The great divide

Two separate groups have developed in our community — those primarily loyal to the community (practicing, shall we say, "Parsi-ism”) and those primarily loyal to the religion (practicing, shall we say, Zoroastrian-ism), creating a great divide.

A follower of "Parsi-ism” believes that we have to adhere to practices laid down by our ancestors and not deviate from them; that the Zoroastrian religion is our "property” which we have to protect so we cannot admit others into it; that only our high priests can decide on issues relating to the religion; that our way of life, rehni-karni, is very dear to us and we do not want it to be diluted or lost by accepting others into our community; that we have huge charity trusts, the benefit of which will go away to non-Parsis if we start accepting outsiders into our religion; that though our numbers are dwindling, we have no solution to the problem.

In contrast, a follower of the religion believes that the times and situations have changed considerably in the last century and it is not right or proper to cling on to the ideas and practices of the past which were perhaps right for those times and situations; that Zoroastrianism is nobody’s personal property — any one who believes in the teachings of Asho Zarathushtra is free to follow the religion and should not be denied initiation into the religion; that learned scholars must be consulted in matters relating to the religion.

The followers of the religion believe that the high priests in India do not seem to be fair and just in their opinions and do not support these views with valid reasons; that interfaith marriages between two adults are becoming common in the present times and it is not correct to deny any of the spouses initiation into the religion of the other if he or she so desires; that the offspring of such marriages should be initiated into our religion if so desired by the parents; that we have to build universal fire temples and places of worship for such non-Parsi followers of the religion.

Those who follow the teachings of Zarathushtra as a pure religion, an ethical philosophy of life, consider it their bounden duty to spread it to all corners of the world by accepting all those who believe in its teachings. Denying initiation into the religion to anyone voluntarily wanting to follow our religion is a great sin.

They also believe that our rehni-karni will continue to change as per the environment we live in. It is not possible to cling on to it and make it a major focus in life; that there is no fear of the benefits of charity trusts going away to others as almost all of these are meant for "Parsi Zoroastrians” only and since the newly accepted persons are not Parsis they would not be eligible for these benefits. They also believe that whilst accepting others into our faith, they are fulfilling the mission of our forefathers who primarily came to India to save and preserve our religion.

Having understood the problem and the background under which it is created, let us look at some possible solutions:

Do nothing: Time will solve the problem, if at all. Let the debates and arguments continue. Ultimately it will be "the survival of the fittest” with the law of nature taking over.

Work towards bridging the divide: Call meetings of both the groups to try and make each side understand the other’s viewpoint.

Separate: It is suggested that those of the second group start calling themselves "Neo-Zoroastrians” or "Gathic Zoroastrians” to distinguish themselves from "Parsi-Zoroastrians.” Parsis who do not need charity and who consider religion more precious than purity of the community can also join this group which will have its own fire temples open to all, including the Parsis.

I feel that the last option is the best. We already have factions like Kadmi, Shahenshahi and Fasli. One more faction will not make our community weaker. In fact, it will be strengthened.

KERSEE KABRAJI

Poona

kersee@kabraji.com