I wish to address Burjor Daboo’s reply ("The signs of the age,” Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, November 21-December 6, 2019) to my letter which appeared in the October 7-20, 2019 issue. I would earnestly request the gentleman to read my reply with an open mind. He states that the Vendidad implies that the disposal of the dead body of a Zoroastrian should be by exposure to the sun’s rays only and that it is a sin not to do so. The editors have already pointed out that nowhere in the text of the Vendidad is there such a reference. Many Zoroastrians in the world diaspora, inspired by reformists, have chosen to follow only those prescriptions of the Vendidad which are not against the original spirit of the Gathas. Of course, opinions vary between Zoroastrian scholars.
Is the practice suggested by Daboo practical? We all know that Zoroastrians are living in various parts of the world. Besides Asia, they can be found in America, Australia and European countries. Their views may differ regarding performance of rituals but they all follow the essence of Zoroastrianism which is what is required. By this I mean progressing towards a life of virtue and tolerance, respecting the elements of nature and belief in one God who is compassionate and loving. Even if one wanted to expose a body to the sun, in some cities which are concrete jungles, the law of the land would prohibit such a practice. To call all such Zoroastrians sinners would be highly unfair. In the same issue of Parsiana there is as a letter, "Why not burial?” by Dr Syrus Irani which suggests a diametrically opposite view. Who is right? Evidently both are right in expressing their point of view.
In the final analysis, belief in rituals is based on individual perceptions and nothing more. YAZDI KOHIAR
yazdikohiar@yahoo.co.uk