Is organ donation permissible in Zoroastrianism? Udvada High Priest and member of the National Commission for Minorities Dastur Khurshed Dastoor believes that since our religion is based on good thoughts, good words and good deeds, donating of organs changes the life of another person. "If one donates eyes, count the blessings one will get from the person who receives (them)….Do we not take blood when we meet with an accident or if required as a result of some illness? Then why not give?… Life is not just ‘take,’ it is also ‘give, give, give,’” stated the High Priest. He was responding to a question from a member of the audience at the Dae mah jashan and gahanbar organized by the Thana Parsi Zoroastrian Anjuman (TPZA) at the Cowasji Patell Agiary compound on June 1, 2019. Parsiana received a write-up on the event from Anjuman president Zarsis Udhnawala.
Speaking on "Relevance of religion in present scenario,” Dastoor stated that prayers are not to ask (for favors) but to thank Ahura Mazda. The High Priest emphasized the importance of prayers, nature and the fundamentals of humata, hukhta, hvrashta (good thoughts, good words and good deeds), among other aspects of the religion. Dastoor was introduced to the audience by TPZA trustee Rumi Kasad. Vice president Bomi Boyce and honorary secretary Percy Karani felicitated Dastoor with a shawl and flowers.
Above: Dastur Khurshed Dastoor addressing the audience at Thana Parsi Anjuman’s Dae mah jashan
as (l to r) K. A. Patva, Marazban Bam, Percy Karani, Zarsis Udhnawala, Bomi Boyce, Dara Wadia and
Rumi Kasad look on; inset: audience
The five-mobed jashan was led by Ervad Behramshah Sidhwa, accompanied by Ervads Kersi Sidhwa, Adil Sidhwa, Adil Dastur and Syamak Dastur. Udhnawala stated that Symak was a fresh navar and this was his first jashan. He noted that 90 community members attended the High Priest’s talk. The community meal was partaken of by 198 people.
The 63-year-old TPZA has about 560 members on its register.