“Tenets and traditions”

On reading Dr P. Sunavala’s letter ("Tenets and traditions,” Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, April 7, 2008), I am indeed happy that he has at least graduated from questioning substantiated historical subjects.

He has now provided further ammunition for the anti-dakhmenashini group by blatantly misinterpreting words and thus mutilating a possible positive outcome for Zoroastrianism into a negative hopeless situation. Sunavala’s misinterpretation could arise from the hangover of nil contribution yet desperate measures taken by the anti-dakhmenashini group against strengthening and thus continuing Zoroastrian systems. Such interpretations misdirect Zoroastrians away from science and true modernity turning the religion into a workshop of personal tastes.

Mazda’s philosophy of "temporary victory of evil” in death is highlighted by such interpretations and shows how it fits perfectly even after millennia. For some Zoroastrians their personal agenda seems more important than continuation of Zoroastrian practices and thus Zoroastrianism. The cost of this is borne by the generations that toiled and sacrificed selflessly and the coming generations from whom they take away the freedom to practice the faith as left by the saviors of Zoroastrianism!

A positive debate encompasses truthfulness and knowledge. With the anti-dakhmenashini group these are substituted with excuses and even a Talibanist approach.

RUSTOM JAMASJI