Summer 2002

This issue is dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. Eduljee Hormusji Coyaji of Poona, India for the spirit of self-less giving and the Zarathushti spirit that he personified.

Metaphor in the Gathas, Part 2:  The "Houses" of Paradise and Hell
McIntyre, Dina G.
Zarathushtra's use of "house" as a metaphor, and notions of heaven and hell are discussed in this thought provoking article.
 

Zoroastrianism and Science
Cama, Dr. Lovji D.
The law governing the evolution of the World has fascinated the scientists for ages, Zarathushtra calls it the law of Asha. This insightful article presents the parallels between Zarathushtra's vision and the science-centric view of the World. 

The Choice to Renovate and Renew the World
Pourbahrami, Trity
Awareness of the circumstances surrounding our choices and their consequences can be an important factor in bringing about social reform and helping renovate the world.
 

Tribute bearers of Persepolis
Varza, Jamshid
Persepolis, the ceremonial capital of the Persian Empire holds magnificent carvings on its stone gates, stairways and interior walls. Images of Tribute bearers lead by a Mede or Persian nobleman can be seen in several places. "Who were the tribute bearers?" is the question I attempt to answer in this issue of Visual Essays.
 

Eduljee Hormusji Coyaji, The Good Doctor of Poona
Shroff, Maharukh
His life was an embodiment of Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds lived to the fullest. His demise created a great void in Poona and for the people of that city, especially the poor who worshipped him.  
 

Communicative Reason & Medieval Iranian Thought
Soroushian, Dr. Mehrborzin
Dr. Kambiz Sakhai motivated by his desire to find a solution to the problem of human misery and suffering was led to Zarathushtrian studies. He authored this well referenced book based on his Ph.D. research in Iranian studies at Columbia University.
 

History of the Parsis: Zoroastrians in Persia, 1884 AD
Karaka, Dosabhai Framji
Author, a Parsi judge, lived in Bombay during the years the historic efforts took place toward abolishment of poll-tax "jazieh" imposed on Zarathushis of Iran. In chapter 2, Karaka provides us with first hand details of events and correspondents that resulted in this historic event. See the translation of Nasser ul'din Shah's decree on this matter.