I’d like to raise a toast to Yezdyar Kaoosji for his article "Religiously relevant” (Parsiana, August 7-20, 2023) about imparting knowledge of the Zoroastrian faith rather than parroting prayers which are not understood even in their essence.
This is an age of enquiry. Claims that certain things have been done for centuries [baap dada na time thi (from forefathers’ days)] no longer work. Some things from baap dada na time thi are happily discarded, such as having the muktads for 18 days or insisting on navjotees knowing their prayers thoroughly. The face of authority itself has changed. Not even parents can issue diktats that are blindly followed.
Perhaps, it’s time to change the madressa syllabus to include the basic meaning of important prayers, at least of the farazyat. Eighty percent of Zoroastrians do not even know what farazyat — the basic prayers (kusti prayers, etc) — means.
Is it any wonder that some Zoroastrians choose to follow cults rather than the religion? The internet provides some interesting facts about cults. New York based editor and writer of educational and parenting subjects Michele Meleen says: "While definitions of a cult can vary, these groups generally have a few common characteristics. They rush you into joining and discourage or disallow questions. Followers are encouraged to worship a specific group leader. Leaders dictate in great detail all aspects of followers’ lives. Followers are personally monitored to ensure they’re following guidelines. Methods of control are used to keep members close.”
In contrast, Zoroastrianism advocates autonomy over one’s life; choice is the key for its followers. One’s path is carved as per the choices one makes. If a wrong choice has been made, the only redemption is via good deeds and prayers.
Have we lost the ability to think and make the "right” choice? One needs to be responsible to do that. Indeed it is easier to follow a path created by another than to create one’s own or to rectify matters when one believes one is straying.
MEHROO KOTVAL
mkotval@gmail.com