Zoroastrianism. A Lofty Topic in a Small Volume by Capt Dara E. Driver deals with the Parsis and their religion, Zoroastrianism. The closely printed 56-page booklet is a compendium of history, religion, rituals and traditions bringing within its ambit the origins of the religion, basic beliefs, the Amesha Spentas, Yazatas and Fravashis. There are detailed explanations of religious ceremonies, festivals and the Parsi calendar(s), with meanings of days/months. Another section deals with dakhmenashini, with a line drawing showing the insides of a Tower of Silence. Among the topics covered are conversion and inter-marriage as well as demographic concerns about dwindling numbers in the community. The author attempts to analyze current trends, traditional beliefs and biases. The concluding part of the booklet deals with the World Zoroastrian Organization (WZO), acknowledging the body as "Associates," which the WZO subsequently debunked in advertisements which appeared in the Parsi Press.
The rear cover states: "This booklet is sponsored by a Zoroastrian who, after death, wishes to be buried in India and desires that no epitaph be written upon his grave." First published in 1987, the current edition was printed in 2012 and though a price of Rs 100 is mentioned, the booklet is available free of cost from the author at 201, Aabhar, 5th Road, Khar, Bombay 400052. Tel: 022-26485251.
