From the Good Mind of Zoroastrianism come Good Thoughts, and from Good Thoughts follow Good Words and Good Deeds. The Good Mind helps people to choose what is true and valuable in life. People are not born with Vohu Mana. Indeed learning to be in touch with the Good Mind is a lifelong process. The Good Mind develops through thoughtful study and through being mindful of and practicing goodness. To be always truthful, kind, cheerful, and faithful is a demanding discipline, although it grows easier with practice. There is always temptation toward evil. People must work at not abusing such things as alcohol and sexuality, at being humble and avoiding self-centeredness, at not giving in to laziness and negativity. In Zoroastrianism it is not enough to refrain from doing evil just because one fears punishment. Evil thoughts are evil. To think evil is to take a step toward doing it. Zoroastrians try always to turn their minds toward righteousness and goodness. They must continually ask themselves, “What is good?” and “What is true?” Moreover, it is not enough to be good oneself if one tolerates evil and ignorance in society or in others. It is necessary to actively fight evil wherever one finds it.
The human capacity to think carries with it the responsibility to use the product of thought to make right choices. Zoroastrians choose truth and goodness through their free will. This gift of Ahura Mazda enables them to decide whether they will follow the path of goodness and righteousness or act in ways that are ignorant, sinful, and evil. No one is there to guide them but the goodness that they cultivate within themselves. There is no personal savior, as in Christianity, and no amount of faith will save someone who has chosen the evil path. Zoroastrians must choose right because it is right and for no other reason. Choice is deeply important in Zoroastrianism: At their navjote, their initiation ceremony, and in daily prayers ever after, Zoroastrians affirm that they have chosen their religion and to follow the preachings of the prophet Zarathustra.
Spenta Armaity is the spirit of Generosity and Love. It is the aspect of Ahura Mazda that inspires people to reach out to others. The world is not just spiritual and physical but also social. It is organized into families, associations, workplaces, churches, towns and cities, nations. People have to learn to get along. This does not imply weakness, because Zoroastrians are quick to fight for what they believe to be right. However they try to work through persuasion and example, not force. There are evils in the social world such as hunger, poverty, warfare, and strife. It is through Armaity that people commit themselves to love, to help the poor, to work for peace. The spirit of Armaity helps people to perform the acts of charity and kindness that will eventually bring about Ahura Mazda’s perfect world.
People who make their own lives rich and pure through following good thoughts, good words, and good deeds find the power of Ahura Mazda within themselves. Khshathra Vairya is not leadership by worldly might but by moral force. Those who acquire it are leaders within their families, within their communities, and out in the world as they work to create a better society. The potential for developing this aspect of Ahura Mazda is within everyone, but achieving the power conferred by Ahura Mazda may take a lifetime.
Zoroastrian Ethical Outlook: Ancient Moral Prescriptions for All Human Seasons
