Can the custodians of our religion be intellectually honest in confirming that a non-Parsi’s gaze on a deceased Zoroastrian’s body during prayers will debase the whole prayer ritual and render the ceremony ineffective? What is required is a pinch of spiritual wisdom and rational mindset. Prayer recited by devoted clergy in good faith is never vulnerable to defilement, just by the presence of beings, who by chance are not born Zoroastrians.
In the modern, cosmopolitan society, interfaith marriages are on the rise. In time to come most Parsi families are going to get extended families in the form of non-Parsi relatives.
God forbid, if some tragic event like death strikes the family, the host will face an embarrassing situation when all Parsis get up after the prayers for a last glimpse of the deceased but the non- Parsi relatives are left to gaze at each other’s faces.
This practice may have originated when the Zoroastrian community faced tremendous hostility. There should be a shelf life for such practices, customs and traditions which are not likely to hurt the religious sentiments or the Zoroastrian faith.
To amicably settle the sensitive issue of sezdo by juddins (last respects by non Parsis) the trustees and custodians of religion should leave it to the family members to decide whether they wish to permit non Parsis to view the ceremony and see the deceased’s face. Zoroastrians settled in western countries allow sezdo by non Parsis.
Basically, our prayers contain praises of our Creator and his creation, and contain lessons on morality, spirituality, humanity, philosophy and ethics. There is emphasis on good thoughts, good words and good deeds. It provides a guideline for spiritual living. How is it that prayers recited at navjotes, weddings and jashans in the presence of non-Zoroastrians are not vulnerable to defilement?
There is rationalism in Zoroastrianism with Zarathusthra giving mankind the free will to use their own judgment and to act upon it. HOSHANG BHOOT
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The editors reply
The Delhi and Ooty anjumans permit non Parsis to perform sezdo. Other anjumans may also.