Courting controversy

"Parsi, thy name is controversy” should replace the old adage "Parsi, thy name is charity.” I can recall numerous instances during the past six decades when Burjorji Framji Bharucha courted controversy by criticizing without fear or favor the administration of the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP). He accused one of its two joint secretaries of being a haonda (arrogant) and the other a chaonda (not straightforward), both charges that could have resulted in litigation for defamation. He also alleged defects in the BPP’s accounting system and pointed the needle of suspicion toward the auditors.

Nor were our renowned and noble priests spared by the Parsi Press. Dastur Kaikhushroo Mahiar Kutar Darab Palon’s name was dragged into several matters, including that of the Navsari Atash Behram then under the scrutiny of the Charity Commissioner in Bombay. Dastur (Dr) Framroze Bode was charged with the "irreligious” act of performing mass navjotes at Vansda, a place in Gujarat, at the behest of Burjorji Bharucha. Even the noble and learned Dastur Khurshed Daboo was derided for being a Theosophist and for respecting and having knowledge of other religions.

In those days Avatar Meher Baba and his disciple Manek Mehta were not looked upon kindly by the community and were victims of continuous attack by self-professed puritans. There were institutions like Ilm-e-Khshnoom and Rahunuma-e-Zarthoshti which were also not looked upon kindly by self-styled custodians of our religion. A very major controversy occurred over the construction of another fire temple in Udvada, the Adarian-e-Iranshah and there are still some misguided devotees who do not visit the place when they go to Udvada to pay homage to the principal Iranshah atash behram.

Recently, a new controversy has sprung up regarding conversion, mixed marriages, acceptance and adoption in our community. Both those in favor and against argue vehemently and support their respective views by quoting from religious scriptures, picking up some words or phrases to support their case. This is an exercise in futility as religion cannot be interpreted or understood by such methods. One has to read, interpret and analyze (verbally, literally and philosophically) the entire text and not just a few words, phrases and sentences which are picked up out of context to suit one’s purpose.

For example, the words "Hafte keshvar zamin” appear in each and every daily prayer of ours as also in the Srosh Yasht vadi nirang. These are followed by "aidun baad” and "Srosh Yazad panah baad.” By reading the text fully a meaningful understanding of the prayer is derived ("May it happen as I pray” and "May Srosh Yazad protect all mankind and creation of Almighty God”). Too much is being read into a few words and a controversy is thereby created.

I firmly believe that we and our religion will survive the next millennium. There is no danger of our extinction, unless on account of global warming and some phenomenal weather changes on planet earth. Rather than joining in any controversy, I pray for the survival of our religion and our community. It is our duty to follow our religion without creating or involving ourselves in controversies. Let us live in harmony with love and respect for each other.

R. J. DAMANWALA