THROUGH SEVA: A PERSPECTIVE FROM THE FIVE STARS OF IRANSHAH
In 2021, our Goal Is To Bring IranShah’s Presence To The United Nations by building a Special Project through SEVA (Service) For Humanity using the guiding principles of Asha In The Light Of IranShah.
And to initiate this endeavor with love and light, we are tapping on the Heart And Spirit Of Our 5-Star Iranshah DreamTeam of Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor, Noshir Dadrawalla, Homi D. Gandhi, ArZan Wadia and Tinaz Karbhari.
Article by Meher Amalsad
To me SEVA stands for
SERVICE ENCOURAGING VICTORIOUS ACHIEVEMENTS
And the Light of IranShah provides A 5-Star Service To Humanity.
Star Question 1.
Dasturji, as our GEM STAR spearheading in spreading this Light Of IranShah
Which is your Favorite Star Of SEVA and how will its Light Of Valuable Energy (LOVE) transform the spirit of humanity?
Vada Dasturji Khurshed Dastoor: After the Arab conquest of Iran, Zoroastrians fled their ancestral homeland. History has it that one group of Zoroastrian Refugees landed in Diu, India and lived there for 19 years. Driven by faith and inspiration they set out towards Gujarat when they were caught up in a violent storm. They beseeched the angel of Victory, the Powerful Beheram Yazad to guide them to safety, vowing to consecrate an Atash Beheram (Iranshah) if they reached safe ground. Thus, came to Life A Spiritual ‘Light’ – Our HOLY IRANSHAH.
Along with Every other Zoroastrian, I will remain eternally indebted to our ancestors who had struggled with determination to preserve our faith. Our Dastur Sahebs and Mobed Sahebs, from the time of consecrating the Iranshah Fire till date, have ferociously protected the sanctity of This Fire. There seems nothing more victorious an Achievement than that of these dedicated Mobed Sahebs. The Selfless Service of every Bouywala is a valuable contribution towards Our Sacred Iranshah whose divinity kindles every Zoroastrian Heart with Spirituality, Hope and Light.
For me SEVA embodies the spirit of Raadhi (Charity) with Raasti (Trust & Righteousness).
Star Question 2.
Noshir, as the SHINING STAR spearheading in spreading this Light Of IranShah
Which is your Favorite Star Of SEVA and how will its Light Of Valuable Energy (LOVE) transform the spirit of humanity?
Noshir Dadrawala: SEVA is about Service and Giving – of one’s Time, Knowledge, Skills and not just food, shelter, clothing and money.
In fact the highest form of SEVA or Service is dispelling the darkness of ignorance with the light of knowledge and wisdom.
Knowledge is empowering for the receiver and ennobling for the giver.
There is more joy in giving than in receiving and the gift of knowledge, in my opinion is one of the highest forms of SEVA.
Giving of Food, Clothing, Shelter or money can provide relief to the needy.
But giving of knowledge can empower the needy to overcome his needs and rehabilitate himself or herself in a sustainable and dignified manner.
Therefore, I would consider SEVA as embodiment Sustainable Evolution with Value Add.
Star Question 3.
Homi, as the WISE STAR spearheading in spreading this Light Of IranShah
Which is your Favorite Star Of SEVA and how will its Light Of Valuable Energy (LOVE) transform the spirit of humanity?
Homi Gandhi: SEVA means selfless service or work performed without any thought of reward or repayment. It resonates with our Ashem Vohu prayer.
In ancient India SEVA was believed to help one’s spiritual growth and at the same time contribute to the improvement of a community. This is the art of giving with no need to receive, where the act itself is a gift to everyone involved. SEVA is the art of blessed action.
Helping others does not require some special skill nor is it a birthright of some special individuals. And we do not need to wait for a calamity or a special event to help others. When we see a need – in any circumstances big or small – we must heed the call of that natural impulse within us and follow it where it leads us.
Humans have unlimited capacity to connect and we may sometimes feel limited, especially in current lockdown circumstances, but we have natural impulse within ourselves to help others. Anonymous open giving makes one more comfortable with giving with no need for reward and thus one can expand the reach of one’s actions.
So enjoy, in joy, the act of selfless action and all the wonderful energy that surrounds it.
Serve and Expand Valued Actions
Star Question 4.
Arzan, as the SUPER STAR spearheading in spreading this Light Of IranShah
Which is your Favorite Star Of SEVA and how will its Light Of Valuable Energy (LOVE) transform the spirit of humanity?
Service to the faith and community should be inculcated from a young age. We have seen countless examples of it in our community. Be it the pioneers who took it upon themselves to preserve the faith. And then others followed and provided the means and methods for generations to flourish. Building institutions both physical and non-physical allowed our community to have fire temples, educational institutions, housing, hospitals and a plethora of institutions. This happened because people felt that in doing their small or big bit they were serving the community.
At different times in one’s life one is presented with various ways to serve or do SEVA.
The younger folks can give of their time in the service of the community. Giving in service is not only limited to monetary resources. For service to come a full circle one needs folks to give of their time to complement those who give their financial resources. It is only when both happen that true service comes forth.
So today when you think of how you can so SEVA….give whatever works for you today. To the young adults, who are starting out in life and professional careers, give your time to worthy causes. And later in life someday, Ahura Mazda willing; you will be able to contribute financially too.
Star Question 5.
Tinaz, as the RISING STAR spearheading in spreading this Light Of IranShah
Which is your Favorite Star Of SEVA and how will its Light Of Valuable Energy (LOVE) transform the spirit of humanity?
Tinaz Karbhari: SEVA or the act of selfless service is something that should be performed by all individuals. The scale of the act can be as minute or grand as one may choose and can take many different forms, whether it be through volunteering one’s time, doing an act of kindness or simply donating to a cause one cares about.
Youth should have the importance of SEVA instilled in them from a young age, in order to be able to practice and apply it into their everyday lives, in turn developing an altruistic nature.
This should then be shared with the next generation to continue the cycle.
I encourage everyone, particularly youth from all corners of the world to serve others and causes close to their heart. Unknowingly, the simplest service will bring you the most happiness. And it doesn’t have to be difficult, helping out is not a hard task and doesn’t require any special skills. Service is essentially the expression of love. Serve in whatever manner possible. Take it upon yourself to inspire others and be the change that you want to see.
The Pahlavi Dinkard recommends cultivation of 5-STAR virtues which are of religious merit:
Truthfulness, Charity, Skill, Endeavour and Giving encouragement to others in good deeds.
May we be inspired by these lofty ideals. May we imbibe these virtues in our day-to-day life and dedicate this transformation in our thinking, our speech and our deeds to Holy Iranshah!