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The
following is an extract from the teachings of Mobed
Fariborz Shahzadi of CIMNA (Council of Iranian Mobeds of
North America), San Diego, CA USA.
This is the picture of a Fravahar, or a guardian soul.
Literally translated it means "Forward pulling force".
Each of its parts signifies an idea or a philosophy.
It is winged, signifying the ascent of the soul or upward
progress. The wing is in three major segments,
representing Good Thoughts, Good Words, and Good Deeds.
The ring in the center symbolizes the eternity of universe
or the eternal nature of the soul. As a circle, it has no
beginning and no end.
The figure inside is that of an old man, representing
wisdom of age. One of the hands points upwards, telling us
that there is only one direction we should choose. The
other hand holds a smaller ring, the ring of promise. This
means when a Zoroastrian gives a promise, it is like a
ring. It cannot be broken.
The feathered tail below is also in three parts. It
represents the opposite of the wings, namely, Bad
Thoughts, Bad Words, and Bad Deeds. It is at the bottom,
because such choices weigh us down and impede our ascent.
And finally the two curly threads from the waist signify
the duality of our experiences. Through our Good Mind we
can make the Good choices, and through its lack or
opposite, we will make Bad choices.
Shahriar Shahriari
January 1996,
Vancouver, Canada.
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