What Makes The Parsis The Most Peace-Loving Community In The World? Find Out Here
Zoroaster or Zaruthastra, an ancient Iranian prophet, founded Zoroastrianism, the world’s oldest monotheistic religion which has influenced other world religions such as Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Today most of his followers, the Zoroastrians, also known as Parsis, are concentrated in India, Iran and the West, especially the US. We explore some of Zoroaster’s wonderful teachings that have been handed down to us throughout the ages, which teach us the fundamental basics of life, psychology and happiness, and have earned Parsis the tag of being the most peace-loving community in the world.
Happiness comes to them who bring happiness to others: A common tenet that is found in most religions, this Zoroastrian teaching reminds us about the significance of doing good to others always, so that we too can also remain happy and content. An altruistic person who does charity and helps others will always enjoy the liberating benefits of his deeds and be filled with positive and happy thoughts. So be kind and good and secure your peace and happiness.
A reflective, contented mind is the best possession: To attract happiness and bliss in your life, value the power of contemplation. Reflecting over your thoughts, words and deeds will always push you towards becoming a better version of yourself than you were yesterday. Reflection makes room for self-improvement and growth, which will ensure that you always strive to become better, happier and more successful with each passing day.
When you are in doubt, abstain: A common reason for rash and dangerous decisions is the presence of doubt within us. When one is in doubt, it means that the mind is unsure about the outcome of the action, so it sends warning signals to our brain to pause and reflect. But what we do in such times is try to go ahead with the action anyway, despite the warning from our mind. Zoroaster teaches us that the presence of doubts automatically gives us the time to reflect and contemplate about the situation, which will ensure we always take the right decision, no matter what happens.
Suffer no anxiety, for he who is a sufferer of anxiety becomes regardless of enjoyment of the world and the spirit, and contraction happens to his body and soul: Here Zoroaster warns us about the debilitating and destructive effects of constant worrying. We must always take steps to do things which makes us happy and peaceful, since even a slight worry can drain our energy and make us feel lethargic and unproductive. Over a period of time, the accumulation of stress can affect our physical, metal and emotional health and make us lacklustre and lifeless and also thwart our path of self-realisation and enlightenment.
Do not lose joy in life as you grow old in years. Let not your ‘joie de vivre’ be crushed under the weight of years: Growing old should not symbolise a decline in one’s ability to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. With each passing year, we must learn to enjoy life even more, since our life is the only thing we have which can last us a lifetime. Other elements such as our possessions, family, friends, career, car and other luxuries will stay with us for a temporary period of time only, so it is up to us to control our happiness and make it last forever.
Read Also: The Art Of Living with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar