If Zarathushtra re-visits

If Zarathushtra were to visit among us, what do you think he would see, learn, hear, feel and find? Would he be happy, sad or disappointed?

To start with, he would be pleasantly surprised to see that the religion he preached almost 4,000 years ago is known by his name. Although he would be pleased to see that the religion he started is still continuing, he may have mixed feelings on the religion being practiced only by a few hundred thousand followers whereas other messengers who followed him and borrowed many of his principles and doctrines, number in hundreds of millions. He would learn with pain and sorrow that the low numbers of his followers are mainly due to persecutions, holocausts, discriminations and conversions over the centuries.

He would be disappointed to hear that the religion is struggling to survive in the country of its birth, Iran. He would be happy to hear and applaud the few that initiated the journey to India to continue their practice of his religion when it became difficult to do so in Iran. Zarathushtra would feel touched by the revitalization of his religion among the youth, especially in the West. He would be delighted to find some visionaries working hard to ensure that his religion continues to flourish in the seven corners of the world. He would be overjoyed to learn of the recent resurgence and world-wide interest in learning and understanding the meaning of his spoken words, the Gathas.

He would be sad to learn that a few centuries after his death, politically motivated priests and politicians in power wrote their own "religious” text of rules, regulations and rituals as an extension to his original text of the Gathas, in order to govern and control the social, economic and political aspects of his followers. He would be amazed by the different interpretations of his simple words, as stated in the Gathas. He would be equally sad to learn that this infringement contradicts the very core of his religion of thinking with an open mind, making choices, and in doing what is right.

He would be disappointed to learn that some of his followers continue to be confused about the monotheistic foundation of his religion in the worship of Ahura Mazda, the one and only Supreme Being — the omnipotent and omnipresent creator of all elements, entities and living things in the world. He would point out that all elements that surround us are a constant reminder of Ahura Mazda’s presence as well as his reflections on earth for us mortals to enjoy, benefit and revere. On the other hand Zarathushtra would see with skepticism, the re-worship by some, of the Yazatas (Izadans). Some of these divinities were in existence and worshipped before Zarathushtra’s time, neutralized during his life-time, and reappeared centuries after his death.

Zarathushtra would have mixed feelings on the environmental issues of our time. He would be pleased to learn of the efforts made by many of his followers to preserve and respect the elements of earth, for future generations to enjoy and benefit. On the other hand, he would be dissatisfied with the widespread pollution of the sacred earth.

He would be puzzled to see his life-like pictures hanging in the homes and temples of his followers. He would be touched to see the symbol of his religion, the revered fire, burning in homes, temples, and more importantly in the hearts of his followers. He may be a bit puzzled by some of the ritualistic ceremonies conducted in his name and for the so-called benefit of his followers, especially in India.

He would be dismayed to hear of the lack of respect and tolerance among some of his prominent followers. He would be flabbergasted to learn of the pettiness of the controversies and egotistical attitude of some of the leaders in the community.

He would be proud of his community members’ educational achievements, admire the philanthropy of the few, and appreciate the work of many that provide their services to humanity. He would be appalled by the discriminatory activities of some of the misguided and politically motivated community leaders in the name of preservation of the religion of his name. It would be inconceivable for him to comprehend why some of his followers continue to object to others of different religious beliefs, in openly embracing and happily practicing the religion which bears his name.

In conclusion, Zarathushtra, I believe would have mixed emotions on his visit among us. His timeless message and advice would essentially remain the same: Spread the religion that bears my name to the seven corners of the world, for the benefit and enlightenment of all mankind. Learn, understand and live by my spoken words in the Gathas. Ahura Mazda has endowed each and every one with a good mind, use it to its fullest extent. Life presents many choices — make them wisely. Share your wealth for the benefit of mankind. As a temporary guest on this earth, protect its environment as you protect your home and family. The religion that bears my name is not higher, better or superior to truth — my religion is the truth and therefore make truth the focal point of your existence.

SHAHROKH MEHTA

Syracuse, New York