The Hegelian Solution

Piroja Jokhi, as usual, has hit the nail on the head. She mentions that our religion has survived the vicissitude of time because of the teachings of our Prophet Asho Zarathushtra. We have “remained fresh, vibrant, logical and modern even to this day.” This is because of our ability to change and keep up with times. The imminent threat of extinction can be averted by the whole community coming together and “minimizing the differences” between the two main factions, the orthodox and the progressives, through “Intelligent conservatism.”

The fact remains that no matter what we do, Zoroastrianism is going to survive. If we are pragmatic enough we can survive as Parsi Zoroastrians too otherwise Parsis as a community and our Parsipanu,  is going to be a part of history books and Parsipanu, will be in display only in museums.  Let our story not begin with “Once upon a time there dwelt a community of Zoroastrians called Parsis who…………….!”

Parsis have been known as a vibrant, modern community of adventurous, go-getters, open to new ideas, exploring new frontiers, having a reputation for honesty, integrity, generosity, good life and good living. Why? Because these qualities have been imbibed in us through the teachings in Gathas of our Prophet  and those who follow these holy lessons from Gathas can be like us in times to come, even if they have the so called ‘parjaat baap-na genes’ as we very crudely say.

For the ‘Intelligent Conservatism’ one has to accept the fact that any new proposition, a new idea, will be opposed. This is a healthy reasoning.  This also opens a new window to new concepts. If we accept what is termed in philosophy as the Hegelian dialectic which comprises of three stages, i.e. the tension between the two factions, the proposing and the opposing, can be reduced. The Hegelian dialectic is often regarded as being the philosophy propounded Georg WF Hegel but it actually it originated with Johann Fichte. It is based on the triad of concepts, thesis, antithesis and synthesis. Thesis i.e. the beginning proposal, an idea; the antithesis i.e. opposition to, or negation to the thesis; and finally the synthesis whereby the two conflicting ideas are reconciled into a new proposition.

In simple words let us all come together at the table with an open mind and appreciate each other’s view points and come to a solution. If we continue to be at each other’s throats we will be sealing our own doom. Vada Dasturji Khurshed of Udvada has put forth the thesis as quoted in the penultimate passage of Ms. Jokhi’s letter, and also in her own ultimate summing up which can be the starting point of Hegelian solution.

Any takers, Orthodox or Progressive?

dara khodaiji dara_mk@hotmail.com

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