Letters To The Editor
Hobbesian Thought And Zoroastrianism
A while ago, I came across a comment by a Parsi lady,, either in a newspaper or a periodical, about how us Parsis do not contribute generously towards our Agiary Funds, unlike the Hindus who donate generously towards their temples, and hence, towards their God or Gods. Zoroastrians believe in philanthropy, charity and we use our wealth for the betterment of our Community and society.
Our sister community has a different mindset from ours. To understand this, we must apply the Hobbesian Philosophy, as propounded by the early 17th century English Philosopher, Thomas Hobbes, using which we can conclude that Hindus’ are not very enthusiastic about philanthropy. The Hindu relationship with God or the deities they pray to or rather appeal to, is transactional. God is petitioned for certain favours or blessings to be conferred upon the petitioner, and on receipt of these, God is placated with gifts of cash, gold, jewelry or certain acts of penance or foregoing of certain pleasures.
Their belief is that the society has no role to play in advancement of an individual and thus the individual has no obligation towards the society. Whatever one gets, it is through one’s devotion to the Divine Being and the beneficiary is obliged only to such a being for good fortunes. Zoroastrians on the other hand believes that philanthropy is a form of love of mankind and to love man is to love His creation. This is the very reason why Parsi-Zoroastrians have used their wealth to create educational institutions for the promotion of literacy and higher learning; institutes for Fundamental Research, Social Sciences, hospitals, libraries and homes for the aged.
Even the very first School of Art was established by Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy and the premier art gallery, The Jahangir Art Gallery was established by the Tatas. Of all the profits made by the giant business empire, the Tatas, nearly 60% or maybe more, goes to the Trust and is used for the benefit of mankind throughout the world. Thus following the tragic accident of the manager of the Zoroastrian Museum, Udwada Aspi Sepoy at Udwada station in which he lost both his lower limbs cash-aid has poured in to the tune of sixteen lakhs and counting. May I please point out to the lady who commented upon Parsis’ lack of generosity towards our temples, “This is what Zoroastrianism is all about, Philanthropy” and as good soul, Dinshaw Tamboli says, “We are blessed to be part of the marvelous Zoroastrian community!”
-Dara Khodaiji
(dara_mk@hotmail.com)
Re: PT Editorial On ‘Looking Forward’
Dear Anahita,
I wish to congratulate you on the wonderful editorial piece titled “Looking Forward…” It was one of the most ‘valuable and meaningful’ write-ups in your editorial column till date. Although, apparently it does not seem very valuable, but in ‘practical’ life it means a lot. Looking forward to something every day is extremely ‘useful and necessary’. No matter how insignificant that thing is. It could be a routine household chore to be done or even the next episode of our favourite television serial. Looking forward to doing something every day keeps us ‘excited’. It motivates our anticipation regarding it. It sort of gives a ‘purpose’ to our Life, even if it is in a small way. And that is what Keeps Us Going.
Yours sincerely,
Kaizad B.Irani,
Camp, Pune.
What Dara Khodaiji has written is food for thought. I think God would Himself would prefer that man help his fellowmen instead of adorning his temples and churches. ( ofcourse it is a different matter if an Agairy is in dire need of funds for repair).
No matter how much man spends on building rich places of worship, he will never be able to match the splendour of God.
But by doing even one small good deed a day, even something like saying a few words of sympathy to a troubled person or just giving a smile to someone who is lonely , will be enough for God. After all God is love and compassion and not riches and wealth.