Guidelines to Speakers

‘Ba Humata’ - A Prayer & Lecture Series.

The Flame Of Shared Consciousness and Fellowship towards Ushta

Guidelines are provided here to speakers other than Respected Mobed Sahebs and Dasturjis (Respected Mobed Sahebs and Dasturjis are requested to give us all their kind guidance).
We request speakers to structure the talk with a focus on the meanings of a Prayer or a few lines from Prayers associated with a Concept from the Prayers together with their insight and good thoughts.
Speakers may address associated factors that contribute to the Prayers and Practice of Zoroastrianism

Speakers are requested to make authentic references to sources of information including Scholarly research in the field of Zoroastrianism (along the lines of the guidance we may take from The Khordeh Avesta transliterated and translated into English with Notes prepared by Prof. Ervad M. F. Kanga from the Gujarati original Khordeh Avesta Ba Mayeni by most respected Ervad Saheb K.E Kanga in which there are references to the work of Prof. Darmesteter, Ervad T. D. Anklesaria, Dr. Geldner, Prof. Harlez, Dr. Mills among others.
This is kindly made available at http://www.avesta.org/kanga/ka_english_kanga_epub.pdf).

If one’s own interpretation is given, speakers are requested to state this clearly and qualify the interpretation of a prayer as : "How I understand the prayer." or "My understanding of the ________________ prayer."

This will remove any stress of performance and enable us to contemplate joyfully together/ Kindly address one of the following:

1. Share appreciation of the interpretations/inspiration from a single Prayer or a few lines from related Prayers.
2. Share a historical fact / revayat / religious story / contribution by Kings and other great entities mentioned in the prayers / any incidences in the life of Paak Asho Zarathost Saheb, information about the creation or conservation of a religious text / inscription / monument / AatashBehram / Agiary / AatashKadeh.
3. Choose a concept (e.g., Asha / Ushta / Respecting the Environment/Ghambars – abundance sharing /knowledge sharing /significance of the Rojs and Mahs / leadership / balanced living / VispaHumata / Baodho Varashta / AmeshaSpentas / Vohuman / Frashogard / industrious living / Ceremonies like the Nirangdin etc.) from the Prayers and make appropriate links to the great texts (the Paak Khordeh Avesta, Gathas, Yashts, Vendidad etc.). Support will be provided upon request (by e-mail) via references to writings by the Learned Elders. Speakers may include a reflection upon their chosen way of contributing in life – and make direct links to concepts in the Prayers. 4. Share the life story of a senior Dasturji / great person whose life has incorporated the tenets of Zoroastrianism and who has contributed towards enriching the lives of others e.g. the founders/ Dasturjis of Agiaries / Atash Behrams / Dar-e-Mehers / Hospitals / Industries / other establishments, or relate a personal experience with a Dasturji or at an Agiary etc. that has moved them.

We hope preparation will increase the communication and knowledge-sharing between generations.

To encourage young people to speak with authentic reference to Prayers and texts while demonstrating respect and adoration for our Mobeb Sahebs, it may be possible for them to reference speeches/articles by Mobed Sahebs with permission and by making correct references to the Respected Ervad Sahebs and Scholars whose research has been referenced, and present the essence of the speech.

Let us make a small contribution from our Zarthosti deen to the World for World Peace. In no way I am responsible for people’s opinons. Whoever would like to differ from what other say they can say it when their turn comes - not to have a discussion/debate but to amicably appreciate and settle differences if any, and to peacefully share love (Zevish –strengthening love) and have fellowship (Hakhman) with one and all.

I have only provided a field for one and all to Learn from the Respected Dasturjis and Ervad Sahebs and have the opportunity to give their good opinions on Zoroastrianism based on the Zarthosti Deen.
With gratitude and much respect to all,

Dr. Karishma Koka.