“What distinguishes us”

In his letter "What distinguishes us” (Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, September 21, 2007) Kersee Kabraji writes: "… (this) entire hypothesis has originated from the priestly class in order to commercially exploit the laity and have control over them. This is not unique to us; perhaps it is prevalent in all religions.” This statement is not only insulting to our athornans but to similar persons in other communities.

Kabraji seems to be totally out of his depth when he writes: "Each human being has freedom of choice about what to follow based on ‘intelligence’ (vohu mana) and conscience.” Vohu mana means righteous mind, not intelligent mind. A fox has an intelligent mind but cannot have a righteous one. Kabraji should check with Zarathushti scholars before dabbling in words of which he does not know the correct meaning.

Kabraji has asked for the source and authenticity about the Maghavs. He is directed to read ancient Persian history, particularly about the lost continent of Atlantis and the Aryan civilization. There is no "heresay” or "make-believe,” as he puts it.

Kabraji’s concept about our religion seems to revolve solely around a book written by Dastur Maneckji Dhalla. I wonder whether he has read the excellent book titled What a Parsee Should Know by Ervad Jal Rustomji Vimadalal, a retired judge of the Bombay High Court and a professor of law at the Government Law College in Bombay.

Religion and moral precepts are two different concepts. The Gathas contain only the moral precepts; they do not deal with the other elements of our religion. Although the philosophy of Zarathush­tra contained in the Gathas is a vital component, it is not the sum total of our religion which is more than a course in moral science. It is a complete spiritual system comprising tarikats, mantras and kriyas for furthering our evolution and progress in the spiritual world.

Ervad KERSI KAPADIA

Singapore