Glimpses Of World Religions

SR No.: 032397
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: Navbharat Sahitya Mandir
Publication Year: 2003
Total Pages: 228
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 26 MB

Page 136

Zoroastrian Religion
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rank to Dharma or religion, next to this, they praise karma or action. They have faith in the trinity of good thoughts (Manasni'), good speech (Gavasni) and good behaviour (Kunasni). Thoughts and speeches may be pure, but if they are not translated into practice or actions, they have no value. It is karma or action only which is the real test of a man's character. Man surely gets "good fruits of his good acts and bad results of his bad acts”. Such is also the belief of Zoroastrian Dharma. A man has to do, of course, routine, daily duties, but he should specially perform holy deeds and acts of kindness. To transform an enemy into a friend, to show the pious way to some wicked person - these are best religious acts.
The chief commandments of Zoroastrian religion are - kindness, doing good to others, service to mankind and charity (Alms). One's true duty is to do selfless karma of 'the good' (duty for the sake of duty – karma) and to perform good acts. Life is a battle-ground for fighting against the sins, and to run away from it is a cowardice.
The Jarthustri religion is averse to renunciation of worldly life and life of recluse. No one has a right to leave worldly life (for Sannyāsa) and yet, this Dharma (religion) is not against the ascetics or saints. The way to approach God is surely the way of human welfare; because service to humanity is service to God. God is not someone aloof or different from the people. This religion teaches : “Be a recluse mentally, or in heart, lead a life of temperance or self-control and live a holy life – live in the world (lead a worldly life), perform the duties of a householder and lead a life full of love for God.” Life is not a dream, it is a golden opportunity for doing mutual good.
This religion hates inactivity, regards laziness a foolishness. The industrious men consider idleness a disease, a sin. We have