Fwd: The FDU & Udvada Samast Anjuman still miss the prime point of the Udvada Utsav Protests: Udvada Is Not A Tourist Site But A Sacred Religious Venue

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: TZML Admins
Date: Mon, Feb 1, 2016 at 9:43 AM
Subject: The FDU & Udvada Samast Anjuman still miss the prime point of the Udvada Utsav Protests: Udvada Is Not A Tourist Site But A Sacred Religious Venue
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>

Sarosh roj, Sherevar Mah, YZ 1385

31 January 2016

UDVADA IS NOT A TOURIST SITE BUT A SACRED RELIGIOUS VENUE FOR PARSIS

THE FDU STILL MISSES THE PRIME POINT OF THE UDVADA UTSAV PROTESTS

Dear Zarathushti humdins,

 

cc: Vada Dasturjis
cc: Ervad Sahebs including Ervad Principal Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia and Ervad Dr. Rooyinton Peer
cc: Traditional networks like TZML, TMYZ, TParsees, TMZANZ, TMZA of California, PIPZ
cc: WZO (India)
cc: The Udvada Samast Anjuman
cc: Parsi Press
cc: Prominent Parsis like Mr. Filly Marawalla, Mrs Pervin J. Misty, Mr Marzban Giara, Mr. Rustom Chothia, Mr and Mrs Tahmtan and Godafrid Aresh etc.

The Udvada Samast Anjuman released a statement to the Parsi press, printed in the Jame Jamshed Weekly of 31 January 2016.  On the overall, the tone of the letter is haughty and very different from the courteous releases from the Anjuman in the past.

The statement obscures the main reason why traditional Parsis all over India have objected to the Utsav to be held in Udvada.  Many other anomalies appear in their statement too. They are covered here.

Udvada is not a tourist destination for Parsis or Non-Parsis
The statement mentions that positives like proper roads in Udvada have been developed, regular electricity is now available, high rise building would not be constructed in the vicinity of Iranshah, etc. etc. But both the Anjuman and FDU officials Dasturji Khurshed and Dinshaw Tamboly have to be asked:
1.    Are these benefits promised years ago anyway going to accrue only if an Utsav is held at the holy city of Iranshah?

2.    Why has Udvada to be turned into a tourist site so that non-Parsis will mark it on their diaries and come to see the gaam?

3.    The Gujarat government has allocated the development of Udvada to the Minister of Tourism Mr. Saurabhbhai Patel, and not to a more appropriate ministry.  We wonder why was Tourism considered in the first place. A tourist site is primarily for tourists, and Udvada is not a tourist site. Period.

When a religious site starts attracting tourists, it brings along with it a lot of negatives. This is very clearly spelled out by Vada Dasturji Meherji Rana K N Dastoor way back in 2002. He succinctly warns:  "It will affect the holy and spiritual atmosphere for the pilgrims and disturb their devotional frame required to be maintained there. More than that the project will greatly disturb the life of the Mobeds (priests) on whom lies the arduous and strenuous responsibility of tending, preserving and protecting the Holy Atash Padshah in accordance with the tenets, traditions and commands of the Parsi Dharma. The atmosphere of tourism, hotels and festivity will bring in serious ills and abuses of urban life, which will render it impossible for the Mobeds to observe their own personal 'tarikats' (the sacred rules of Ashoi-purity) as also the 'tarikat's for Iranshah."

The Reformist views of Darius Khambata being given a welcome platform. No apology from FDU.
What is the use of the Anjuman mentioning that the reformist Darius Khambata's views were his own. Several questions arise on this faux paus which occurred at the Utsav:

a.       Why was reformist Khambata selected as a speaker in the first place knowing well that similar attempts were made by him at the World Zoroastrian Conference in Mumbai some years ago?

b.      Why did Dasturji Khurshed not immediately stop Khambata from speaking further when the audience clearly expressed their dissatisfaction at such heterodox words. Isn't Dasturji the Dastur of traditional Parsis or did he consider Khambata's nonsense views more important than rules of the religion.

c.       Since Dasturji Khurshed and Dinshaw Tamboly were the key people in FDU which had a key stake in the Utsav, why did not one or both issue an apology that they were sorry about such views expressed by Khambata. The Vada Dasturjis themselves have written in a joint statement after the Ustav that "it has greatly saddened us and several members of the community at the events that have transpired. Some of the points made at the Utsav were both detrimental towards preserving the basic tenets of our religion and hurtful to a large cross-section of our community"

d.      Why is the Udvada Samast Anjuman taking the blame of Darius Khambata's faux pas, when in fact it is the FDU organisers Dasturji Khurshed and Dinshaw Tamboly who should be apologising  to the community for hurting its feelings and religious sentiments in a bad way.


Iranshah belongs to the whole community, not to the Udvada Anjuman only
The Samast Anjuman complains that outsiders need not meddle in Udvada affairs. They are wrong on two counts:
        I  First, when has Iranshah and its spiritual welfare become the sole prerogative of the Anjuman itself. They are just custodians of the Living Thriving Divine Entity called Iranshah, Who belongs to the whole Parsi community, in or outside Udvada.
      II   Secondly, the Samast Anjuman must also ensure that Dasturji Khurshed must not participate in any happenings outside Udvada, even if invited. One such example is during the recent BPP elections of October 2015.

Community consensus not adequately taken. Concerns expressed not taken on board.
Where was the community participation and opinion making sought before making decisions like inviting Darius Khambatta. Protests were made way back in a FPZAI meet, held on the 3rd and 4th of September 2005  (see The Parsee Voice, Sept 2005 issue).  Views of concerned Parsis appearing in Parsi Pukar, Jame Jamshed Weekly, Parsee Voice and the traditional networks about not projecting Udvada as a tourist centre were not taken on board.


Udvada Anjuman rejects mail posted to it
We also know for sure that two weeks ago the Udvada Samast Anjuman rejected concerns expressed by certain traditional people on the happenings at the Utsav. We have seen proof of the mail rejected twice. How did they make such a decision on the worthiness of the mail before opening it. Are they operating in a democratic manner or an autocratic manner.  Isn't the Anjuman supposed to keep an Inwards File and store all correspondence it receives from community members, even though the letter may be highly critical of its functioning.


Serious Negativities of the Utsav
There are other serious negatives too, for which both the FDU and the Udvada Samast Anjuman are answerable to the Parsi community:

a.  Why did Daver's dance troupe, which consist of indecently attired ladies allowed in the program. That shows disrespect to a Holy Place like Udvada.

b.  Why was only one media house Parsi Times chosen as the favoured media for FDU.

c.   Why was Parsi Times chosen at all?  Have people not read the heterodox articles preaching conversion appearing regularly in their recent issues. Such views are in total violation of what the religion, the Vada Dasturjis and the Anjuman stand for.

That is all for the moment. We will write again later.

Meanwhile we request all concerned Parsi networks and Parsi media houses to continue highlighting to the general public anything and everything which concerns the spiritual welfare of the community.

Do write to us if you have anything to share and your concerns about the way in which the Utsav was held and the venue of Udvada chosen.

Sincerely,
TZML Admins

 

Move to shift the over 700 years Adaran Padshah saheb of Bharuch

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: The Parsee Voice
Date: Fri, Jan 29, 2016 at 9:48 PM
Subject: TheParseeVoice Fwd: [ilmeKhshnoom] Fwd: Dear Friends,
To: the-parsee-voice@googlegroups.com

Friends,

There is currently a move to shift the over 700 years Adaran Padshah saheb of Bharuch to a new 'Agiary' being set up in Navi Mumbai. While the intentions are laudable, it is an

​​

exercise in futility because the shifting of an enthroned Adaran saheb cannot be done without causing great damage to His spiritual composition.

Given below is an extract from an issue of Dini Avaz penned by late Adi Doctor.

 

It is most unfortunate that today's Parsees treat the "Padshah Sahebs" as so much piece of furniture and fixture. 

Why an 'Atash' of the Adaran fire is called 'Padshah', what vital role and function it performs in Nature, what connections it has with the various Fire Energies in Nature, what power and authority it wields, etc., are here delineated very briefly but cogently.

It will at once show why the Fire of an 'Atash-e-Adaran' or, for that matter, that of an 'Atash-e-Behram' is so sacrosanct and why, therefore, it should be treated, particularly by those in charge of the 'Agiaries' and Atash Behrams' and by those who come to pray before it with the utmost dignity and respect.

Disturbing the 'circuits' of such a consecrated Fire tantamounts to dethroning the 'Padshah' and the consequent disastrous effects which the entire Parsee community has to undergo!

What are the elements of the Atash Padshah?

After the elaborate and complex process of its collection, purification, consecration and coronation, and during its tenure in the consecrated 'Agiary' building; the 'Adaran' Fire acquires 'Khshathra' = Power and Authority from Nature.

'Atar-e-Adaran' means the 'Atar' or Fire pertaining to 'Adar Yazat', who is the prime Force operating on "Atar-e-Mino Karko" — the supreme Fire Energy of Nature governing the ultra-physical planes. This Fire Energy of Mino Karko' is an integral and vital component of the primeval Fire Energy called "Athro Puthra Ahura Mazda". Lord Ahura Mazda has used the Fire Energy of 'Mino Karko' as the base for the creation of the entire world of matter. Thus, our worldly 'Atar-e-Adaran' is the physical manifestation and co-worker of the 'Atar' of 'Adar Yazad', viz. 'Mino Karko'.

It is common knowledge that the fires used for the purpose of the 'Adaran' Fire belong to the four earthly professions of an 'Athornan', 'Ratheshtar', 'Vastrayosh' and 'Hutokhsh'.

When these fires, over each of which certain rituals are performed, are blended, concentrated and consecrated for enthronement, the new resultant Fire is in communion with the "Ushtan" or 'life-breaths' of the four Fire Energies of the invisible but perishable ultra-physical realms viz. "Atar-e-Mino Karko", "Atar-e-Vazisht", "Atar-e-Urvazisht" and "Atar-e- Spenisht".

The new 'Atash-e-Adaran' also establishes a direct link with the "Mithra" or 'thought-forces' and "Khoreh" or the aura and spiritual lustre of the four aforementioned natural Fire Energies of the ultra-physical world.

All these connections, collectively form a circuit, a "Ring Pass-Not" around the 'Adaran' Fire, which is being enthroned. After the coronation, the first chief natural circuit or 'Karsh' (also 'Kash') will be established in the ash surrounding the visible Fire in the container or 'Khuaan' containing it.

The moment this 'Karsh' is formed, the 'Adaran' Fire is automatically bestowed by Nature with 'Dahyupati' = Sovereignty.

It now wields the Righteous Power and Authority or "Hu-Khshatra", and is known as a "Padshah". The "Dahyupati" and "Padshahi" is owing to the 'Yazatic' currents which now constantly flow in the ash on the container in which the visible fire is kept.

Besides being a "Dahyupat" wielding "Khshathra", the Atash-e-Adaran is also a 'Rathaeshtar', i.e. a spiritual warrior, heavenly soldier instituted on Earth who has to fight ceaselessly, the constant attacks of Satan and the other Dark Forces of-Nature.

Moreover, this earthly embodiment of the natural Fire Energies of the ultra-physical realms acts as a "Zaothra" or "Alaat", i.e. a spiritual battery perpetually receiving the divine blessings and benevolent radiations and currents and transmitting them to all living beings within a certain radius. The 'Atash-e-Adaran' thus serves as a functionary agent bringing into connection and attuning with each all the Fire Energies operating in ultra-physical space.

Finally, this holy, concentrated Fire Energy on earth is a single, separate, living entity, possessing "Ahu", "Daena" and "Baod".

Because in the consecrated 'Atash Padshah', the 'Ushtan' - breath, of the Yazatas is connected, it naturally possesses the extremely high philanthropic disposition and magnanimous nature of "Ahu". It also has, by the operation of Natural Laws, "Daena" = the Right Conscience in which resides 'Sarosh Yazata' and Baodangh'  the Divine Intelligence.

This living, throbbing, pulsating Being or Entity has a "head", "conscience", "limbs", "Khoreh" and "Aipee".

The "head" of the "Padshah" is the visible outward fire in which all the currents of the Fire Energies of the invisible perishable realms flow.

The "conscience" of the "Padshah" is the "Atash Dadgaah".

The "limbs" are the 6 "Karshes" or circuits of the 'Padshah', present in the "Agiary".

The "Khoreh" or aura is the personal magnetism and the radiating glow emanating from the 'Aipee' or the atmosphere surrounding the Padshah, wherein are found the thermo electro-magnetic currents of the 'Yazats'.

The 'Atash-e-Adaran', therefore, doesn't just mean the visible outward fire alone.

The 6 circuits prevailing within the four walls of the 'Adaran' building, the sanctified atmosphere permeating the building, the 'Aipee'', the Atash Dadgaah' together constitute the full-fledged Atash-e-Adaran'. The entire Adaran building becomes a consecrated talismanic fortress wherein the holy deified fire is enthroned.

Of the 6 'Karshes' (circuits), the most important is the very first one, referred to earlier, which is formed in the top layer of the ash containing the visible fire. The strength of this Karsh depends on the 2nd circuit which gyrates around the 'Khuaan' or the 'Afargaanyu' of the Padshah, which in its turn, gets its strength from the 4 other 'Karshes' prevailing in the Agiary.

Why we should never shift the Atash Padshah

It is, therefore, of prime importance that under no circumstances should these 6 circuits, which interact with one another and constantly exchange fire and subtle energy and currents, be disturbed.

Disturb and break the flow of even one circuit and you upset the vital exchange of energy, resulting in a chain reaction which attenuates the spiritual splendour and atmosphere prevailing there, and finally culminates in bringing tremendous pressure and load on the 'Atash Padshah', thereby depriving Him of His Spiritual Power and Authority.

He then doesn't have the strength required of a Spiritual Warrior ('Rathaeshtar') and He is subjected to the incessant attacks from 'Gana-Min', the Evil Force operating in Nature. Instead of the 'Hu-Khshathra' = Benevolent Power prevailing there, the "Duz-Khshathra" or wicked Rule of Ahriman is clamped thereon.

It is for these vital reasons that in the past, our worthy ancestors considered it not only blasphemous but unthinkable to show even the slightest discourtesy, directly or indirectly, to the 'Atash Padshah'.

What happens when we shift the Atash Padshah

The moment the 'Atash Padshah' is lifted and moved out of the 'Khuaan', the most vital first circuit operating in the top ash base, snaps.

Soon, another circuit, or 'Karsh' of 'Spenta Armaiti' –  the circuit flowing round the floor on which the pedestal and the 'Khuaan' stand – also snaps.

In paragraph 1 of 'Paragard' (Chapter) 3 of the "Vendidad", in answer to a question by 'Asho' Zarathushtra, Dadar Ahura Mazda says that, "that hallowed ground is pleased and happy on which stands a consecrated "Atash Kadeh".

In the ground, on which the Padshah' is enthroned, there prevails a kind of a "Bazm", a "Rendezvous of Yazatic and other Divine Forces". When, therefore, the "Atash Padshah" is lifted from that ground, the "Bazm" gets disintegrated and the sanctified ground is displeased.

The "Padshah" that has been dethroned and shifted then loses His "Dahyupati", His Power to communicate with the other ethereal planes, His Power to fight the evil and His Power to bring back the blessings of the Divine Forces.

His "body" has been virtually cut off. He loses His separate Spiritual Entity. The visible fire then becomes a mere 'Kebla'. This fire will now be constantly exposed to the attacks of evil forces working in Nature.

Exceptional circumstances when shifting the Padshah may be unavoidable

The only highly exceptional and extreme circumstances in which the 'Padshah' may be unavoidably moved are, when say,

a non-Zoroastrian rushes into the sanctum-sanctorum or

if the priest tending the Fire suddenly has a stroke and passes away inside the 'Gumbaz' or

if the building adjoining the 'Agiary' is on fire, etc.

But, at no time should the Padshah be treated as so much piece of furniture or fixture. 

--

Regards

H. M. Mistry

--
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TheParseeVoice Petition against Utsav in Udvada

From: The Parsee Voice
Date: Thu, Jan 28, 2016 at 11:32 AM
Subject: TheParseeVoice Petition against Utsav in Udvada
To: the-parsee-voice@googlegroups.com

Dear Readers,

Thanks for the support extended by the community in our efforts to protect the sanctity of Holy Iranshah. For those who have missed the mail earlier, kindly act immediately by voting in favour of the petition to the Prime Minister of India. 

We oppose those actions which defile and denigrate the sanctity of our Holy Iranshah. He is our biggest benefactor for the last 1300 years and it is our bounden duty to protect HIM from harm.

We support the Government's efforts to improve infrastructure in Udvada. We are also not against attempts to showcase the community's track record of progress and harmony in India in the last millennium. However, holding of this Utsav in Udvada is damaging the sanctity of Holy Iranshah! Hence the request to the Prime Minister to instruct the organisers to hold future Utsavs at a location OTHER THAN UDVADA and thus prevent further spiritual damage to our holy entity, Iranshah!

​

An online version of the petition can be accessed via the following link:

​

Prime Minister of India, Vada Dasturjis of the Parsee Community: 

Petition against holding Parsee Zoroastrian Utsav in Udvada

​

For t

hose interested in 

​signing 

a hard copy, 

​the same is attached herewith. Please print and get as many signatures as you can. The signed sheets may please be returned/mailed to the following address:

Ervad Bahadur Sanjana

R/13, Navroz Baug

Lalbaug, Mumbai 400 012

Maharashtra, INDIA

--

Regards

H. M. Mistry

--

Petition against holding Parsee Zoroastrian Utsav in Udvada

The Prime Minister of India

Prime Minister's Office

South Block, Raisina Hill

New Delhi-110 011.

Respected Shri Narendra Modiji,

Iranshah Udvada Utsav

At the outset, we wish to thank you for the admiration and affection showered by you on the 

Parsee Zoroastrian community of India as also the support provided to the community by the 

Central and State Governments, especially in improving the infrastructure in Udvada, the 

place where Holy Iranshah Atash Behram is currently enthroned.

While we truly appreciate your sentiments in trying to showcase Udvada as a unique place 

symbolising traditions of tolerance, harmony and progress in India, we, the traditional

members of the community, are gravely concerned about the Utsav recently held 

in Udvada and the decision to hold it there every two years.

Holy Iranshah is a living, spiritually vibrant entity, thanks to the powerful consecration 

ceremonies performed at the time of His installation. Magnetic circuits surround Him to 

prevent entry of spiritual and physical pollution. He functions like a receiving and transmitting 

station for the divine blessings of the Almighty. He is a warrior of the Almighty in the fight

against evil forces which attempt to overpower all creation. This spiritual prowess has been 

nurtured and sustained over the centuries thanks to the various ceremonies which the priests 

tending to him perform every day and which require spiritual, mental and physical piety of the 

highest order. The serene and isolated location of Udvada and Iranshah, away from 

the hustle and bustle of normal city life and the pollution - physical and spiritual, 

associated with it, provides Iranshah the much needed spiritual seclusion, 

necessary for maintaining His sanctity and well-being. The priests tending to Him 

day and night are able to maintain their personal piety thanks to this seclusion and tranquillity 

that Udvada offers as a location.

The laity who seek His blessings are also required to observe strict discipline and present 

themselves before Him, reasonably free of spiritual and physical pollution. 

Unfortunately, the Utsav has severely ravaged the very foundation of Holy 

Iranshah's well-being and survival by compromising the seclusion and serenity 

of Udvada. In their hurry to pay their respects and then attend the other festivities, many 

attendees would not even have performed the minimum ablution and rituals necessary before 

presenting themselves before holy Iranshah. An influx of over 2500 persons during the 

Utsav would have naturally brought with it huge amounts of spiritual and 

physical pollution, which has been deposited at His doorstep. One shudders to 

think of the negative effect on Holy Iranshah's sanctity of this sudden and 

voluminous onslaught of pollution, the karmic obligations of which will 

definitely visit the community in general and the organisers in particular!

Thanks to huge crowds, even the priests tending to Him, who are required to observe strict 

spiritual seclusion, had a real tough time while going to and from their houses to the Fire 

Temple for performing their required daily rituals. 

To add to all this, the Utsav even boasted of two nights of DJ music, karaoke and 

a dance programme by indecently clad youngsters in close proximity to the Fire 

Temple premises! Would such a sacrilegious act be permitted, say in Mathura 

and Kashi or Mecca and Medina or Tirupati temple?? By doing this, the 

organisers have shown open disrespect and lack of consideration for Iranshah's 

sanctity!

To add insult to injury, Mr. Darius Khambata, ex-Attorney General of Maharashtra used the 

Utsav as a platform to promote his pet topic of Conversion, which the organisers were well 

aware of. He even went further to advocate entry into our holy Fire Temples to all those who 

had been initiated into the Zoroastrian faith with a Navjote ceremony, which is nothing but 

conversion by the back door. As the world at large is aware, Zoroastrianism 

forbids Conversion. Worse still, instead of stopping him, one of the key 

organisers of the Utsav, High Priest of Udvada, Dastur Khurshed K. Dastoor, 

felicitated Mr. Khambata and reportedly silenced those who objected to this 

speech. This clearly shows that the organisers of the Utsav were actually pushing 

an agenda of religious reforms, using the Utsav as a convenient platform. It was 

only when the community vociferously objected to this in print and on social media that Mr. 

Khambata backtracked as a face-saving exercise. 

All of this has grievously hurt the religious sentiments of a large majority of the 

traditional members of the Zoroastrian community. 

Subsequently, in an open letter to the community, the High Priests have averred 

that remarks made by Mr. Khambata "..... at the religious and spiritual hub of 

Zoroastrianism to a wide audience was both disrespectful and frankly 

inflammatory." They have also cautioned against Conversion and mixed 

marriages which would lead to diluting our Zoroastrian identity. 

Sir, we are highly appreciative of your efforts to improve infrastructure in Udvada and support 

the same. We are also not against attempts to showcase the community's track record of 

progress and harmony in India in the last millennium. However, holding of this Utsav in 

Udvada is damaging the sanctity of Holy Iranshah! This is amply clear from the 

absence of the other High Priests, including the other senior High Priest of 

Udvada, from any of the festivities and activities for all 3 days

Since you have expressed high regard for Holy Iranshah, we beseech you to 

intercede and ensure Iranshah's sanctity by instructing the organisers to hold 

future Utsavs at a location OTHER THAN UDVADA and thus prevent further 

spiritual damage to our holy entity, Iranshah!

May Holy Iranshah guide your footsteps all through life!

Yours sincerely,

Petition dated 18.1.2016 against holding Parsee Zoroastrian Utsav in Udvada

Name of Signatory                Address in brief                  Signature

Fwd: Reformists' plan to shift Bharuch's Doongaji Agiary to Vashi, then make it a 'Universal' agiary - 2

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: TZML Admins
Date: Wed, Jan 27, 2016 at 7:48 PM
Subject: Reformists' plan to shift Bharuch's Doongaji Agiary to Vashi, then make it a 'Universal' agiary - 2
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>

Dear Rayomand,

Shocking news.

What action can be taken ? Please guide.
 
Best Regards

Bahadur B. Sanjana

Mumbai 400012


Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2016 12:33 PM
To: traditionalzarathushtris@yahoogroups.com


On Wednesday, 27 January 2016, 11:47, nauzerbharucha wrote:

From Rayomand Zaiwalla

A shocking news has just come out in open. The Reformist Lobby is planning to shift the 700 year old Doongaji Agiary by a car from His original place of worship at the Banks of the River Narmada at Bharuch,  to the newly built Vashi Agairy. Even more shocking is the secret plans of the Reformist Lobby to slowly make the Vashi Agiary accessible to all Non- Zorastrians . The neighboring Mosque , is trying to buy the Doongaji Agairy property unsuccessfully for the last 25 years. Now their dreams are coming true.  Apart from destroying the power of the Holy Fire enthroned at Bharuch for last 700 years, the reformist Lobby are trying to bring the Holy Atash Padshah to Vashi and converting it into a Universal Agiary for all.

In 2005,  a small miracle took place in Doongaji Agairy in Bharuch  unknown to all of us. The Lightening from the sky entering the Holy Sanctum and touched the Holy Fire. The marks of Lightning entering the Holy Sanctum Sanctorioum is even today visible to all worshipers.

The Trustees of the Bharuch Parsi Panchayet who are also the Trustees of Doongaji Agairy, are also helping the Reformist Lobby to quietly shift the Holy Fire.

Pass this message on to every Zorastrian so that everybody is aware of the Secret Plans of the Reformist Lobby to desecrate the Holy Doongaji Atash Padshah and creating a Universal Agairy at Vashi .

 

Fwd: Protest by a Devout Parsi Family - Was the Udvada Utsav just an excuse to promote conversion?

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: TZML Admins
Date: Tue, Jan 26, 2016 at 12:26 AM
Subject: Protest by a Devout Parsi Family - Was the Udvada Utsav just an excuse to promote conversion?
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>

Protest by a Devout Parsi Family - Was the Udvada Utsav just an excuse to promote conversion?

Jame Jamshed Weekly, 24 January 2016

Was the Udvada Utsav just an excuse to promote conversion? We strongly feel that this was part of the agenda.

Why did our ancestors leave Iran to save our fire and faith? If a certain speaker is known for his radical views, he should not have been on the dais in the first place. We don't want anyone else other than Parsi Irani Zoroastrians entering our Agiaries and Atash Behrams. This kind of propaganda proposed by the reformists must be protested against. Since we are a tolerant community it doesn't mean they can talk anything and get away with it.

Zoroastrians at a senior level need to think when they speak as they are icons of the community. Nature doesn't let the wrong things go by. In the long run, everybody has to pay for their sins. We are completely against such events that go against our ancestors' beliefs and religion.

- Hoshang F. Bapuna, Katy H. Blapuna, Neville H. Bapuna, Filly H. Bapuna, Keki H. Bapuna

Fwd: Who are we to Reform?, asks Dr.Coyaji from Pune. The Vendidad mentions the various spiritual ill-effects of inter-marriages.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: TZML Admins
Date: Mon, Jan 25, 2016 at 11:02 PM
Subject: Who are we to Reform?, asks Dr.Coyaji from Pune. The Vendidad mentions the various spiritual ill-effects of inter-marriages.
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>

WHO ARE WE TO REFORM?

Jame Jamshed Weekly, 24 January 2016

The Vendidad mentions that the religion is against marriage of a Parsi Zoroastrian (man or woman) outside the faith and explains the various spiritual ill-effects of such a marriage.

If we pray in Jasme Avangahe Mazda that our religion is the Shresht (best), then isn't it pompous to reform this Shresht (best) religion? 

It pains me to know that at the recently concluded Udvada Utsav, the Vada Dasturji of Udvada (Khur­shed Dastoor) endorsed a speech supporting conversion and inter-marriage.

All our rites, rituals and ways of living are prescribed in the Vendidad, but does anyone want to listen?

They say all this was not written by Zarathush­tra, only the Gathas were written by Him. So, was the Bible written by Jesus Christ; was the Quran written by Prophet Mohammed  and, was the Bhagwad Gita written by Lord Ram?

My guide in religious matters was firstly and mainly, my father, who was a Navar and Maratab. His eldest brother, Darashaw Coyaji, and their father, were practicing Mobeds in Surat. My father was very well-versed in religion. He stated that according to the fundamental principles of religion, there are several great religions and each has a Prophet; a person from one Prophet's fold cannot leave and go to another.

The Vendidad has 22 chapters (Fragard). In chap­ter 18, verses 63, 64 and 65 mention that the religion is against marriage of a Parsi Zoroastrian (man or woman) outside the faith and explain the various spiritual ill-effects of such a marriage.

It is often argued that at the time of Zarathushtra, people must have been converted to the Zoroastrian religion. That is not so. From ancient times we were Mazdayasnis (our scrip­tures state: Mazdayasno Ahmi, Mazdyasno Zarathush­trish).

So, we speak of Din-e‑Mazdayasni, Dad-e-Zarathushti (i.e. of Mazadayasni religion and of the laws of Zarathushtra).

Now all these Parsis are out to 'reform' our own great Zarathushtra's religion? Even those Parsis who pray just one short Kusti prayer in the whole day must be reciting "Mazishtaacha, Vahistaacha, Sreshtaacha" in Jasme Avenghe Mazda.

Do they know the meaning? We are thanking Zara­thushtra for giving as the Shresht religion (best reli­gion). We are going to reform this Shresht (best) religion? How pompous have we become!

- Dr. Goolcheher D. Coyaji

Pune

Fwd: Vada Dasturji Cyrus Dastur and Surat Athornan condemn reformist and inter-marriage. Says it will destroy the community

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: TZML Admins
Date: Mon, Jan 25, 2016 at 3:06 AM
Subject: Vada Dasturji Cyrus Dastur and Surat Athornan condemn reformist and inter-marriage. Says it will destroy the community
To: TZML <TraditionalZarathushtris@yahoogroups.com>

PLEASE CIRCULATE THIS EMAIL TO ALL YOUR PARSI CONTACTS SO THAT OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE NOT MISLEAD BY THESE MISGUIDED REFORMISTS

VADA DASTURJI CYRUS DASTUR AND SURAT ATHORNAN MANDAL CONDEMN "REFORM AND REFORMISTS" AT THE UDVADA UTSAV

Reformists should stop misleading the community  

Inter-marriage & conversion will destroy the community.

Jame Jamshed Weekly, 24 January 2016

Vada Dasturji Cyrus N. Dastur, High Priest and President of the Surat Athornan Mandal, says with anguish: "Regarding the Iranshah Udvada Utsav, it is quite disturbing to note that some of us have still not understood our religion and, directly or indirectly, are trying to reform the religion with our own personal ideas and views, proclaiming to be 'Reformists'. This, to our understanding, is not a good attitude for a true Zoroastrian."

Vada Dasturji Cyrus Dastur adds: "From the speech made by some noted persons at the Udvada Utsav, it was clear that they are trying to strongly impose reforms in our religion, without considering the original Zoroastrian laws. The Utsav was meant to bring forth positive aspects of our religion. However, such negative aspects will weaken the overall strength of our religion. Inter-marriages, conversion and not following our original Zoroastrian laws, which was reportedly promoted at the Utsav, falls in the category of negative aspects. Inter-marriages are very often recommended by the Reformists to increase our numbers, but they fail to understand that intermarriage is not the solution."

Vada Dasturji Cyrus Dastur emphatically asserts: "Genes play an important role and because of these genes a Parsi can be easily differentiated from a non-Parsi; even the culture depends on the genes and Parsis are noted for their unique culture. It is like adding water to pure milk to increase the quantity of the milk, but the quality deteriorates. 'So also for our community, the numbers (quantity) increases by inter-marriages and conversion - but what about the quality?

For the Parsi/Irani Zoroastrian comnunity, quantity is of importance -- but so is the quality. By intermarriage and conversion, the community will suffer. Our culture will lose its authenticity; our way of thinking will also change. In short "aapru Parsipanu" will vanish and so will the Zoroastrian religion and faith. What dire and drastic consequendes this will lead to is something all 'Reformists' should seriously think about and stop misleading the community".  

Vada Dasturji Cyrus Dastur concludes by stressing: "We at the Surat Athornan Mandlal protest and condemn such reforms and the Reformists too, who instigate and mislead the common, general Zoroastrian community. To convert and get converted is a shameful and sinful act for Zoroastrians. May Almighty Dadar Ahura Mazda bestow upon these 'Reformists' His blessing and show them the right path of Humata, Hukata, Hvrashta."

(end of report)

Thank you Vada Dasturji Cyrus Dastur and Surat Athornan Mandal for the good guidance given to the community. We also thank the other Vada Dasturjis for their joint statement made some days ago condemning conversion and inter-marriage. 

PLEASE CIRCULATE THIS EMAIL TO ALL YOUR PARSI CONTACTS SO THAT OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE NOT MISLEAD BY THESE MISGUIDED REFORMISTS