Matter of circumstances

Why do some Parsis feel so strongly that every ancient tradition governing our religion ought to continue unchanged/undiluted: that non-Zoroastrian spouses of those born into the Zoroastrian faith should be disallowed from entering our fire temples? Why do some feel equally strongly that we must accept non-Zoroastrian spouses of those born into the Zoroastrian faith: that, besides ensuring continuity of the Zarathushtrian religion, it is more ethical to adopt a policy of inclusion rather than one of exclusion?

This controversial topic has been debated ad nauseam and, no doubt, will continue to be for a long time to come. My intention is only to examine the human thought process — what makes the mind tick in favor of one or the other. Also, what contributes towards a change of mind for some of us (or not), as the case may be? Is not our thinking and resultant action a product of our past and present circumstances?

For example, an orthodox/traditional Zarathushtrian family vehemently believes that non-Zarathush­trians be excluded from our temples. To such a family an interfaith marriage is a cardinal sin. Then a much-loved member of this very family decides on an interfaith union. There occurs a painful period of transition from shock to anger, deep hurt, embarrassment and distancing the loved one to cling to their original beliefs. A baby arrives on the scene. Either at once, or slowly, the powerful, positive pull of love overtakes every negative emotion. A 300-degree turn-around occurs, especially if the young couple displays a long-term commitment to each other and their child. The remaining 60 degrees are covered when the previously orthodox/traditional family desperately desires that their own Zarathush­trian faith be conferred upon the child.

In another case, a previously orthodox/traditional Zarathushtrian family, on migrating abroad and being exposed to Western ways and people, gradually and often unconsciously adopts an ambivalent attitude to the religion over an extended period of time. When young, unattached Zarathushti boys/girls leave India to go abroad to study/work, even those from orthodox/traditional backgrounds, their new circumstances of uninhibited exposure to the West may change their deeply inculcated ideas. Such a change of circumstances could well result in contemporary thought, speech and/or action.

Then there are Zarathushtis in India and abroad who are not affected by any major circumstantial change in their lives and continue to adhere to the edicts of their religion unaffected by other influences. What they see happening abroad and sometimes on their own doorstep affects them deeply. Their collective conscience reacts to ensure they maintain their traditional/orthodox ways taking great care not to allow outside influences to change their or their children’s lives.

Understandably these are Zara­thushtis whose circumstances remain unchanged. Whether residing in India or abroad they continue to make sacrifices in a continuous effort to preserve their ancient religious practices even in the face of the strongest winds of change.

Today, there are two powerful forces at play. One is intent on maintaining undiluted, Zarathushtrian religious practices of the past 1,000 years as revered mainly in India but also in many Zarathushti houses abroad and the other equally intent on bringing about changes to facilitate acceptance of non-Zara­thushti spouses married to born Zara­thushtis into the Zarathushtrian religion and subsequently to the fire temples.

I do believe the circumstances in which we as individuals or families find ourselves actually formulate our views, opinions, reactions and beliefs. The energy consumed in trying to impose our will on one another by means other than sensible debate and persuasion is surely wasted. If only we could harness this energy to get beyond this religious impasse we would achieve more for our community.

Our Prophet Zarathushtra’s hymns, the Gathas, have bestowed upon us all the freedom to choose. By making a conscious effort to understand the circumstances we would understand others’ views much better, and in the process, become more aware of our own thought processes. This would help us choose wisely. Can’t we peaceably agree to disagree? ZENOBIA PAVRI