As mentioned in a previous post, one man’s trash is another’s treasure. My friend’s spring clean had led to my possession of a Zoroastrian framed picture.
The winged man at the top is the symbol of Zoroastrianism, a monotheistic religion arisen from the ancient Persian Empire. Very briefly explained, Ahura Mazda is the creator of this universe of duality, and humans have the freewill to choose between good and bad, for which they are fully responsible. (Makes sense to me…)
The writings above the winged disk symbol, called Faharavar, state the moral code by which Zoroastrians live.
Good Thoughts. Good Words. Good Deeds.
(Humata, Hukhta, Hvarshta)
This set of principle struck me as words also used by wise men that have walked our earth.
Watch your thoughts, they become words;
watch your words, they become actions;
watch your actions, they become habits;
watch your habits, they become character;
watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.
– Lao Tzu and Frank OutlawAll that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.
– Gautama BuddhaA man is but the product of his thoughts, what he thinks, he becomes.
– Mahatma Gandhi
While these latter quotes explain the consequences of our thoughts, rather than principles of a creed as in those of Zoroastrianism, there is no doubt of their connection.
Our thoughts, words and actions reflect who we are. Everything is connected. Good thinking will lead to good being. But sometimes we can’t help but to be jealous or angry or prideful… and that’s when we should watch our words and our deeds.
