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Deeply disturbed and distressed by the current controversies disrupting our community, and earnest in his plea for peace and sanity to return, DR. JIMMY SIDHVA, eminent radiologist and religious scholar, makes a heart-warming case for consideration within the diverse warring groups tearing us apart.
Dr. Sidhva, who has written two incredible books (privately we call them blessings, not books, because such luminous insight is a gift), has his heart in the right place. Readers of Jame will recall his columns on the Holy Gathas, as well as his books, 'The Gathas of Asho Zarathushtra' and 'The Religion of Asho Zarathushtra'. So, why is the good doctor downcast, disappointed and dismayed? A little brokenly, he begins: "The infighting within our community is considerable and increasing day by day. We are a benign community in our attitude to, and relations with, other communities, and the Parsis/Iranis have been held up as an example to other communities time and time again. But to a Parsi, the sight of another Parsi seems to act as a red rag to a bull. We are becoming increasingly intolerant of each other's views and the comments in Parsi newspapers are threatening to become a Tower of Babel of the written word. It has been suggested that we 'unite' and sit together to sort out our differences. But I feel that the progressing mutual ill-feeling between members of the opposing 'liberal' and 'orthodox' factions has been accelerated to such an extent that a solution agreeable to both parties is no longer possible." A tragic mess have we got ourselves into, indeed, and it is no wonder then that the good doctor is dispirited. What is the solution, if any? Dr. Sidhva adds, "Our only salvation for a peaceful co-existence within our community is to amiably agree to disagree. Each member must see the opponent's point of view, and even if he genuinely disapproves of it, he must respect it and not permanently shut his heart and mind to it. In short, let us Live and Let Live." It is almost as though the dam has burst and he continues, "Tolerance is one of the most important aspects of out lovely Mazdayasni Zarathushti religion but, unfortunately, it is the most neglected facet and is prominent by its virtual absence in our community members. In our religious texts, especially in the Gathas of Asho Zarathusthra, this has been stressed a number of times, the most notable being verse seven of Ha forty seven of the Yasna, one of the verses of the beautiful Spenta Mainyo Gatha: 'To suppress wrath and violence, all ye should aspire who by holding fast to Vahu Mano, desire to strengthen Asha, as should all men good and pure thus reaching thy abode, Ahura Mazda, for sure.' If only we could put into practice the advice of our Prophet in these beautiful and priceless words, we would really be a happy community, respecting others views and amiably agreeing to disagree." He reiterates, "Let us try and live up to the image of our community that our forefathers carved out in the last century and not belittle and disgrace it with petty internal squabbles. Not only should we not sully our image in other people's eyes by our quarrelling, but we should follow the teachings and diktats contained in our own religious texts. In the kusti prayers of Jasme Avanghe Mazda, we have this significant passage: 'Astuye daenam vanghuim Mazdayasnim fraspayao khedram, nidhasnaithisem, khaetvadhatam ashaonim.' This means, 'I revere the pure Mazda-worshipping religion, which preaches non-violence, self-sacrifice and an end to quarrels and shows the Path of Righteousness.' This small passage is prayed by us a number of times a day and it is mandatory that we pay heed to it and end our constant and on-going quarrels and confrontations." In conclusion, Dr. Jimmy Sidhva pleads, "I sincerely beseech our community brothers and sisters to open their minds and hearts to each other, and if we cannot 'unite' in our thoughts, words and deed, let us live and let live. We have, recently, had a spate and surfeit of acronyms varying from WAPIZ to ARZ, AIMZ, AIZ, AZA and so on, so one more will not make matters worse! Hence, my appeal of 'Live and Let Live' can be shortened to LALL, but I sincerely hope that this does not cause the more belligerent of the warring factions to 'see red' and start flourishing their cudgels again…" |
Dr.
Jimmy Sidhva is a sad man. A very sad man, actually. The amiable, genteel, and
highly respected doctor, whose professional acclaim has been enhanced by his religious
erudition and passionate commitment toward the community at various levels, is
dejected to see what is becoming of us with so many disruptive forces at play.
