Readers' Forum
Matter of personal choice
Ervad (Dr) Rooyinton Peer appealed in the Parsi Press to the two banned priests to ponder over the futility of carrying out irreligious and blasphemous activities and to perform Patet to seek forgiveness for their sins. In a fitting reply Ervad Framroze Mirza accused him of mudslinging against those performing their duty in the name of Ahura Mazda.
One may be justified in the belief that cremation is against the tenets of our religion as we revere and worship fire. But those concerned about the pathetic condition in which the bodies of our beloved are left rotting in the dakhmas deem cremation a speedy and a dignified way for disposal. Both sides have a point. It is a matter of personal choice. Our religion has remained relevant and vibrant to this day because it gives us the freedom of choice. Is it not our right to give a dignified disposal to the body that has served us throughout our life? Why deny prayers to people opting for cremation?
When the body and soul have parted ways, why should they be not treated differently? The body should be disposed of in a manner that causes no hazards to health, hygiene and the environment, whilst religious ceremonies for the progress of the soul should be performed in the traditional way. Those in favor of cremation have not exerted pressure over those opting for the traditional method. Why should their souls not be given the benefits of traditional prayers and rituals? They are devout Zoroastrians and eager to offer prayers and rituals for their dear departed.
Zoroaster preached a religion of tolerance and compassion based on the power of love. Can punishing those who pray for others ever be justified as being religious? PIROJA HOMI JOKHI
piroja.jokhi@yahoo.com
One may be justified in the belief that cremation is against the tenets of our religion as we revere and worship fire. But those concerned about the pathetic condition in which the bodies of our beloved are left rotting in the dakhmas deem cremation a speedy and a dignified way for disposal. Both sides have a point. It is a matter of personal choice. Our religion has remained relevant and vibrant to this day because it gives us the freedom of choice. Is it not our right to give a dignified disposal to the body that has served us throughout our life? Why deny prayers to people opting for cremation?
When the body and soul have parted ways, why should they be not treated differently? The body should be disposed of in a manner that causes no hazards to health, hygiene and the environment, whilst religious ceremonies for the progress of the soul should be performed in the traditional way. Those in favor of cremation have not exerted pressure over those opting for the traditional method. Why should their souls not be given the benefits of traditional prayers and rituals? They are devout Zoroastrians and eager to offer prayers and rituals for their dear departed.
Zoroaster preached a religion of tolerance and compassion based on the power of love. Can punishing those who pray for others ever be justified as being religious? PIROJA HOMI JOKHI
piroja.jokhi@yahoo.com
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