Readers' Forum
Zarthoshti standards
The Zoroastrian faith is perfect with sound, high standards of morals. There are four profound moral standards in the Zoroastrian religion — hakikat, marefat, shariyat and tarikat. Hakikat is the supreme standard, inspired doctrines of occult spiritual wisdom received by the Maghavs who have high attainments. This is the divine knowledge of spiritual facts. It is Ilm-e-Khshnoom, guidelines for spiritual life, which are difficult to understand in the present age of kalyug.
Marefat is the notification of hakikat by scholars who have studied the facts from the scriptures. There are extracts of 21 Nasks in the Avesta and Pazend languages. It is the duty of priests to guide us with fundamental facts. They are the rainidars.
Shariyat is the moral code of righteous, devoted life, with discipline in daily affairs, according to the main precepts of the Zoroastrian religion to make others happy and spread joy in society. These are the ideals. There are nine commandments of Zoroaster which we need to follow. This is a more tangible standard to follow with determination by Zoroastrians.
Tarikat requires insight for religious rituals and ceremonies, with complete awareness of the need for purity in the handling of aalats, knowledge of performing higher rituals of pav mahal like hamayast, vendidad, nirangdin, etc which create spiritual influence. Besides, all hamdins must follow a moral life. Generally the priests perform ceremonies mechanically, so spiritual results are rare. The young generation is not keen about rituals.
Today there is a problem of lack of priests with knowledge about pav mahal rituals. There is little respect for priests who are underpaid so many hesitate to take up this noble profession. Without priests, it is not possible for the religion to flourish.
The sudreh reminds one to follow the tarikats in daily life. The kusti reminds us to fight against all evils, to lead a Zoroastrian life with the shariyat. May Ahura Mazda give us good sense to follow these standards to enlighten us about our religion.
Marefat is the notification of hakikat by scholars who have studied the facts from the scriptures. There are extracts of 21 Nasks in the Avesta and Pazend languages. It is the duty of priests to guide us with fundamental facts. They are the rainidars.
Shariyat is the moral code of righteous, devoted life, with discipline in daily affairs, according to the main precepts of the Zoroastrian religion to make others happy and spread joy in society. These are the ideals. There are nine commandments of Zoroaster which we need to follow. This is a more tangible standard to follow with determination by Zoroastrians.
Tarikat requires insight for religious rituals and ceremonies, with complete awareness of the need for purity in the handling of aalats, knowledge of performing higher rituals of pav mahal like hamayast, vendidad, nirangdin, etc which create spiritual influence. Besides, all hamdins must follow a moral life. Generally the priests perform ceremonies mechanically, so spiritual results are rare. The young generation is not keen about rituals.
Today there is a problem of lack of priests with knowledge about pav mahal rituals. There is little respect for priests who are underpaid so many hesitate to take up this noble profession. Without priests, it is not possible for the religion to flourish.
The sudreh reminds one to follow the tarikats in daily life. The kusti reminds us to fight against all evils, to lead a Zoroastrian life with the shariyat. May Ahura Mazda give us good sense to follow these standards to enlighten us about our religion.
NOSHIR DABOO
Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad
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From the archive