Ilm-e-Khshnoom - Traditional Zoroastrianism: Tenets of the Religion

WHO WAS KHODABUX POONEGAR?
Just imagine! These are the words of a genuine truth-seeking scholar, who had several achievements to
his credit in the field of Avesta – Pahalvi studies. Khodabux Poonegar had carried out several study projects.
The fact that one of such projects was given to him jointly with K.R. Cama speaks volumes about his ability;
so also Camaji's confidence in him as narrated in his above words. It is not very well known that Khodabux
Poonegar had given to the world of scholars, a translation of all the five Gatha, which is one of the best and at
several places more painstaking and more profound than any of the western scholars. His translation is the
constant companion of all students of the Gatha. While treating each passage, word to word English
translation is followed by meticulous notes on difficult words, and different meanings assigned to them by
different translators, which makes his book an excellent referencer. In this respect he has surpassed Kavasji
Kanga. On difficult passages, he has given explanations elaborating their themes. He has at several places
propounded meanings and views quite different from other scholars, but well supported by the grammatical
and linguistic rules and sound speculations, not found in many western scholars.
WHAT A FEAT BY AN "UNEDUCATED" PARSI !!
You will please observe that speaking for himself, Poonegar divides his views in three broad categories
vis-a-vis Baheramshahji. Some of his expositions were helpful to Mr. Pooneger in his studies; some confirmed
his well-formed views; and some improved upon his hesitant views and converted his hesitation to certainty.
This is quite astounding. One who had not gone beyond Gujerati 4th standard can help, confirm and improve
upon an erudite scholar's views! Amazing! A sincere student will find that several Khshnoomic teachings are
entwined in Poonegar's translation of the Gatha, where the influence of Baheramshaji's expositions is clearly
reflected.
Now look; this profound scholar declares in emphatic terms how Camaji was enamoured at
Baheramshahji's expositions. Camaji adopted the meanings of certain Avesta words as given by
Baheramshahji. He said that Baheramshahji's meanings were more correct and more proper than
those of even the well trained scholars. In the Parsi Pukar issue of October 1998, we have heard
Machershah Kekobad quoting Camaji's words that all that the Avestan scholars have done is to
translate the words without offering any mystical explanation, and that Baheramshahji had something
that they had not.
What further proof is required for the mystical authenticity of IIm-e-Khshnoom? But I do not stop here,
because not much is known about Baheramshahji's profound knowledge of Avesta, Pahalvi, Pazend and
Persian. He had acquired this knowledge not from the books, but from his spiritual masters amongst whom he
stayed for more than three years in their secret abode. His meanings and expositions have therefore the
spiritual seal of authority and authenticity which the scholar-made grammer and guessworks do not have.
Khodabux Poonegar's replies to some other questions of Pirojshah Mehta will reveal this.
Question 6 : (Is it true that) none of the scholars who have studied Avesta in the Mumbai Madresas
believe in Mr. Baheramshah's expositions and that they laugh it out (in ridicule)?”
Poonegar's reply: "My experience in this matter is entirely different. Several of the scholar brothers
who have been educated in the Madresas or are presently taking training there, are drawn like a
magnet towards Mr. Sharaf's expositions, whereas there are others who look upon them with
great respect. Of course there are other scholars too, who show their opposition with a pretentiously
philosophical face against Mr. Sharaf’s expositions without hearing them and - you will be amused to
know - before hearing them; or they shower scholarly abuses on them. According to the opinion of such
scholars, our Religion contains writings of such kind as would cut down the hands and feet of the Religion
itself! They may have the egocentricity to ridicule Mr. Sharaf, because to their misfortune Mr. Sharaf
reinforces the importance of religious rituals, 'nirang', Avesta prayers and such other tenets; and does not
think it fit to support, or close his eyes towards, such matters like smoking or not doing "Kushti Padiaab"
after answering the call of nature."
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