As Zoroastrians, we strive for perfection and immortality, a path illuminated by Ahura Mazda's divine attributes. Yet, a
contradiction lies in our plates to our palettes. How can we claim to revere God's creations while consuming them?
Harmony with nature is a cornerstone of our faith. By embracing a plant-based diet, we align ourselves with the Amesha Spentas, particularly Vohu Manah/ Bahman, the guardian of the animal kingdom. Isn't causing harm antithetical to this very essence?
The benefits extend beyond the spiritual. Scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the link between vegetarianism and a healthier life, echoing the promise of "Perfection" within us. Imagine achieving a state closer to the divine – free from the burden of diseases linked to meat consumption.
Our ancestors understood this. The Shahnameh itself suggests early Zoroastrians practiced vegetarianism. Perhaps this explains their reverence for Ahura Mazda and the natural world. Following their example, we can bridge the gap between our beliefs and actions.
Moreover, some interpret the "sinful consumption" of "naso" (putrefied flesh) in our scriptures as a condemnation of meat-eating. By embracing a plant-based diet, we can ensure our actions align with the purity expected by our faith.
The choice is ours. Embrace vegetarianism as a way to honor God's creations, achieve spiritual growth, and become better stewards of our planet. Let your actions reflect the true essence of Zoroastrianism – compassion, harmony, and the pursuit of perfection.
According to a Zarathusti saint, Dastur Adarbad Mahrespand "13) Abstain rigorously from eating the flesh of kine (cow) and all domestic animals, birds and fish (gôspandân) lest you be made to face a strict reckoning in this world and the next; (14) for by eating the flesh of kine (cow) and other domestic animals or (living beings), you involve your hand in sin, and (thereby) 4 think, speak, and do what is sinful; (15) for though you eat but a mouthful (?), you involve your hand in sin, and though a camel be slain by (another) man in another place it is as if you <who eat its flesh> had slain it with your own hand. -Sayings of Adarbad Mahraspandan"
There are innumerable scriptural references from our Avesta prayers, Gathas, Vispered, and Vendidad besides proven scientific references, from the point of view of health, anatomy, physiology, hygiene, medicine, etc. why man's diet should be vegetarian.
Hence, it is an inviolable Zoroastrian injunction against animal slaughter and thus an absolute Zoroastrian imperative for total abstinence enjoined in Zoroastrianism against consumption of animal food (non-vegetarian) diet, which is an abhorrable evil and to be considered as one of the greatest sins and as 'naso'.
It is an imperative need for us Zarthustis to unfailingly change over to a pure vegetarian diet in our daily lives, totally shunning the sinful consumption of obnoxious and deadly meat, fish, fowl and any other animal's flesh, eggs, etc., which is termed as naso - putrefied, rotting, poisonous flesh in Zoroastrianism.
Zarrir F. Bhandara
No comments:
Post a Comment