“An open house”

I’m delighted that Asha Vahishta, The Zoroastrian Centre in Poona ("An open house,” Parsiana, January 7, 2018) has enabled those who were unjustly treated by the traditional Parsi community to now be conferred their human rights and freedom of religion and belief. However, I’m saddened because I used to be proud of the fact that Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest religions, was unique in that it had not split into denominations. The adherents of the faith prayed together throughout, for more than 3,500 years of their existence.

At the launch of Asha Vahishta, The Zoroastrian Centre in Poona

The faith has always had its traditionalist and liberal factions, yet the wisdom of Zarathushtra had prevailed and each woman and man chose for herself/himself, knowing that division is not harmony, continuing to worship together.
Alas, those traditionalists whose motive was to divide and rule, and preached "You go your way, we’ll go our way” have succeeded in dividing the Zoroastrian community in the name of ethnic purity. One could say they desired ethnic cleansing and they have achieved this. There was not enough love and compassion to enable all to move forward together.
Zoroastrianism has a long established history and philosophy that many in the Middle East crave. Whereas the Parsis who have adopted alien traditions during their stay away from Iran have materially prospered, the division they have created shows their spiritual decline.
Everything in creation is either evolving or dying. Life is a movement. Doing nothing was not an option so we opted for division. During its evolution, our religion has been tinged by different cultures, different time frames and different history. So what is next in our evolution?
The new diaspora, the global community has matured. Those Parsi institutions that used to rule the roost because of their financial might have now lost their power to dictate to the community worldwide. This offers an opportunity to the worldwide Zoroastrian communities to bring about the changes necessary to restore Asho Zarathushtra’s teachings, thereby achieving our prime purpose: to refresh the world; bring about Frashokereti.
Heal the divisions wherever they are so that we are united in righteousness. Then we shall truly be able to call ourselves the co-workers of Ahura Mazda.
JEHANGIR SAROSH
Bushey, U.K.
jehangirsarosh@me.com