Priests and laymen

While behdins complain that priests do not perform prayers with devotion and dedication, at times taking short cuts, the latter say that they are not paid adequately for the services rendered or respected by the community. Moreover, the mobeds claim they are exploited by the panthakies and trustees, having at times to stifle the voice of conscience and against their convictions, surrender to the dictates of the high priests.
It is true that mobeds do a grueling job and deserve a decent life with better remuneration and comforts. During the muktad days we see their plight as priests pray for hours together without a break. No wonder their performance lacks fervor. To ease their burden, instead of performing prayers on a one to one basis, one priest should collectively pray for several people and name individuals in alphabetical or chronological order. This will lessen the priestly burden and save the time of the behdins. When many priests perform prayers in different tones and words at the same time there is confusion as to who is praying for whom. Without discipline and order, the sanctity of the prayer is virtually lost. When there is clarity, the effect of the prayer is enhanced.
It is a custom to give ashodad (gratuity) to priests after the ceremonies, which virtually means tips paid by a customer for services. It would be more dignified to give a consolidated amount (including the ashodad) as remuneration, along with a note or word of thanks.
Behdins tend to judge the services of panthakies and agiaries by the fruits, sweets and other delicacies offered during the ceremonies. Surely we are sensible enough to understand that the food offerings during prayers in no way help to uplift the souls of the dead. Instead, we could offer a few seasonal fruits and a handful of flowers. This will curtail costs and lessen the efforts of preparing or procuring special food items.
It is a custom to make a long list of the names of near and distant relatives to be included in the prayers. If a charge is levied for additional names beyond a certain number, the list may be either curtailed or the priests may earn more.
The present generation of athornans is averse to taking up priesthood as a profession. Corporate houses offer better pay packages, with perks and incentives. Parsis prefer to take up jobs at call centers rather than do mobedi. Since there is a shortage of priests, behdins with a spiritual bent of mind may take up the task. They are Parsis by birth and if they are willing to go through the navar and maratab rituals, should we not allow them to perform religious ceremonies? If priests can take up other professions, why can’t others serve as priests?
PIROJA HOMI JOKHI
piroja.jokhi@yahoo.com