FIVE INDIVIDUALS INITIATED INTO ZOROASTRIAN FAITH TODAY IN CALIFORNIA
A Report by Homi D. Gandhi, Co-Chair Interfaith Committee and Past-President FEZANA.
Today morning sky was cloudless crystal blue, sun was shining, children and parents were enjoying with plying of boats in the nearby lake, ducks were floating in the lake but with a little smell of food in the surrounding area they would jump out to retrieve the fall out in the area, and the brisk air was floating throughout the Mason Park of Irvine in the Orange County of California.
It seemed that Ahura Mazda had set up a perfect scene for the group Sedreh-Pooshi ceremony, organized by the Public Relations Committee of the California Zoroastrian Center (CZC). As an invitee to this momentous occasion, I was admiring the natural stage set up and taking in each breath with the crisp freshness of the morning.
Slowly the organizers, invitees, and five would-be initiators moved into the location reserved for the ceremony. Five would-be initiators included two recently arrived seniors from Iran, one mother (originally born in Iran and migrated to the USA 30+ years ago), and two young men from the east and west coast of the USA. Greetings continued with the old friends renewing contacts and building new relationships. It was fascinating to meet the would-be initiators and hearing their stories with convictions as to how and when they finally decided to be initiated. (A small part of their stories is appended to the article). A brief Chai-coffee session with sweets preceded the ceremony.
A Mobedyar initiated the ceremony in presence of a gathering of 30+ Zoroastrians in front of a table laid out with all remarkable insignia of Zoroastrian Faith and with Ahura Mazda, represented by all elements of nature, as their witness. When the ceremony was complete, Jamshid Ourmazdi, representing the Board of Directors of the CZC, welcomed each new Zoroastrian with a gift from the CZC. All were rejoicing with congratulations to the new Zoroastrians and building contacts for the future. Lunch was served and enjoyed by all. Photographs were clicked for savoring the memories in the future. Chit-chat continued and everyone departed slowly as the long Zoroastrian good-byes were perfected.
Homi D. Gandhi
Bahram
Why I chose Zoroastrianism
Choosing the Zoroastrian faith gives the individual a moral compass and spiritual structure rooted in reverence for life, truth, and benevolence. It is a faith that gives mankind the ability to reach their ideal self and purpose in their very existent and brings them to the highest state of spirituality. Zoroastrianism champions freewill and encourages mankind to make use of Vohumana and their freedom of choice to bring benefit not only to their own lives but the world around them. The faith underscores the battle between good and evil, urging individuals to support righteousness. The Ashem Vohu prayer instructs the individual to be righteous for the sake of righteousness alone; not because of rewards, glory or prestige, but doing the what is right simply because it is right. The religion of Zarathustra tells us that God loves us, that He is our Friend, our Father, and a Brother to us! Ahura Mazda is not a jealous God,He is not wrathful, He does not condemn, evil does not come from Him nor does He allow us to be afflicted by any kind of malevolent force through His own will. One of the very unique characteristics about the Zoroastrian religion is that Ahura Mazda not only created Happiness, but that mankind has the right to that very happiness and to enjoy all of God’s blessings and gifts! The Zoroastrian religion gives the individual the peace of mind knowing that his existence is meant to be one of enjoyment, pleasure and radiant happiness and not one where he/she to be constantly tested, told that he/she is a wicked sinner and that he/she must live a life of asceticism and mortification in order to be loved by God and to be given salvation. That is why I choose this religion and will forever remain a Zoroastrian
Caleb
I chose Zoroastrianism for myself because I love its core value of using your mind to discover the truth and actualizing it in the world around you. This core idea has added so much philosophical depth to my life and my thoughts, and I feel so much more purpose in doing good things. I ultimate chose this religion because I want to aid in making this existence new along with those who have the best mindset on how to start doing so. I am very happy to have chosen the good conscience for my belief system.
– Caleb Goodfellow
Manijeh
I was born in a Muslim family in Iran. Once I learned more about Islamic rules, I felt very distanced from the religion. Specifically, as a free will woman I wouldn’t accept to be the second-class citizen whose rights are being decided by men. Also, I learned that my cultural challenges and dislikes are more related to Islamic rules, which originate from Arabic culture. Thus, this won’t be the religion that I would choose to practice for the rest of my life. In my early twenties, I moved to US and for a long time, I only focused on science and had no interest in focusing on any religion and just trying to be a kind and honest person was satisfying to me until a few years ago when I decided to focus more in spirituality. As a Persian, I was exposed to Zoroastrian religion and always found it impressing to base the religion on good thoughts, good words, and good deeds; besides all important celebrations such as Nowruz are originated from Zoroastrian. Also, knowing that our national pride and joy, Cyrus the great was a true and practicing Zoroastrian drove me to learn more. Thus, I joined the CZC discussions and started studying Gathas last year. This is when I felt the songs of Avesta are coming from my heart and practicing Ashem Vohu, protecting righteousness and spreading Ushta to universe is my true philosophy.
