Lest we err

"While none of us may be able to observe all the tarikats all the time, yet it is a good idea to put them on record so that it can help anyone, maybe even in the future,” writes author Adil F. Rangoonwalla in Zoroastrian Etiquette which is the second revised edition of his earlier Agyari Etiquette (published in 1997). "The Parsi community, the smallest minority in the world today, cannot afford to move away from traditional Zoroastrianism and it is in our best interest to imbibe the good values of our religion,” conveys Dastur (Dr) Kaikhusroo JamaspAsa in the book. He is happy therefore that the book provides "good and useful information so that we do not do something, even unknowingly, that violates the decorum of our holy institutions.”

Viewing religious tarikats "as a bridge between the religion and ourselves,” the 34-page book of 18 chapters is "written with the sincerest desire that all of us uphold some rules our religion has laid down for us,” states the author. While most of the subject matter in the first half of the book has already been covered in the first edition (see "Religious etiquette,” Events and Personalities, Parsiana, April 1998), the latter half includes new chapters like "The Boi Ceremony,” where Ran­goon­walla explains that "people have their own notions of what to do when the bell is being rung.” He advises continuing with one’s prayers, whether sitting or standing, as "due to the ringing of the bell evil is shaken up and is in a state of flux and can afflict you.” In yet another new chapter "Monopoly Over The Lord?” he refers to the "over-faithfuls (who) stand at the door of the kebla or its adjoining windows for hours together.” After reciting the Atash Nyaish make way for others, he counsels. "The Funeral Ceremony” explains the futility of crying at a funeral and how "according to the Sad Dar, a Pahlavi text, every tear becomes one drop of a river before the Chinvad bridge and it is difficult for the soul to make its passage.”

In a chapter entitled "Electronic Media,” Rangoonwalla highlights the need to switch off mobile phones and pagers while visiting a place of worship: "We do not like to be disturbed even when we are watching our favorite TV show. Then why should we keep ourselves open to possible interruptions when we are trying to have a communion with God?” he questions.

"With this book I finish one decade of writing religious books,” notes the author thanking the trustees of the Shapurji Burjorji Bharucha Trust and Viraf Hansotia of Online Systems for their help in promoting and formulating this 2001 publication. Priced at Rs 15, Zoroastrian Etiquette is available at Union Press, 13, Homji Street, Fort, Bombay 400001.

S. J. P.