Zoroastrianism in the World Today

by Dr. Jehan Bagli

Founding member of the Zoroastrian Association of Quebec, Editor of Gavashni and first editor of the FEZANA Journal.

Throughout its long history, the Zarathustrian tradition has experienced numerous social environments shaped by various ruling dynasties, in different eras in early Iran. Consequently, from early times the adherents have learned to coexist with people of different beliefs. This has built within the tradition a strong sense of tolerance for other faiths and other religious viewpoints, an attribute which is firmly intertwined with the teachings of the first revealed religion of mankind.

The basic tenets of the faith proclaim respect for creation of nature and of equality for all human beings; these are the fundamental cornerstones of the tradition. With these axioms in focus, Zarathustrians consistently make a concerted effort to learn and comprehend the nature and beliefs of other faiths. The migration of Zarathustrians from Iran to India around 936 CE put them within the milieu of the Hindu society. Here they emerged as the most intellectual, honest and hard-working minority of the world. Despite imbibing the knowledge and customs of other faiths, they have for the past 3,500 years maintained the integrity and identity of their faith with glowing success.

At this time the major challenge for humanity to overcome in the world is a breakdown in true respect and tolerance for other human beings. Much of this is motivated by materialism and greed, but conflicts are frequently perpetrated in the name of religion, under false pretenses. The understanding that all humans emerge from the same creating force has been totally overshadowed by dogmatic and egotistic endeavors, without regard for the needs of others.

The other major issue in our highly technocratic society is the lack of regard for the elements of creation. In the interest of bettering living conditions, the relationship between humanity and the creation has reached an all-time low. The concept of the preservation of the creation, with humans as its stewards and as co-workers with the creator, promoted by various religious traditions, has totally disappeared. Exploitation of our non-renewable resources, pollution of our waters with chemical wastes, and excessive deforestation are some of the most serious infractions by the human society towards the elements of creation.

There is a great renaissance of spiritual awareness among the Zarathustrian community. Attempts are being made to disseminate the message of the Prophet to the youth and to adults to make them aware of these injustices that are perpetrated in the name of religion. The Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) is making all efforts to spread awareness of the Zarathustrian religion through interfaith dialogue with other religious groups and to make our sentiments known.

"O Ahura Mazda, and O Spirit of Truth:
Do you grant me and my followers
such strength and ruling power,
that with the help of the Benevolent Mind,
we may bring to the world,
restful joy and happiness,
of which, Thou, O Lord,
art indeed the first Possessor."

Yasna 29.10,
from the second chapter of the Gathas; passages from the Gathas, here and above, are from Understanding the Gathas, the Hymns of Zarathustra, by Dinshan J. Irani