Fwd: Muktad Prayers

[KEKI SHROFF]

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Naju & Keki Shroff <shrof...@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Aug 12, 2014 at 5:44 PM
Subject: Muktad Prayers
To: NEW KBS INFORMED GROUP <keki-shroff-zoroast...@googlegroups.com>
Cc: Dasturji Firoze Kotwal <fmko...@hotmail.com>, Dasturji Peshotan Mirza <mahroo...@yahoo.com>, Dasturji Khurshed Kaikobad Dastoor <dasturji...@gmail.com>, ksh...@auracom.com, Dasturji Kaikhushroo JamaspaAsa <jama...@yahoo.com>

In the early 1990s, it was becoming more and more apparent that there was a tremendous amount of variation in the text and  practices observed during the Fravardegan days in different jurisdictions to the point of religious anarchy . While some autonomy in these issues has always been recognized, every Tom Dick and Harry with very little research and even much lesser scholarship thought it fit to issue advisories or even directives as to the "correct prayers " to be recited  on these special days. 

 

In 1993, with the support and advice of Dasturji Kotwal, an outline of the salient points was put together in the form of a paper. It was further reviewed by Dasturji Hormazdyar Mirza and Dasturji JamaspAsa. A copy was also forwarded to professor Mary Boyce for  her information. The paper was also presented at the next NAMC meeting. A brief discussion ensued. Copies were made available to all.

 

In recent years with the advent of the Internet and possibilities of widespread dissemination, it has come to light that some individuals with good intentions have been circulating advice and information with some serious errors. For example, in many such cases the Afringaan of Arda-Frawash (Holy Fravashis) has been completely left out because of the inclusion of the Afringaan of Gathas in the prayer service for these days. It is absurd that on the days and observances dedicated to the Fravashis, completely sidelined. While we were aware of these practices in some jurisdictions,  we took them to be rare exceptions to the rule. Now that wrong prescriptions and practices are becoming more apparent with misinformation on the Internet, it would be worthwhile to revisit the original recommendations approved by scholarly high priests . Admittedly, it is a difficult subject for most people, but hardly an excuse for lax practices in spiritual matters and observances during what are considered to be important holy days of the religious year.

--
Keki B. Shroff

ksh...@auracom.com