Your purpose ...

Today as we were going on our tour our guide explained that in Zoroastrianism you are encouraged and even expected to attain happiness. Thats interesting if you think about it. I sat in the sun on the top of a double decker BST bus thinking how great life would be if people could do just that: attain happiness. It sounds so simple, and yet, so many people have trouble finding happiness.

And ironically enough, at that moment, someone asked, "how do you attain happiness?" Our guide gave this long answer on how you pray, meditate, and find your inner peace. Yes, while I agree with that, I also think the answer was incomplete. My answer would have been much simpler. In my life, I find happiness through making others happy. Have u ever seen the smile on a child's face when you tell them you made them something special for dinner, or when you walk up to a friend and give them a hug? It doesnt take fancy gifts or extravagant gestures to make people happy. Today we went to Britannica. It's a little tiny restaurant that has been open since before World War II. The owner is a 93 year old man who loves to feed people. Bringing food out to his customers is truly the joy in his life. As we were leaving, I walked up to him, shook his hand and told him I loved the food. His face lit up with pride. Seeing him happy made me happy.

That my friends is how I would tell you to seek happiness! So go tell someone I love you, or go hug your friend. I promise they will remember how you made them feel for the rest of their lives.

India's Paradox

There is so much to say about India, yet it seems so confusing as to where to start. I think India is an eternal paradox. As I walked around the city, I saw beautiful buildings and right next door were old run down ones. There are traditional and modern influences juxtaposed against each other. There are Indian and Western clothing everywhere. The only thing you won't find in Mumbai is quiet. This city is forever bustling! The city seems completely endless. And it never sleeps. I, however, do need sleep so I will try and be more though about my adventures tomorrow!

Sleep!

Have you ever been so tired you fell asleep in the grass? I have.

Actually I feel like that again today! So my advice is take a break. Do what you think means the most to you! Whether is sleeping in the grass or just enjoying the sunshine.

August 4th

August 4th had one of the interesting panels. The topic was on Navjote/Sudreh Pushi Ceremony & Khushti Ritual. The panelists each spoke about their own ceremonies and the experiences that come with being involved with family, friends, and faith. Then my favorite speaker, Karl Khambatta, came out in his sadro and did the entire Khushti Ritual in English. I know everyone has a different opinion about whether the prayers should remain in Avesta or if an English translation is acceptable. I personally like both, and that's not to say I would pray only in English. I like both together. I think that works best for me. Recently, I've taken on the challenge of learning new prayers, but as I began to do so, I realized I had no clue what the prayers I already had previously memorized meant. First, I went back to through basic khushti prayers, and read the translations. It means so much more to me when I recite those prayers everyday, now that I know and understand them. What I have do is taken the prayers and translations and posted up on my wall where I normally stand to prayer everyday. After doing my khushti prayers, I read through the translation and I feel it gives a new purpose to my life.

My challenge to you today: Don't just recite your prayers. Take an extra 2 mins to read the translation as well. It will change the way you move about your day, I promise.

August 3rd

The day began with Roshan Rivetna's presentation about Zoroastrian History in North America. The first Zarathushtis made it to North America as early as the late 1700's. Interesting facts:
1) 1885 - The first Zarathushti was born in North America.
2) The first group of Zarathushti group was founded in 1929.

In the next panel, Ferzin Patel said something that really resonated with me. "If you go to the gym once a month, can you really expect to see results?" And let's think about this. Most religious classes meet once a month for a one hour class. We put more energy into cleanliness, hygiene, and food on a daily basis than we are putting into educating our kids about our religion. Here's my proposal: if you expect your kids to take your religion seriously and to be involved with the community, then you had better be there to back it up with proof that your yourself are committed to serving the community and prove that you are serious about religion as well.

Next,  we had a short presentation of Parzor. You can read all about the amazing oral story projects as well as other projects they are working on: http://www.unescoparzor.com/

Finally, I went to Zoroastrians Women's International Network meeting. For the first time, there is a Zarathushti organziation that is exsists solely to help anyone and everyone who may need it, and STRIVES to stay out of the Zarathushti politics and religious debate that continues to deadlocks our community. If you would like to become part of the organization simply email zwin3-subscribe@yahoo.groups.com to join the group.

August 2nd

Opening Ceremonies

The opening ceremonies were very entertaining. First we had our priests open with prayers.



We had the ZAGNY Choir perform "Khudavind Khavind" and "Khan Ashem Vaho."



Here's a link to the next song they performed, "Khan Ashem Vohu:"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRU9gtQJN0w&feature=context-cha

The beautiful music you hear in the video is not a recording as many people assumed. Two very talented musicians accompanied the choir in the performance.




Next the flags were presented by service members from both the United States and Canada. I was so moved by the presentation of the colors.




Later in the day Ervad Soli Dastur, spoke on Core Beliefs. The one topic Ervad Dastur mentioned that really stuck with me was our relationship with God. We as Zarathushtis different relationship with Ahura Mazda than our friends of other faiths do. We don't see Ahura Mazda as an overarching Father and one who is stern and authoritative. For years, I had described him as a loving Grandfather to my friends. In his talk, Ervad Dastur described the relationship as that of two friends. I really like that analogy. Think about this idea for a moment. Ahura Mazda is my friend. He is there for me when I need him and I in turn work to do my utmost best everyday for him. For those of you who know, you can see why this idea is so brilliant and totally fits my personality. I take my friendships in life very seriously. I try to surround myself with people who are happy, fun loving, and are truly dedicated to being kind compassionate individuals. I do this primarily because I want to become a better person. There is always room for improvement and you are after all "the company to keep." So as I move forward in the coming months and years, I am going to make a more concerted effort to strengthen my relationship with my friend Ahura Mazda.

Finally, the moment you are all waiting for: my speech. I do have to admit, I was very nervous. I had never given a speech of any kind before I don't think of myself as a public leader. I was very shy as a kid and I guess I still have the little kid inside me who would rather hide than be in the center of attention. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. And I am no longer afraid of public speaking. Being on stage and telling my story made me realize one thing: I am not alone. I have the love and support of a community. They may be living in different places all around the world, but they are out there. Here are just a few of the comments I heard in the three days following my speech:

1) "You go girl! You will reach the top of the mountain soon, and it's all down hill from here."
2) "You are all beautiful! Bring it (the youth involvement) to the UK!"
3) "You are truly awesome."
4) "You brought me to tears."
5) "Thank you for your service to our community."
6) "I knew that you were going to be a great speaker because you are from the South. You have a nice calm voice. You should look into law school and becoming a judge, because you have a naturally calming voice and disposition." -  Don't know what to make of this comment, but it made me smile.
7) "You are fantastic. Do you know that?"
8) " I just want to tell you that I am here for you. If you ever need anything, call me, email me. I WILL help you."
9) "My hero!" [Then tackles me. Gives me a great big bear hug.] Me: "What did I do?" Reply: "You teach our kids. That is why you are my hero."

I typed these comments into the blog, not to flatter myself, but to show you the love and compassion I have received from my fellow Zarathushtis in the past few days.

Honestly, before coming to the Congress, I was a little frustrated and desperately needed motivation. Coming to New York and meeting all those people gives me a motivation and new drive to continue my efforts. I already tell everyone "I do this for the kids," but now I also do it for you. The members of the Zarathushti community. The ones who have shown me such unadulterated love and everyone who helps me get from one day to another. I've added a Sunday school tab to my blog where I will post our lessons, discussions, and possibly photos for everyone who wishes to follow us on our journey.

August 1st

First thing I had to do when I came to New York was ... get pizza of course!
Then looking through the booklets in the I found same very interesting ideas. Youth social - It was a lot of fun to meet new people. It was a great opportunity to socialize, but I was a little disappointed that most people did not get up and dance though.