Priests ban misconceived

There is a strong misconception about what it means to be truly religious. For most believers religion means routine prayers, offerings and lavish ceremonies, following age old customs and traditions, and sticking to old dogmas.

There have been conflicts between the orthodox and reformist groups on different issues. The community has always respected and supported the priests. A family priest is like a family doctor in whom we repose our faith and whose advice we follow. Dastur Jamshed Kukadaru and later Dastur Khurshed Dabu were highly revered and respected as they set for themselves high standards of morality. Never in the history of our religion have we resorted to admonishing, debarring, expelling or placing bans on practicing priests as the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) has done in the matter of the two "renegade” priests. People from other communities have looked upon us as role models for culture and progress; but sadly we have chosen to imitate the ways of uncivilized backward tribal panchayats like Khaps who cast out and punish members for petty reasons.

God and religion are not properties inherited by an institution or belonging to a few individuals. Priesthood is hereditary but divine knowledge is neither inherited nor borrowed from books. Could Jesus Christ have attained divinity had he cursed his crucifiers? Could Buddha have attained enlightenment had he not forsaken the material luxuries of his palace and accepted self-suffering to attain nirvana? In moments of great provocation and humiliation, Zoroaster demonstrated forgiveness and tolerance. The religions these Prophets preached and practiced were ones of love which helped people to bond with one another and with God.

Normally, people are reluctant to approach the courts to get justice for crimes committed against them. We, a highly progressive community at present facing problems for survival and rejuvenation, are using our time, talent and resources on the trivial matter of how we should dispose of our dead bodies. Due to environmental changes dakhmena­shini has become ineffective. Though the BPP trustees did their best to make the system function, some community members opted for cremation. Right or wrong, it was their personal choice.

Considering the insignificance of the lifeless, material body and importance of salvation of the soul there is no better place than Doongerwadi, the paradise-like garden on the hill. The serene peaceful atmosphere consoles and comforts aching hearts, while the atmosphere and environment at public crematoria is awful. One misses the spiritual thrust and experiences a lingering sense of guilt in depriving our dear ones of a dignified farewell.

It is difficult to understand how the trustees of the BPP and high priests made the decision to impose the ban on two priests who pray for those opting for alternate methods of disposal of the dead. A priest who refuses to give such services is justified as he has the freedom to exercise his will. But in a civilized society there is enough room for honest differences of opinion. What seems to be an irreligious act to the high priests is for the so-called "renegade” priests the call of religious duty. The first lesson any religion teaches is to abide by the inner voice of conscience. Those who realize this stand fearless and resolute in their belief. As ones who had been initiated into the priesthood, these two priests considered themselves duty bound to give their service to those who wanted to be served.

When God gives us the freedom to choose between good and evil, how can the followers of a religion take delight in depriving others of their freedom? Pressure and punishment are weapons of the weak. Service to the meek, the poor and the humble is the greatest prayer. It is best to leave justice and punishment to the divine law.

The issues are not grave and can easily be solved. If we think dispassionately, have a compassionate view for others, allow prayers and rituals of all those who follow the Zoroastrian faith, open the doors of bunglis of Doongerwadi and put them to maximum use for a dignified farewell to our dear ones, we can solve this problem. Let us realize the spiritual essence of Zoroastrianism. In fact no religion encourages vindictiveness, hatred and punishment. Once we open our hearts and learn the religion of love, peace and harmony will prevail and it will be a revival of the religion which we cherish.

PIROJA HOMI JOKHI