This has reference to the editorial "Mirza’s mantle” (Parsiana, February 21-March 6, 2024). As a long time reader of Parsiana and an occasional contributor I wish to express my disagreement with the views expressed in the editorial.
My views on matters, religious or otherwise, are based on issues and not because I may be orthodox or liberal. I refuse to be categorized as either. That said, as a Parsi Zarathushti I believe that our religion deserves to be conserved in all its glory.
My root objection is to the questions evidently sent in writing to the newly appointed joint high priest of Udvada, Dastur Tehemton Mirza (pictured), which he declined to answer. The editorial faults Mirza for declining to respond. I, however, feel that he has shown grace, discretion, statesmanship and humility in not responding to the questions which at best are political hot potatoes and at worst, loose cannons. Putting such questions to a person in Mirza’s position virtually amounts to trying to put the high priest in a spot — albeit unintentionally — which he has adroitly avoided. One can imagine the consequences and ramifications had he answered, either way!
No doubt the intention was to get clarity on issues which concern and are dividing the community. Proper debate and discussion are required between the community and the clergy as there are no simple answers for many of these questions. There are people who believe that doctrine is writ in stone, that there are no shades of gray, only black and white, and nothing in between. There are others who would argue that we do not know what the true doctrine is, that many of our holy books and religious texts were destroyed, that what we are following may indeed not be the true religion and that we need to move on with the times if we are to survive.
Certain issues, including some set out in the questionnaire sent to Mirza, need to be considered and answered. But not necessarily by Mirza alone, and not at this initial stage of his being elevated as the joint high priest of Udvada. The man has held the post for barely a month and you’re asking him if he regrets taking up mobedi, and also why he took up mobedi after years in the corporate world! If dasturs give differing opinions, how will these matters be resolved? And those questions about women priests!
To be fair, the editor himself acknowledges: "No doubt some of the queries raised are a veritable landmine even for a seasoned priest to tackle…” Does he expect the priest to step on that landmine? The priest has, in my opinion, conducted himself with dignified reticence, faced with a highly contentious questionnaire that was not of his seeking. This is not to my mind "disappointing,” much less "disturbing.”
I do not doubt the editor’s good intentions and decent motives. I would, however, request that he not get disturbed or disappointed, or disheartened by the high priest’s refusal to answer the questions. Let us not feel that "he forsook an opportunity to provide leadership and guidance…” He has, after all, ample time to prove his leadership and give guidance.
Parsis can ill afford any loss of faith in our clergy, much less in our high priests. I have said the same about our judiciary when people grumble and point out defects in the system. Our judiciary remains the last bastion citizens can turn to for redress; if they lose faith in it, they would be the losers. So too with our high priests and clergy who perhaps are the glue which hold our minuscule community together. We need to strengthen and support them, not to cast doubts. They too need our faith and support.
Yes, the editor has a point and we need answers to issues, resolution of divergent views, guidance and leadership. But that cannot come by trying to compel answers to extremely sensitive and highly controversial and divisive issues. Resolution cannot be brought about overnight, apart from time they require mature, learned, cool thinking and considerable debate and discussion in which the priests will no doubt take the lead, but which they alone can’t be expected to answer or resolve.
Let us just give our vada dastur time and space, respect and affection, and assure him of the good wishes and prayers of the community at large. And yes, of course, let’s keep those maachis glowing!
ARMIN WANDREWALA
arminvey@gmail.com