“The shame at Sanjan”

Plaudits to Parsiana for its front cover portrayal of Mikhail Chistyakov with the bold caption of "Herbad” ("The shame at Sanjan,” March 7, 2010). The real shame is upon those of us who have shown, in a wholly despicable way, our opposition to the navarization in Sanjan of a worthy Zoroastrian. Whither good words and good works now?

From a personal viewpoint, which I expect true Zoroastrians to share, our extant dhongi (pretentions) priesthood — wish I could factually say "extinct!” — has shown its complete rejection of Mazdayasno Zarathushtrish.

Instead we read of Bombay Parsi Punchayet-led (BPP) louts who, despising all decent modes of protest, not only trashed Sanjan College, but physically assaulted the Herbad. Can anybody contradict us in affirming that the BPP storm-troopers who were unleashed upon this Russian worthy by the crypto-Islamic, vindictive un-Zoroastrian cabal which both sanctioned and performed this vile act, are Taliban?

Ironic it is to learn that the WAPIZ (World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zarthoshtis — Z for Zombies) perverts crowed "Mission accomplished” when the very nature of Zoroastrianism is a missionary one! The priests of old were missionaries, in the noblest sense of Yasna 42.6, and the geographical extent of their activities is given in the Vendidad’s first chapter. Is it not, therefore, dhongidoxy that allows these into their Yasna and Vendidad ceremonial prayers (recited before the fire of truth!), and promptly repudiated? Zoroastrianism is against deceit and untruth, but what do these mindless dhongis do? Vibrate with hatred of their fellow-humans!

For those who are unaware of the universal acceptance urged in Zoroastrianism, we ask that they ponder the two closing lines of our Ka varathram ja introductory prayer to our kusti-tying ritual. They are an acknowledgement that the hearkening (Sraosha) to Mazda comes to whomsoever Mazda wills it — it’s as clear as that. "Whomsoever,” kahmaichit, repudiated by dhongi priests and their minions, is repeated in Zarathushtra’s prayer to Ahura Mazda in the very first Ushtavaiti line. Acceptance is not the prerogative by any means of the control freaks in the Nazi BPP. Will they burn the Gathas next?

As for our dhongi priests, we give clear notice that we cannot, should not, and will not accord any respect to these types who do not respect our Mazdayasno Zarathushtrish. And yet we have just elevated an Ilm-e-Khshnoom dhongi to the high-priesthood! For the uninitiated, let us explain that this wholly odious cult is antithetic to Zoroastrianism (see again the Vendidad, chapter 18 on alien creeds and their teachers!). To the high-minded Herbad Mikhail Chistyakov, we offer our Hamazori and sincerely wish him Asho beh! Der zi!

FARROKH VAJIFDAR

London

f.vajifdar@btinternet.com