Zoroaster’s university

Religion is a subject meant to be studied like any other subject viz language, maths, science, accounts, engineering, law, medicine, etc. Religion teaches us how to lead a life of righteousness. To teach this subject, God Almighty has sent various teachers in the form of prophets on this planet from time to time. We may consider these prophets like Zoroaster, Christ, Muhamed, Gautam Budh, Ram, Mahavir, Guru Nanak as founders of different universities. Just as several subjects are common to different universities, so also, the subject of religion is common to these universities. The reputation of a university is based on the quality of its faculty. But, what happens when a student of religion, convinced about the quality of its teaching, seeks admission in the Zoroastrian university? The first and foremost question put to him or her is, "Had both your parents studied in our university?” If the answer is "No sir, my father had studied religion in another university” he or she is shown the door with "No Entry” signboard, without any further ado. No university on this earth lays down such an absurd condition for admission. Who is the ultimate loser because of this shortsighted policy? Student or teacher? The student will certainly gain admission in any other religious university, but the loser will be the teacher Zoroaster who is forced to forego his willing disciples.

Thus, we are unwillingly declaring to the world that Zoroastrian teachings are not worth following universally. In order that Zoroaster may not be forced to lose his followers we shall have to ponder seriously. We may not force anyone to follow our faith, but at the same time, we should not prevent willing seekers of our faith from entering it. Admitting our own Zoroastrian females married to non-Zoroastrian males, to worship in our fire-temples will be a step in the right direction, their children should also be welcome to follow their mothers, if they do so willingly. No more "No Entry.” Welcome always.

FARAMARZ BEJONJI SETHNA

Gandhidham, Kutch