Readers' Forum
Live and let live
Traditions in all religions are manmade. They have been introduced at different times according to the existing circumstances. Traditions change. If they are followed rigidly when outdated, they become burdensome.
To ensure harmony, peace and unity among followers of the Zoroastrian faith the world over, we must be ready to make adjustments and do away with outdated traditions. Or else the implementation of these traditions should be made voluntary to avoid creating a rift. Those who wish to follow the outdated traditions should be at liberty to do so but they should not compel others who do not agree with them to comply by taking out religious fatwas against them. We should follow a policy of live and let live.
The wonderful tradition of dakhmenashini has virtually failed in the absence of vultures. Those who still wish to follow the system should be at liberty to do so, while permitting others to use alternate methods of disposal such as burial or cremation. The latter should not be denied the use of infrastructural facilities at Doongerwadi or prayers during the first four days after death.
It is unfortunate that traditionalists deny non-Zoroastrian friends and relatives the right to pay their last respects to their loved ones. Today over 30 percent of Zoroastrian families have non-Zoroastrian relations. We also have close colleagues at the work place, schools and colleges who are denied the last darshan. This cruel and humiliating act should be stopped as the custom has no religious sanction.
Zoroastrianism believes in gender equality in all matters, so why should the children of intermarried couples not be permitted to have their navjotes performed? With our dwindling numbers it is suicidal to deny this right to the children of Zoroastrian women who have married out. I congratulate the World Zoroastrian Organisation of the UK for extending membership without discrimination.
Scholars of the religion should translate the Avesta prayers into languages that devotees can understand. It would be more useful if these wonderful prayers with their deep spiritual connotation can be recited with both faith and understanding.
To ensure harmony, peace and unity among followers of the Zoroastrian faith the world over, we must be ready to make adjustments and do away with outdated traditions. Or else the implementation of these traditions should be made voluntary to avoid creating a rift. Those who wish to follow the outdated traditions should be at liberty to do so but they should not compel others who do not agree with them to comply by taking out religious fatwas against them. We should follow a policy of live and let live.
The wonderful tradition of dakhmenashini has virtually failed in the absence of vultures. Those who still wish to follow the system should be at liberty to do so, while permitting others to use alternate methods of disposal such as burial or cremation. The latter should not be denied the use of infrastructural facilities at Doongerwadi or prayers during the first four days after death.
It is unfortunate that traditionalists deny non-Zoroastrian friends and relatives the right to pay their last respects to their loved ones. Today over 30 percent of Zoroastrian families have non-Zoroastrian relations. We also have close colleagues at the work place, schools and colleges who are denied the last darshan. This cruel and humiliating act should be stopped as the custom has no religious sanction.
Zoroastrianism believes in gender equality in all matters, so why should the children of intermarried couples not be permitted to have their navjotes performed? With our dwindling numbers it is suicidal to deny this right to the children of Zoroastrian women who have married out. I congratulate the World Zoroastrian Organisation of the UK for extending membership without discrimination.
Scholars of the religion should translate the Avesta prayers into languages that devotees can understand. It would be more useful if these wonderful prayers with their deep spiritual connotation can be recited with both faith and understanding.
NARIMAN E. MEHTA
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