THE CONCEPT OF FREE CHOICE
IN THE ZARATHUSHTI RELIGION
When Prophet Zarathushtra came down to earth 3,500 years ago, he
introduced to the people the concept of free choice. This was the first
time that people learned that they had choices to make in life. Prior to
this, they believed their lives were controlled by supernatural forces and
they could not change their lives by making good decisions. Free choice,
therefore, is central to the Zarathushti religion.
What exactly does free choice mean? In Haptan Yasht it has been
stated, "We are the admirers and reachers of all good thoughts, words, and
deeds which are done and which will be done... We choose, O Ahura Mazda,
all that is holy, splendid and best in this life..."
Many people make the assumption that Free Choice means the right to
make any decision. This is a misinterpretation. Free Choice does not mean
that one may make any choice, it means that one has the power to make any
choice, good or evil. Those who do good will be rewarded, and those who do
evil will be punished. Human beings have been given the power and the wisdom
to choose between good and evil, but this does not mean that one can
rightfully choose the wrong. As is often said, we have the freedom of choice
but not of consequence. Keeping this in mind will help all Zoroastrians
out in their lives.
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