“Un-Zoroastrian notions”

I fail to follow the logic in Faribourz Nariman’s lengthy letter "Un-Zoroastrian notions” (Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, February 7, 2008). He has devoted half its length to one Timothy Dexter (who lived from ‘1741-1806,’ he is at pains to inform us) and then compared this to un-Zoroastrian notions. Justifiably, one can turn the tables and hope Dexter’s idiosyncratic manners in no way inspired Nariman’s piece! Moreover, throughout the letter Nariman has failed to provide readers with one single reference from Zoroastrian history or from the scriptures, though he has dwelt at length on the booklet published by Dexter!

No one has claimed that Zoroastrianism advocates intermarriages, as Nariman misquotes. However, we can, with great confidence, assert that Zarathushtra does say it is a good religion, the best religion and a universal religion. Here are two references: Yasna 45:5 and Yasna 31:3. Refute that, specifically.

No one has made the absurd claim that cremation and not dakhmenashini is the Zoroastrian mode of disposal of the dead. What some are asking, though, is where it is written that dakhmenashini is the only mode of disposal acceptable. Answer that, specifically.

No one is saying conversion is an ideal solution to increase our numbers. In fact, here is the complete quote: "We should practice acceptance — not to survive, but because it is the right thing to do — our Ashem Vohu prayer teaches that.”

To trivialize and misquote is a double-edged sword, and the idiosyncrasies of some Parsis exact a huge price from the gullible and willing-to-be-misled of the community. It is time good Parsis realize they have a right to know the truth and put down people who offer no authentication for their idiosyncratic, bigoted beliefs.

On Mehlli Bhagalia’s diatribe I reserve my comments, though one point needs to be addressed. In "Nobody’s chi1d” (Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, February 7, 2008) he is against adoption because "childlessness may be part of a couple’s fate, and to interfere with that would bring (God help and forgive us!) greater problems for them, their helpers and the community.” A shocking line of thought! By that logic, there should be a universal ban on any adoption whatsoever and our children should abstain from improving their lot since what we are born in is our "fate — natural law of karma or keshash.” That this would encourage lethargy, fatalism and acceptance of fate and destiny, beliefs completely alien to Zarathushtrianism has escaped the writer!

However, there is a ray of hope. With Parsiana publishing these viewpoints, the line of thought of misinformed bigots becomes known to others. Their vituperative diatribes show them up for what they are: corrosive to the fabric of a healthy, educated, evolving community. We can only pray for their enlightenment.

NOSHIR H. RUSTUMJI

Bangalore

rustumji_9@hotmail.com