith, they are elevated and infused with meaning. Religion is more than reciting prayers and meditation (both valuable forms of self-care), it is finding purpose in one’s actions, living with meaning, which leads to contentment. It is a roadmap to being happy. What could be more practical?

(All references are from D. J. Irani’s translation, The Gathas, The Hymns of Zarathushtra with forward by poet laureate Rabindranath Tagore.)

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