Pope for the Parsis

Of late there has been much dissension within the community with the World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarthoshtis, the World Zoroastrian Organisation and the Association for Revival of Zoroastrianism each having its own agenda, and no lead or direction coming from the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, our apex body, which is mired in its own squabbles. Nor has any guidance or direction been forthcoming from our religious heads, the priests, who are set in their own dogmas. Thus, the community is gradually drifting away from its roots and will perhaps eventually fade into oblivion if this is not arrested in time.

What is the solution? It is to be found in our faith, Zoroastrianism, which is the bond that keeps us together. Parsis remain the torchbearers of the faith though Zoroastrianism is practiced by others as well, elsewhere.

Religion is an anchor in life, guiding an individual to his/her eventual destiny. Unfortunately, our religion is unintelligible to the vast majority of our community members, including our priests, as the scriptures are written in a language which is archaic. Hence, there is a need for a spiritual head with his college of advisors to disseminate and perpetuate the precepts amongst the faithful.

The establishment of that authority is, to my mind, the ultimate solution for our survival as a community and for perpetuating our faith. This will not be an easy task as it will bring into confrontation our many religious heads, each with his ego. But we must pursue that goal, with Udvada as the Vatican of our faith. This is a vision worth striving for until it becomes a reality.

ASPI IRANI

asntesh@hotmail.com