Readers' Forum
“Errors in prayer books”
How very kind of Noshir H. Rustumji to call me "forthright, brave and honest” ("Errors in prayer books,” Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, May 7, 2016). He has left me the unenviable task of justifying these epithets.
This correspondence, which came under "Errors in prayer books,” has since branched out into star-gazing, mysticist hokum and vibes. The astrological blunders have long been exposed for what they have always been — pseudo-sciences cobbled together from astronomical data. Whilst it is true that our Bundahishn contains a well-studied chapter on astrology, and a diagram depicting a "Horoscope of the World,” the former clearly abjures the five/seven planets as disruptive demonic forces. Stellar counter-forces were set as controls over these dark powers including comets, eclipses and shooting stars. On scrutinizing the Gathic precepts of Zarathushtra, one would be hard put to see mystical patterns.
Rustumji’s reference to vibrations remains worrisome; the following 12th century anecdote might explain why: "A man with a harsh voice was reading the Quran in a loud tone. A passing sage enquired, ‘What is thy monthly stipend?’ He replied, ‘Nothing!’ ‘Wherefore then,’ asked the sage, ‘dost thou give thyself this trouble?’ He declared, ‘I read for the sake of God!’ ‘Then,’ rejoined the sage, ‘for God’s sake, read not!’” (from Sa’di’s Gulistan, IV, 14).
Rustumji will never obtain satisfaction from the high priests or their counsellors among whom all manner of mysticisms are rife. Since we claim to be Zarathushtrians, would it instead not make better sense to directly consult our texts? The task has been greatly eased since the turn of the 20th century by the tremendous labors of the prolific pioneering priest Herbadh Kavasji Edulji Kanga who, in his Gujarati transcribed Gathas with copious scholarly commentaries, as well as his excellent Khordeh Avesta, has made our spiritual quest more edifying. Rustumji’s efforts towards "interpretation,” etc. could be directed towards these magisterial tomes. With commitment and perseverance just about everything good is nowadays possible!
FARROKH VAJIFDAR
London
f.vajifdar@btinternet.com
This correspondence, which came under "Errors in prayer books,” has since branched out into star-gazing, mysticist hokum and vibes. The astrological blunders have long been exposed for what they have always been — pseudo-sciences cobbled together from astronomical data. Whilst it is true that our Bundahishn contains a well-studied chapter on astrology, and a diagram depicting a "Horoscope of the World,” the former clearly abjures the five/seven planets as disruptive demonic forces. Stellar counter-forces were set as controls over these dark powers including comets, eclipses and shooting stars. On scrutinizing the Gathic precepts of Zarathushtra, one would be hard put to see mystical patterns.
Rustumji’s reference to vibrations remains worrisome; the following 12th century anecdote might explain why: "A man with a harsh voice was reading the Quran in a loud tone. A passing sage enquired, ‘What is thy monthly stipend?’ He replied, ‘Nothing!’ ‘Wherefore then,’ asked the sage, ‘dost thou give thyself this trouble?’ He declared, ‘I read for the sake of God!’ ‘Then,’ rejoined the sage, ‘for God’s sake, read not!’” (from Sa’di’s Gulistan, IV, 14).
Rustumji will never obtain satisfaction from the high priests or their counsellors among whom all manner of mysticisms are rife. Since we claim to be Zarathushtrians, would it instead not make better sense to directly consult our texts? The task has been greatly eased since the turn of the 20th century by the tremendous labors of the prolific pioneering priest Herbadh Kavasji Edulji Kanga who, in his Gujarati transcribed Gathas with copious scholarly commentaries, as well as his excellent Khordeh Avesta, has made our spiritual quest more edifying. Rustumji’s efforts towards "interpretation,” etc. could be directed towards these magisterial tomes. With commitment and perseverance just about everything good is nowadays possible!
FARROKH VAJIFDAR
London
f.vajifdar@btinternet.com
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