I was indeed happy to read the letter "Keys to a useful life" (Readers’ Forum, Parsiana, February 21, 2013) by Noshir Daboo. He has clearly brought out the fact that the Zoroastrian religion as professed by Zarathushtra is meant for all mankind and anyone is free to follow it. Daboo further says, "Anyone who follows the Zarathushti way of life gets blessings from Ahura Mazda and protection from Sarosh."
Very well said, indeed. Do not our scriptures say that it was Zarathushtra’s vision and mission that his beh-din — good religion — be spread to all corners of the world?
Daboo also mentions: "However, the constitutions and administration of religious organizations are an entirely different aspect, where non-Parsis are not allowed, being restricted to Zarathushtis by birth alone." This raises a number of questions in my mind.
I do not think there is any written down "constitution" about our religion. If there is one, I would like to be enlightened about it. Who has decided that a non-Parsi cannot be initiated into our religion? Is this practice of not accepting non-Parsis followed only for preserving the caste system? What is meant by "Zarathushtis by birth?" No one is born into a religion — one is only initiated into it. And is not one free to change one’s religion later on, if one so desires? Is it not the duty of all Parsis and Zarathushtis to abide by Zarathushtra’s vision and mission to spread his good religion to all human beings? Why do we feel shy to do so?
I would be happy to hear from the high priests and enlightened readers in this matter. KERSEE KABRAJI
Poona
kerseekabraji@gmail.com