February 2019

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

February 2019 NEW MANASHNI BANNER Volume 33 Issue 02 - February 2019 MANASHNI SPONSORED BY SETHNA FINANCIAL GROUP LLC, ZARIR J. SETHNA, CLU®, ChFC®, LUTCF® WWW.SETHNAFINANCIALGROUP.COM OFFICE 713-963-4229 SUNDAY SCHOOL UPCOMING EVENTS PLACE: ZHCC, 8787 W. Airport Blvd., Sunday, February 17, 2019 – Interfaith Event at ZHCC Houston, TX 77071 Sunday, March 10, 2019 – ZAH Annual General Meeting Tel: 713-270-9339 Wednesday, March 20 - Atash Kadeh Opening & Norouz Event TIME: Different timings for each group Saturday, April 6, 2019 – Surviving an Active Shooter Training DATE: February 10, 2019 Sunday, April 14, 2019 – ZAH Annual Carnival after Sunday School SPECIAL EVENT Children's Session INAUGURATING THE FIRST EVER STAND ALONE STRUCTURE - The Sunday School session starts at ATASH KADEH IN NORTH AMERICA 10.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. Middle Group: The Sunday School session at 11.00 a.m. Youth Group: Sarosh Collector, Kaemerz Dotiwalla conduct this session. The Zoroastrian Association of Houston (ZAH) proudly announces the grand opening of its new Atash Kadeh. A gala celebration for the opening is scheduled during the Navroze days from March 20 through March 24, 2019. The interesting and exciting program planned for the celebration includes prayer ceremonies, social events and lectures. A High Priest has been invited from India, along with many local and foreign dignitaries. This Atash Kadeh, the first of its kind, is a standalone structure costing over one and a half million dollars that will be inclusive and open to all Zoroastrians, their family members, and friends. Be a part of this landmark event that marks the growth and success of the Zoroastrian North American diaspora. For detailed day by day program, and registration for the events, please use this link and register http://zah.org/news/atash-kadeh-inauguration-and-navroze-funtion/ Please note that for registration and payment, you can take advantage of the all-inclusive package for the 5 days; or choose and pay for only the events that you want to attend. Last date for registration is March 5th or earlier if we reach capacity. Please book early to avoid disappointment for this once-in-a-lifetime event. Considering the huge interest in this event and greater than normal attendance expected, we would prefer NO WALK-INS for the Saturday rd March 23 Gala Evening event. If you are registering on-line and paying by check please mail in your checks by March 5th or bring it to the AGM on Sunday March 10th to confirm your booking. You can now also pay with your Credit Card without having a PayPal account. Just do the following: 1. After you finish filling all the info on the website, click “Paypal checkout”. 2. This will redirect you to the PayPal log in screen 3. On this screen at the bottom there’s a grey button that says “Pay with Debit or Credit Card” 4. Click that button, fill in your credit card info (which we don’t save), click “Pay now” and you are done! If you have any questions or do not have access to online registration, you may register by contacting Arzin Italia at 713-679-4998 or by email [email protected] Prior to formal inauguration, the Atash Kadeh Committee invites: Invitation Welcome to “Your Atash KAdeh” Prior to the opening we invite our community members to view “Your Atash Kadeh & Feedback” Open House Days - Attend any of the following days February 10, Sunday – 12:30PM February 16, Saturday – noon February 24, Sunday – Noon March 3, Sunday – Noon March 10, Sunday – noon (Prior to General Body meeting) Program: Noon to 12:45 PM - Open house at the Atash Kadeh 2:50 PM - Atash Kadeh Presentation EXE REPORTS EC MEMBERS 2018 LIBRARY COMMITTEE REPORT Daroga, Lyla By Yasmin Pavri Dungor, Nozer Upcoming Library Event – March 22, 2019 Haveliwala, Sheroy – Chairman In conjunction with the multi-day ceremonies to inaugurate the Atash Katrak, Jasmine Kadeh, the library committee will host the events on the evening of March Sethna, Sweta 22. The program kicks off at 6:30 with a wine and cheese soirée. As you Khumbatta, Mitra – Treasurer enjoy the refreshments, take a walk “Down Memory Lane”, an exhibit Master, Percy – Secretary curated by our very talented exhibit committee. The program includes a talk Mistry, Jangoo – ZAH Representative to by Vada Dastur Khurshed Dastur on “Zarathushti Way of Life in Today’s FEZANA World” and will end with a Persian Dinner. Please go to http://zah.org/events/atash-kadeh-inauguration-and-navroze-funtion/ to YOUTH GROUP OFFICERS register for this and other events. 2018 - 2019 Visions of Paradise – MFAH Tour Review Sidhwa, Yazad – President Vehishta Kaikobad has led our ZAH members on a number of delightful Mistry, Cyrus – Vice President tours to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH) and once again we were treated Italia, Zara – Treasurer to a high-energy visit, filled with lots of information and hidden insights. Mehta, Natalya – Secretary Thirty of us attended a lecture and PPT presentation that preceded the Hormuzdi, Dina – Historian actual visit to the exhibit Garden Paradise: The Magnificent Safavid Carpet Master, Zubin – Web Master from the Burrell Collection, Glasgow. To set the mood, all of us were treated to Turkish delight, pistachios and grapes. The youngest members MIDDLE GROUP OFFICERS were Rayomand Collector’s children. 2018 – 2019 Vehishta gave a historical perspective of the Achaemenians who were Italia, Zal – President builders of large palaces with engineering skills and love of flora and fauna Kanga, Neville – Vice President and continued her pictorial journey to the Parthians, Sasanians and the Chikhliwala, Roshni – Secretary Islamic caliphate highlighting the profound Kanga, Natasha – Treasurer influence on the rest of the world. Next came the Dungor, Natasha – Historian historical overview of the Persian carpet, which dated back 2500 years ago. The Iranians were OUR ERVADS (PRIESTS) the pioneer carpet weavers and the art of weaving was passed along from father to son, an Boomla, Noozar art that was a closely guarded secret. Buchia, Kyrus Dastur, Barjor The group then went to see the Magnificent Dastur, Darius Safavid Carpet, which was filled with the flora Desai, Adi and fauna beloved by the Persians. Fish and ducks swimming in H-shaped Desai, Farokh channels of water, were surrounded by plants, butterflies and many Firozgary, Bahrom different animals. As Susie Tommaney wrote in the Houston Press: “To Gonda, Pervez create an intricate carpet with straight lines is task enough, but this Kanga, Neville elaborate carpet is full of all sorts of curves and rounded shapes, making Katrak, Rayomand the design all that more difficult to execute. Each color change called for the Katrak, Vispi P. knotting of a different colored thread, an infinitely slow and laborious Khumbatta, Noshir technique that yielded slightly imperfect edges but an exquisite finished Kotwal, Zubin product. There are 224 asymmetrical knots per square inch and the carpet Masani, Dara measures a little more than 170 inches by 209 inches, making a project like Nariman, Khushrav this the non-digital precursor to modern-day programming.” Nariman, Viraf Pavri, Shapur The room also had some other very beautiful items from the collection of Pundole, Faraidoon Kuwait-based collector Hossein Afshar. They Rashidi, Farhood included ceramics, metalwork, painting and book Sanjana, Bahmanshah folios that illustrate the abundance of nature- Sanjana, Kurush based imagery in Islamic art. Sidhwa, Kayomarz Sidhwa, Maneck The most interesting information isn’t on the Sidhwa, Yazad museum plaques but in the hidden insights, Unwalla, Peshotan masterfully related by Vehishta. We thank Vimadalal, Freyaan Vehishta for generously sharing her expertise and time with us. YOUTH GROUP REPORT MEMBERSHIP DUES By Dina Hormuzdi CATEGORY AND RATES In January, we went on a camping trip at Martin Dies Jr. The camping grounds we chose contained many exciting activities such as Fishing, hiking, biking, Patron Family Membership $500 and, canoeing/kayaking. Five members of our youth group went and slept in Patron Single Membership $250 the cabins. We hope to do it again because it was a successful trip. Patron Senior Family M’brshp $250 In February, this month, we have a college planning session with Mr. Shiroy Patron Senior Single M’brshp $125 Aspandiar. He will go over some more questions we have about college and how to strive to get into some of our amazing state schools. Family Membership $275 Family Senior Membership $ 65 Next month, in March, we will be going to the food bank and volunteering in the kitchen or the pantry. We will send out an rsvp soon so please make sure Associate Membership $275 to come! Single Membership $135 Z CAMP - SAVE THE DATE Single M’ber Head of Hshold $150 Single Senior Membership $ 40 The annual Z-Camp is scheduled for - July 26th to 28th 2019. Pertinent details regarding registration, etc. will follow so please plan your vacations / Student Membership $ 25 trips accordingly so the kids don't miss out on the fun. This year some new activities are being planned so stay tuned and watch this space..... Manashni Surcharge $ 15 MISCELLANEOUS For Printed/Mailed copies MEMBERSHIP 2019 Definition of Categories BECOME A MEMBER TODAY - Take advantage of reduced rates for events and support ZAH! Family Member Parents and their children under 18 To renew your membership for 2019 online, click HERE [PressControl and Click at the same time] Family Senior Member One spouse is over the age of 65 Please make sure that you select the correct category. For e.g. All married couples, even without children need to opt for Family membership and not Single Member Single membership. Unmarried individual over age 18 To become a new member please contact Percy M.
Recommended publications
  • Summer/June 2014
    AMORDAD – SHEHREVER- MEHER 1383 AY (SHENSHAI) FEZANA JOURNAL FEZANA TABESTAN 1383 AY 3752 Z VOL. 28, No 2 SUMMER/JUNE 2014 ● SUMMER/JUNE 2014 Tir–Amordad–ShehreverJOUR 1383 AY (Fasli) • Behman–Spendarmad 1383 AY Fravardin 1384 (Shenshai) •N Spendarmad 1383 AY Fravardin–ArdibeheshtAL 1384 AY (Kadimi) Zoroastrians of Central Asia PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF ZOROASTRIAN ASSOCIATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA Copyright ©2014 Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America • • With 'Best Compfiments from rrhe Incorporated fJTustees of the Zoroastrian Charity :Funds of :J{ongl(pnffi Canton & Macao • • PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF ZOROASTRIAN ASSOCIATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA Vol 28 No 2 June / Summer 2014, Tabestan 1383 AY 3752 Z 92 Zoroastrianism and 90 The Death of Iranian Religions in Yazdegerd III at Merv Ancient Armenia 15 Was Central Asia the Ancient Home of 74 Letters from Sogdian the Aryan Nation & Zoroastrians at the Zoroastrian Religion ? Eastern Crosssroads 02 Editorials 42 Some Reflections on Furniture Of Sogdians And Zoroastrianism in Sogdiana Other Central Asians In 11 FEZANA AGM 2014 - Seattle and Bactria China 13 Zoroastrians of Central 49 Understanding Central 78 Kazakhstan Interfaith Asia Genesis of This Issue Asian Zoroastrianism Activities: Zoroastrian Through Sogdian Art Forms 22 Evidence from Archeology Participation and Art 55 Iranian Themes in the 80 Balkh: The Holy Land Afrasyab Paintings in the 31 Parthian Zoroastrians at Hall of Ambassadors 87 Is There A Zoroastrian Nisa Revival In Present Day 61 The Zoroastrain Bone Tajikistan? 34 "Zoroastrian Traces" In Boxes of Chorasmia and Two Ancient Sites In Sogdiana 98 Treasures of the Silk Road Bactria And Sogdiana: Takhti Sangin And Sarazm 66 Zoroastrian Funerary 102 Personal Profile Beliefs And Practices As Shown On The Tomb 104 Books and Arts Editor in Chief: Dolly Dastoor, editor(@)fezana.org AMORDAD SHEHREVER MEHER 1383 AY (SHENSHAI) FEZANA JOURNAL FEZANA Technical Assistant: Coomi Gazdar TABESTAN 1383 AY 3752 Z VOL.
    [Show full text]
  • Mecusi Geleneğinde Tektanrıcılık Ve Düalizm Ilişkisi
    T.C. İSTANBUL ÜN İVERS İTES İ SOSYAL B İLİMLER ENST İTÜSÜ FELSEFE VE D İN B İLİMLER İ ANAB İLİM DALI DİNLER TAR İHİ B İLİM DALI DOKTORA TEZ İ MECUS İ GELENE Ğİ NDE TEKTANRICILIK VE DÜAL İZM İLİŞ KİSİ Mehmet ALICI (2502050181) Tez Danı şmanı: Prof.Dr. Şinasi GÜNDÜZ İstanbul 2011 T.C. İSTANBUL ÜN İVERS İTES İ SOSYAL B İLİMLER ENST İTÜSÜ FELSEFE VE D İN B İLİMLER İ ANAB İLİM DALI DİNLER TAR İHİ B İLİM DALI DOKTORA TEZ İ MECUS İ GELENE Ğİ NDE TEKTANRICILIK VE DÜAL İZM İLİŞ KİSİ Mehmet ALICI (2502050181) Tez Danı şmanı: Prof.Dr. Şinasi GÜNDÜZ (Bu tez İstanbul Üniversitesi Bilimsel Ara ştırma Projeleri Komisyonu tarafından desteklenmi ştir. Proje numarası:4247) İstanbul 2011 ÖZ Bu çalı şma Mecusi gelene ğinde tektanrıcılık ve düalizm ili şkisini ortaya çıkı şından günümüze kadarki tarihsel süreç içerisinde incelemeyi hedef edinir. Bu ba ğlamda Mecusilik üç temel teolojik süreç çerçevesinde ele alınmaktadır. Bu ba ğlamda birinci teolojik süreçte Mecusili ğin kurucusu addedilen Zerdü şt’ün kendisine atfedilen Gatha metninde tanrı Ahura Mazda çerçevesinde ortaya koydu ğu tanrı tasavvuru incelenmektedir. Burada Zerdü şt’ün anahtar kavram olarak belirledi ği tanrı Ahura Mazda ve onunla ili şkilendirilen di ğer ilahi figürlerin ili şkisi esas alınmaktadır. Zerdü şt sonrası Mecusi teolojisinin şekillendi ği Avesta metinleri ikinci teolojik süreci ihtiva etmektedir. Bu dönem Zerdü şt’ten önceki İran’ın tanrı tasavvurlarının yeniden kutsal metne yani Avesta’ya dahil edilme sürecini yansıtmaktadır. Dolayısıyla Avesta edebiyatı Zerdü şt sonrası dönü şen bir teolojiyi sunmaktadır. Bu noktada ba şta Ahura Mazda kavramı olmak üzere, Zerdü şt’ün Gatha’da ortaya koydu ğu mefhumların de ğişti ği görülmektedir.
    [Show full text]
  • Avesta Classes
    CZC Class Curriculum Kindergarten Class: Students will learn 1- Persian songs such as The Alphabet song. 2- Lessons from stories. 3- Learn about major festivities such as Nowruz, Mehregan, and Yalda. 4- Basic colors, shapes, and numbers in Persian. 5- Students will be introduced to different Persian characters and their sounds. 6- Students will become familiar with writing from right to left. Persian Classes: First, Second, Third, and Fourth: Students will master the Persian Alphabet as well as reading and writing in Persian. Persian Literature and Poetry: Students are taught stories from 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Persian books. Writing and reading in Persian is required. Children will learn Persian proverbs and Shahnameh stories. Class is taught in Persian. Iran History and Culture: In this class students are taught in 3 segments: • All about Iran (Geography, History, Art, & Culture) taught in both English/Persian. • Teachings of Gathas taught in English. (Persian only for those who can't understand English) • Stories with moral & ethic teachings/Puzzles & Games in Persian and English. Zoroastrian Perspective (Teen): In this class the teaching style is in a way of discussions and projects. Morals and ethics are based on Gathas and is taught through discussions. Projects will bring these teachings into action. The class is taught in English. Avesta classes: Introduction to Avesta: Students will learn the basic Zoroastrian principles such as Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds, responsibility for their actions, charity, and the Ashem Vohu. Beginner Avesta: The younger students will learn Ashem Vohu, Yatha Ahu, and Hama Zoor Bim. As well as the basics of The Zoroastrian religion such as Ahura Mazda, Faravahar, Ashoo Zartosht, and good virtues that build up character.
    [Show full text]
  • Zarathushtra's Vision and the Issues of Our Time
    FE SUMMER 2001, TABESTAN 1370 YZ Mah Tir-Amardad-Sherevar 1370 YZ (Fasli) Mah Bahman-Asfandarmad 1370, Fravardin 1371 YZ {Shenshai) Mah Asfandarmad 1370, Fravardin-Ardibehesht 1371 YZ (Kadmi) Zarathushtra's Vision and the Issues of Our Time L\VES I. ?U5_ c~- C . o~ THE FEDERATI ON OF ZOROASTRIAN ASSOCIATIONS OF NORTH AMERICA EDITORIAL --Rights-or-Responsibilities?---- ---'Chtfommon values. Isn't it tmly as they are among the larger commu­ Hear with your ears the remarkable that in the cradle of civi­ nity in the USA and Canada. Highest Truths I preach, lization (in the area of modern-day And with illumined minds weigh Above all, Zarathushtra was the first them with care, Iran), our prophet Zarathushtra deliv­ to emphasize harmony between man ered a message that is as fresh and rel­ Before you choose which of and nature. This is a major issue of two Paths to tread, evant today, as it was when it was the 21st century. Our prophet pro­ Deciding man by man, given, 3500 years ago? And it never claimed an almost obsessive respect each one for each - ceases to amaze me how many of the for all creation - the elements, the Before the great New Age values and teachings held dear by sun, the earth, fire and the waters. He is ushered in Zarathushtis are the very same ones taught us how to fit into nature's Wake up, alert to spread cherished by Americans cycle. He taught us how to Ahura's word." and Canadians, in today's conserve and value our [Ys.
    [Show full text]
  • Genealogical Approach to the Role of Zoroastrianism in Ancient Iran's Education System
    J. Basic. Appl. Sci. Res., 3(6)699-706, 2013 ISSN 2090-4304 Journal of Basic and Applied © 2013, TextRoad Publication Scientific Research www.textroad.com Genealogical Approach to the Role of Zoroastrianism in Ancient Iran's Education System Homeyra Barzideh Phd Student of Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran ABSTRACT The aim of this article is to evaluate discoursed and non-discoursed structures about Iran's history and Zoroastrianism and forming rules of educational discourse system by considering more comprehensive system of discourse system or knowledge formation (episteme) in Zoroaster era and after that. Present article has been written to evaluate role of Zoroastrianism in ancient Iran's education according to Michel Foucault's theories and his researches including archeology, genealogy and problem-identification. The processes of identity creation of a Zoroastrian on the basis of Zoroastrianism difference with similar religions, knowledge-based system formation, legal instructions in mentioned era, and the relations between knowledge and power had been reviewed. The results reveal that in spite of the existence of several local power centers, religious education system in ancient era was the only power that formed the truth and created knowledge. KEYWORDS: Iran's history, legal instructions, religious education system. 1. INTRODUCTION Foucault was a recent philosopher and sociologist who had introduced modern methods to evaluate social and historical systems. Power and its' related issues are the main notions of Foucault's thoughts. He used archeology and genealogy concepts to explain power. Every distinct fields of knowledge in any special era has divestive and affirmative rules that determine the question subjects.
    [Show full text]
  • The First Complete Zoroastrian-Parsi
    Contents 2 EDITORIAL ◆ From ‘Caterpillar’ To ‘Butterfly’ 91 THE SHORT STORY CONTEST Consciousness To Achieve The Sustainable DOLLY DASTOOR Development Goals Of The United Nations Through Education MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT 3 ◆ Fezana Participates In High Level Political ARZAN SAM WADIA Forum On The Sustainable Development Goals Of The United Nations 4 FEZANA UPDATES ◆ Zoroastrianism And The Environment ◆ Progress Of Faith Based Organizations In 28 75th Anniversary of UN & SDG Support Of The United Nations Sustainable FEZANA Journal Development Goals Vol 34, No 3 - ISBN 1068-2376 ◆ Crash Not Accident: Un Sustainable Development Goals On My Street FALL/ September 2020 ◆ Slow And Steady: Achieving Sustainability PERSONAL PROFILE One Drop Of Yogurt At A Time 77 Editor in Chief: ◆ Jehaan Kotwal Is The Ceo Of Jfk 98 MILESTONES Dolly Dastoor Transporters Pvt. Ltd. edItor(@)fezana.org ◆ Creating A Gender-Balanced Workplace 101 OBITUARY In Pakistan Cover Design: Feroza Fitch ◆ Empowering Women To Stay In The ffitch(@)lexicongraphics.com Workforce: Maternity Leave And Supporting Return To Workplace Graphic & Layout: Shahrokh Khanizadeh www.khanizadeh.info 80 IN THE NEWS Technical Assistant: Coomie Gazdar Consultant Editor: ◆ An Ancient Bill Of Rights And Its Progeny Lylah M. Alphonse lmalphonse(@)gmail.com ◆ Celebrating The 75th Anniversary Of The United Nations, And The Importance Of Language Editor: Faith Based Organizations In Supporting Its Douglas Lange Global Agenda Deenaz Coachbuilder ◆ The World Bank And The International Monetary Fund
    [Show full text]
  • Discovering the Zoroastrian E-Diaspora
    Discovering the Zoroastrian e-diaspora David Knaute April 2012 Projections show there will be virtually no more Zoroastrians in Pakistan in a few decades, and figures in India may drop to 20,000 individuals by 2050. For such a scattered community, the Internet represents a unique platform to discuss community matters and bring together far-flung groups. Zoroastrians use the Web and other digital media to organize themselves and remain connected to their homeland. e-Diasporas Atlas Fondation Maison des sciences de l’homme Programme de recherche TIC-Migrations 190 avenue de France - 75013 Paris - France Projet e-Diasporas Atlas : http://e-diasporas.fr Discovering the Zoroastrian e-diaspora 2/17 Discovering the Zoroastrian e-diaspora David Knaute april 2012 The author David Knaute is writing his PhD thesis on Zoroastrianism for the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales, Paris. More specifically, his research concerns the outmigration of Zoroastrians from Pakistan and contemporary diaspora communities in the UK and USA. David spent ten months in Karachi, Pakistan, in 2009–2010. During this time, he was also introduced to Zoroastrian communities in Guja- rat, and has met Zoroastrians in Paris, London, Manchester and Boston. Reference to this document David Knaute, Discovering the Zoroastrian e-diaspora, e-Diasporas Atlas, April 2012. Plateforme e-Diasporas http://maps.e-diasporas.fr/index.php?focus=section&section=28 © Fondation Maison des Sciences de Les Working Papers «TIC-Migrations - «TIC-Migrations - e-Diasporas Atlas» Wor- l’Homme - Programme de recherche TIC- e-Diasporas Atlas» ont pour objectif la diffu- king Papers are produced in the course of the Migrations - projet e-Diasporas Atlas - 2012 sion ouverte des travaux menés dans le cadre scientific activities conducted in the ANR du projet de recherche ANR e-Diasporas research project e-Diasporas Atlas.
    [Show full text]
  • The Symbol of Zoroastrian Religion
    THE SYMBOL OF ZOROASTRIAN RELIGION - Was designed during the reign of Achaemenian Dynasty, 600-500 B.C. Cyrus and Darius the Great were the two well-known kings of that dynasty. - The head represents wisdom which is emphasized in Zoroastrian religion. Ahura Mazda (The Supreme Creator) means The Wise Lord. - The raised index finger indicates one God. - The ring in the other hand means honoring contracts. Mithra which was the god of light with his seat being the sun, also was the supporter of sanctity of treaties. - Wings with 3 layer of feathers symbolize Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds. - The large circle represents this world of matter. - The two supports are the two natures of man (angelic and animal.) - The skirt is the worldly attachment. The message of this symbol is that with recognition of one God, with use of wisdom and trustworthiness and wings of Good Thoughts, Good Words and Good Deeds the angelic side of man could free him from the world of matter and lift him towards God. ZOROASTER - BAHA'U'LLAH'S ANCESTOR A transcript of audio-cassette from series WINDOWS TO THE PAST by Darius K. Shahrokh, M.D. ZOROASTER - BAHA'U'LLAH'S ANCESTOR A transcript of audio-cassette from series WINDOWS TO THE PAST by Darius K. Shahrokh, M.D. This presentation, which is a window from my heart, is dedicated to the memory of my father, Arbab Kaykhosrow Shahrokh, whose over thirty years of dedicated service as the leader and representative of the Zoroastrian Community of Iran elevated the status of that persecuted and impoverished minority from ignominy of being called infidel fire-worshippers and untouchables to the height of being considered the honorable descendants of original Persians, the noble ones.
    [Show full text]
  • Performing the Sedreh Pushi Ceremony Dasturji Mehraban Firouzgary, Tehran, Iran
    Performing the Sedreh Pushi Ceremony Dasturji Mehraban Firouzgary, Tehran, Iran The youth initiate must at least know the "Avestaye Koshti" and "Soroosh Vaj" prayers by heart. Also they should know the purpose and reason for the "Sedreh" and "Koshti" and how to tie the "Koshti" around the waist while reciting the "Yatha Ahu" and "Ashem Vohu" prayers. In addition, the youth should know the following prayers and their meanings from Khordeh Avesta book such that at least he/she can recite them from the book and pass the Mobed's standards set for testing the candidate, well in time, before the Ceremony : 1) Peymane Din (Din no Kalmo) 2) Beressad 3) Tan Dorosti 4) 101 Attributes (names) of God. (Sado Yak Name Khoda) 5) Vispe Setayesh (A short Prayer meant to dedicate all the (Vispa) currently prayed to Ahura Mazda, the Amesha Spentas, Yazatas etc. A short Berasad, in itself ) 6) Setayeshe Yekta Khoda (Doaa Naam Setayeshne) (After the ceremony, one may request in writing for a certificate from the Kankashe Mobedan of Tehran or Yazd which can then be proudly displayed. ) Before the ceremony, one must take a bath and wear brand new white clothes including a new Sedreh. (Any haircuts must be given before) No visits to hair/ beauty salon is allowed after the bath and the youth must be of sound mind and body and be fully prepared and willing to accept the religion and to embrace it full-heartedly. Of course it is expected that the parents, teachers and Mobed would assist the initiate in a diligent manner in this respect.
    [Show full text]
  • The Contribution of Leisure to Religious Continuity Among the Zoroastrians
    Abdolhossein Daneshvarinasab, Melasutra Md Dali, Mohd Fauzi Yaacob: The contribution of leisure to religious continuity among the Zoroastrians The contribution of leisure to religious continuity among the Zoroastrians Abdolhossein Daneshvarinasab University of Malaya, [email protected] Melasutra Md Dali University of Malaya, [email protected] Mohd Fauzi Yaacob University of Malaya, [email protected] Abstract The aim of this anthropological study is to understand how Iranian Zoroastrians maintain their religion through the process of sanctification and desanctification due to the threat of identity extinction. Zoroastrianism, which exists in Iran, is the oldest surviving religion in the world. Although the population of Iranian Zoroastrians has been reduced over time, it has only been since the 1980s that this decline has been significant due to low birth rate and migration. The issue of this decline persists and has become a challenge to the community. In their efforts to respond to religious challenges, the Zoroastrian religious minority has frequently modified the features that form their ethnic identity and their religious rituals, ceremonies and feasts through the processes of sanctifying and desanctifying them. The purpose for these modifications has been to cope with new challenges of identity that, on one hand, posed a threat that could lead to their cultural fading away through their population decline and, on the other hand, which could regenerate their identity. Through these processes, their religious rituals, ceremonies, and feasts have become increasingly leisurely so that hybrid forms that are neither religious nor leisurely have been appearing. By using these processes, the continuity of their religion has been guaranteed.
    [Show full text]
  • Darbe Mehr, 3590 Bayview Avenue Categories: 1) Age Under 15 Singles (Boys and Girls Mixed) 2) Mens Singles 3) Womens Singles 4) Mixed Doubles
    April 2017 . Volume. 43, Number 10 Zoroastrian Society of Ontario Saturday, April 1 11:00am ZSO Members Town Hall (Members Only) Saturday, April 1 6:00pm Sports Night Sunday, April 2 10:00am Sizdebedar Monday, April 3 7:00pm WZCC Meeting Friday, April 7 11:00am Seniors Event Friday, April 7 6:30pm Adult Avesta Classes Saturday, April 8 5:00pm Jashn-e-Fraverdegan (F) Sunday, April 9 10:00am Children’s Religion Class (Joint Session) Friday, April 21 11:00am Seniors Event Saturday, April 22 10:30am Atash-nu-Parab (S) * Saturday, April 22 6:00pm Jashn-e-Ardibeshtegan (F) Sunday, April 23 12:30pm Scout’s Meeting Sunday, April 23 2:45pm Children’s Religion Class Friday, April 28 6:00pm Scout’s Link Camp Sunday, April 30 11:00am Maidyozarem Gahambar (F) Friday, May 5 11:00am Seniors Event Friday, May 5 6:00pm Adult Avesta Class Sunday, May 7 12:30pm Scout’s Meeting Sunday, May 7 2:45pm Children’s Religious Classes Saturday, May 13 6:00pm Movie Night Wednesday, May 24 7:00pm Zarthost-no-diso (S)* Thursday, May 25 6:00pm Jashn-e-Khordadgan (F) Saturday, May 27 11:00am Scout’s Annual Food Fair Sunday, May 28 10:00am Children’s Religion Class – Annual Event Note: All events will be held at Mehraban Guiv Darbe Mehr unless otherwise specified. ZSO, as publisher, is not responsible for content and support of any flyers not issued by them. *Please provide names for lunch to Ervad Hoshang Udvadia at 416-499-4957. Mehraban Guiv Darbe Mehr Hours Mon, Wed 4:30-8:30pm Tues, Fri, Sat, Sun 9:00am to 12:00pm; 4:30pm to 8:30pm Thurs Closed MEHRABAN GUIV DARBE MEHR Telephone: (416) 225-7771 Address: 3590 Bayview Avenue North York, Ontario M2M 3S6 www.zso.org “Zoroastrian Society of Ontario – ZSO” April 2017 Page 1 of 8 President’s Message Spring is in the air, and it seems that everyone has been busy during March celebrating events at our Darbe Mehr, as well as at home with family and friends.
    [Show full text]
  • Yatha Ahu Vairyo
    GOD Teacher: Mitra, do you know who God is? Mitra: Whenever I look at the sun, the moon and the stars, I wonder who made all these beautiful things. Whenever I look at the trees and flowers, at animals, mountains and lakes, I wish to know who created them all. When I ask my parents, they tell me that God created them all. But still I do not know who God is and where did He come from. Teacher: I am glad to see you so curious. Well, I am going to talk about God today. Listen carefully. Dear children, nothing has come into being just by itself. Everything has a creator. Most things you see here in this classroom are made by man, but there are many many things man is unable to make. For instance, if you look at the sky so high and at the earth so wide, you will agree that man could not have made them. So, there must be a maker who is wiser and more powerful than man. This maker of everything is the one we call God. We are also created by God. God has given us eyes to see, ears to hear, a tongue to speak, a brain to think, rather every part of our body to do something good. God has granted us life. And whatever God has created, is useful and beautiful. We ought to be thankful to God for having created us and for giving us everything we need. 1 PROPHET Homa: Who is a prophet?" Teacher: We are all created with a power to choose right and wrong.
    [Show full text]