Z to A of Zoroastrianism: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living by Zerbanoo Gifford and Farida Master. Published in 2022 by Blacker Limited in conjunction with Zasha, East Grinstead, West Sussex rh19 4ly www.blackerdesign.co.uk. Pp: 144. Price: £ 10.
"She never asked me for anything but she did say that she would like me to write a book on our Zoroastrian faith and heritage. A simple, engaging book she could give to her many friends all over the world who wanted to know about our ancient religion,” wrote co-author Zerbanoo Gifford of her "beloved mother” Kitty Irani’s request in the preface to the book Z to A of Zoroastrianism: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living. "Working on the book helped us to gain a deeper understanding of our roots. This is not a scholarly thesis. It is a taster for people who want to know about the oldest, revealed, ethical religion in the world,” commented co-author Farida Master.
Zerbanoo Gifford (l) and Farida Master
Clockwise from above: Zerbanoo’s Navroz table;
Kitty and Behram (Bailey) Irani;
recitation of the Shahnameh
The authors have attempted to present Zarathushtra’s "revolutionary” yet "relevant” message for mankind across the 26 letters of the English alphabet. Zoroastrian concepts associated with the practice of the faith and divinities linked with virtues and attributes are outlined here.
More than the precepts and principles of the ancient religion, the book carries information on the well-known adherents of the faith. The 18-page first chapter — "Zoroaster, Zoroastrianism and Zoroastrians” — the longest in the book, introduces the Prophet and his message in the first eight pages. The next 10 pages bring in the Magi, "the most famous Zoroastrians celebrated every Christmas,” emperors Cyrus the Great and Darius, and other 20th and 21st century personages. Featured here are Freddie Mercury and achievers in the field of music, industry, construction, philanthropy, politics… Two Zoroastrian women have been given credit for "changing our world for the better”: freedom fighters Bhikaiji Cama and Frene Ginwala.
Some other political stalwarts and philanthropists may find a mention under P for "Parsis” alongside master shipbuilders and textile magnates, scientists, defence personnel, ambassadors, social workers and sportsmen, and even fashion icon and marchioness of Winchester Bapsybanoo Pavry. While Parsis have earned a separate section, Iranians do not get a similar privilege under the letter I although the book is replete with Iranians who have made their mark. Since I is devoted to "Intellect,” Iranian philanthropists are mentioned under O for "Open-hearted.”
The scattering of Zoroastrian personages under different alphabets thus ensures that every letter of the English alphabet is covered in this primer. The saintly Meher Baba appears under U titled "Ushta Te: Happiness unto you.” J for "Justice” features "prominent legal luminaries” like Cornelia Sorabji, Mithan Tata, Nani Palkhivala, Soli Sorabjee, Fali and Rohinton Nariman. E for "Ecology: Environment” includes members of the Godrej family.
The letter X for "Xianjiao: Chinese connection” should interest community members who may not be aware that "The Chinese coined a special name for Zoroastrians who ventured into China through the silk route. They were called Xianjiao, meaning the ‘heaven worshipping’ Zoroastrians.” The authors further wrote, "In 1980, archeologists unearthed the earliest Persian inscription in Xi-an, capital of Shan-xi province in China where they discovered the tombstone of Zoroastrian Ma, wife of Gen Si-liang.” The bilingual inscription in the ancient Pahlavi language and in Chinese on the grave of the lady, dated 874, reflects the past connection.
Under F for Fire it is reported, "At the last count, there were 167 fire temples in the world with150 located in India. Forty-five of these are situated in the city of Mumbai. In India, only Zoroastrians can enter a fire temple.” Actually, the community in Bombay has a choice of 50 fire temples, all of which officially give entry to "Parsi Zoroastrians” only!
Interspersed across the pages are colorful visuals of individuals and events referred to in the book. One double spread displays the many legends surrounding Zarathushtra’s life. Apparently the 12 panels on view had been created for a cupboard for Gifford’s son!
"The teachings of my prophet Zarathushtra have been the inspiration behind my drive towards public service, fighting injustice and founding the ASHA Centre in the forest of Dean, Gloucestershire in Britain. My aim has been to help people all over the world, especially the young, to navigate the challenges of our contemporary and unpredictable world,” writes Gifford, president of The World Zoroastrian Organisation (see "Zerbanoo at the zenith,” Parsiana, April 21-May 6, 2023), in the book. For Master, journalist and author of Gifford’s biography, An Uncensored Life, "The advent of the book came just as my daughter Sanaya was about to give birth.” Both Sanaya and baby Spenta in her stroller were present at the launch of the book at the 12th World Zoroastrian Congress in New York last July.
Just as the authors hope "the easy-to-read handbook…opens new pathways on the art of living your life with wisdom, intellect and righteousness,” Baroness Jan Royall of Blaisdon confirms in her foreword to the book, "There is so much to learn about this life-affirming religion, and this book is a wonderful way to make a start.”
The efforts of the authors are indeed laudable, but did their printers assume readers would only leaf through this book once? Try doing it repeatedly and pages of the book come asunder, leaving you with handouts! PARINAZ M. GANDHI