As a 70-year-old Parsi Zoroastrian with two bypass surgeries, I cannot help but think of the coming to the end of my life, sooner or later.
I am most disturbed trying to visualize the scenario when the end actually comes and it is time to dispose of my earthly remains. As a thinking human being, I strongly feel that our ancient system or custom of disposing of the dead might have been the ideal solution for those times hundreds of years ago. It was the quickest possible disposal without decomposition of the remains or spread of disease or contamination of the elements. It no longer holds good with our present developments in science and technology. It is high time that such outmoded customs are modified or changed for the better, to more dignified ways of disposal. Especially when one considers that the disposal is no longer as quick as one would imagine for want of scavengers, and decomposing of the body takes place emanating the foulest smell, which again is not acceptable according to our scriptures.
I strongly believe that the most scientific, clean, uncontaminated and environmentally friendly mode of disposal would be to replace the present system with a ‘crematorium’, all other religious customs, rituals and prayers remaining unchanged.
The fire is held sacred and hence cremation is not acceptable as a means of disposal of our dead, but one must consider the fact that fire can also destroy life and turn to ashes whatever may lie in its path!
We could opt for burial at sea. There are plenty of fish in the sea which can scavenge and make light of the remains in no time, thus serving our purpose. Like the poem I learnt at school, which stated "O’ bury me not in the senseless earth but in the living sea.” This option however is far less practical than ‘cremation’. My contention is that we should choose between the ‘lesser of the evils,’ either allowing decomposition of the dead or ‘cremation’ as the more enlightened members of our community are favoring.
I cannot speak for my fellow Parsi Zoroastrians, but I for one have mentioned in my ‘will and last testament’ that it is my desire that my remains be cremated. I also believe that all customary prayers and rituals should be performed, irrespective of any objections from the orthodoxy. I believe that it is my legal and inalienable right in a democratic society to make my decision and intentions known during my lifetime, to be fulfilled by the surviving members of my family, when the time comes, in spite of any objections which may be raised to the contrary by any members or priests of our community.
BURJOR F. POONAWALA