Zend influence

In September 2004 I went to the Experimental Theatre at Bombay’s National Centre for the Performing Arts to see the play Zen Katha. I was interested to know how martial arts progressed from India to China as the play claimed. I was a bit skeptical, wondering whether it might turn out to be an obtuse historical, religious play. I also wanted to see the martial arts sequences of the play directed by Sensei Parvez Mistry.

The play isa spiritual, intellectual and an emotionally stirring experience. You come out walking tall and feeling proud to be an Indian. The production, background music, acting were superb.

One more new thing I learnt was that Zen Buddhism can be traced to the Zend Avesta of Ancient Iran. Earlier the Pallavas had contacts with Iran. The word Zend comes from the Persian word Zendabash meaning "be alive.”

ZEND MERWAN ZEND