Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Khordad Sal - Kadmi calendar - Thurs, 26 July 2007

From: TZML Eductn & Information Committee <tzml.eductn@gmail.com>
Date: Jul 25, 2007 9:59 PM
Subject: Khordad Sal - Kadmi calendar - Thurs, 26 July 2007

Dear Zarathushti humdins,

The Kadmi Khordad Sal falls on Thurs, 26th July 2007. Of course the
roj, according to the Kadmi Calendar is Khordad and the mah Farvardin.

(Yes Shahenshahis, the Kadmis are one month ahead of you!!!)

Khordad Sal is the day our exalted Prophet Vakshure Vakshuran
ZARATHUSHTRA SPITAMAN was born.

The whole of Nature rejoiced on that joyous occasion, the Righteous
human beings, the animals and birds on land, and the fish in the Seas,
all rejoiced when the most Exalted of All was born.

To regard Zarathushtra Saheb as a mere super-mortal is wrong. He is a
part of Ahura Mazda Himself. And He is rightly regarded as a Divine
Being, worth of Worship and Adoration.

We pray that this day bring righteousness, happiness and spiritual
progress to not only us Zarathushtis, but to the whole of mankind and
all the 7 Creations of Ahura Mazda.

We are enclosing a small part of the heartfelt tribute to Zarathushtra
called "Koi Puche Mane kya chhe tara paigambar ... Dil chiri ne
bataroo mara jigar ni andar" ("If some one asks me where is your
Paigambar Zarathustra, I will tear open my heart He will be in it)

This recording is available in the tape "Chhaihe Hame Zarathushti" by
Marzban Dara Mehta, and is available at WZO Projects, plus their
sukhad shop at Cama Baug, plus other sukhad shops too.

Readers may buy the cassette not only to encourage these artistes, but
also to be fortunate in owning a very lively collection of religious
songs.

Feedback on the audio quality is most welcome.

With best wishes,

from the TZML Education & Information Committee

Monday, July 9, 2007

Bahman Yasht - in Pazand and in Avestan

From: tba@xtra.co.nz <tba@xtra.co.nz>
Date: Jul 9, 2007 7:22 AM
Subject: Bahman Yasht - in Pazand and in Avestan

Baname Khuda!

Dear Zarathushti friend,

thank you for your email sharing information with us on the topic of
Bahman Yasht.

You are right - the Avesta Bahman Yasht was withdrawn from common
men/priests when its power was not used in the right manner.

But fortunately for us, a portion of the Avesta Bahman Yasht resides
in the existing Hormazd Yasht (which could well be paragraphs 24 to 32
as you write - I will confirm that).

So those who want to worship Bahman Ahmeshaspand and pray for Vohu
Manah / Good Mind (Gujarati: sadbuddhi) may do so by instead praying
the entire Hormazd Yasht devotedly, not only the parahraphs 24 to 32.
As an old song says: "Bahman Ahmeshaspand ni bandagi karnar Parvar ne
che pyaaro"

I have learnt that the currently available Bahman Yasht in Pazand form
is not a Avestan prayer as such and has no maanthric composition, it
is only an essay or description of the original Avestan Bahman Yasht.
All our prayers have a maanthric composition and intoning them
correctly produces a beneficial effect in the reciter as well as in
the physical atmosphere. Having said that, this effect is NOT produced
when one recites the Pazand Bahman Yasht narration or essay. Those who
wish to pray to Bahman Ahmeshahspand may well pray the Hormazd Yasht
as described earlier or Mah Bokhtar Nyaish, Mah Bokhtar Yasht, Gosh
Yasht or Raam Yasht.

I have a small audio talk on this topic which I may share with all
readers and yourself when I locate it.

But till then, lets all not forget Bahman Ahmeshahspand in this month
and look after His animals on this geti of ours.

Thank you once again for your letter.

Sincerely,
Tehemton B. Adenwalla

=========== Message received ===========

MR. Tehemton B. Adenwalla.

I recieved a message of yours through a friend of mine, as he knows that I
am Very interested in the Bahman Yasht.

You have mentioned the following about this prayer......

"Incidentally, the Bahman Yasht floating in Parsee houses and some agiaries
is not the Avesta Bahman Yasht. It is actually the Pazand version, and it
reads like an essay. If possible, that "essay" is not to be recited as a
normal prayer"

I would be grateful if you could give me more details about this. I have
heard that the origional which is lost - Avesta Bahman Yasht, was too
powerful, and was being missused. Later on, a toned down version was brought
out in Pazend, during the Sassanian times. The latter portion of the Hormazd
Yasht (paragraphs 24 to 32) contains parts of the lost Vohuman Yasht.

I have no idea if this is true, but will be most obliged if you could kindly
enlighten me and send me some infomation on this subject.

thanking you,

- Zarathushti friend

_________________________________________________________________

On 7/6/07, Tehemton B. Adenwalla <tba@xtra.co.nz> wrote:
Baname Khuda!

Dear fellow Zarathushtis,

today is Ram roj, the last of the hamkar day in this month Bahman.

Hope you all are having a good and pious Bahman mah.

If some readers would like to share experiences of how they worshipped
Bahman Ahmeshaspand, or His Hamkars Mohor, Gosh and Raam; please share
them with us.

Or, if you wish to narrate what special effort you or your family took
to look after animals and animal needs, then please enlighten us.

Incidentally, the Bahman Yasht floating in Parsee houses and some
agiaries is not the Avesta Bahman Yasht. It is actually the Pazand
version, and it reads like an essay. If possible, that "essay" is not
to be recited as a normal prayer.

Does someone knowledgable want to comment on this?

Sincerely
Tehemton B. Adenwalla

----- Original Message -----
From: Tehemton B. Adenwalla
To: TZML
Sent: Tuesday, July 17, 2007 4:02 PM
Subject: [Traditional Zs] Bahman mah - Bahman roj - on Sun, 17 June 2007

Baname Khuda!

Dear fellow Zarathushtis,

today on Sunday 17th June 2007 is Bahman mah, Bahman roz.

It is also called "Bahman nu parabh"

Bahman Ahmeshaspand presides over the animal kingdom.

The Yazads which help Bahman Ahmeshashpand are:
* Mohor
* Gosh
* Raam

Many Zarathushtis follow an "unrojo" in respect of Bahman
Ahmeshahspand and refrain from eating meat for the whole month. Some
of them do not even eat eggs.

Some Zarathushtis follow the "unrojo" during all the hamkar/parabh
days of Bahman Ahmeshahspand, i.e. on rojs Bahman, Mohor, Gosh, Raam
in all the 12 months of the year.

Traditional Zoroastrianism does not frown on meat eating but if we eat
meat, we are enjoined to eat meat of the goat/lambs and chicken and
fish only, beef (cow's meat) and port (pig's meat) are traditionally
shunned.

Respect and good treatment for the cow, the most sacred animal to our
Hindu brethren in Hindustan, too is important.

Whatever be our dietary habits, we must look after our animal friends.
If we have dogs in our houses, we must see that these faithful
creatures are well fed, exercised and looked after. Those of us who
use domestic animals like bull and horses in our farms, must ensure
that these majestic animals too are cared for, well fed and not
overworked fed.

Otherwise, "janavaro ni hai lage"

Some Zarathushtis donate money to associations like "Society of
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals" in the month of Bahman. Some years
ago, there were victorias in Mumbai, which were pulled by retired
racecourse horses. These poor animals were made to work and not rest
even when their mouths use to bring out foam and no water breaks were
given. Hope the victoria-wallas look after their horses well. Stray
dogs too are a big sight in Indian cities and some of these dogs are
in so deplorable a state (some are injured on one leg and go around
with just 3 legs; some have rabies, etc); that one's heart goes out to
them.

In school, I had some friends from Gujarat and because they had a
farm, they had many animals. These friends of mine always included
their animals as part of their families and really looked after them!
Such incidents were really inspiring.

By the way, the modern science of genetic manipulation where they
implant animal genes in the vegetable products (and vice-versa) is
really deplorable. We are not here on Planet Earth to tinker with
Mother Nature's creations, She has created animals under Bahman
Ameshaspand and plants under Amardad Ameshaspand - these creations are
not to be mixed and inter-produced.

Sincerely
Tehemton B. Adenwalla

Sunday, June 17, 2007

Welfare of stray dogs - the WSD group, etc

From: Tehemton B. Adenwalla <tba@xtra.co.nz>
Date: Jul 17, 2007 9:49 AM
Subject: Welfare of stray dogs - the WSD group, etc

Baname Khuda!

Dear friends,
am forwarding an earlier email on this topic which appeared on TZML
some years ago.

Please also go through the appeal made on behalf of the Welfare of
Stray Dogs group, reproduced below.

Sincerely,
Tehemton B. Adenwalla

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tehemton B. Adenwalla" <tba@xtra.co.nz>
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2004 7:17 PM
Subject: Re: [Traditional Zs] welfare of stray dogs

Baname Khuda!

What an opportune day to talk about welfare of animals!!!

Today is Bahman mah, Bahman roj and Bahman Ameshaspand rules over the animal
kingdom.

Looking after our deaf and dumb animals is a very important Zoroastrian
duty, especially the "gospandi" animals like cows, sheep, goat, etc.

As Zoroastrians, we must look after animals with care and affection and even
though we may be meat-eaters we should try and work towards techniques which
minimise the pain when animals are slaughtered. If we use bulls and horses
for agriculture purposes, we must see that these animals are well looked
after.

Also, we should respect the holy animal venerated by our Hindu friends, i.e.
the cow. We should try and understand the reasons behind the reverence which
our Hindustan has for cow worship and not look at this through
westernised/scientifc eyes only. Incidentally, the cow is also very much
respected in our Zoroastrian religion, and I will write about it perhaps in
a future posting.

Of course, the dog too plays a very significant role in the Zoroastrian
religion and is considered a very holy (pavitra) animal.

I wish WSD and Mr/Ms Meher J. Gandevia the best of luck in their noble
activities.

Sincerely,
Tehemton B. Adenwalla

----- Original Message -----
From: "Meher J Gandevia"
Sent: Thursday, June 17, 2004 5:41 AM
Subject: [Traditional Zs] welfare of stray dogs

> The welfare of stray dogs (WSD) is a registered
> animal welfare, non-profit trust recognized by the
> Animal Welfare Board of India (Ministry of Environment
> & Forests) and associated with the Royal Society for
> the Prevention Of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), UK. We
> started work in 1989. All our services are free. WSD
> conducts the following programmes
>
> 1) Animal Birth Control programme
> Stray dogs are caught by the BMC, volunteers or
> members of the public and brought to us at our kennels
> at Mahalakshmi where they are sterilized and kept for
> seven days for post operative care. When their
> surgical wound heals, they are released after being
> administered a rabies injection in the same area where
> they were brought from
>
> 2) Immunization against rabies
>
> Stray dogs are re-vaccinated against rabies.
> First-Aid teams go into different areas and vaccinate
> the strays against rabies.
>
> 3) On-Site First - Aid programme
>
> Trained volunteers treat stray dogs for maggot
> wounds, cuts, bites and skin problems on site.
>
> 4) Adoption programme.
>
> We look for homes for dogs that are abandoned or
> strays that need a home. All potential people who
> want to adopt a dog have to go through our process of
> checking which includes a questionnaire and a visit to
> their home.
>
> 5) Education & Awareness Programme.
>
> a) Slide presentations in Schools & Colleges
>
> We conduct an interactive slide presentation called
> 'The Day Of The Dog' to schools, colleges and other
> adult groups to spread awareness about the stray dogs
> issue, dog bite prevention and prevention of rabies.
> b) Chart presentations in Slums
>
> We conduct chart presentations in slums to educate
> the people and children in slums about prevention of
> dog bites and rabies.
>
> c) Rabies Awareness Drives
> We organize rabies awareness drives at slums and
> public places where the queries and myths regarding
> Rabies are answered by vets and volunteers
>
> We spend more than one lakh thirty thousand rupees
> every month for running our projects and we would be
> grateful for any help. You could help us in the
> following ways.
>
> Sponsor the following
>
> Infrastructure to build additional kennels : 3 lakhs
>
> Food Costs: Rs 29,370 per month
>
> Medicine Costs: Rs 31,976 per month
>
> On Site First-Aid Programme: Rs 6000 per month
>
> Salary of Health Care Manager: Rs 5000 per month
>
> Salary Of Help Line Assistant: 3500 per month
>
> Sterilization of one stray dog : Rs 550
> DONATIONS IN KIND
>
> Food
>
>
>
> No
> Item
> Amount required per month
>
> 1
> Milk Powder
> 100 kgs
>
> 2
> Bread
> 2400 ladis(loaves)
>
> 3
> Lhapsi (Broken wheat)
> 150 kgs
>
> 4
> Rice (Ukda)
> 120 kgs
>
> 5
> Rice (Kolum)
> 30 kgs
>
> 6
> Masur Dal (Yellow)
> 120 kgs
>
> 7
> Milk
> 60 litres
>
> 8
> Paneer
> 15 kgs
>
> 9
> Biscuits
> (Any amount)
>
> 10
> Soya Chunks
> (Any amount)
>
>
>
> You could donate any quantity on a monthly basis
>
> Other Requirements
>
>
>
> 1) Bed sheets, Mattresses ,Towels & Newspapers.
>
> 2) Envelopes, Paper and Pens, Cello Tape, Glue Stick
> ,writing pads,white-ink,
>
> 3) Postage stamps and Revenue Stamps
>
> 4) Computer
>
> 5) Files
>
> 6) Office Stationary- Stapler, Punch, Staple Pins ,
> Pins, U-Clips, Glue stick, etc
>
> 7) Re-writable CD's & Floppy disks
>
> 8) Medicines: If you know any doctors, they can be of
> help as they get
>
> samples. Please E-mail for a list of medicines we use.
>
> 9) Ceiling fans, Tube lights, Bulbs
>
> 10) Chairs, Cupboards, Table, Storage Bins for Edible
> Items, Buckets, Plastic Drums.
>
> 11) Brooms, Swabs, Cloth
>
> 12) Gas Stove/Electric Stove/Kerosene Stove
>
> 13) Lifebuoy soaps/Hand wash Soaps
>
> 14) Savlon/Dettol bottles
>
> 15) Washing powder for Clothes/Utensils
>
> 16) Tiles (Floor & Wall) for additional kennels
>
> 17) Pressure Cooker (7 and half litres)
>
> Other ways that you can help out
>
> 1) It is important that we spread awareness regarding
> the stray-dog issue and rabies. Thus if you know of
> any venue where we can make our slide presentation
> 'The Day Of The Dog', please call us so that we can
> contact the school/college/club and make the
> presentation. You could check up with your ex- school
> or college, Clubs (Lions, Rotary, Rotaract etc)
>
> 2) If you know any pharmaceuticals that we can
> approach for medicines that are used at the kennels or
> for the first-aid programme, please let us know. We
> can mail you the list of specific medicines we use
> with manufacturer' name.
>
> 3) We do a lot of Photocopying of volunteer
> forms/about us etc. If you know any one with a
> photocopy machine (corporates/businessmen), please
> check if they could permit us to do our photocopying
> on their machines.
>
> 4) If you know of any places where we can organize
> our sales, you can put us in touch with the concerned
> people. These could be in Corporate Organizations
> (during their lunch time), Schools or colleges (in
> festivals, open days)
>
> 5) If you know any printer who would print our
> newsletters and other publicity material
>
> 6) Volunteer with WSD.
>
> 7) If you can approach any department stores or shops
> where we can keep our donation boxes
>
> 8) If you know anyone who wants to get a pet, ask
> him/her to adopt one from WSD instead of buying a dog.
> We always have many dogs, which are looking for good
> homes.
>
> 9) You can buy our products when you give gifts or
> suggest our products to people who want to gift.
> (Birthdays, Xmas, Birthday-takeaway gifts) Call us if
> you need more information on our products.
>
> You can contact WSD on
>
> Telephone : 23733433/23891070
>
> E-mail : wsd@rediffmail.com
>
> Postal Address : The Welfare Of Stray Dogs(WSD)
>
> C/o Akanksha , Voltas House 'C'
>
> T B Kadam Marg
>
> Chinchpokli
>
> Mumbai : 400 033
>
> Thanking You
>
> Daisy Sidhwa
>
> Manager-Projects
>
>
> Abodh Aras
>
> Chief Executive Officer
>
>
>
>
> TRADITIONAL ZOROASTRIANS ARE THE REAL ZOROASTRIANS
> ----------------------------------------------------
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>
> The next month of messages is dedicated to the memory of
> Dasturji Dr. Hormazdiyar Kayoji Mirza, late High Priest
> of Udvada Atash Behram, truly a Traditional stalwart and
> the first to defend the religion. His "Outlines of Parsi
> History" is an absolute must to have in all Zarthushti
> homes. "Some Problems Facing the Parsi Community", written
> some years ago still stands as a landmark to achieve
> solutions to our current problems. His towering presence,
> dedication, guidance and learning will be greatly missed.
> May his soul progress in Garothman Behesht.
> (Above Tribute by Board member Mrs. Pervin Mistry).
> -----------------------------------------------------
>

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> -----------------------------------------------------
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Bahman mah - Bahman roj - on Sun, 17 June 2007

From: Tehemton B. Adenwalla <tba@xtra.co.nz>
Date: Jul 17, 2007 9:32 AM
Subject: Bahman mah - Bahman roj - on Sun, 17 June 2007

Baname Khuda!

Dear fellow Zarathushtis,

today on Sunday 17th June 2007 is Bahman mah, Bahman roz.

It is also called "Bahman nu parabh"

Bahman Ahmeshaspand presides over the animal kingdom.

The Yazads which help Bahman Ahmeshashpand are:
* Mohor
* Gosh
* Raam

Many Zarathushtis follow an "unrojo" in respect of Bahman
Ahmeshahspand and refrain from eating meat for the whole month. Some
of them do not even eat eggs.

Some Zarathushtis follow the "unrojo" during all the hamkar/parabh
days of Bahman Ahmeshahspand, i.e. on rojs Bahman, Mohor, Gosh, Raam

Respect and good treatment for the cow, the most sacred animal to our
Hindu brethren in Hindustan, too is important.

Otherwise, "janavaro ni hai lage"

Sincerely
Tehemton B. Adenwalla

Monday, June 4, 2007

Guruvayoor temple says no to change in traditions -By IANS

From: k k

Sent: Monday, June 04, 2007 7:29 PM

Subject: [Traditional Zs] Guruvayoor temple says no to change in traditions -By IANS

Guruvayoor temple says no to change in traditions

By IANS

Trissur (Kerala) : Days after a panel of Hindu priests decided to discuss the sensitive issue of throwing open the doors of Kerala temples to non-Hindus, the supreme authority of the Guruvayoor Sree Krishna Temple Thursday ruled out any change in the traditions of the famed temple.

K. Raman Nampoothiri, secretary of the Guruvayoor Temple Pramabarya Paricharana Samithy, said that they had a long meeting that ended late Wednesday night and decided that at no cost should there be any changes in the tradition of the Sree Krishna Temple.

"We have a feeling that the devotees of this temple are a worried lot that there is going to be a change in the traditions after reports surfaced in the media after a meeting of the Yogakshema Sabha Monday.

"The Sabha Monday decided to appoint a five-member panel to look into this issue in all temples of the state," Nampoothiri told IANS.

"We also took part in that meeting and we expressed our opinion that at the Guruvayoor temple there cannot be any changes in the traditions and we are committed to that and we wish to convey this to all devotees of this temple," he said.

The Samithy consists the tantris and those who take part in the rituals and prayers of the temple while the Yogakshema Sabha represents the entire Brahmin community including priests and temple administrators of Kerala.

When asked if he was not in agreement with the Yogakshema Sabha decision to appoint an expert panel, Nampoothiri said that at the Sabha meeting he had expressed the view that there should be no changes in the tradition of the Guruvayoor temple.

"We wish to reiterate that if there is even a small change (in the tradition), it would lead to a series of changes and that is just not acceptable because this is a temple with a long tradition.

"We can speak only for this temple and the Yogakshema Sabha is free to go ahead with their panel to study if any changes are required in other temples," added Nampoothiri.

The famed Guruvayoor temple of late has run into controversies. Kearla Devaswom Minister G. Sudhakaran was instrumental in igniting one when he wrote to the temple administrators to see that veteran singer K.J. Yesudas, a Christian, be allowed to sing inside its premises Hindu devotional compositions that he is famous for.

Last week, Guruvayoor priests performed a purification ritual after the naming ceremony of Minister of Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi's grandson there. Ravi's wife is a Christian.

After the ritual at the temple, a section of Hindus has argued for a change in entry rules to allow non-Hindus into temples.

http://andhracafe.com/index.php?m=show&id=23616

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Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Wapiz function

From: Deen Parast
Date: May 27, 2007 8:34 PM
Subject: Wapiz function

The WAPIZ function on 26th May had many traditionals attending
including Adi Doctor whom I met for the first time. The function was
attended by 2500 Parsis.

Yezdi Desai made a fantastic speech showing his deep feelings and
commitment for the religion, and Khojeste followed up by a thundering
attack on the liberal
(non)forces that are bent on destroying the dongerwadi.

"We will not let the dongerwadi go down" were his words and all the
people applauded. He promised that Wapiz will fight against any
legal action for our Dokhma grounds.

After the speeches, I congratulated both Yezdi and Khojeste on their
excellent speeches. Credit must be given where it is due.

Regards,

Thursday, May 24, 2007

Zarathosht no Diso - on Khorshed roj (Sat 27th May) The Day our Great Prophet passed away to Other Realms

From: TZML Eductn & Information Committee <tzml.eductn@gmail.com>
Date: May 24, 2007 3:44 AM
Subject: Zarathosht no Diso - on Khorshed roj (Sat 27th May) The Day
our Great Prophet passed away to Other Realms

Dear fellow Zarathushtis,

On Khorshed roz, Dae Mah YZ 1376 (Sun , 27 May 2007) is Zarathosht-no-Diso.

It is traditionally believed that our great Prophet Zarathushtra left
earth for His Heavenly Abode on this day.

This is the day when our Paigambar Saheb, Vakshure Vakshuran (meaning
Prophet of Prophets) Asho Zarathushtra left the material earth for His
Heavenly Abode . (In common parlance, it means the day when Asho
Zarathushtra Saheb passed away).

There are many interpretations about the actual meaning of the
so-called "death" of Zarathushtra Saheb. Why do we question the death
phenomenon as applied to the Prophet. Firstly, because he was a
Yazata, a Divine Being, and Yazatas do not undergo death like we
mortals do.

Perhaps some readers may throw more light on this Divine phenomenon.

The site http://www.surfindia.com/festivals/zarthost-no-deeso.html
mentions that: "Special prayer sessions are organized and prayers are
recited with religious discourses focusing on the life and works of
the Prophet. Zoroastrians visit the Fire Temple to pray. Marked as a
solemn occasion, elaborate celebrations and public functions are
largely absent. Even religious ceremonies and services are confined to
the temple or homes. In India, Zarthost No Deeso is particularly
observed in Mumbai, Gujarat and other areas with a Parsi population."

We remember Him today with a small part of a very famous devotional
song, "Saras Sau Thi Kharo Rahebar Asho Zarathosht Paigambar"

Since the original cassette with us was a bit old, the recording is
not the best.

Still it is enough to capture the devotion expressed to Zarathushtra
Paigambar, who is regarded as Vakshure-Vakshuran. Meaning Prophet of
the Prophets.

Please excuse the sound quality, but turn your PC volume full.

Your feedback is welcome.

With best wishes

from the TZML Education & Information Committee