“Dasturs against dilution”
The unique feature of Zoroastrianism is that it gives us the freedom to practice the religion based on our own convictions, with humata, hukhta and hvrashta (good thoughts, good words and good deeds) as the guiding principles. If one follows these concepts, one can live in peace and avoid conflict.
Dastur Khurshed Dastoor has stated earlier, "Ours is not a religion of force or violence. We cannot force, threaten or arm-twist people into choosing whom they wish to marry or the method they choose to dispose their dearly departed.”
To say that all methods of disposal of the dead other than dakhmenashini are irreligious and lead to immense torture and torment to the soul of a Zoroastrian displays not only religious ignorance and lack of common sense but is an insult to people’s thinking. Scholar priest Ervad (Dr) Ramiyar Karanjia has said elsewhere: "The after death rituals in no way alter the balance of actions which the soul has performed in its living avatar.”
Every Zoroastrian, no matter what method of disposal he/she prefers, should have access to Doongerwadi where all amenities are available for a dignified departure. We are aware of the declining numbers in the community and depriving its members of taking advantage of the facility will reduce its use, resulting in encroachment. There is a proverb in Gujarati: bakru kadhta oont pesi gayu, meaning by removing a small obstacle we are inviting a major catastrophe.
Piety and compassion are the greatest virtues of the priests. Humility and trustworthiness are the assets of the trustees. Blackmailing people with threats of punishment, pressurizing and arm-twisting them to make them obey diktats, denying prayers for the dead and instructing priests to follow their orders are not the Zoroastrian way of practicing religion.
If Zarathushtra were to visit us today, would he approve of the way we practice the religion he preached on the basis of freedom and democracy?
PIROJA HOMI JOKHI
piroja.jokhi@yahoo.com
Zorastrianism is for anyone to follow. In India especially and elsewhere, the link between the Parsi community and the religion is critical. If one fails, the other will to very quickly as is evident from children of mixed marriages. At best there may be some interest for a generation but none thereafter. The has survived because the community was closed and thus survived. In the current climate, where religion is not a priority, even getting children of Parsi parents to fully adhere to the principles of Zorastrian faith is difficult, so opening up the community would be catastrophic and that is amply evident. In the past, Parsis also had joint families, unlike today, so the child would imbibe the culture of the father in that family. The opposite was true of women marrying outside. This was not discrimnation but exigency and pragmatism. Fanaticism does not help, please do not let the pendulum swing to the other end to anhilation as a matter of course and modernity.