Zoroastrian quotations

"Quotations summarize and preserve for the future the wisdom of the past and the experiences of the ages...The ethics and ideals of Zoroastrianism are reflected in the quotations selected for this book. In the practice of these ethics and ideals is the key to Zoroastrian success worldwide in all spheres of life,” notes the preface by Nadir Ardeshir Jivanji Modi in A Treasury of Quotations from Zoroastrian texts. This 156-page hardcover book published in 2002 is a revised and restructured version of Sir Jivanji Jamshedji Modi’s Moral Extracts from Zoroastrian Books.

While the original version had only English translations, the present edition carries the transliteration of the relevant Avesta, Pahlavi and Pazand passages before the translation "for the benefit of the general reader and for the use of writers and speakers...of Zoroastrian religion, culture and history.”

J. J. Modi: recording for posterity

"Though the original book is very balanced and satisfactorily fulfils the purpose for which it was written...some new useful quotations and four new chapters (on ‘Faith,’ ‘Prayers,’ ‘Prosperity’ and ‘Protection’) have been added in the book,” explains Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar P. Karanjia, principal of the Athornan Boarding Madressa, who was primarily responsible for the additional inputs in the form of transliterations and extra passages. The 32 chapters in the revised edition, starting with "Cheerfulness and Contentedness” and ending with "Zeal and Perseverance” have also been listed alphabetically.

While the Zoroastrian triad of good thoughts, words and deeds merits a direct/indirect reference in almost every chapter of the book, its importance is reiterated in certain passages such as in the chapter on "Conscience And The Principle Of Right Conduct” where through a series of interrogations it is explained: "Who is the most fortunate man in the world? Ans: He who is most innocent. Who is the most innocent man in the world? Ans: He who walks in the path of God and shuns that of the devil. Which is the path of God and which that of the devil? Ans: Virtue is the path of God and vice that of the devil. What constitutes virtue and what vice? Good thoughts, good words and good deeds constitute virtue; and evil thoughts, evil words and evil deeds constitute vice. What constitutes good thoughts, good words and good deeds and what constitutes evil thoughts, evil words and evil deeds? Ans: Honesty, charity and truthfulness constitute the former; and dishonesty, want of charity and falsehood constitute the latter.”

Quoting from the Mino-i-Kherad in the chapter on "Cheerfulness and Contentedness,” there is a question asked: "By how many meritorious ways and means do men reach Heaven?” The answer elucidates: "The first meritorious work is liberality. The second, truth. The third, gratitude. The fourth, contentment.”

Karanjia: preserving the wisdom of the past

In the chapter on "Good manners,” the citation from Pand Nameh-i-Adarbad Marespand advises: "Bow when you speak and when you do a thing. Bowing will not break your neck; sweet words will not foul the breath of your mouth.” Just as mastery over anger is advocated in "Self Control,” diligence is recommended in "Work Or Industry” with a reminder: "Be an early riser so that you may always be able to finish your work!”

The quotations have been sourced from different scriptures like the Gathas, Nyaishes, Yashts, Dinkard, Vendidad, Arda Viraf Nameh, Ganj-i-Shaygan, Iyadgar-i-Vazorg Mitra, Visparad, Ashirwad or Paiwand Nameh, Bunda­hishn, Hadokht Nask, Revayat, Pand Nameh-i-Buzorgcheh Meher in addition to the two texts referred to earlier.

This concise and revelatory work is published under the aegis of the Society for the Promotion of Religious Knowledge and Education (R-11, Central Bank Building, 3rd fl, Sir Homi Modi Street, Bombay 400023) which functioning under the Bombay Parsi Puncha­yet (BPP), seeks to disseminate knowledge of Zoroastrian religion and culture by publishing useful books at affordable prices. Nadir Modi as president of this Society expresses his gratitude to the Zartoshty Brothers Fund (a BPP trust) for "financing the needed research and making this publication possible...”

Priced at Rs 150, the book is dedicated with "gratitude, affection and admiration to Mehraban Jamshed Zartoshty and the late Faridoon Jamshed Zartoshty whose far-sighted and far-reaching charities have contributed magnificently to the welfare of the Zarathushtrian world.”

PARINAZ M. GANDHI