Resolve the issue

The controversies erupting within Zoroastrianism today are the result of apathy and inertia. The community seems to be faltering, weakening Zoroastrianism.

Much could have been done to save dakhmenashini and tackle the Doonger­wadi issue. After years of neglect, with the trustees remaining in hibernation, there is talk of disbanding the whole system. Those fighting against it haven’t lifted a finger to try and get the situation under control, nor will they use their professional knowledge to help the situation but they go hammer and tongs to fight it. They change their stance often, from wanting prayers at Doongerwadi to calling it a dumping yard, then again asking for use of bunglis in the same so-called dumping yard! Why don’t they work together to resolve the issue rationally? RUSTOM JAMASJI

The Parsi community is known to be friendly, amiable and peace loving. However, dejection has set in because of negative thinking on issues such as the weakening of the eco-friendly system of khurshed nagirashni (disposal of the corpse by energy from the sun), preserving the purity of the natural elements. Vultures, which are now absent, were an added benefit. Life force (pran) is received from the sun and after death is returned to the sun. We should not underestimate our ability to make improvements and find a remedy.

All machinery requires proper maintenance and careful handling. There are special tarikats (regulations) for the efficient disposal of the corpse inside the Towers of Silence. Do our nassessalars observe these tarikats? Do they ensure cleanliness of the insides of the dakhmas and place the corpse in the correct position to get the best advantage of the sun’s rays? Do they perform the dictates of handling corpses with respect and dignity? Do they take nahan (religious purificatory bath) after coming out of the dakhma? Are they not careless?

Regular care should be taken of the solar concentrators so that they work at optimum capacity. Are they properly maintained? There is scope for improvement and research is being conducted by scientists to ensure the success of khurshed nagirashni. We must have faith in God and entrust the problem to His hands. Let us resolve to live in peace and let others have peace of mind.

NOSHIR DABOO

Ahmedabad