“In search of unity”

Your editorial in the November issue of Parsiana ("In search of unity”) seems to confirm what our high priests and a large number of community members have feared for the last one year, namely that the dakhmenashini controversy was only a beginning aimed at triggering off a concentrated attack on the religion.

To depict religion as mere tradition and custom (as your editorial suggests) is by itself objectionable. If the line between what is Zoroastrian and un-Zoroastrian seems blurred today, it is only because it is deliberately sought to be made so by those who have personal agendas to promote. The tenets of the religion are unchanging and very clear to those who believe in and follow the religion as it was revealed.

Instead of wanting to emulate the practices of other religions, shouldn’t one try to learn about, understand and follow one’s own? Ignorance about our religion has already led us astray in so many ways. If only the time and effort expended in fighting for rights to use community properties were used in gaining knowledge about our religion and understanding our prayers, then the religion would not be misunderstood the way it is today and none of the queries raised in your editorial would arise.

Those who do not accept the religion (rites and rituals included) are free to follow their own path. Please leave alone what is sacred to us.

TANNAZ PARAKH