Below is a news article about an email that Ervad Khushru Madon sent a few days ago to various news organizations and community websites. The actual contents of the email are below the article.
After being barred from entering the Tower of Silence for conducting the Navjotes of children born of mixed parentage, ‘renegade’ Zoroastrian priest Khushroo Madon has approached the community to gather support for his cause.
By Ashutosh Shukla / DNA India
The priest has sent emails to both Parsis and people outside the community, explaining that he is ‘not irreligious’ and has also refuted ‘allegations’ against him by six dasturs (priests), the Bombay Parsi Punchayet (BPP) and the World Alliance of Parsi Irani Zoroastrians (WAPIZ), saying he has been converting people to Zoroastrianism for money.
Madon’s fight with the BPP started in June 2009 when he and another priest were barred from the Tower of Silence and two fire temples run by the BPP. The charges were they had conducted Navjotes of children from mixed marriages and prayers for those opting for non-traditional funerals.
Madon recently was also in news for the initiation services of a Russian in Sanjan, Gujarat, which was disrupted by a group of community members led by a BPP trustee. His case is being fought in the Bombay high court, with some prominent Parsis backing him.
In his mail, the priest has attached a letter that describes the liberal teachings of the prophet and founder of the religion, Zarathustra. The letter goes on to defend the much debated Navjotes done by the priest for people from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Russia. The letter states that the ceremony only helped citizens in these countries to follow the Zoroastrian religion, which they had abandoned after Arab invasions and the communist regime.
The letter requests community members to post their views to various Parsi publications, BPP, WAPIZ along with a copy marked to him. “I have done this so that I can make my stand clear,” said Madon.
WAPIZ, which has orthodox views on conversions, rubbished the priest’s claim. “Nobody can claim that they were oppressed for a thousand years and now want to come back to their old religion. There is no logic of getting them back as their identity and psyche has merged with another religion,” said Armiaty Desai, one of the administrators at WAPIZ.
Text of the Letter by Ervad Khushru Madon
I AM NOT IRRELIGIOUS. ERVAD KHUSHROO MADON.
B.P.P. AND WAPIZ SAYS THAT I AM DOING CONVERSIONS. PLEASE NOTE THAT THOUGH CONVERSION IS ALLOWED IN ZOROASTRIAN RELIGION, I AM NOT DOING ANY CONVERSIONS. WE ALL KNOW THAT OUR SACRED FAITH OF ZOROASTRIANISM EXIST IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD BUT HAS SADLY DECLINED. THESE ZOROASTRIANS ARE NOT PARSEES. THEY ARE FERVENT BELIEVERS IN THE TENETS OF OUR HOLY PROPHET AND DON’T CLAIM TO BE PARSEES.
B.P.P. and WAPIZ also says that I am doing irreligious activities as follows:
1) Doing navjotes of children of Parsi mothers and non-Parsi fathers. (conversion according to B.P.P.)
2) Doing ashirwads (Only spiritual blessings to the couple, But they get married under the “SPECIAL MARRIAGE ACT”) for the couple if one spouse is Parsee.
3) Doing four days prayers for the persons who are cremated/ buried but never in the Dongarwadi. Such prayers are done at some other place, including the homes.
4) Doing navjotes of Zoroastrians staying in Aryan Vaeja countries like Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Moscow, St.Petersberg, etc.(Conversion according to B.P.P.) These are Zoroastrians who want to keep the faith.
5) Tried to do the Navar of Russian Zoroastrian in Sanjan.
He is a Zoroastrian who knows his scriptures and prayers and follows the tenets of the faith.
ALL THE ABOVE ACTIVITIES ARE ABSOLUTELY RELIGIOUS AND AS PER OUR ZOROASTRIAN SCRIPTURES AND TEACHINGS.
1) Zoroastrian religion is UNIVERSAL. ANY ONE CAN FOLLOW ZOROASTRIAN RELIGION and is not only for Parsis. THE STATEMENT THAT “A PARSI IS A ZOROASTRIAN AND A ZOROASTRIAN IS A PARSI” MENTIONED BY WAPIZ AND B.P.P. IS WRONG. Please read the following translations of Zoroastrian prayers including Gathas done by Dasturji Kanga in the three volumes namely 1) Khordeh Avesta 2) Gatha ba maani 3) Yasht ba maani. These three volumes are published by BOMBAY PARSEE PUNCHAYET.
1) KHORDEH AVESTA:
PAGE NO. NAME OF THE PRAYER ENGLISH TRANSLATION.
53 DOA NAAM SETAYESHNE Homage unto that ……….for the people of
The WORLD
175 HAFTAN YASHT LARGE We are the glorifiers…….for this world and for the yonder world.
189 HAFTAN YASHT LARGE ……of the Priests, who go to distant places
Desiring to promote purity of the countries.
266 SAROSH YASHT HADOKHT O Zarathushtra! Prayer is good for the people of the world (i.e. for the benefit of the people of the world) it (is) best.
268 SAROSH YASHT HADOKHT O Zarathushtra! WHOSOEVER, a man or a
Woman should pronounce this hymn of prayer (i.e. Ahunavar) with holy thought, word (and) extremely holy deed.
273 SAROSH YASHT HADOKHT … (i.e. Ahura Mazda) afford protection on
The seven regions of the Earth.
295 SAROSH YASHT VADI ….. over this entire earth, we extol…..of Sarosh Yazata.
297 SAROSH YASHT VADI NIRANG .. Unto the Arabs girding the sacred thread….. (those Arabs who have accepted The Zoroastrian Religion)
390 KARDA (PAZEND) IN BAAJ …May the glory of the good Mazda- worshipping Religion be current in all the seven regions of the Earth!!
395 DOA TANDAROSTI (IN PAZEND) May the Religion of Zarathushtra be pleased (liked or chosen) amongst all men!! May it be so!
402 DIN-NO-KALAMO This is the religion –the good, the just and the perfect religion……………………….. for the people of this world.Religion of Zarthushtra and the religion of Hormazd which the creator Hormazd gave to Holy Zarathushtra for propagating in this –world.
428 FARVARDIN YASHT We worship the fravashis of the people of all countries and the fravashis of the people of friendly countries.
We worship the fravashis of the righteous men and women of Saini countries,we worship the fravashis of the righteous men and women of Dahi countries.(Saini and Dahi means China and the provinces under the subjugation of China.)
(2) GATHA BA MAANI BOOK WITH TRANSLATIONS BY DR. K.E.KANGA
18. Gatha Ha 29.2 Who may always become its saviour,i.e.to the entire universe and …………..the bringer of prosperity to the world
19. Gatha Ha 29.3 Asha replied….with sanctity for the world.that Lord is not cruel amongst them i.e. amongst the men fo this world.
23. Gatha Ha 29.7 Ahura Mazda Himself created verses of admonition for the world prosperity and for truthful men.
25. Gatha Ha29.9 when one such leader will arise,who will grant it i.e. the entire universe a strong support.
30. Gatha Ha 30.2 EVERY PERSON ought to choose for himself either of the two, Mazda-worship and Daeva –worship, which ever is best and accordingly he should keep his religious faith.
43. Gatha Ha 31.1 O Divine Ahura Mazda do ……..so that I cause all men to put faith in the Religion
66. Gatha Ha 32.3 But you all…… in the seven regions of the earth.
123. Gatha Ha 43.6 O Ahura Mazda wilt come ……………through whose deeds people of the world become prosperous
128. Gatha Ha 43.11 which Thou didst teach me O ahura Mazda about promulgating it amongst men
133. Gatha Ha 43.14 I may incite…..promulgating the religion sent by Thee together with all others who remember Thy mathra
171. Gatha Ha 46.1 Prophet Zarathushtra speaks:Having been deserted by………………….shall I go Neither the workers nor the tyrants of the country.
175. Gatha Ha 46.3 O Ahura Mazda…..will come forth for the prosperity of the world.
190. Gatha Ha 46.13 Who so among men shall please Spitama Zarathushtra with the gift of affection…….shall render prosperous his family and cattle.
191. Gatha Ha 46.14 O Zarathushtra…….to proclaim or to make known amongst the populace; the commandments of thy religion.
197. Gatha Ha 46.19 who so will help me …..in my Prophetic Mission …..and deserving reward will be granted to him in the world beyond.
232. Gatha Ha 49.9 That diligent……..for benefiting the world will listen to the commandments of my religion
242. Gatha Ha 50.6 Prophet Zarathushtra says: Any person can teach my secrets through good thought.
273. Gatha Ha 51.19 Prophet Zarthushtra says: O Maidyo-maongha,……….. his love for the people of the world.
Ms.Dina G.McIntyre, a great avesta scholar,in her lecture said the following:
“Zarathushtra’s Teachings in the Gathas(AS TRANSLATED AS FOLLOWS)
a)Gatha Ha 31.3 translated by Insler, a great scholar “that commandment which is for Thy adherents –speak,Wise One,….in order for us to know (all) that by means of which I might convert all the living”
b)Gatha Ha 31.3 ‘s oldest translation is the PAHLAVI TRANSLATION “……..Declare it,that we teach all living the Faith.
c)Gatha Ha 31.3. Dastur Neriosangh translates: “….which wisdom is enlightening or awaking all the living”
d)Gatha Ha 31.3. Avestan scholar Bartholomai translates: “…..that I may convert all living men”
e)Gatha Ha 31.3. President of the Council of Mobeds of Teheran,Mobed Firouz Azargoshasb translates: “….so that I may convert all the people into the right path
f)Yasna 42.6 (the translation by the late Professor L. H. Mills, as it appears in Sacred Books of the East.) speaks of reverencing the athravans(fire-priests) who returned after spreading the religion in far off places. It says we reverence “the Fire-priests, as they approach us from afar, and seek to gain the provinces, and spread the ritual lore….”
g)In Y 50.5 (the translation from the Gathas by Professor Insler of Yale University)Zarthushtra says “Lord,let wisdom come in the company of truth across the earth….”
h) Farvardin Yasht, verse 94 (a translation by the late Professor Darmesteter, as it appears in Sacred Books of the East.) says “……and there will the good Law of the worshippers of Mazda come and spread through all the seven Karshvaries of the earth” yasht 13.94.
i)Meher Niyaesh (the translations of the Khordeh Avesta prayers are by the late T. R. Sethna.)says: May the knowledge, extent and fame of the commandments of the most excellent Mazda worshipping religion ever increase over the world, over all the seven regions, so may it be” Almost identical words are also found in the following prayers:
1. Khorshed Niyaesh.
2. Mah bokhtar Niyaesh
3. Ardvisur Niyaesh.
4. Atash Niyaesh.
5. Ardibehesht yasht.
6. Sarosh Yasht Hadjokht, and
7. Sarosh yasht Wadi.
j) Doa Nam Setayeshne prayer (the translations of the Khordeh Avesta prayers are by the late T. R. Sethna.) says: “Homage to the all knowing tolerator, who sent through Zarathushtra Spitman ……teaching of religion for the people of the world so that they may have friendship, inculcate faith and inner wisdom and knowledge gained from hearing. For the information and guidance of all men who are, who were, and who will be hereafter…….”What a beautiful perception of our religion-as being one which promotes friendship, knowledge, and wisdon for ALL MANKIND.
k) The Din-no-Kalmo (the translations of the Khordeh Avesta prayers are by the late T. R. Sethna.) prayer speaks of “….The good, righteous and complete religion which God has sent for the world……”
l) The Doa Tandarosti prayer prays(the translations of the Khordeh Avesta prayers are by the late T. R. Sethna.): “…. May the religion of Zarathushtra be a source of glory unto all mortals……”
WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON THE FACT THAT ZOROATRIANS ARE FAMED FOR THEIR HONESTY.ONE CANNOT HELP BUT WONDER HOW AN HONEST ZOROASTRIAN CAN TRUTHFULLY AND SINCERELY SAY THESE PRAYERS DAILY,OR WEEKLY, OR PERHAPS JUST ON GOOD OCCASIONS, AND YET INSIST THAT THE RELIGION PROHIBITS THE ADMISSION OF NON-ZOROASTRIANS.
Ms. Dina G.McIntyre further QUOTES the official written opinion No.466 issued in May,1983 by “THE COUNCIL OF MOBEDS OF TEHERAN IN IRAN”( in reply to a letter received by them from an Iranian Mobed, Bahram Shahzadi of the United States, a luminous soul regarding the acceptance of people into Zoroastrianism.) as follows:-
“….The Council discussed the contents of your letter at an official meeting.
“you have, in your detailed letter, asked the opinon of the Council regarding the acceptance of people into Zoroastrianism. Let us glimpse through Zoroastrian scriptures and find an answer to it”
The Council’s Opinion starts by quoting from the Gathas, and concludes:
“The above stanzas show that Asho Zarathushtra does not advocate force to spread the religion, but has kept it open for all……He has never reserved it for the Aryans, or for a particular caste of people.Yasna 46.12 shows that the religion had spread into the Turanian lands during Asho Zarathushtra’s lifetime. Becasue he praises Friyana a Turanian Chief who supported Mazdayasna”
The Council’s Opinion next gives references to later texts and concludes:
“The above citations show that the propagation and promotion of the religion is a meritorious deed….. If we Zoroastrians believe that our religion is one of the great living religions of the world and that it is beneficial to all the peoples of the world, we ……must accept persons who want to embrace the Zoroastrian religion”
This 1983 Opinion of the Council of Mobeds of Tehran is a shining example of courage,learning, and civility, in a community badly in need of such virtues.
Ms. McIntyre further quotes from the RIVAYATS TRANSLATED BY Professor K.D.Irani and Farrokh J. Vajifdar proving HER STAND that ZOROASTRIAN RELIGION IS UNIVERSAL
Finally, this great avesta scholar Ms. Dina G. McIntyre concludes very aptly as follows:
“In conclusion, whether we look to Zarathushtra’s own words in the Gathas, or to other ancient texts and prayers written long after Zarathushtra, or to our ancient traditions, laws, customs, religious opinions, and legends, all the available evidence supports the conclusion that the religion of Zarathushtra is universal, and open to all who may wish to join it. The proponents of exclusion have either ignored all this evidence, or they are not aware of it”
MY MILLION THANKS TO THIS GREAT AVESTA SCHOLAR Ms. DINA G. MCINTYRE FOR PUTTING IN GREAT EFFORTS AND QUOTING SO MANY OTHER LEARNED SCHOLARS AND DASTURJIS,PAST AND PRESENT.SHE HAS DONE YEOMEN SERVICE TO OUR ZOROASTRIAN RELIGION BY PUTTING THE ACTUAL FACTS BEFORE THE ZOROASTRIAN COMMUNITY, WHICH NO ONE CAN DENY THAT ZOROASTRIAN RELIGION IS UNIVERSAL.
THE PRESENT SIX DASTURS IN INDIA(Dasturs JamaspAsha, Feroze Kotwal, Khushroo Dastur, Peshotan Mirza, MeherjiRana and Cyrus Dastur, REFERRED TO BY B.P.P. AND WAPIZ AS THE ONLY HIGH PRIESTS AND LEARNED AVESTA SCHOLARS OF OUR ZOROASTRIAN COMMUNITY HAVE EXPRESSED THE OPINION THAT THE ABOVE FIVE ACTIVITIES THAT I AM DOING ARE IRRELIGIOUS AND FORBIDDEN BY THE RELIGION.BUT THE FACT THAT THEY SAY SO, DOES NOT MAKE IT SO. THEY HAVE TO CITE CHAPTER AND VERSE, AND THIS,TO DATE, THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO DO—NOT A SINGLE ANCIENT TEXT, OR PRAYER, OR LAW.
ALSO THE FOLLOWING AVESTA SCHOLARS HAVE SAID IN THEIR TRANSLATIONS OF GATHAS AND OTHER ZOROASTRIAN SCRIPTURES, IN THEIR LECTURES AND THE PAPERS PRESENTED AT VARIOUS CONFERENCES THAT ZOROASTRIAN RELIGION IS UNIVERSAL AND THAT ANY PERSON CAN FOLLOW IT .NO WHERE IT IS MENTIONED THAT IT IS FOR PARSEES ONLY.(YOU CAN REFER THEIR LECTURES, PAPERS PUBLISHED AND THE BOOKS THEY HAVE WRITTEN.( Contact me for more details on this)
1. LATE DASTUR DR. DHALLA
2. DASTUR DR. JEHAN BAGLI
3. DASTUR DR. KERSY ANTIA.
4. LATE DASTUR JAMASPASHA(grandfather of present Dastur JamaspAsha)
5. ERVAD DARIUS SETHNA.
6 Dr.PROF.STANLEY INSLER OF YALE UNIVERSITY.
7. LATE DASTUR N.D.MINOCHER HOMJI.
8. LATE DASTUR BODE.
9. PROF.NANAVUTTY.
10.PROF. HUMBACH.
11. PROF. IRANI K.D.
12. PROF. MILLS L. H.
13. PROF. T. R. SETHNA
14. PROF.SIDHWA.
15. PROF. TARAPOREWALA I.J.S.
16. DR.NASR.
17. DR.BEHRAMGORE T. ANKLESARIA.
18. PROF.S.J.BULSARA.
19. PROF.BAHMAN SOLHRAB SURTI
20. MOBED FIROUZ AZARGOSHASB
21. DR. HOMI DHALLA.
AND MANY MORE.THE LISTS IS ENDLESS (contact me for more names and references)
WAPIZ AND B.P.P. ALSO ALLEGES THAT I AM DOING THESE SO CALLED IRRELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES FOR HEFTY MONETARY GAINS.THIS IS NOT TRUE.
I just charge Rs.10,000/- for four days ceremonies of the dead including geh sarana,2 uthamnas,2 or 3 sarosh kardas, daham yazad, afargan, farokshi,etc. in south Mumbai. This amount includes the entire cost of sandlewood, loban, fruits, malido, transport charges, praying fees of mobeds, etc. INCLUDING ASHODADS.(I am sure no agyari does this in this amount. Normally they charge over Rs.15,000/-
Even for a navjote or wedding I do not charge more.I tell them to give any amount they wish and have accepted even Rs.500/- to Rs.1000/- as the total amount per wedding or navjote. In a number of cases I have and am performing free of cost the full navjote and wedding of poor Zoroastrians.(you may contact my clients and they will testify the same.)
HENCE THE CHARGES LEVELLED AGAINST ME IN WAPIZ PAGE THAT I AM DOING THIS FOR HUGE MONETARY GAINS IS TOTALLY FALSE AND MISCHIEVIOUS.
Now,How is this an irreligious practice of praying for the dead for the first four days. Once the soul comes out of the body and if I pray for the soul, what is so irreligious about it, whether the body is dokhmenashinied or cremated or buried, etc. The six Dasturs supported by B.P.P. and WAPIZ who object for the first four days ceremonies in fire temples and doongerwadi for those not dokhmenashinied , allow the religious ceremonies from fifth day in fire temples. Means that the soul whose body is not dokhmenashinied is punished for first four days and pardoned from fifth day?????? Most of the fire temples do this. NO LOGIC. Also where there are no dokhmas like in Delhi, Madras, Kanpur, etc. the first four days ceremonies are even performed in any agiary (or even at doongerwadi in Mumbai) for those who are cremated or buried…..?Where is this written? Why these double standards? If dokhmas are absolutely essential then why not built the same in Delhi, Madras, Kanpur, etc. where there are so many parsees residing.
As regards navjote of non-parsi father and parsi mother’s children and just ashirwad, i.e. blessings and not the full parsi wedding of a couple with one parsi spouse that I am doing, to justify my work, I am giving below the actual letter of 1903,written to Ervad Jivanji Jamshedji Modi,Secretary of the B.P.P. by Late Dasturji Kaikhusroo Jamaspji JamaspAsa(grandfather of the current Dasturji K. M. JamaspAsa),who had performed the Navjote of a French lady Suzanne and also solemnized her marriage with Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata(parents of JRD Tata), as per the Zoroastrian rites in 1903.
Bombay
5th Gatha 1272 y.z.
14th September 1903
Dear Shams-Ulema Ervad Jivanji Jamshedji Modi.
Secretary of the B.P.P.
Dear Sir,
You have requested me to give my opinion on whether or not to allow non-Zoroastrians to convert to Zoroastrianism.
In reply, I have to state that there is no bar in our religion,to accept non-Zoroastrian converts.Every Zoroastrian reciting his obligatory daily prayers, such as Khorshed and Meher Yashts, prays that our Mazdaysni religion may spread to all the Haftekeshwar Zamin.(i.e;. the seven regions of the world)
The athornans of days gone by did not just sit around wishing this(spread of religion)to come true,but traveled to distant lands to spread the Zoroastrian religion(Refer to Yasna 42.6).Such athornans met with opposition from many people(see Yasna 9.24).We have referred to only two passages from the innumerable in the Zoroastrian Scriptures confirming that the conversion of juddins to Zoroastrianism is permitted.
The second edition of Ervad Tehurasp Dinshahji Anklesaria’s “Treatise of the Conversion of Juddins into Mazdayasni Religion” has just been published,in which this able Ervad Saheb has quoted examples from Avesta,Pahlavi, and Persian Texts and we tatally agree with quotation/examples.In the second edition of “Passoxi Nirangi Javit Dinan” pubshed in 1252 Y.Z.(1883 A.D.) by our dear departed Dastur Jamaspji, further examples/quotations have been given concerning the conversion/acceptance of juddins into the Zoroastrian religion.
From the writings of Ervad Tehmurasp Anklesaria and our departed Dastur Jamaspji,it can be said that there is hardly any material left on this matter for further research by any scholar.Therefore rather than state more quotations/examples it is best that we give to your Sub-Committee these books referred to above.
Yours Sincerely,
Dastur Kaikhushroo Jamaspji JamaspAsa
As regards the navjotes done by us of Zoroastrians in Tajikistan,Uzbekistan,Moscow,St. Petersberg,etc. along with Dr. Meher Master Moos and others, I state the following :
When Zarthustra started the Zoroastrian religion in Iran around 3500 years back, all these countries namely Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Moscow, St.Petersberg, Kazakastan, Turkmenistan, etc. were in the large erstwhile IRAN EMPIRE. From that time for so many years they were following Zoroastrian religion.Then because of Arab invasion and later on because of communist rule in U.S.S.R. countries they were not allowed to follow Zoroastrian religion.(However a few of them were secretly following Zoroastrian religion) Now these countries got independence in September 1991 and hence they want to revive their old ancestral Zoroastrian religion.
Hence when we do the navjotes of such people of these countries, we are not CONVERTING but initiating them back into our Zoroastrian fold,as you can see that they are the original descendents of Zoroastrian Stock.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ABOUT THE SAME:
Thousands of years ago in Ariyana Vaeja,Pourushasp and Doghdo,the parents of Asho Spitama Zarathushtra lived on the banks of a river, presently known as the Dargoh river, flowing through Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, where the birth of our Holy Paegamber Saheb took place. These are the ancient historical lands of Saka, Chorasmia, Soghdia, Balkh and Bactria, where the historical events recorded in our Avestan texts of Yashts and Vendidad and the Shahnameh of Firdausi, actually occurred during the Peshdadian and Kyanian dynastry epochs.To the north is the Syr Daria river,to the South the Amu Darya, and in between the mighty zorovshon rolls its gold laden waters in to the orchards of Central Asia.Uzbekistan rightly lays claim to being the birthplace of Paegambar Zarthushtra and Tajikistan as being the place where He passed away from planet Earth. As is stated in the Avesta,Asho Zarathushtra from his birthplace in the North(what later became Sogdia and Uzbekistan) walked southwards to Balkh and Bactria to the Kyanian Kingdom of Kai Vishtasp, (what later became known as present day Tajikistan)
I had the good fortune to go to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan in September, 2006 and Moscow and St. Petersberg in June 2008, along with Dr. Meher Master Moos and other parsee Zoroastrian delegates. LATE MR. JAMSHED N. GUZDER HAD PARTLY SPONSORED THIS PROJECT BY GIVING RUPEES TWO LAKHS.HE ATTENDED AND APPLAUDED THE WORK THAT WE WERE DOING IN A FUNCTION AT ‘RUSSIAN CULTURAL CENTRE HALL IN MUMBAI ORGANISED BY DR.MOOS.LATE MR. RUSTOM TIRANDAZ ALSO ATTENDED THE FUNCTION KEPT IN MUMBAI AFTER WE CAME BACK FROM TAJIKISTAN AND UZBEKISTAN AND AFTER SEEING THE VIDEO RECORDINGS AND CDS.,PHOTOS,ETC.HE TOLD OPENLY AND LOUDLY IN THE HALL, THAT HE IS CONVINCED THAT ZOROASTRIANISM EXISTED AND AGAIN EXISTS IN TAJIKISTAN AND UZBEKISTAN,AND THAT HE FULLY SUPPORTS DR.MEHER MASTER MOOS,AND HER WORK IN THESE ARYANA VAEJA COUNTRIES.
We saw in Tajikistan the various excavation sites. We were amazed to see the excavated ATASH KADEH SITES, DOKHMA SITES. We also saw ASTODANS, KUSTI JANTARS, CHATRI, PAV MAHL ALAATS LIKE HAVNIM,LALO,SHAHNAMEH MANUSCRIPTS,OUR AVESTA PRAYER BOOKS, ETC.WELL PRESERVED IN SOME OLD HOUSES OF ZOROASTRIANS AND MUSEUMS. We have brought back a lot of C.Ds., live video recordings, photos, books, etc from there to show to anyone who wishes to have any more proofs.
We also saw Live play enacted called ‘ZARTHUSHTRA AND HIS LIFE HISTORY’ AT THEIR Republic day celebrations organised by the Government of Tajikistan. There it started with a person fully dressed as ZARTHUSHTRA WITH FIRE showing His life history. The President of Tajikistan was also present along with the dignitaries of other countries. Thousands of Zoroastrians present there applauded the same.
ANYONE CAN CONTACT US (ME OR DR.MEHER MASTER MOOS) TO REMOVE ANY DOUBT THAT HE/SHE MAY HAVE ABOUT THE EXISTENCE OF ZOROASTRIANISM IN THESE ARYAN VAEJA COUNTRIES
As regards the naver ceremony of Russian Zoroastrian Mr.(Herbad) Mikhail Chistyakov at Sanjan, I wish to state that we have not done anything wrong. The rule that a “son of a Parsee Zoroastrian athornan(from parsee priestly family) can only become a Naver “ applies to the PARSEE ZOROASTRIANS IN INDIA.It does not apply to NON-PARSEE ZOROASTRIANS IN ARYAN VAEJA COUNTRIES LIKE TAJIKISTAN,UZBEKISTAN,MOSCOW,ST.PETERSBERG,ETC,ETC.(also there is no such rule in the Avestan texts,and which in fact give equality of status to both men and women as ‘MAGHAVANS’-the original Avestan term for mobeds, means not only that a Zoroastrian man but a women can also be a mobed)For this reason we did not want to use any PARSEE TRUST PROPERTY LIKE AGIARY,WELL,BARASHNUM GAH,ETC. That is why we made arrangements at Sanjan, at the private property of Zoroastrian College owned by Dr. Meher Master Moos’s SBBS and Mazdayasni Monestree.Mikhail was ready and prepared for this ceremony. He has learnt by heart the required prayers and is a practicing NON-PARSEE Zoroastrian for the last so many years. If he had become a naver and had gone back to St. Petersberg WHAT HARM THIS WOULD HAVE BROUGHT TO THE PARSEE COMMUNITY IN INDIA? He would have used his priesthood to promote Zoroastrianism which already persists in his country. Their Zoroastrian Association members about 250 in number had collected the amount for his ceremony.
Unfortunately this good work which we were doing was stopped in the middle in my absence by so called 45 saviours of our Zoroastrian religion in an un-zoroastrian way, by destroying property, desecrating fire, attacking a lady (Dr. Moos)and a very respected, kind and mild Russian Zoroastrian(Mikhail) whose clothes were also torn and was made naked. I AM SURE PROPHET ZARTHUSTRA WILL GIVE JUSTICE AND WILL PUNISH THESE SO CALLED SAVIOURS OF OUR RELIGION.
The following line is mentioned in WAPIZ PAGE: (Free press journal dt.Sept.3, 2010 and B.P.P. Review dt.Sept.2010,vol.I)
"AIDING HER, IN HER ABSURD "CONVERSION" MISSION, IS DEFROCKED ROGUE PRIEST KHUSHROO MADON, WHO HAS BEEN OFFICIALLY DE-RECOGNISED BY HIS OWN ECCLESIASTICAL PANTH”
Just for the information of all I hereby state that I HAVE NEVER BEEN DEFROCKED.THERE IS NO ECCLESIASTICAL PANTH WHO CAN DEFROCK ME. I CONTINUE TO BE FULL FLEDGED PARSEE ZOROASTRIAN PRIEST AND AM PERFORMING ALL THE RELIGIOUS CEREMONIES AS A MOBED IN VARIOUS AGIARIES AND OTHER PLACES ALL OVER INDIA AND ABROAD EVEN FOR FULL PARSEES. I PERFORMED TEN DAYS MUKTAD CEREMONIES (FASLI,KADMI AND SHEHENSHAI MUKTADS) IN DIFFERENT AGIARIES THIS YEAR ALSO IN MARCH 2010, JULY 2010 AND AUGUST 2010 AND ALONG WITH ME OTHER RESPECTED 15 TO 20 MOBEDS AND THE PANTHAKIES OF VARIOUS AGYARIES ALSO DID AFERGAN AND FAROKSHI PRAYERS SITTING SIDE BY SIDE WITH ME IN VARIOUS AGIARIES IN MUMBAI. EVEN PRESENT DASTURJI FIROZ M. KOTWAL HAD DONE A NAVJOTE CEREMONY WITH ME AT SAHER AGYARI.
So to conclude, please note that I Ervad Khushroo Madon am a true upholder and believer of our Zoroastrian faith and its tenets, whatever I have been doing and saying is well within the principles of Zoroastrianism . All over the world including India these principles are being followed and honoured. Why ONLY IN MUMBAI have these tenets become un-Godly and disruptive? To force people on the pain of denial of 4 days prayers for the dead, to disrupt ceremonies like navjots and deny entrance in agiaries to the wives of those who have married outside, to deny them to see the faces of their loved ones(departed) who are in Bunglees-how much more inhuman can you get??? Sorry to say B.P.P. and WAPIZ are following the ill wind which is blowing across the world, where one religion throws Fatwas at the others and forces them to do so on pain of death or excommunication. I never thought that I would live to see the day when I and like minded Zarthostis will have to face such a day. Please note we are not against the other works the trustees and their team are doing–but throwing brickbats at those who disagree is against the sacred laws of our noble religion.
I hope I have given sufficient evidence to prove that all the above five activities that I am doing are not irreligious as alleged by the six dasturs supported by B.P.P. and WAPIZ.
IF ANY ONE WISHES TO CLARIFY WITH ME, REGARDING ANY POINT MENTIONED ABOVE HE OR SHE IS MOST WELCOMED TO DO SO.MY PHONE NOS. AND E MAIL IDS ARE GIVEN BELOW.
THANKING YOU AND HOPING THAT AFTER READING MY ABOVE EXPLANATION, YOU ARE CONVINCED THAT WHAT I AM DOING IS ABSOLUTELY RIGHT AND RELIGIOUS, WHICH IS GOOD FOR THE SURVIVAL OF OUR WONDERFUL RELIGION ZOROASTRIANISM, AND HENCE WILL SUPPORT ME ALWAYS.
Lastly the most important thing that i would like to do is to PROFUSELY THANK THOUSANDS OF MY SUPPORTERS.
MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
With warm regards,
ERVAD KHUSHROO FALI MADON.
PHONE NOS; 9820170794, 23698207, 66641640.
E MAIL IDS: khushroomadon@gmail.com; and falijimmy@hotmail.com
It would be a wecome change if instead of liberals and progressive elements offering comments on this topic at this stage, they allow the self styled traditionalists including those who have evolved a ‘new’ concept in interpreting freedom, to refute whatever Er. Madon has said in his long letter.
The latter element should bear in mind that if they choose to use words like ‘renegade’ against Er. Madon,then they would expose some eminent priests to being identically labelled and equated as renegades because they too have performed Navjotes of persons originally from other faiths in not too distant past.
“PARSI KHABAR”
Thanks for the publication,even though it is too long,running into eleven pages.
Ervad Khushroo Madon.
Dear readers of “PARSI KHABAR”.
Kindly give your valuable comments.I know my letter is too long but as I had to cover five topics you will understand.Thanking you all in advance for spending your valuable time in giving your comments.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL GOOD ZOROASTRIANS.
With warm regards,
Ervad Khushroo Madon.
Ervad Madon:
I totally agree that Sogdians, Bactrians, Margians etc in Central Asia used to be Iranian peoples as a matter of fact, and that most probably Zarathushtra lived around Balkh in modern day Afghanistan.
But I find it quite audacious to claim that Moscow and St Petersburg were part of any Iranian empire, not to say Aryan Vaeja.
I would suggest not to use this argument, which will lead to a battle on historical grounds that you will not be able to win in my opinion. And your opponents may counter-attack saying that you distort historical facts to suit your agenda. Sentences like “IN COUNTRIES LIKE TAJIKISTAN,UZBEKISTAN,MOSCOW,ST.PETERSBERG”, which mix countries and cities, might also be pointed out as gross inaccuracies.
Quibbling over this aspect will backfire at you, and will give your opponents a much needed relief from exposing scriptural evidences again acceptance.
That’s why I feel that a straight stand is the best option in your case: “All these quotes from the Scriptures clearly prove that anyone, no matter his/her origin, can be allowed into the Zoroastrian faith. So if those Russians want to do so, welcome to them!”
But I know, it’s easier to say that when you seat 7000km away from Bombay…
My point is not to critize your opinion or to support the BPP, but to give you my opinion on a pure tactical perspective.
It would be a wecome change if instead of liberals and progressive elements offering comments on this topic at this stage, they allow the self styled traditionalists including those who have evolved a ‘new’ concept in interpreting freedom, to refute whatever Er. Madon has said in his long letter.
The latter element should bear in mind that if they choose to use words like ‘renegade’ against Er. Madon,then they would expose some eminent priests to being identically labelled and equated as renegades because they too have performed Navjotes of persons originally from other faiths in not too distant past.
“PARSI KHABAR”
Thanks for the publication,even though it is too long,running into eleven pages.
Ervad Khushroo Madon.
Dear readers of “PARSI KHABAR”.
Kindly give your valuable comments.I know my letter is too long but as I had to cover five topics you will understand.Thanking you all in advance for spending your valuable time in giving your comments.MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL GOOD ZOROASTRIANS.
With warm regards,
Ervad Khushroo Madon.
Ervad Madon:
I totally agree that Sogdians, Bactrians, Margians etc in Central Asia used to be Iranian peoples as a matter of fact, and that most probably Zarathushtra lived around Balkh in modern day Afghanistan.
But I find it quite audacious to claim that Moscow and St Petersburg were part of any Iranian empire, not to say Aryan Vaeja.
I would suggest not to use this argument, which will lead to a battle on historical grounds that you will not be able to win in my opinion. And your opponents may counter-attack saying that you distort historical facts to suit your agenda. Sentences like “IN COUNTRIES LIKE TAJIKISTAN,UZBEKISTAN,MOSCOW,ST.PETERSBERG”, which mix countries and cities, might also be pointed out as gross inaccuracies.
Quibbling over this aspect will backfire at you, and will give your opponents a much needed relief from exposing scriptural evidences again acceptance.
That’s why I feel that a straight stand is the best option in your case: “All these quotes from the Scriptures clearly prove that anyone, no matter his/her origin, can be allowed into the Zoroastrian faith. So if those Russians want to do so, welcome to them!”
But I know, it’s easier to say that when you seat 7000km away from Bombay…
My point is not to critize your opinion or to support the BPP, but to give you my opinion on a pure tactical perspective.
Dorabji,
Based on past experience it would be naïve for us to believe that any genuine Scholar Priests would venture to contradict and rebut many of the points raised by Khushru Madon. Most likely some pseudo scholars who daily warm up benches in DPC Fire Temple and call others as bird brains and ‘lacking Maddo’ would venture to deviate from the salient points and tire us out mixing with some historical traditions as religious tenets. You will surely recollect that a few months ago a lady pointed out an article by Rishad Naoroji in this very blog and she was heaped a sermon like ‘hear both sides of the story’ and ‘you ought to have been present at the meeting where Khojeste demolished (!) all that was written in Jame’…etc etc. At that time FPJ WAPIZ page was the only ‘authentic’ ( !) ‘source’ of ‘news’ according to such pseudo Scholars.
Such elements treat those who are rational as anti religion and have caustically remarked that ‘such ‘deformists’ arel soon going to take over the bpp, though they failed in all over previous tries, they can still keep on trying till they are dead’. That is the standard of ‘courtesy and politeness’ displayed so far by so called Orthodox – a term misused , mauled and made out of shape.
So Dorab, I expect nothing positive as you seem to expect.
None the less, for the present I too will not offer any comments on K. Madon’s letter (though I have heard many complimentary things about him) and await the for a counter reply from the ‘preservers’ of our Religion.
Dastoorji Madon,
Keep up the good work of Ahura Mazda. Your letter is giving indeed a wonderful detailed explaintion to the false charges leveled against you. You are a true Asho Zarathushtra follower.
KHSHNAOTHRE AHURAHE MAZDAO
Dorabji,
Based on past experience it would be naïve for us to believe that any genuine Scholar Priests would venture to contradict and rebut many of the points raised by Khushru Madon. Most likely some pseudo scholars who daily warm up benches in DPC Fire Temple and call others as bird brains and ‘lacking Maddo’ would venture to deviate from the salient points and tire us out mixing with some historical traditions as religious tenets. You will surely recollect that a few months ago a lady pointed out an article by Rishad Naoroji in this very blog and she was heaped a sermon like ‘hear both sides of the story’ and ‘you ought to have been present at the meeting where Khojeste demolished (!) all that was written in Jame’…etc etc. At that time FPJ WAPIZ page was the only ‘authentic’ ( !) ‘source’ of ‘news’ according to such pseudo Scholars.
Such elements treat those who are rational as anti religion and have caustically remarked that ‘such ‘deformists’ arel soon going to take over the bpp, though they failed in all over previous tries, they can still keep on trying till they are dead’. That is the standard of ‘courtesy and politeness’ displayed so far by so called Orthodox – a term misused , mauled and made out of shape.
So Dorab, I expect nothing positive as you seem to expect.
None the less, for the present I too will not offer any comments on K. Madon’s letter (though I have heard many complimentary things about him) and await the for a counter reply from the ‘preservers’ of our Religion.
Dastoorji Madon,
Keep up the good work of Ahura Mazda. Your letter is giving indeed a wonderful detailed explaintion to the false charges leveled against you. You are a true Asho Zarathushtra follower.
KHSHNAOTHRE AHURAHE MAZDAO
Dear Er. Khushroo Madon,
I fully support your views cent percent.
You have quoted from various prayers, paras from our Avesta where Zoroastrianism enjoins conversion.
Those who oppose you are not aware of their own Prayers & Religion or are just sitting tight with their bloated Egos.
Dear Ervad Khushroo Madon
I salute you for your stance against these radicals. Zoroastrianism is not only for Parsees but for any decent human who would like to embrace this wonderful faith.
BPP and WAPIZ can only exist or survive in Mumbai; not for long I hope. They are stuck in a different time frame.
Keep up the good work. God Bless!
Manek
Dear Er. Khushroo Madon,
I fully support your views cent percent.
You have quoted from various prayers, paras from our Avesta where Zoroastrianism enjoins conversion.
Those who oppose you are not aware of their own Prayers & Religion or are just sitting tight with their bloated Egos.
Dear Ervad Khushroo Madon
I salute you for your stance against these radicals. Zoroastrianism is not only for Parsees but for any decent human who would like to embrace this wonderful faith.
BPP and WAPIZ can only exist or survive in Mumbai; not for long I hope. They are stuck in a different time frame.
Keep up the good work. God Bless!
Manek
Is there a ECCLESIASTICAL PANTH in our Community? I am not aware of it. If Er.Mdan has been ‘defrocked’ where is the ‘Resolution’ of the ecclesiastical panth?. Any one who has read it or a copy of it should favour all other boarders here by providing the same here.
Er.Madan, FPJ’s paid advertisement carries derogatory articles against any person who does not agree with them.They have tried to ridicule several persons of repute by writing obnoxious nonsense against them. Wonder of wonders, why no one has sent a legal Notice to printer and publisher for printing lies? There is Advertisement Standards Council and you ought to address a complaint to them for defaming you. Besides Er. Madan can send a legal notice for vilifying him and then pursue with a Court case.
Is there a ECCLESIASTICAL PANTH in our Community? I am not aware of it. If Er.Mdan has been ‘defrocked’ where is the ‘Resolution’ of the ecclesiastical panth?. Any one who has read it or a copy of it should favour all other boarders here by providing the same here.
Er.Madan, FPJ’s paid advertisement carries derogatory articles against any person who does not agree with them.They have tried to ridicule several persons of repute by writing obnoxious nonsense against them. Wonder of wonders, why no one has sent a legal Notice to printer and publisher for printing lies? There is Advertisement Standards Council and you ought to address a complaint to them for defaming you. Besides Er. Madan can send a legal notice for vilifying him and then pursue with a Court case.
ONE IS AT A LOSS TO UNDERSTAND WHY THE COMMUNITY MEDIA (BOTH CONFORMIST & REFORMIST)HAVE BLACKED OUT THE NEWS OF A STAUNCH ORTYHODOX SCHOLAR PRIEST FROM PARSI COMMUNITY PRESENTLY IN MAINZ UNIVERSITY IN GERMANY HAS PRAISED DR. ALI JAFFREY.
BECAUSE THE MAJORITY OF THE COMMUNITY CONSISTS OF ELDERLY WHO ARE NOT ON THE INTERNET, THE SELF APPOINTED CENSORS HAVE SUCCEDED IN SUPRESSING THIS FACT SO FAR.
WILL THE NEXT ISSUE OF FREE PRESS JOURNAL ADVT PAGE ‘CONDEMN’ THIS ERVAD?
FACTS ARE FACTS,HOWSOEVER INCONVENIENT AND THE INFORMATION HAS TO BE SPREAD ALL AROUND. SORRY TO SAY PARSI MEDIA HAS NOT LIVED UPTO THE EXPECTATIONS OF AN ENLIGHTENED COMMUNITY. THATS PLAIN TRUTH.
OR DO WE HAVE ONE RULE FOR PERSONS LIKE ER. MADON AND ANOTHER FOR ER. FROM MAINZ????
ONE IS AT A LOSS TO UNDERSTAND WHY THE COMMUNITY MEDIA (BOTH CONFORMIST & REFORMIST)HAVE BLACKED OUT THE NEWS OF A STAUNCH ORTYHODOX SCHOLAR PRIEST FROM PARSI COMMUNITY PRESENTLY IN MAINZ UNIVERSITY IN GERMANY HAS PRAISED DR. ALI JAFFREY.
BECAUSE THE MAJORITY OF THE COMMUNITY CONSISTS OF ELDERLY WHO ARE NOT ON THE INTERNET, THE SELF APPOINTED CENSORS HAVE SUCCEDED IN SUPRESSING THIS FACT SO FAR.
WILL THE NEXT ISSUE OF FREE PRESS JOURNAL ADVT PAGE ‘CONDEMN‘ THIS ERVAD?
FACTS ARE FACTS,HOWSOEVER INCONVENIENT AND THE INFORMATION HAS TO BE SPREAD ALL AROUND. SORRY TO SAY PARSI MEDIA HAS NOT LIVED UPTO THE EXPECTATIONS OF AN ENLIGHTENED COMMUNITY. THATS PLAIN TRUTH.
OR DO WE HAVE ONE RULE FOR PERSONS LIKE ER. MADON AND ANOTHER FOR ER. FROM MAINZ????
I am half a Parsi, and contrary to what most people think, there are many like me, who love respect and revere the religion we follow. There is nothing that we would not do for it. We religiously say our prayers everyday, wear the Sadrah and Kusti everyday, and cherish the Khordeh Avesta, Sadrah and Kusti and Atash more than any other thing we have. We know about the religion, know what we say every time we read a prayer from the Khordeh Avesta and we try to live by the words we utter when we prayer.
The BPP and other organizations have materialized into what one could call self proclaimed dissidents. They, along with a few other “learned” Dasturji’s have fired umpteen amounts of flak on Khushroo Madon, which is absolutely unjustified. They condemn him for performing Navjotes of mixed marriage children, performing the funeral prayers of the dead who marry outside or are cremated and have gone so far as to even objecting to him performing the Navjotes of those in other countries. By Zorastrian Law, in Iran, conversions are allowed by the Council of Mobeds, Tehran. How the Navjotes of Zoroastrians in Aryan Vaeja countries affects the BPP is something strange, because the BPP is just a trustee of land and funds – not a religious authority. Iranian Zorastrians represent a more purer form as far as customs and traditions go, because they remained in Iran, and did not have to adapt and make sacrifices like the Parsis did when they came to Sanjan. Iranian law allows the conversions, so who is the BPP to object to it?
When the scriptures permit something, the BPP cannot override it!! The scriptures were written by Zarathustra. The BPP is not larger than the Prophet himself. So are we actually going to be blinded cattle and regard the BPP’s word as Law? Do we page paro to Ahura Mazda and Zarathustra or the BPP? The scriptures have tons of evidence in favour of what Dasturji Madon does. The BPP and other Dasturs are hanging onto a few lines or verses, which have been mistranslated or misunderstood. I doubt that the Gathas both approve of and disapprove conversions.
Within the BPP and other organizations, there are many examples of double standards. The “law” is bent to suit their convenience. So many Dastuji’s who support the BPP, turn a blind eye to the issues in their own homes, for instance when their own nieces marry a non Parsi. The compulsion to marry within the community is not a requirement. It is the creation of the Parsis ( N.B. there’s a difference between a Parsi and an Irani Zorastrian) We must understand, that when the Parsi’s came to Sanjan, they had to swear to abide by the law, not fight with anyone, not convert the locals and so on. (In addition) they had to adopt the garments of the land. Origninally, conversions used to happen. The Shahnameh has examples of inter marriage and much more. They weren’t scorned or looked down upon. So why should we?
There has been a very slow, but formidably high level of corruption and misinterpretation of the rules of Zoroastrianism. Till now, nobody has questioned the logic or truth behind what is being preached. Now people are beginning to get exposed to things that make them question the truth behind what the BPP and other Dastujis claim. Some Parsi’s actually pray for hours in the Agiary, bows down in front of every painting or photograph and moments later do scandolous things like insult mixed marriage children in the Agiary itself, throw things at lectures, use foul language and behave in a repugnant manner, which is entirely UN-ZOROASTRIAN.
Dastuji Madon recites prayers with a level of fervor that I have never seen. He is one of the few Dasturji’s who can actually cite examples from the texts of the Zorastrians and prove whatever he claims., unlike most orthodox Dasturs who claim to be authorities and can’t even make a logical or factual argument. He utters every word with feeling and respects for the prayers.
He clearly hasn’t done anything wrong by praying for the dead who are cremated. A dead person deserves the Last Rites. It is an inhumane thing and a great injustice when we deny a dead person the Last Rites. A cremated Parsi does violate, if that word can be used, the law when he is burnt, but what about the Parsi’s who heap injustices, malice and slandour on others who are doing the right thing? They condemn, ostracize, disrespect and blacklist those fighting for the truth. A cremated Parsi only contributes to a bit of smoke pollution- but someone who vioaltes all the three tenets, supports falseness and does the wrong thing just because it suits or is beneficial to him / her, is guilty of so much more. A true Zorastrian fights for the truth, for truth’s sake, because he loves the truth. This is the basic meaning of the Ashem Vohu prayer. There’s no glory to be had by tying your Kusti and sayign prayers learned by rote if you will not live by the Words you utter.
Similarly, theres nothing wrong if a woman marries outside the community. She remains a Zorastrian. Just because she lives with a non Zorastrian, one cannot deny her entry to the Agiary. Nor can one deny her of the right to be blessed by a Dasturji. She is a Parsi, and thats good enough. She respects and loves her faith. What empowers anyone to snatch away her birthrights?
The Trustee’s of our religion have seized more power than was due to them, and resent the check that is being made on them. They have no say in religious matters. They cannot patronize Dasturs who share their opinion and ban Dasturjis who do not. They claim to be true Parsi’s and a ton of Hogwash, but by forcing their will on others, they are not anywhere close to our predecessors who were tolerant, honourable and who argued with dignity, to say the least.
I am half a Parsi, and contrary to what most people think, there are many like me, who love respect and revere the religion we follow. There is nothing that we would not do for it. We religiously say our prayers everyday, wear the Sadrah and Kusti everyday, and cherish the Khordeh Avesta, Sadrah and Kusti and Atash more than any other thing we have. We know about the religion, know what we say every time we read a prayer from the Khordeh Avesta and we try to live by the words we utter when we prayer.
The BPP and other organizations have materialized into what one could call self proclaimed dissidents. They, along with a few other “learned” Dasturji’s have fired umpteen amounts of flak on Khushroo Madon, which is absolutely unjustified. They condemn him for performing Navjotes of mixed marriage children, performing the funeral prayers of the dead who marry outside or are cremated and have gone so far as to even objecting to him performing the Navjotes of those in other countries. By Zorastrian Law, in Iran, conversions are allowed by the Council of Mobeds, Tehran. How the Navjotes of Zoroastrians in Aryan Vaeja countries affects the BPP is something strange, because the BPP is just a trustee of land and funds – not a religious authority. Iranian Zorastrians represent a more purer form as far as customs and traditions go, because they remained in Iran, and did not have to adapt and make sacrifices like the Parsis did when they came to Sanjan. Iranian law allows the conversions, so who is the BPP to object to it?
When the scriptures permit something, the BPP cannot override it!! The scriptures were written by Zarathustra. The BPP is not larger than the Prophet himself. So are we actually going to be blinded cattle and regard the BPP’s word as Law? Do we page paro to Ahura Mazda and Zarathustra or the BPP? The scriptures have tons of evidence in favour of what Dasturji Madon does. The BPP and other Dasturs are hanging onto a few lines or verses, which have been mistranslated or misunderstood. I doubt that the Gathas both approve of and disapprove conversions.
Within the BPP and other organizations, there are many examples of double standards. The “law” is bent to suit their convenience. So many Dastuji’s who support the BPP, turn a blind eye to the issues in their own homes, for instance when their own nieces marry a non Parsi. The compulsion to marry within the community is not a requirement. It is the creation of the Parsis ( N.B. there’s a difference between a Parsi and an Irani Zorastrian) We must understand, that when the Parsi’s came to Sanjan, they had to swear to abide by the law, not fight with anyone, not convert the locals and so on. (In addition) they had to adopt the garments of the land. Origninally, conversions used to happen. The Shahnameh has examples of inter marriage and much more. They weren’t scorned or looked down upon. So why should we?
There has been a very slow, but formidably high level of corruption and misinterpretation of the rules of Zoroastrianism. Till now, nobody has questioned the logic or truth behind what is being preached. Now people are beginning to get exposed to things that make them question the truth behind what the BPP and other Dastujis claim. Some Parsi’s actually pray for hours in the Agiary, bows down in front of every painting or photograph and moments later do scandolous things like insult mixed marriage children in the Agiary itself, throw things at lectures, use foul language and behave in a repugnant manner, which is entirely UN-ZOROASTRIAN.
Dastuji Madon recites prayers with a level of fervor that I have never seen. He is one of the few Dasturji’s who can actually cite examples from the texts of the Zorastrians and prove whatever he claims., unlike most orthodox Dasturs who claim to be authorities and can’t even make a logical or factual argument. He utters every word with feeling and respects for the prayers.
He clearly hasn’t done anything wrong by praying for the dead who are cremated. A dead person deserves the Last Rites. It is an inhumane thing and a great injustice when we deny a dead person the Last Rites. A cremated Parsi does violate, if that word can be used, the law when he is burnt, but what about the Parsi’s who heap injustices, malice and slandour on others who are doing the right thing? They condemn, ostracize, disrespect and blacklist those fighting for the truth. A cremated Parsi only contributes to a bit of smoke pollution- but someone who vioaltes all the three tenets, supports falseness and does the wrong thing just because it suits or is beneficial to him / her, is guilty of so much more. A true Zorastrian fights for the truth, for truth’s sake, because he loves the truth. This is the basic meaning of the Ashem Vohu prayer. There’s no glory to be had by tying your Kusti and sayign prayers learned by rote if you will not live by the Words you utter.
Similarly, theres nothing wrong if a woman marries outside the community. She remains a Zorastrian. Just because she lives with a non Zorastrian, one cannot deny her entry to the Agiary. Nor can one deny her of the right to be blessed by a Dasturji. She is a Parsi, and thats good enough. She respects and loves her faith. What empowers anyone to snatch away her birthrights?
The Trustee’s of our religion have seized more power than was due to them, and resent the check that is being made on them. They have no say in religious matters. They cannot patronize Dasturs who share their opinion and ban Dasturjis who do not. They claim to be true Parsi’s and a ton of Hogwash, but by forcing their will on others, they are not anywhere close to our predecessors who were tolerant, honourable and who argued with dignity, to say the least.
Dear Sir/Mdm,
We Parsis have been known to be cultured and civil people. But lately the only news I read about in the community magazines is that of people maligning each other. The articles that particularly upset me are those describing Ervad Khushroo Madon as some sort of criminal.
Upsetting because I have known Mr. Madon from my childhood days not just as a ‘Dasturji’ but also as a wonderful and kind human being. It is very disturbing and painful to know how a senior and well-respected priest as he is being cornered by those in power.
I have had the fortune of being blessed by Mr. Madon for my wedding and would like to go on record to say that he gracefully accepted whatever amount was paid to him. Not once did he quote any figure for conducting the ceremony. The charges levelled against Mr. Madon that he is conducting navjotes and marriage ceremonies for huge monetary gains is totally false and only done with the intention to malign him.
Whatever happened to the teaching of our Lord Zarathustra of Good Thoughts. Good Words. Good Deeds? How about practising them before you preach? What’s with the double standards?
I have immense respect for Mr. Madon for the courage with which he’s fighting this lone battle. He’s fighting for a much greater cause here – The future and existence of our very community. Wake up guys.
– Kainaz Corda
” ONE IS AT A LOSS TO UNDERSTAND WHY THE COMMUNITY MEDIA (BOTH CONFORMIST & REFORMIST)HAVE BLACKED OUT THE NEWS OF A STAUNCH ORTYHODOX SCHOLAR PRIEST FROM PARSI COMMUNITY PRESENTLY IN MAINZ UNIVERSITY IN GERMANY HAS PRAISED DR. ALI JAFFREY.”
Boman, aren’t you talking about aapra respected Dr. Pallan Ichaporia who writes on tenet pages ? ….;)
Herez what he has written in an open letter to DR. ALI JAFFREY.
Although we have had several different opinions, I have to say that Jafarey’s knowledge far out class all the cult followers like Illeme Xsnum and Pundolites.
At my university in Germany and at several European conferences I attain there is general consensus that Zoroastrianism will survive world wide by efforts of people like Ali Jafarey and I agree to this thinking.
I wish him good luck.
Best wishes,
Dr. Pallan Ichaporia,Ph.D., D.Phil
Asst to Prof.Helmut Humbach
Mainz Universitat, Germany
Dear Sir/Mdm,
We Parsis have been known to be cultured and civil people. But lately the only news I read about in the community magazines is that of people maligning each other. The articles that particularly upset me are those describing Ervad Khushroo Madon as some sort of criminal.
Upsetting because I have known Mr. Madon from my childhood days not just as a ‘Dasturji’ but also as a wonderful and kind human being. It is very disturbing and painful to know how a senior and well-respected priest as he is being cornered by those in power.
I have had the fortune of being blessed by Mr. Madon for my wedding and would like to go on record to say that he gracefully accepted whatever amount was paid to him. Not once did he quote any figure for conducting the ceremony. The charges levelled against Mr. Madon that he is conducting navjotes and marriage ceremonies for huge monetary gains is totally false and only done with the intention to malign him.
Whatever happened to the teaching of our Lord Zarathustra of Good Thoughts. Good Words. Good Deeds? How about practising them before you preach? What’s with the double standards?
I have immense respect for Mr. Madon for the courage with which he’s fighting this lone battle. He’s fighting for a much greater cause here – The future and existence of our very community. Wake up guys.
– Kainaz Corda
” ONE IS AT A LOSS TO UNDERSTAND WHY THE COMMUNITY MEDIA (BOTH CONFORMIST & REFORMIST)HAVE BLACKED OUT THE NEWS OF A STAUNCH ORTYHODOX SCHOLAR PRIEST FROM PARSI COMMUNITY PRESENTLY IN MAINZ UNIVERSITY IN GERMANY HAS PRAISED DR. ALI JAFFREY.”
Boman, aren’t you talking about aapra respected Dr. Pallan Ichaporia who writes on tenet pages ? ….;)
Herez what he has written in an open letter to DR. ALI JAFFREY.
Although we have had several different opinions, I have to say that Jafarey’s knowledge far out class all the cult followers like Illeme Xsnum and Pundolites.
At my university in Germany and at several European conferences I attain there is general consensus that Zoroastrianism will survive world wide by efforts of people like Ali Jafarey and I agree to this thinking.
I wish him good luck.
Best wishes,
Dr. Pallan Ichaporia,Ph.D., D.Phil
Asst to Prof.Helmut Humbach
Mainz Universitat, Germany
As I am not having scriptural texts at my disposal, I an unable to refute Madon’s logic but as a person brought up with orthodox leanings, I am shocked that no Parsse Scholar or priest has come out to challenge the arguments put forth by Madon on this forum.
Why are such scholars, and I understand there are many, have chosen to remain silent spectators. This gives a feeling that what ever Madon has said is truth and is supported by scriptures.Our own present day Meherjirana and other high priests should be on the forefront in this matter.
Their silence is intriguing the orthodox sections.My neighbours and acquaintances who know about my staunch traditional views are now mocking at me and certainly other like me would be in identical predicament. Speak up my fellow Zoroastrians if you love your faith.Please, I implore.
As I am not having scriptural texts at my disposal, I an unable to refute Madon’s logic but as a person brought up with orthodox leanings, I am shocked that no Parsse Scholar or priest has come out to challenge the arguments put forth by Madon on this forum.
Why are such scholars, and I understand there are many, have chosen to remain silent spectators. This gives a feeling that what ever Madon has said is truth and is supported by scriptures.Our own present day Meherjirana and other high priests should be on the forefront in this matter.
Their silence is intriguing the orthodox sections.My neighbours and acquaintances who know about my staunch traditional views are now mocking at me and certainly other like me would be in identical predicament. Speak up my fellow Zoroastrians if you love your faith.Please, I implore.
@Farzana,
Right you are. It is my practice to write in a teaser language to arouse curiosity. In an age of internet, the glee of in subjugating a Weekly community news paper has been too temporary.
@ Icchaporia, Sir, those who ‘specialize’ in using brawn over brains is the new description/definition of claimants to Orthodoxy. In our community who are slur on the word Orthodoxy. The fact that not a single person has picked up the challenge of Er. Madon is a left handed ‘tribute’ to ‘feku’ Scholars. Out of apprehension of getting exposed, those whom you may be adoring have opted to remain silent. After all your group won in 2008 and so you are in ‘MAJORITY’- right? So bask in that glory.
@Farzana,
Right you are. It is my practice to write in a teaser language to arouse curiosity. In an age of internet, the glee of in subjugating a Weekly community news paper has been too temporary.
@ Icchaporia, Sir, those who ‘specialize’ in using brawn over brains is the new description/definition of claimants to Orthodoxy. In our community who are slur on the word Orthodoxy. The fact that not a single person has picked up the challenge of Er. Madon is a left handed ‘tribute’ to ‘feku’ Scholars. Out of apprehension of getting exposed, those whom you may be adoring have opted to remain silent. After all your group won in 2008 and so you are in ‘MAJORITY’- right? So bask in that glory.
Some time back, a blogger who thinks he is a Scholar on Zoroastrianism, said that ‘thanks to WAPIZ page, the community refuses to be’ to misled by the then Jame ‘rag’.
Well Mr.Boman,after reading your post,I am tempted to modify this by saying that thanks to Parsiana, Parsi Khabar and the internet, the community refuses to be brainwashed by FPJ rag carrying trash and defamatory write ups.
I am not a parsi but a muslim and as such, you may deny me my intercession with my humble opinion on the topic of “I AM NOT IRRELIGIOUS” by Ervad Khushroo Madon, but nobody can deny me the pride and respect I have for the honourable parsi community and it’s great Zoroastrian religion. I applaud Mr Madon’s courageous efforts to guide and consolidate the members of the faith.
However the recent turbulence and rumblings within the BPP (Bombay Parsi Panchayet) and WAPIZ (World Alliance of Parsi and Irani Zarthosthis) against Ervad Khushroo Madon, as reflected in the national press and Internet cyberspace, are a source of much sorrow and unease to outsiders like me who have the best wishes at heart for the parsi community.
I would hate to see it’s fragmentation due to the BPP & WAPIZ differences with Ervad Khushroo Madon, especially in matters of conversion.
Intransigence in accepting outsiders into the Zoroastrian fold through inter-marriage has contributed to the alarming decimation of an already dwindling parsi population. It’s a gradual tragedy in the making, a tremendous damage to the community and a great loss to the world at large.
Parsis have rightly earned universal admiration, love and respect by their great achievements in all fields, especially in making Bombay//Mumbai a great city and financial capital of India.
The parsi character is synonymous with class, culture, honesty and integrity. To now see this great community riven by anachronistic views and vicious infighting amongst it’s religious leaders is indeed very sad.
It’s time to move on….with Good thoughts, Good words and Good deeds.
I most humbly hope and pray for a rapprochement amongst warring parsi priests, in the interest, growth and prosperity of your wonderful society.
With best wishes,
M. Reza Beg.
Bombay/Mumbai, India.
*****************************************************************************
Some time back, a blogger who thinks he is a Scholar on Zoroastrianism, said that ‘thanks to WAPIZ page, the community refuses to be’ to misled by the then Jame ‘rag’.
Well Mr.Boman,after reading your post,I am tempted to modify this by saying that thanks to Parsiana, Parsi Khabar and the internet, the community refuses to be brainwashed by FPJ rag carrying trash and defamatory write ups.
I am not a parsi but a muslim and as such, you may deny me my intercession with my humble opinion on the topic of “I AM NOT IRRELIGIOUS” by Ervad Khushroo Madon, but nobody can deny me the pride and respect I have for the honourable parsi community and it’s great Zoroastrian religion. I applaud Mr Madon’s courageous efforts to guide and consolidate the members of the faith.
However the recent turbulence and rumblings within the BPP (Bombay Parsi Panchayet) and WAPIZ (World Alliance of Parsi and Irani Zarthosthis) against Ervad Khushroo Madon, as reflected in the national press and Internet cyberspace, are a source of much sorrow and unease to outsiders like me who have the best wishes at heart for the parsi community.
I would hate to see it’s fragmentation due to the BPP & WAPIZ differences with Ervad Khushroo Madon, especially in matters of conversion.
Intransigence in accepting outsiders into the Zoroastrian fold through inter-marriage has contributed to the alarming decimation of an already dwindling parsi population. It’s a gradual tragedy in the making, a tremendous damage to the community and a great loss to the world at large.
Parsis have rightly earned universal admiration, love and respect by their great achievements in all fields, especially in making Bombay//Mumbai a great city and financial capital of India.
The parsi character is synonymous with class, culture, honesty and integrity. To now see this great community riven by anachronistic views and vicious infighting amongst it’s religious leaders is indeed very sad.
It’s time to move on….with Good thoughts, Good words and Good deeds.
I most humbly hope and pray for a rapprochement amongst warring parsi priests, in the interest, growth and prosperity of your wonderful society.
With best wishes,
M. Reza Beg.
Bombay/Mumbai, India.
*****************************************************************************
Dorab,
Your post of the 11th makes mention of Parsiana, Parsi Khabar and the internet. Just to inform you that ARZ too has started their website, arzglobal.com. Hope it becomes interactive.
Dorab,
Your post of the 11th makes mention of Parsiana, Parsi Khabar and the internet. Just to inform you that ARZ too has started their website, arzglobal.com. Hope it becomes interactive.
Some 13 days or so ago, I had requested the liberals to refrain from commenting on this subject and allow space to those who constantly claim to be orthodox, to refute whatever Er. Madon has stated in his lengthy communiqué.
Yes, Mr./Ms.R Kayani, I was too optimistic and you have proved correct. Those who claim to protect and preserve (probably IGNORANCE) have shown their inability to counter/refute whatever Er. Madon has stated.
Silence of these, otherwise loudmouths show them in utter poor light as helpless individuals bereft of authentic religious knowledge.Their only avocation is to sit on benches of Fire Temples and do verbal fault finding of other humdins.
Out of 18 messages on this portal, not a solitary one against or pointing our inaccuracies in what Er. Madon has stated. This is a ‘tribute’ to those who often browbeat others by twisting and distorting Tenets of our religion to suit their selfish ends to ‘rule’ and lord over a common Zoroastrian.
These sham Scholars stand badly exposed.
Some 13 days or so ago, I had requested the liberals to refrain from commenting on this subject and allow space to those who constantly claim to be orthodox, to refute whatever Er. Madon has stated in his lengthy communiqué.
Yes, Mr./Ms.R Kayani, I was too optimistic and you have proved correct. Those who claim to protect and preserve (probably IGNORANCE) have shown their inability to counter/refute whatever Er. Madon has stated.
Silence of these, otherwise loudmouths show them in utter poor light as helpless individuals bereft of authentic religious knowledge.Their only avocation is to sit on benches of Fire Temples and do verbal fault finding of other humdins.
Out of 18 messages on this portal, not a solitary one against or pointing our inaccuracies in what Er. Madon has stated. This is a ‘tribute’ to those who often browbeat others by twisting and distorting Tenets of our religion to suit their selfish ends to ‘rule’ and lord over a common Zoroastrian.
These sham Scholars stand badly exposed.
As a well meaning non-parsi, I beg your indulgence in my interlocution in this dialogue. I am a great admirer of the wonderful parsi community and even as I am not qualified or wish to comment on religious tenets, it pains me to read the appparently anachronistic views and attitude of high priests who appear to be still living in a jurassic age and mentality. Instead of taking pragmatic steps to prevent the tragic disintegration of their dying out community, the BPP and WAPIZ seem to be flaunting a high moral posture to the detriment of parsis, with their impractical rigidity in todays global village.
For reasons best known to parsis, inter-marriage is a reality and, in my humble opinion, should be a welcome opportunity to assimilate more people into the great Zoroastrian faith.
May your tribe increase.
As a well meaning non-parsi, I beg your indulgence in my interlocution in this dialogue. I am a great admirer of the wonderful parsi community and even as I am not qualified or wish to comment on religious tenets, it pains me to read the appparently anachronistic views and attitude of high priests who appear to be still living in a jurassic age and mentality. Instead of taking pragmatic steps to prevent the tragic disintegration of their dying out community, the BPP and WAPIZ seem to be flaunting a high moral posture to the detriment of parsis, with their impractical rigidity in todays global village.
For reasons best known to parsis, inter-marriage is a reality and, in my humble opinion, should be a welcome opportunity to assimilate more people into the great Zoroastrian faith.
May your tribe increase.
Reading the controversies in the Parsi community I have decided to bring forth before the Parsi community our true story:
I am a Hindu. My mother is a Hindu. My father is a Parsi.
Though my father is a Parsi, I am an ardent follower of Hinduism. My brother Ardeshir is also a Hindu. My mother, a Hindu, gave us the Hindu culture. There was no element of “CONVERSION” because since my mother is a Hindu, my brother and I had full right to follow Hinduism. As teenagers we had developed hatred for the Parsis because in a religious ‘Jashan’ in the house, our dear mother was asked not to touch the fruits and the flowers. She was also told not to be present in the same room !!
A Hindu Panditji performs all Hindu religious ceremonies in our family, and all the members of our family actively participate in the religious ceremonies. My father who is a Parsi is not discriminated against.
My brother Ardeshir married Jennet, a roman catholic Christian girl. Both of them now follow Christianity. Surely their child would also be a Christian. In my brother’s case too there was no “CONVERSION” since the couple voluntarily decided to follow the religion of the bride.
The mentality of Parsis generally, will totally destroy them.
I have read Dastur Ervad Khushru Madon’s article.
Good Luck to you !! You are perhaps the only hope for the survival of the Parsis in India.
Regards,
ASHA
Reading the controversies in the Parsi community I have decided to bring forth before the Parsi community our true story:
I am a Hindu. My mother is a Hindu. My father is a Parsi.
Though my father is a Parsi, I am an ardent follower of Hinduism. My brother Ardeshir is also a Hindu. My mother, a Hindu, gave us the Hindu culture. There was no element of “CONVERSION” because since my mother is a Hindu, my brother and I had full right to follow Hinduism. As teenagers we had developed hatred for the Parsis because in a religious ‘Jashan’ in the house, our dear mother was asked not to touch the fruits and the flowers. She was also told not to be present in the same room !!
A Hindu Panditji performs all Hindu religious ceremonies in our family, and all the members of our family actively participate in the religious ceremonies. My father who is a Parsi is not discriminated against.
My brother Ardeshir married Jennet, a roman catholic Christian girl. Both of them now follow Christianity. Surely their child would also be a Christian. In my brother’s case too there was no “CONVERSION” since the couple voluntarily decided to follow the religion of the bride.
The mentality of Parsis generally, will totally destroy them.
I have read Dastur Ervad Khushru Madon’s article.
Good Luck to you !! You are perhaps the only hope for the survival of the Parsis in India.
Regards,
ASHA
Thanks Beta Asha, for speaking out and showing us the mirror.
Yes, such ugly acts of racial discrimination practiced by so called staunch Parsis Rednecks should be ridiculed , debated and criticized in open forums like this. They are an insult to not just the community and religion but the whole human race.
Racism has no place in Zarathushtra’s religion. Zarathushtra calls himself in the poetic gathas, in the second line of Yasna 31.5, an “ereshish.” The Avestan “ereshish” is the same as Sanskrit “rishi”. Through his “rise in consciousness,” “rishi Zarathushtra ” gained access to the mysteries of creation and the phenomenal world. He had meant good for all in the world and not for a selective group. On number of places, he says- ‘Happiness to those who give happiness to others ‘ and ‘be good to others not for the lure of rewards from God, but because it brings happiness to you. ‘ Where do these Nazi Parsis read racism? I’ve personally not come across a single verse in Gatha that advocates ill treatment or discrimination to any living being. I may sound like an apologist, but trust me, beta, I’m greatly pained at what your mother and you as a child may have experienced due to stupidity of few bigots who bring SHAME to the Great man like Zarathushtra, his Dharma and to our community.
There is no reward for following Zarathushti Dharma, and there is no hellfire if you choose otherwise. Every individual is free to make her/his own choice. Hinduism is a wonderful Dharma and if following it gives you peace, I wish you happiness.
Just like their pet vultures, I see no future for Nazi Parsis in India. They are on the verge of extinction under the weight of their own foolish dogmatic beliefs. But with people like Dastur Ervad Khushru Madon future of Zarathushtra’s true Dharma is safe and it will grow. In future, new adherents will interpret Zarathushtra’s message in true spirit of humanity. And this world will once again relate Zarathushtis with great Kings like Kurush/Cyrus who gave to this world its first declaration of Human rights and not with Rednecks of WAPIZ and kagrakhaoo BPP.
Amen
Best of luck and blessing, beta Asha.
– Love Khoremand
Thanks Beta Asha, for speaking out and showing us the mirror.
Yes, such ugly acts of racial discrimination practiced by so called staunch Parsis Rednecks should be ridiculed , debated and criticized in open forums like this. They are an insult to not just the community and religion but the whole human race.
Racism has no place in Zarathushtra’s religion. Zarathushtra calls himself in the poetic gathas, in the second line of Yasna 31.5, an “ereshish.” The Avestan “ereshish” is the same as Sanskrit “rishi”. Through his “rise in consciousness,” “rishi Zarathushtra ” gained access to the mysteries of creation and the phenomenal world. He had meant good for all in the world and not for a selective group. On number of places, he says- ‘Happiness to those who give happiness to others ‘ and ‘be good to others not for the lure of rewards from God, but because it brings happiness to you. ‘ Where do these Nazi Parsis read racism? I’ve personally not come across a single verse in Gatha that advocates ill treatment or discrimination to any living being. I may sound like an apologist, but trust me, beta, I’m greatly pained at what your mother and you as a child may have experienced due to stupidity of few bigots who bring SHAME to the Great man like Zarathushtra, his Dharma and to our community.
There is no reward for following Zarathushti Dharma, and there is no hellfire if you choose otherwise. Every individual is free to make her/his own choice. Hinduism is a wonderful Dharma and if following it gives you peace, I wish you happiness.
Just like their pet vultures, I see no future for Nazi Parsis in India. They are on the verge of extinction under the weight of their own foolish dogmatic beliefs. But with people like Dastur Ervad Khushru Madon future of Zarathushtra’s true Dharma is safe and it will grow. In future, new adherents will interpret Zarathushtra’s message in true spirit of humanity. And this world will once again relate Zarathushtis with great Kings like Kurush/Cyrus who gave to this world its first declaration of Human rights and not with Rednecks of WAPIZ and kagrakhaoo BPP.
Amen
Best of luck and blessing, beta Asha.
– Love Khoremand
Why did the so called navar ceremony of the Russian man had to be performed in Sanjan? Why not in Russia? There would have been none from the BPP and others to stop it there. Nobody stops navjotes from being performed all over the world.
Why did the so called navar ceremony of the Russian man had to be performed in Sanjan? Why not in Russia? There would have been none from the BPP and others to stop it there. Nobody stops navjotes from being performed all over the world.
@Mr. Beg,
Fundamentalism, intolerance ,bigotry and regressing towards dark ages is a trait in all religions and communities and NOT just in our community. These ‘attributes’ of insolence and bigotry are in inverse proportion to level of education and finesse taught by the near and dear elders of such regressive personalities. Wealth or prosperity cannot transform a bumpkin into a refined and a compassionate persons.
History teaches us that had men holding religious positions been farsighted and sagacious, many wars would never have taken place.
Persecution in the name of ‘right and authentic interpretation of religious texts’ is a cause of worry for our community.
@Mr. Beg,
Fundamentalism, intolerance ,bigotry and regressing towards dark ages is a trait in all religions and communities and NOT just in our community. These ‘attributes’ of insolence and bigotry are in inverse proportion to level of education and finesse taught by the near and dear elders of such regressive personalities. Wealth or prosperity cannot transform a bumpkin into a refined and a compassionate persons.
History teaches us that had men holding religious positions been farsighted and sagacious, many wars would never have taken place.
Persecution in the name of ‘right and authentic interpretation of religious texts’ is a cause of worry for our community.
@ phiroze 19 October 2010 at 12:48 pm #
M Reza Beg,
:”I wonder what happened with u between 13th October and 18th October”
What exactly you are referring to in your remark above?
My well-meaning views are on the warring personalities.
Never against the great Zoroastrian faith.
@Zerxes.Dordi 19 October 2010
I generally agree with you that “Fundamentalism, intolerance, bigotry and regressing towards dark ages is a trait in all religions and communities and NOT just in our community.”
But note that I never insinuated that it is only in the parsi community/faith.
In fact it is much worse amongst my own Islamic co-religionists and your comment “Persecution in the name of ‘right and authentic interpretation of religious texts’ is a cause of worry for our community.” is most applicable to muslims as witnessed in the mindless, unconscionable bloodshed between Shia and Sunni muslims, and also the wrongful–
nay– sinful interpretations and terrorist activities by rabid fundamentalists in the name of Islam.
For mad men like Hitler we cannot blame all germans nor can we tarnish and slander christianity for the sins of some paedophile bishops. The problem lies in fallible human beings not the holy books.
Insolence and bigotry can only be overcome with education, tolerance and love for humanity. Attributes which are plentiful in my many dear parsi friends who have earned respect, love, wealth and prosperity with their enlightened minds, refined mien, integrity, generosity, great sense of humour and compassion.
God bless them
@ phiroze 19 October 2010 at 12:48 pm #
M Reza Beg,
:”I wonder what happened with u between 13th October and 18th October”
What exactly you are referring to in your remark above?
My well-meaning views are on the warring personalities.
Never against the great Zoroastrian faith.
@Zerxes.Dordi 19 October 2010
I generally agree with you that “Fundamentalism, intolerance, bigotry and regressing towards dark ages is a trait in all religions and communities and NOT just in our community.”
But note that I never insinuated that it is only in the parsi community/faith.
In fact it is much worse amongst my own Islamic co-religionists and your comment “Persecution in the name of ‘right and authentic interpretation of religious texts’ is a cause of worry for our community.” is most applicable to muslims as witnessed in the mindless, unconscionable bloodshed between Shia and Sunni muslims, and also the wrongful–
nay– sinful interpretations and terrorist activities by rabid fundamentalists in the name of Islam.
For mad men like Hitler we cannot blame all germans nor can we tarnish and slander christianity for the sins of some paedophile bishops. The problem lies in fallible human beings not the holy books.
Insolence and bigotry can only be overcome with education, tolerance and love for humanity. Attributes which are plentiful in my many dear parsi friends who have earned respect, love, wealth and prosperity with their enlightened minds, refined mien, integrity, generosity, great sense of humour and compassion.
God bless them
To Khoremand,
I agree that the racial discrimination practiced by the Parsis is an insult to the entire human race.
It is probable that my mother, my brother and I could have been Zorastrians if my mother was accepted as a Parsi, when she married my father. Words like “dheri” have been used for my dear mother, by my father’s relatives. Untouchabilty has been practiced with her. One priest had yelled at the top of his voice to ‘drive away’ my mother from having a look at a Jashan ceremony.
You have stated that racism has no place in Zorastrian religion. Without intending to offend you I have to state that this is not true. All Parsis are racists to the core.
Actions speak louder than words.
PARSIS ARE RACISTS. (Exceptions may be very few).
Asha
In less than 100 years all of you racist Parsis will be consigned to a museum.
Asha
To Khoremand,
I agree that the racial discrimination practiced by the Parsis is an insult to the entire human race.
It is probable that my mother, my brother and I could have been Zorastrians if my mother was accepted as a Parsi, when she married my father. Words like “dheri” have been used for my dear mother, by my father’s relatives. Untouchabilty has been practiced with her. One priest had yelled at the top of his voice to ‘drive away’ my mother from having a look at a Jashan ceremony.
You have stated that racism has no place in Zorastrian religion. Without intending to offend you I have to state that this is not true. All Parsis are racists to the core.
Actions speak louder than words.
PARSIS ARE RACISTS. (Exceptions may be very few).
Asha
In less than 100 years all of you racist Parsis will be consigned to a museum.
Asha
Dear Asha, as far as i know ‘DHERI’ is a HINDU word to describe a LOW CASTE HINDU. Zoroastrianism has nothing to do with it. I’m quite sure Parsi rednecks picked up such words from Hindus because there is no word to describe a ‘Low Caste’ in Zoroastrian scriptures.
The point is, there are good people who mean good to others and there are those who let themselves get consumed by hatred. Choice is yours.
One person by name Phiroze raises a question:
Why did the so called navar ceremony of the Russian man had to be performed in Sanjan?
So Phiroze, is Sanjan having a monopoly of your dominion?
Your next question: Why not in Russia, of course why not but similarly please elucidate WHY NOT IN ANY PART OF INDIA?
Is it your strategy that if it were held at any other place than Sanjan, the SAVIOUS would have got a ready excuse to the fundamentalists that they could do nothing as the place was inaccessible?
M Reza Beg,
I had misread your post of 13th October. I request the administrators of this blog to delete my comment to u on the 19th of october and am sorry for the confusion caused to you.
Dear Asha, as far as i know ‘DHERI’ is a HINDU word to describe a LOW CASTE HINDU. Zoroastrianism has nothing to do with it. I’m quite sure Parsi rednecks picked up such words from Hindus because there is no word to describe a ‘Low Caste’ in Zoroastrian scriptures.
The point is, there are good people who mean good to others and there are those who let themselves get consumed by hatred. Choice is yours.
One person by name Phiroze raises a question:
Why did the so called navar ceremony of the Russian man had to be performed in Sanjan?
So Phiroze, is Sanjan having a monopoly of your dominion?
Your next question: Why not in Russia, of course why not but similarly please elucidate WHY NOT IN ANY PART OF INDIA?
Is it your strategy that if it were held at any other place than Sanjan, the SAVIOUS would have got a ready excuse to the fundamentalists that they could do nothing as the place was inaccessible?
M Reza Beg,
I had misread your post of 13th October. I request the administrators of this blog to delete my comment to u on the 19th of october and am sorry for the confusion caused to you.
I am very happy to receive so many positive responses to my long letter.My thanks to hundreds of my supporters especially the 32 comments mentioned in this blog.Fortunately they are all in my favour. This shows that now a lot of parsi ZOROASTRIANS have realised the truth from my documetary evidence shown in my long letter and am sure are convinced that ZOROASTRIAN RELIGION IS UNIVERSAL,OPEN AND WONDERFUL. Many more have send their comments in my support to me and have send the copies to Parsi Khabar at their e mail i.d. and not in the comments section and hence could not be mentioned here on this blog as rightly said by the blog author Mr. arZan .My sincere thanks to Mr.arZan and the others of this blog for yeoman service to our parsi zoroastrian community.May God bless you all.
In the service of Dadar Ahuramazda,
Ervad Khushroo Madon.
I am very happy to receive so many positive responses to my long letter.My thanks to hundreds of my supporters especially the 32 comments mentioned in this blog.Fortunately they are all in my favour. This shows that now a lot of parsi ZOROASTRIANS have realised the truth from my documetary evidence shown in my long letter and am sure are convinced that ZOROASTRIAN RELIGION IS UNIVERSAL,OPEN AND WONDERFUL. Many more have send their comments in my support to me and have send the copies to Parsi Khabar at their e mail i.d. and not in the comments section and hence could not be mentioned here on this blog as rightly said by the blog author Mr. arZan .My sincere thanks to Mr.arZan and the others of this blog for yeoman service to our parsi zoroastrian community.May God bless you all.
In the service of Dadar Ahuramazda,
Ervad Khushroo Madon.
Er . Madon,
Rest assured that favourable comments for you would have been ten times on this portal but for the fact that our Community consists predominantly of elders who are not very adept at Computers and the Internet.
Er . Madon,
Rest assured that favourable comments for you would have been ten times on this portal but for the fact that our Community consists predominantly of elders who are not very adept at Computers and the Internet.
RBR,
The answer to your first question of 21st is no, it is yours?: second, good question – for Moos and Madon to reply: third,
question is not clear
RNR,
After rereading your third question my answer is maybe
RBR,
The answer to your first question of 21st is no, it is yours?: second, good question – for Moos and Madon to reply: third,
question is not clear
RNR,
After rereading your third question my answer is maybe
Shri Phiroze…..?
Good that you found time to reply my post.
I am a law abiding citizen and believe in the Constitutional freedom granted to all Indians to practice, profess and propagate their religion at ANY PLACE. I have no problem if Ms. MM Moos practices her religion in Sanjan but you certainly have, as though this place was a personal private property of those who brag of ‘preserving and protecting’ our Religion.
Why should Moos or Madon reply my query addressed to YOU? Is it that you are unable to express your knowledge?
Dont you think that our faith needs to be protected more from those Parsees who are devotees of Babas, attend Novena/ Arti etc than from Madon & Moos because at least they are faithful to our religion.
Your answer to my third question is a reluctant YES. Yet I appreciate your admission.
Shri Phiroze…..?
Good that you found time to reply my post.
I am a law abiding citizen and believe in the Constitutional freedom granted to all Indians to practice, profess and propagate their religion at ANY PLACE. I have no problem if Ms. MM Moos practices her religion in Sanjan but you certainly have, as though this place was a personal private property of those who brag of ‘preserving and protecting’ our Religion.
Why should Moos or Madon reply my query addressed to YOU? Is it that you are unable to express your knowledge?
Dont you think that our faith needs to be protected more from those Parsees who are devotees of Babas, attend Novena/ Arti etc than from Madon & Moos because at least they are faithful to our religion.
Your answer to my third question is a reluctant YES. Yet I appreciate your admission.
Dear Sir,
Your notes are so refreshing to read. I admire the deep details & research that must have gone into this article. It is indeed an eye opener & I could not stop reading it till the end. It is indeed very encouraging to learn that someone has the guts to stand up & question the man made laws laid out by the so called ‘ Good Parsis’ & self proclaimed scholars.
Having been married to a non Parsi, I have been thro the whole drama of being given a choice between love & religion. As far as my knowledge in Zoroastrianism goes, Love is one of the things the religion preaches thro good thoughts,good words, good deeds. Your article has been a true inspiration & I am now prouder than before to be a Zoroastrian!
@ Aditya, my sentiments exactly. You couldn’t be more right & I totally agree with you. Especially the fact that a Zoroastrian woman remains a Zoroastrian unless she voluntarily changes her religion. BPP has no right to dictate the way she practices her religion!
Dear Sir,
Your notes are so refreshing to read. I admire the deep details & research that must have gone into this article. It is indeed an eye opener & I could not stop reading it till the end. It is indeed very encouraging to learn that someone has the guts to stand up & question the man made laws laid out by the so called ‘ Good Parsis’ & self proclaimed scholars.
Having been married to a non Parsi, I have been thro the whole drama of being given a choice between love & religion. As far as my knowledge in Zoroastrianism goes, Love is one of the things the religion preaches thro good thoughts,good words, good deeds. Your article has been a true inspiration & I am now prouder than before to be a Zoroastrian!
Dear Sir,
Your notes are so refreshing to read. I admire the deep details & research that must have gone into this article. It is indeed an eye opener & I could not stop reading it till the end. It is indeed very encouraging to learn that someone has the guts to stand up & question the man made laws laid out by the so called ‘ Good Parsis’ & self proclaimed scholars.
Having been married to a non Parsi, I have been thro the whole drama of being given a choice between love & religion. As far as my knowledge in Zoroastrianism goes, Love is one of the things the religion preaches thro good thoughts,good words, good deeds. Your article has been a true inspiration & I am now prouder than before to be a Zoroastrian!
Dear Sir,
Your notes are so refreshing to read. I admire the deep details & research that must have gone into this article. It is indeed an eye opener & I could not stop reading it till the end. It is indeed very encouraging to learn that someone has the guts to stand up & question the man made laws laid out by the so called ‘ Good Parsis’ & self proclaimed scholars.
Having been married to a non Parsi, I have been thro the whole drama of being given a choice between love & religion. As far as my knowledge in Zoroastrianism goes, Love is one of the things the religion preaches thro good thoughts,good words, good deeds. Your article has been a true inspiration & I am now prouder than before to be a Zoroastrian!
@ Aditya, my sentiments exactly. You couldn’t be more right & I totally agree with you. Especially the fact that a Zoroastrian woman remains a Zoroastrian unless she voluntarily changes her religion. BPP has no right to dictate the way she practices her religion!
@ Aditya, my sentiments exactly. You couldn’t be more right & I totally agree with you. Especially the fact that a Zoroastrian woman remains a Zoroastrian unless she voluntarily changes her religion. BPP has no right to dictate the way she practices her religion!
If you want to make a hero out of Zero, please heed the advise of our self labelled High Priests. I am no admirer of the banned Priests. They are of no utility to an average Parsee. Are they? What has the ban achieved? Those who are banned continue their practice an earn in a few hours of a day, what a poor Panthaki of a Fire Temple would earn after perspiring effort of whole day.Si in reality the banned Priests must thank the Highnesses for the fabour of ban. These ‘flying Priests” have nothing to lose. But B.P.P. has spent crores and will spend more for a Pyrrhic battle. If these Highnesses had the wisdom and foresight commensurate with their age, they would have encouraged other Priests to follow the example of the two “banned” Priests and the end result would have been that the two banned chaps would have faced COMPETITION and their rates for ceremonies would have come down, making their activities for AIMZ type persons unviable. But as they say, after reaching sixties, wisdom disappears.
If you want to make a hero out of Zero, please heed the advise of our self labelled High Priests. I am no admirer of the banned Priests. They are of no utility to an average Parsee. Are they? What has the ban achieved? Those who are banned continue their practice an earn in a few hours of a day, what a poor Panthaki of a Fire Temple would earn after perspiring effort of whole day.Si in reality the banned Priests must thank the Highnesses for the fabour of ban. These ‘flying Priests” have nothing to lose. But B.P.P. has spent crores and will spend more for a Pyrrhic battle. If these Highnesses had the wisdom and foresight commensurate with their age, they would have encouraged other Priests to follow the example of the two “banned” Priests and the end result would have been that the two banned chaps would have faced COMPETITION and their rates for ceremonies would have come down, making their activities for AIMZ type persons unviable. But as they say, after reaching sixties, wisdom disappears.
If you want to make a hero out of Zero, please heed the advise of our self labelled High Priests. I am no admirer of the banned Priests. They are of no utility to an average Parsee. Are they? What has the ban achieved? Those who are banned continue their practice an earn in a few hours of a day, what a poor Panthaki of a Fire Temple would earn after perspiring effort of whole day.Si in reality the banned Priests must thank the Highnesses for the fabour of ban. These ‘flying Priests” have nothing to lose. But B.P.P. has spent crores and will spend more for a Pyrrhic battle. If these Highnesses had the wisdom and foresight commensurate with their age, they would have encouraged other Priests to follow the example of the two “banned” Priests and the end result would have been that the two banned chaps would have faced COMPETITION and their rates for ceremonies would have come down, making their activities for AIMZ type persons unviable. But as they say, after reaching sixties, wisdom disappears.