Asli orthodox

The activity of darting arrows against the orthodox has increased in the so-called reformist camp. This creates misunderstanding and rift in our peaceful community.

Do reformists form anything sound, beneficial and progressive? Their results are zero. They protest against the orthodox, just to gain popularity.

The word ‘orthodox’ requires a correct definition. ‘Ortho’ means correct and ‘dox’ means doctrines; thus the term may be interpreted as righteous behavior; or tenets for religious discipline, or fundamental foundation of Zoroastrian life (cultural heritage of our community).

These tenets were founded, with foresight, by learned dasturs, accomplished ancestors and profound religious scholars. They were not laymen. They formed religious mandates to safeguard our religious heritage.

Such laws, good customs and tenets are enshrined in the Vendidad, meaning adorable laws. This volume remained intact during the invasion of Alexander when other Nasks were looted.

Tenets are not customs that can be changed with times. Customs are shariyat while fundamental tenets are hakikat and their maintenance is tarikat, having spiritual influence.

Some of the groups claiming to be orthodox, have double standards. They profess purity of blood and racial heritage; but welcome openly children of non-Parsi mothers in our community. The progeny of non-Parsi fathers are strictly forbidden in our religion.

They welcome such progeny citing the excuse of helping the poor class of khandhias, nassessalars and chasnivala volunteers. They allege that they all are of mixed blood which is misleading. Most of them are of Parsi fathers and Parsi mothers, but of poor class.

Such half-hearted convenient orthodoxy, is bound to be criticized. Double standards create confusion among youngsters. The community expects the Rathestar-Athornans to safeguard and to stop such unreligious behavior. Why are the akabars silent spectators? What is wrong with the punchayets?

Tenets are bound to remain undisturbed as long as the majority of the anjumans are vigil against such half-hearted orthodoxy. In spite of the torch of religious fervor being forcefully lowered, the flame will always point upward, to indicate the will of Ahura Mazda to protect our great religion.

NOSHIR DABOO

Ahmedabad